10.02.15 PCTO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

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SPOTLIGHT

REUNION

SPORTS

Dancers prepare for competition.

Turkey Creek Gobblers reconnect.

Markese Hargrove keeps tradition alive.

PAGE 9

PAGES 7

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MARKET NEWS by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Farm Fresh

SILENT RAIL by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

City looking to establish quiet zones The trend throughout the U.S. is to only require locomotives to sound horns as they approach and leave a crossing.

+ Family celebrates new Eagle Scout The family of Jonathan Lane would like to congratulate him on becoming an Eagle Scout. They held a ceremony in his honor Saturday, Sept. 26, at First United Methodist Church’s Wesley Center. Jonathan became an Eagle Scout Jan. 8. He is the son of Mark and Debbie Lane.

One of Historic Downtown Plant City’s trademarks is the sound of the locomotives that thunder through its many railroad crossings. But the Plant City Commission is looking into halting the noise — at least some of it. Commissioners are investigating funding options from the Florida Department of Transportation to

assist with establishing quiet zones, as part of the commission’s 2016 legislative priorities. Quiet zones are a section of a railway in which locomotives do not sound their horns. Locomotives would sound the horn as they approach the quiet zone and

SEE QUIET / PAGE 4

BLOWING UP by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

P.C. man enjoys fame from viral music video

+ Deaconess celebrates 10 years

+ CareFest leaders recognized Sonny’s BBQ of Plant City catered a feast for about 250 CareFest volunteers Saturday, Sept. 26, to honor event leaders Karen Collins and Norman Blanton. Collins and Blanton were selected as recipients of Sonny’s Random Acts of BBQ program, which is an unexpected recognition of those who give back to others and their communities. Collins and Blanton helped to organize CareFest, a volunteer initiative that aims to help local organizations and community members in need. The feast was held at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Building.

I PC

Bishop Bullwinkle’s “Hell 2 Da Naw Naw” has garnered 3.5 million views on YouTube. The local artist is now touring the country.

Emily Topper

Georgea Snyder is the new market manager for Tampa’s Downtown Market. She hopes to bring local farmers and vendors with local goods to the weekly market.

Georgea Snyder is looking for farms with local produce to join Tampa’s Downtown Market.

“

The focus of our market is local farms and producers who are using local ingredients. The goal of the market is to support these local farms and encourage more smaller, sustainable farms to keep doing what they’re doing.

“

Hope Lutheran Church deaconess Lynne Senkarik celebrated 10 years in ministry at a service Sunday, Sept. 27. Senkarik, a retired nurse, is also a graduate of the deaconess program of Valporaiso University in Indiana. She currently serves at Hope Lutheran, where she leads Hope’s Stephen Ministry and GriefShare ministry programs.

— Georgea Snyder

This week’s winner is

Jocelyn Harmeyer See her photo on PAGE 15.

rom fruit stands to festivals, Plant City has some of the best local, fresh produce that vendors have to offer. Culinary Institute of America graduate and Tampa native Georgea Snyder knows that. The 26-year-old personal chef recently moved back to Tampa from New York City and has landed a new gig: market manager of Tampa’s Downtown Market. Snyder is looking for farms and vendors in Plant City that grow local produce to join the market, which kicks off this week and will run through May. “The focus of our market is local farms and producers who are using local ingredients,” Snyder said. “The goal of the market is to support these local farms and encourage more smaller, sustainable farms to keep doing what they’re doing.” Snyder is familiar with the farms of Plant City: Her uncle has a medium-sized farm in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. She hopes that people will be willing to make the drive to Tampa to participate.

In his own words, recording artist Bishop Bullwinkle is all about keeping it real. His mantra is the inspiration for much of the music he creates. Born Bernard Thomas, the leader of the “First Church of Nothin’ But da Truth” has been making music for decades, but a song he recorded several years ago recently

SEE BULLWINKLE / PAGE 4

RETIREMENT by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

GMOs: Genetically modified organisms. The genetic material in an organism, such as a vegetable, has been artificially changed. Organic: In relation to produce and other crops, organic means to cultivate without using sprays or changing the genetic material of the crop.

BACK TO BASICS

After Snyder graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2010, she worked for two years as the market manager for multiple farmers markets in New York. At one point, she was running three markets at once. The markets gave vendors and farms an opportunity to sell their goods without a middle man, a practice Snyder hopes to continue with Tampa’s Downtown Market. Still, Tampa’s Downtown Market will have a twist on the organic, GMO-free mar-

SEE MARKET / PAGE 4

Emily Topper

Linda Hill has worked 10 hours per day, six days per week for the last decade. She has worked for the city of Plant City for a total of 25 years.

Plant City’s assistant finance director retires Linda Hill has worked as the assistant finance director for 25 years. Most people who work at City Hall can tell when Assistant Finance Director Linda Hill is hard at work — and they don’t even have to go inside her office. Six days each week, Hill’s 2002 yellow Volkswagen Beetle can be found

INDEX Calendar........................2

went viral on YouTube. “Hell 2 Da Naw Naw,” which was recorded in 2013, was uploaded to YouTube July 22. Since then, it’s been viewed more than 3.5 million times. The newfound fame hasn’t changed Bishop Bullwinkle. “Ain’t nothing changed,”

in the building’s parking lot. It’s a bright splash of color among a sea of city vehicles. But Hill’s yellow bug won’t be seen in the parking lot much longer. On Oct. 2, just a few days after the end of the city’s fiscal year, Hill will retire. She has worked as the assistant finance director for 25 years and has a routine

SEE HILL / PAGE 4 Vol. 3, No. 9 | One section

Crossword....................15

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

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

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

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, OCT. 2 Blues Night — takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Top Shelf Bar & Grill, 110 E. Reynolds St. Blues veteran Don Lehman brings sophisticated, contemporary blues, soul, funk and jazz to Historic Downtown. No cover (813) 704-6994. Plant City High School Homecoming Game — tailgate takes place beginning at 6 p.m., with the game starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. There will be a thunderstick giveaway. pchsptsa.com. Plant City Social Dance Club — takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the Florida Guard Armory. 4004 Airport Road. The theme is western. LetsDanceNatureCoast.com. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail — takes place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, to Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2837 S. Frontage Road. SirHenrysHauntedTrail. com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 3 13th Anniversary Bike Fest — takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in Historic Downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmer St. Eight-class bike show, three motorcycle stunt shows, live music and more. (813) 754-3707.

benefit the building fund. There will also be a plant sale, bake sale and BBQ chicken dinners.

SUNDAY, OCT. 4 Calvary Freewill Baptist Church Anniversary Service — takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, 3539 E. Trapnell Road. The church will have a service followed by a BBQ lunch.

MONDAY, OCT. 5

BEST BET Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at River Hills Country Club, 3943 New River Hills Parkway, Valrico. There’s free watering holes with food and drink. For more information, contact Rick Norman at (813) 230-7737 or Tony Lee (813) 298-8208. Bike Night & Bluegrass — takes place beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. Fox Squirrel Corn Maze — takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3002 Charlie Taylor Road. Enjoy a corn maze, games, hay rides, pumpkin patch and store. FoxSquirrelCornMaze.com Good Cookie 5K — takes place beginning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, in Historic Downtown, 102 N. Palmer St.

P R O U D L Y

The 5K run benefits childhood cancer charities. There will be raffles, bounce houses and activities for kids. Register at SparklyFlower.com. Plant City High School 20-year Reunion — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road. For information, call Jodi Stevens at (813) 716-0908. Yard Sale — takes place beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 N. Carey St. Proceeds will

S E R V I N G

T H E

East Hillsborough Art Guild Meeting — takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at the Woman’s Club of Plant City, 1110 N. Wheeler St. One of its founding members, Eleanore McDade, will do a hands-on demonstration on how to use pen and ink to improve watercolors and acrylic paintings.

TUESDAY, OCT. 6 Central Florida Flute Circle — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each the month at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. All levels of expertise welcome. Free. Facebook.com/ events/767704403340424/. Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse Grand Opening — takes place begin-

G R E A T E R

Like a family, we offer...

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday. ning at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse, 2505 N. Park Road. A ribbon cutting will be held at 4 p.m. SmokinAcesBBQ.net.

THURSDAY, OCT. 8 Book Signing — takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Local Plant City writer Jewel Farmer will sign copies of her book “The Song Book.” Books may be purchased and are also available on Amazon.com. The Woman’s Club of Plant City, with whom Farmer has been involved since 1949, will present a copy of the book to the library.

FRIDAY, OCT. 9 Christmas Parade BBQ Chicken Fundraiser — takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Stingray Chevrolet, 2002 N. Frontage Road. Donation is $10 and includes BBQ, beans, cole slaw and a roll. Call ahead to Henry Falcon, (813) 754-9338, or Sharon Moody, (813) 453-7134.

SATURDAY, OCT. 10 Berry Patch Quilt Guild Indoor Yard Sale — takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at First Presbyterian Church, 404 W. Reynolds St. If you

P L A N T

C I T Y

would like to be a vendor, contact Rebecca Phillips at (813) 752-0679. Fashion Feathers & Fur — takes place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sautrday, Oct. 10, at the National Guard Armory, 4004 Airport Road. Show features adoptable pets from area rescues. Proceeds go to help rescues. RSVP at (813) 754-7387. Pink Your Pony Ride — takes place beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Bay Lake Stables, 4617 Garland Branch Road, Dover. Ride to benefit breast cancer patients at Brandon Outreach Clinic. Over 100 riders are expected. Sponsors still needed. Contact Dawn at (813) 841-1409. Plant City Optimist Club and Rec and Parks Charity Golf Classic — takes place beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Walden Lake Golf & Country Club, 2001 Clubhouse Drive. Golf Classic benefits programs by the Rec and Parks Department. (813) 752-1171. Yard & Bake Sale — takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Cork United Methodist Church, 4815 W. Sam Allen Road. There will also be a Scout car wash, chicken dinners and bounce houses. To rent a table call Linda at (813) 752-3572 or Ana at (863) 255-6241.

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

STREET STRESS

budget breakdown by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

show me the

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

TOTAL REVENUES

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT TAX $1,949,474 (3%) STREET FUND $2,101,804 (3%) STORMWATER FUND $2,907,739 (4%) WATER UTILITIES DEBT SERVICE $3,164,426 (5%)

CRA increase

$159,044,476 Total CRA budget

4.7157 Millage rate; same as 14-15 fical year

$175,000 EDC

$65,000 Chamber

GENERAL FUND $27,235,168 41%

FLEET REPLACEMENT FUND $4,302,725 (7%)

The final budget for the 2015-16 fiscal year includes funds for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and Plant City’s new Economic Development Corp.

4.5%

OTHER

Fire Impact Fees, $150,000 (0%) Parks/Rec Impact Fees, $130,000 (0%) Stormwater Debt Service, $60,940 (0%) Industrial Park Fund, $40,400 (0%) Cemetery Escrow Fund, $30,000 (0%) Ticket Surcharge Fund, $15,000 (0%) Federal Equitable Sharing, $10,000 (0%) Library Donation Fund, $6,000 (0%)

COMMUNITY SERVICE $358,773 (1%) DEBT SERVICE $1,178,534 (2%)

MONEY The final budget for the 2015-16 fiscal year, which began Thursday, Oct. 1, was approved at the City Commission meeting Monday, Sept. 28. City commissioners have been working on the $66,312,812 budget during workshops this summer. Key points in this year’s budget include the allocation of $175,000 for the city’s new Economic Development Corp. The EDC, which will focus on business partnerships throughout the Plant City community, was made official in late September. “That $175,000 for economic development is kind of a cornerstone in the budget,” City Manager Mike Herr said. “I think it’s a bold decision. The City Commission deserves a lot of credit.” The budget also allocated $65,000 for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, which will be re-evaluated every fiscal year. City Commissioner Mike Sparkman said that he does not support the funds that were allocated for the chamber. Sparkman first voiced his concerns with the City’s funding of the chamber when he asked to see how the chamber was allocating funds earmarked for economic development. “I’ve done my homework, I know what I’m talking about,” Sparkman said. “I still feel an

SOLID WASTE FUND $6,496,450 (10%) WATER UTILITIES FUND $16,175,379 (24%)

objection to the $65,000 going to the chamber of commerce.” Even though he made his objections known at the Commission meeting, Sparkman did not make a motion against awarding the chamber its funding. He voted for approval of the final budget. Mayor Rick Lott is pleased with the breakdown of the city’s dollars. “I believe we have a budget that is maximizing every dollar available to the city,” Lott said. “We should have improvements throughout our city that citizens will be able to see and appreciate.” With economic development as a driving force behind the city’s budget, improvements include a 7,000-squarefoot fire station to accomodate growth in the northeast quadrant of the city. The construction of the station is scheduled to start in 2016. The Community Redevelopment Agency fund includes monies for parking on Collins Street and property acquisitions. The total budget is a $139,411 decrease from the previous fiscal year, and retains the 4.7157 millage rate. The general fund has a $618,678 increase over the previous fiscal year, bringing the total amount in the general fund to $27,235,168. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

TOTAL EXPENDITURES CAPITAL OUTLAY $2,096,793 (3%)

COMMODITIES/ CONTRACTUAL $17,208,605 (26%)

PERSONNEL SERVICES $26,689,769 40%

NON-OPERATING $20,317,645 (31%)

GENERAL FUND REVENUE INTERGOVERNMENTAL $781,220 (3%)

MISCELLANEOUS $521,489 (2%)

TELECOMMUNICATION TAX $1,107,000 (4%) FEES AND SERVICES $1,131,800 (4%) LICENSES AND PERMITS $1,208,000 (4%) INTERFUND TRANSFER $1,352,211 (5%) RE-APPROPRIATED FUNDS $2,545,059 (9%)

FY 2014-15* $116,000 $250,165 $473,145 $262,300

FY 2015-16 $117,600 $265,165 $477,445 $255,125

%CHANGE 1% 6% 5% -3%

PROPERTY TAX $7,501,389 28%

$250,050

$255,525

$694,940

$785,445

13%

$1,382,573 $748,302 $112,080 $4,995,659 $9,475,715

24% 2% -2% 2% 0%

$1,089,865 $730,819 $114,020 $4,926,732.52 $9,524,803.11 $197,900 $15,000 $200 $1,361,312.80 $3,150,200 $860,719.29 $708,775 $242,850 $747,225 $1,186,440 $51,200 $26,954,661.72

$203,050 $15,000 $200 $1,137,200 $3,213,950 $967,239 $692,525 $257,200 $670,230 $1,169,140 $38,800 $27,235,168

3% 0% 0% 1% 2% 15% 4% 6% -10% -1% -24% 2%

PLANT CITY FIRE RESCUE BUDGET APPROPRIATION Personnel Services Commodities/Contractual Capital Outlay Non-Operating Total

FY 2013-14 $4,018,793.33 $559,767.75 $48,177.69 $46,800 $4,673,538.77

FY 2014-15* $4,191,200 $599,970 $88,762.52 $46,800 $4,926,732.52

FY 2015-16 $4,229,649 $694,010 $25,200 $46,800 $4,995,659 *Amended

PLANT CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET APPROPRIATION Personnel Services Commodities/Contractual Capital Outlay Non-Operating Total

FY 2013-14 $7,385,744.68 $1,402,645.04 $26,925.84 $0 $8,815,315.56

FY 2014-15* $7,791,940 $1,700,315.91 $32,547.20 $0 $9,524,803.11

FY 2015-16 $7,664,970 $1,769,600 $41,145 $0 $9,475,715 *Amended

CODE ENFORCEMENT BUDGET APPROPRIATION Personnel Services Commodities/Contractual Total

FY 2013-14 $163,643.07 $20,834.47 $184,477.54

FY 2014-15* $210,600 $32,250 $242,850

FY 2015-16 $220,300 $36,900 $257,200

FRANCHISE FEES $3,590,000 (13%)

STATE REVENUE SHARING $3,837,000 (14%)

UTILITY TAX $3,660,000 (14%)

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES NON-OPERATING $1,582,632 (6%)

COMMODITIES/ CONTRACTUAL $6,621,342 (24%)

CAPITAL OUTLAY $130,175 (1%)

PERSONNEL SERVICES $18,901,019 69%

AID TO P.C. ORGANIZATIONS

$106,000

Total

Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Boys & Girls Club of Plant City 1914 Plant City High School Community Center

$65,000 $20,000 $15,000

Improvement League of Plant City

$2,000

Black Heritage Celebration

$2,000

Christmas Parade

$2,000

Walden Lake residents address commission on road damage Residents from Forest Club are concerned with the potholes and cracks found on the subdivision’s streets.

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT FY 2013-14 City Commission $111,794.48 City Attorney $227,603.83 City Management $455,348.81 City Clerk/Records $201,515.78 Human Resources Risk Management $233,355.68 Information Technology $529,328.94 Special Appropriations $1,188,088.89 Finance $686,279.82 Purchasing $80,297.66 Fire Rescue $4,673,538.77 Police $8,815,315.56 Planning & Zoning $183,203.80 1914 Building $8,753.84 Historic Resources $52.37 Recreation $2,085,414.46 Parks $2,914,605.62 Library $815,518.49 Building $636,758.58 Code Enforcement $184,477.54 Engineering $603,612.69 General Services $1,148,359.89 Motor Garage $39,188.65 Total $25,822,413.75

Walden Lake resident Shelly Orrico spoke at the City Commission meeting Monday, Sept. 28, about persisting street issues in the Walden Lake community. Over one dozen residents came to the meeting to show their support. Orrico is the vice president of the Forest Club subdivision homeowners association. She has lived in one of Forest Club’s 121 singlefamily homes for 12 years and has noticed a number of safety issues caused by the subdivision’s deteriorating roadways. Two stretches of road, spanning about four houses long, are undergoing repairs, but Orrico said more should be fixed. “Our roads should be safe, and ours is not,” Orrico said. “It distracts from the beauty and value of our homes.” Orrico said that the roads in Forest Club, which was established in 1985, are filled with potholes and cracks. The rim of her son’s Honda was damaged as he was driving down one of the roads in the subdivision. At the City Commission meeting, Orrico presented a slideshow showing photos of road deterioration. “We have no sidewalks in Forest Club by design,” Orrico said. “The roads are in desperate need of repair.” Mayor Rick Lott said that the issue is one he’s familiar with — and not just in Walden Lake. “It’s a city-wide, countywide, national problem,” Lott said. “All communities are dealing with it.” Although there are no immediate plans to have all the roads in Forest Club fixed, Lott said that the City Commission views the issue as a top priority. “I assure you that the Commission, here, is not ignoring this,” Lott said. “It’s a deeper conversation ... what it comes down to is having the options.” The City Commission suggested alternatives to Orrico, such as having Walden Lake tax residents to raise money for such repairs. Lott also said that if a halfcent sales tax in Hillsborough County is approved, Plant City’s revenue from the tax will be used for transportation improvements. The sales tax may be on the 2016 ballot if the County Commission approves a referendum. Lott also encouraged residents to attend Go Hillsborough meetings when they are held in Plant City. Go Hillsborough conducts transportation meetings throughout the County every month. Orrico plans to continue voicing her concerns until she sees more progress. “My residents left disappointed,” she said. Plant City will continue to work on the issue. City Manager Mike Herr is planning to begin an asset management study done on the city’s roads. The study will set up road priorities, which will then be presented to the City Commission. Herr is hoping that the study will begin in the next 45 to 60 days and expects that it will take between four and one half to six months to complete. Similar studies have been done in neighboring municipalities, including Temple Terrace. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

QUIET / PAGE 1

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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 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015@ 9:30 AM. OR ANY DATE THERE IN AFTER

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kets that have been sprouting across the nation. In addition to her focus on attracting farmers and vendors with local products rather than resellers, Snyder also wants transparent farmers who are willing to explain how they grow their crops and why. For example, if a vendor sells carrots at the market, the vendor would have the name of the farm, how the crop is grown and what pesticides or sprays, if any, were used. “Farmers can explain processes and why they do things,” Snyder said. “Just because a vegetable is sprayed doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad.” At other farmers markets, Snyder has noticed that customers don’t always question the products they’re buying, even when they buy from resellers. Customers may assume that a product is organic or local. “(People) have this idea that when they walk into markets, the food is safe,” Snyder said. “They don’t always realize what they’re buying. Not that the vendors are lying, just people make their own assumptions.” Snyder believes educating market customers would be beneficial to all parties involved in the market.

MEET THE MANAGER

Snyder’s interest in cooking began in the Culinary Operations Academy at Chamberlain High School in Tampa. After discovering her talent, Snyder was encouraged to pursue a job in the industry by her teacher, Erik Young. Later, Young introduced Snyder to Tampa’s Downtown Market. Snyder became a teaching

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then would be silent until they were out of the zone. In Plant City, the zones would be in Midtown, as well as Historic Downtown. For quiet zones to be approved, local governments must apply to the Federal Railroad Administration. The timeframe between applying to the FRA and implementing quiet zones in a city typically is between two-and-one-half to three years. “We have not applied for any regulatory review,” City Manager Mike Herr said. “We’re hoping to get funding through the state legislative process.” When Plant City decides to begin the application process to the FRA, it also will be required to send a notice of intent to the Florida Department of Transportation. Once design and construction is complete, a notice of establishment must also be sent to the Florida De-

schedule of working 10 hours every day but Sunday. Hill’s announcement comes shortly after the recent retirement of former Finance Director Martin Wisgerhof. Hill worked with Wisgerhof until his retirement in late August. In addition to having a knack for numbers, the two have other surprising details in common. Both have accounting degrees with minors in math and have children that are one week apart in age. “We were a great team,” Hill said. “Martin has been a wonderful boss. We worked very well together.” Hill, who is originally from St. Petersburg, attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Prior to her job as the assistant finance director, Hill worked in public accounting for seven years before taking time off to

BY THE NUMBERS 16: the number of quiet zones throughout Florida. 5: the number of cities in Florida with quiet zones 659: the number of quiet zones throughout the United States SOURCE Federal Railroad Association

partment of Transportation. “This is something I think the city has interest in,” Herr said. “Having quiet zones in place makes (downtown) better for businesses.” Herr also said quiet zones could bring more residential development to the city. For the zones to be approved, the rail in question must be at least a half-mile long. In addition, safety improvements must be made at all applicable rail crossings. “The horn is a necessary safety feature, no question

assistant for the baking program at Chamberlain, and worked as a line cook and hostess at Outback Steakhouse. Following her high school graduation, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. There, Snyder learned about the farm-to-table movement. The movement piqued Snyder’s interest, and she began visiting farms in the Hudson Valley with her friends. Following her interest in farms, Snyder completed a foodand-wine seminar in Spain, where she discovered the popularity of markets that focused on locally produced goods. Snyder obtained her bachelor’s degree in restaurant management and hospitality from the Culinary Institute of America in 2010 and began applying to farm-to-table restaurants in New York City. She had little luck until she came across an ad for a green-market manager. Although the position called for someone with an economics degree, Snyder was offered the position — and gladly accepted. “It actually was paying better than restaurants, and it was full time,” Snyder said. She began working as a green market manager in 2011. She held it for two years. With her cooking experience, Snyder also was able to perform cooking demonstrations at the market. She dabbled as a personal chef, a bakery operations manager and again as a market manager until her return to Tampa in early 2015. Now, she is looking forward to managing a market that is focused on local food, transparency and education. “One of the ways you can educate people is know how (goods) are produced,” Snyder said. Snyder currently has 21 vendors for the market. “I like to focus on the seasonality of the area,” she said. Snyder is looking for interested farms and vendors for local milk and dairy products, as well as pork, duck, produce and fruit. The market runs every week from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays in Tampa. “I still want to support these farms and give them a place to sell their goods,” Snyder said. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

raise her children. She considers her job with the city to be an answer to her prayers. When her children were young, Hill became a single mother who needed to return to work. “It’s been great,” Hill said. “And now it’s time to move on. I’m just going to enjoy retirement.” Among her responsibilities, Hill was in charge of reports and bond payments, and helped with external auditors. She also dealt with utility billing and the city’s wire transfers. This past week, Hill created a five-page document of her responsibilities for new Chief Financial Officer Diane Reichard to assist in filling Hill’s position. City Manager Mike Herr said that Hill has especially been an asset because of her loyalty to the city and commitment to cover every financial detail. Hill is an extremely struc-

about it,” Herr said. “We never want to compromise safety for motorists or pedestrians.” Improvements made to the quiet zone rail crossings include four-quadrant gates, which would have two rail gates on each side of the rail. Other safety improvements include gates with medians, flashing lights at rail gates and one-way streets with gates. For the city, funding for the quiet zones can vary from $250,000 to $1 million. “(Funding) will vary depending on what safety features are most suitable to fit the crossing,” Herr said. “The improvements don’t take a great deal of time.” With improved safety features, quiet zones are continuing to increase in popularity. Currently, there are 16 quiet zones throughout Florida. Cities with quiet zones include Orlando, Lakeland, Boca Raton, Ocala and Miami. According to the FRA, there are 659

LOUD BUT SAFE According to the Federal Railroad Administration, locomotives are required by law to sound their horns for at least 15 seconds before approaching a rail crossing. The locomotives are not supposed to exceed 20 seconds of sound. Typically, the sound of the horn ranges anywhere from 96 to 110 decibels. If a quiet zone is established, locomotives would still be able to sound a horn in an emergency situation. All local governments must apply to the FRA to receive approval for establishing a quiet zone. quiet zones throughout the United States. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

Justin Kline

Bishop Bullwinkle is working on several new projects in between tour dates.

CHECK IT OUT Bishop Bullwinkle’s stage name comes from two separate events. “Bullwinkle” was a nickname from Bernard Thomas’s childhood, which he gained in school when a classmate wrote, “Bernard Thomas is funny like Bullwinkle the moose,” on the bulletin board. “Bishop” came when Thomas was looking for a stage name, and he wanted to add something to “Bullwinkle” to make it stand out. Thomas settled on

BULLWINKLE / PAGE 1 Bishop Bullwinkle said. “I work on the weekends now. Everybody’s just hollering and screaming, but ain’t nothing changed.”

MAKING THE VIDEO

“Bishop” because, at churches, the bishop is an important figure. “When I did, boom,” Thomas said. “If I put ‘Hell 2 Da Naw Naw’ out there as Bullwinkle or just Bernard, it would have been just another song. But, with Bishop, it’s like, ‘What’s the preacher talking about?’” The video for “Hell 2 Da Naw Naw” can be viewed by following this link: youtube. com/watch?v=9AOmaX-VuoY. For more music visit his website, BishopBullwinkle. com, has music available for download. fire extinguisher — to put on top of it for flavor. The video was shot in his front yard, in one day, and then uploaded to YouTube. It exploded online. “In one month, it had over a million views,” Thomas said.

The song itself has Bishop Bullwinkle discussing things that he’s seen while at church, such as things church-goers do and say that are hypocritical. He decided to combine his love of preaching and love of music to do a music video about the hypocrisy. An unlikely donation gave him the platform to do so. “A guy on Laura Street threw the pulpit out,” Thomas says. “There was a homeless guy, he said, ‘Bullwinkle, you want this pulpit?’ I said no. And he said, ‘Man, go get your pulpit. You’re always telling it like it is.’” He and his manager, Darrell Underwood, decided to use it for a music video. Bishop Bullwinkle brought a few decorations — a monkey lawn ornament and an empty

GOING VIRAL

tured individual. For the last 10 years, she has worked 60 hours per week, only taking one weekend off per month to go camping with her husband, Roy. She doesn’t leave the office for lunch, choosing instead to eat a bag lunch at her desk while she works. When the time came to retire, Hill needed an extra push. Hill had told Wisgerhof she was thinking about retiring but hadn’t made any official plans. After Wisgerhof announced his plans to retire on July 6, Hill decided it was her time to leave as well. “By him doing it, it made me do it,” Hill said. After her retirement, Hill will make a trip with her husband to a state park in the Florida Keys. She doesn’t have extensive travel plans because her husband still works for BayCare, but both enjoy trips to the mountains, especially to

Georgia and North Carolina in the summer. Camping is her stress-reliever, but she also enjoys putting together journals and photo albums, and collecting Raggedy Ann dolls. She began collecting the dolls before she had children and has one room in her house dedicated to her collection. Still, she will miss her coworkers and the friends she made while working for the city. Hill has often attended mystery dinners with her coworkers and has helped plan “Girls’ Night Out” events. Once she retires, Hill also plans to visit former co-workers who have retired. “Everybody’s important,” Hill said. “I have awesome coworkers. To me, they are my friends.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

The video was picked up by several websites after YouTube, including WorldStarHipHop, which called the video “straight fire” and helped it get nearly 500,000 views. Bishop Bullwinkle said the success has gotten him booked for shows through Christmas, and he’s also received interest for performing as late as February 2016. He continues to work on new music and currently is planning to release a new remix of “Hell 2 Da Naw Naw.” His star has taken a meteoric rise, but he’s trying to stay as humble as he can throughout it all. “Still the same person,” Thomas said. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Now Open!

MY VIEW

Caring for your family, from nose to tail! Raider Review coming soon Amber Jurgensen

Students in Jennifer Hamilton’s journalism class will be able to work on stories to be published in Raider Review, an online tab at PlantCityObserver.com.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP Staff from the Plant City Times & Observer will visit teacher Jennifer Hamilton’s journalism class once a week to teach the students about journalism, provide one-on-one critiques, assign stories and arrange shadowing opportunities. Stories completed during this partnership will go on PlantCityObserver.com under the student-produced Raider Review tab. If you are a PCHS student interested in being part of Raider Review contact Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com. In the future, staff would like to bring the program to Strawberry Crest and Durant highs. Raider Review, under the Neighborhood section, will include news and feature stories, photo galleries, video packages, briefs, and calendar events from PCHS. Plant City Times & Observer staff will provide one-on-one critiques and shadowing opportunities to ensure the students are not only learning but also getting an experience that can provide them with clips and resume points when they are applying for colleges or looking for a job in the mass communication field. As I tell them about Raider Review, I wonder if they are going to bite. “Does anyone want a story assignment this week?” I ask. More hands than I can count shoot up. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!

CORONADO ISLAND Dover resident Susan Ferrell took the Plant City Times & Observer all the way to the West Coast. She visited a famous hotel located on Coronado Island in San Diego June 17. Summer has officially ended, school has started and fall is here. And although many Plant City residents are back into a routine, there was no shortage of travel around the United States and the world during summer break. And, as travel ramps up again for the holiday season, make sure to take a Plant City Times & Observer with you on your next trip and submit it to us. Entering is easy! Just snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.

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survey before I say anything about journalism. I want to know what they think about mass media, what stereotypes they have heard. I want to know what social media they’re engaged in, what’s trending. I want to know if they like being in the spotlight, would rather write from behind a desk, or loathe writing entirely. Although each student will learn the staples of journalism — the lede, the inverted pyramid, truth and honesty, fact checking, proper sources, ethics, AP style — each student is different and geared toward different talents. The jobs available in the mass communication field are endless. There’s advertising sales, graphic design, public relations, videography, photography. Even the journalism industry is its own tree of branches: broadcast, radio, newspaper, magazine, blogging. I collect the surveys, excited to get to know them. Then we get to brainstorming, much like a story budget or pitch meeting would go. What are some events that are going on at PCHS? Is there a teacher that’s making an impact? When is the next big football rivalry? They tell me: the homecoming game is in one week. Next door the art class is making ceramic pottery for the Empty Bowls charity fundraiser. Pep rallies have split into two because the student population is growing. This group has a nose for news. Lucky for me, because I wasn’t there just to lecture. “My goal is to start a tab on PlantCityObserver.com called Raider Review,” I told them. “It will be all about Plant City High School, completely student-produced, by you.” Some heads perked up.

When should I file for Social Security? Will I outlive my money? How does Medicare work? How do I protect my heirs? Do I need an estate plan? How do I choose a Medicare Supplement Plan? When do I sign up for Medicare? Do I need to change my will? How do I handle my 401K? How will my taxes change?

An evening in Plant City to get answers to your Retirement questions This is your special invitation to join us on Tuesday evening, November 3, for an opportunity to ask those questions that everyone will face in retirement. Our no-obligation informational forum presents three outstanding professionals in the Plant City community and will be held at the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. from 6:30 to 8:00pm. Coffee and dessert provided. Space is very limited, so please respond to Kathleen Hall 813-752-4197 or Kathleen@ seditakilton.com to reserve your seat. (This event is not sponsored by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.)

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It’s second-period journalism class at Plant City High School. The bell has rung. I’m five minutes late. But not because I was talking to friends outside of my locker. It was the last day of a 58hour work week, and I was organizing the stacks of personality surveys, journalism 101 worksheets and Plant City Times & Observer business cards for the students. I had been looking forward to teaching this class AMBER for months. JURGENSEN Several weeks before the 2015 fall semester at PCHS started, Principal Susan Sullivan and the PTSA invited a group of professionals from around the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World to a business advisory meeting. The emphasis of the meeting was to ask those with unique skills and a passion for volunteerism to mentor students at PCHS. This vision was in line with the Plant City Times & Observer’s mission. We jumped on board to create our own mentorship program. Now that staff background checks and SERVE forms have been officially approved, we are well on our way to launching a mass communication lecture series with PCHS’ journalism class as a collaboration with yearbook adviser and English teacher Jennifer Hamilton. As I walk into the classroom for the first lecture Friday, Sept. 25, it is quiet. It’s 8:26 a.m. The students aren’t awake yet. But it doesn’t take much to get them talking. I pass out a

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

OWNER’S REPORT

ABOUT THE YMCA

Plant City YMCA adds to quality of life Y FAMILY MATTERS SERIES RAISING INCREDIBLE KIDS WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 WHERE: Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX: BRINGING INTIMACY BACK INTO RELATIONSHIPS WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 WHERE: Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place RSVP: JD Simmons, (813) 757-6677; jennifer.simmons@tampabayymca. org. The first 15 people to RSVP are entered in a raffle for free Y gear.

When a new employer is qualified teacher. It is available considering moving to Plant two days per week. City, one of the important Plant City Y has also taught factors in his or her decision is over 200 children how to swim quality of life. for free. Is this a good place to raise But the latest program is a family? Are workers going a free parenting program, to be able to access co-sponsored by City quality schools, a Pointe Church. The variety of churches, program serves to assist good government parents in learning new services and organizaparenting skills and tions that provide a strengthening family place to enhance the relationships. Although body, mind and spirit the first session has of employees and their taken place, there are families? two more sessions FriFELIX Most say that Plant day, Oct. 16, and Friday, HAYNES City is blessed with Nov. 20. strong organizations The October sesthat do a good job of addresssion will be taught by Jim and ing these questions. One of Sandra Carter, the co-creators those organizations is the of the Raising Incredible Kids Plant City Family YMCA. parenting curriculum. The NoThe Plant City branch has vember session will be taught implemented numerous by Tim Gregory, a marriage programs to help the quality and family counselor. of life in the Winter Strawberry The classes are part of the Y Capital of the World, such as Family Matters Series, an edua free kindergarten readiness cational resource that focuses program, called Caring and on building and rebuilding Learning with Me, taught by a family relationships, including

material, parent to child and blended families. They will be done in a question-and-answer format to teach families new ways to communicate, resolve conflicts and establish a solid foundation. Classes at the Y, such as this series, provides something private-sector gym do not. In the past 20 years, the private sector has built competing physical fitness centers to serve as alternatives to the Y’s package. These private gyms have taken some of the Y’s membership who wanted to focus on low prices and longer operating hours. In response, Y’s nationally and our Tampa Metro Y branches have also decoupled membership fees. Members can now choose to join one branch, two branches or all the nearly 20 branches of our Tampa Metro Y. Decoupled Y membership rates have reduced the fee gap between the Y’s and the private gyms’ membership, but fee comparisons are only half the story of

what the Metro Y and our Plant City Branch offer. Responding to the Y’s broad mission statement, volunteer Metro Y Board members have established the Y’s current Vision 2020 Strategic Plan program priorities, including closing the learning achievement gap in our public schools, chronic disease prevention and management, teen leadership development, and drowning prevention. Some other Y programs established in pursuit of those goals are LIVESTRONG, a comprehensive program to assist participants in coping with cancer and diabetes prevention. Private gyms are here to stay, and they do a good job of meeting the needs of some community members. But our Plant City Y goes well beyond being just a gym and makes a major contribution to the quality of life for Plant City individuals and families. Felix Haynes is a co-owner of the Plant City Times & Observer.

The Plant City Family YMCA is part of a national network of several thousand independent, taxexempt charities that got their start before the Civil War. In 1889, the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA, with a mission of putting JudeoChristian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, was founded. Its first facility was established on Zack Street. A little over 100 years later, a Plant City branch was established on Cherry Street, just north of Plant City’s downtown. Following a major community fundraising campaign, a new Plant City Y was constructed in 2001 in the city’s southwest quadrant, off Alexander Street. With heated Olympicsized pools and air-conditioned basketball arenas and weight rooms, Metro Y membership grew as the community grew.

GOOD BOOKS by Arden White | Staff Intern

Rotary Club donates books to school Since the Plant City Rotary Club was charted in 1955, the group has concentrated on its service in the community. One of Daybreak Rotary’s most recent service projects is donating books to Jackson Elementary School. Daybreak meets every Monday at the South Florida Baptist Hospital’s community conference room. Each week the club hosts a speaker, such as a local government leader, business owner or volunteer extraordinaire. After speaking to the club, the speaker will traditionally be given a small gift of thanks from the club. But this year, the speakers have been asked to sign a chil-

JOIN ROTARY

Daybreak Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. Monday mornings, at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s community conference room, 301 Alexander St. Facebook. com/PCDaybreakRotary.

dren’s book, to be donated to Jackson Elementary in their name. An official Rotary sticker is placed on the books. “My Rotary club in Escondido, California did this from year to year, and I always liked the idea,” President Sharon Philbin said. “So when I became president, I started it in

our club.” The idea to donate the books to Jackson Elementary came from Sharon Hammersla, a volunteer at both the Plant City Public Library and at Jackson Elementary for about 10 years. She is also a new member of the Daybreak Rotary Club. Hammersla spoke to Philbin about the need for more books at the school. “A lot of the books that we own have been worn and used,” Hammersla said. “So the need for new books was definitely there. I know the faculty, especially the media specialist, really appreciates the donations.” Jackson Elementary Princi-

pal Dora Madison has known Hammersla since she started volunteering with the PTA around 2008. The relationship Hammersla has with the school has grown, Madison said. “The media center is really close to her heart because she works there,” Madison said. “Our shelves are always in need. This allows us to provide new titles and genres for the students to check out. And the books are signed. That makes it really special.” Jackson Elementary will receive about 45 children’s books each year. “It’s helped our school,” Madison said. “It’s wonderful to have an organization like that

Amber Jurgensen

City Manager Mike Herr had a book donated in his name. put in hours and have ways to contribute that has benefitted students, teachers and communities.” Hammersla said the students notice when new titles come to the library.

“The donations are really helping to encourage the students to read,” Hammersla said. “The students just get so excited when they see those new books come into the school.”

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We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

Plant City Times &

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

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

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

SMITH STARTS OVER by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Community helps teacher after home burns down

Emily Topper

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Turkey Creek Middle School teacher Greta Smith, who lost her Lakeland Home in a Tuesday, Sept. 15, fire. Donate at GoFundMe.com/tn48p84. Greta Smith, who teaches AVID at Turkey Creek Middle School, said that her coworkers, students, family, friends and church, St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Bealsville, have helped. The American Red Cross put the family in a hotel for four days after the fire. Since then, Greta Smith’s sister has loaned her the use of her one-bedroom apartment. Although the family of five is cramped, Greta Smith is grateful that everyone has been able to stay together. Her mother and four sisters live nearby, and all have pitched in to help the family. Greta Smith jokes that so many people have reached out to help that she has more

clothes now than she did before the fire. “That’s why I can be kind of positive,” Greta Smith said. “I do have such a great support system.” TCMS has also contributed in its own way. She has taught at TCMS for 15 years and calls the school her Turkey Creek family. Her students wrote her letters of encouragement, and the staff put together boxes of clothing for the longtime educator to take home once she returned to school. Despite the recent hardship, Greta Smith has tried to maintain normalcy. She only missed three days of school following the fire. “It felt normal to me ... because this is my comfort

PRE-G

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I PART

ES!!

Before Every Varsity Home Game

at Raider Stadium!

Party between 6:00 and 7:15pm, stay for the game at 7:30pm!

JOIN US FOR OUR THEMED TAILGATES! 10/2

Homecoming Game / Alumni Night! Thunderstick Give Away!

10/30 Trunk or Treat - Bring kids as our clubs will give out candy! 11/6

Orange and Black Out Wear Orange or Black & Bring a Cowbell!

pchsptsa.com: Orange Crush is an outreach

Chick-fil-a sandwiches at each game!

committee of Plant City High School’s PTSA. Follow us on Twitter @orangecrush_pc

COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE

PCHS RAIDERS!

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zone,” she said. “It really has helped me heal.” Thomas Smith, who works at a medical cleaning facility, returned to work the first weekend after the fire. The couple’s school-aged children, Bryce, 17, Bianca, 12, and Brennan, 7, followed in the footsteps of their parents. They only missed one day of school. “They’ve been going every day since,” Greta Smith said. “I think it was important for them, though, to keep going to school. As long as we stay strong, they just kind of go with the flow.” The Smith family was renting the Lakeland home, but didn’t have renters’ insurance. They must pay out of pocket when they begin the arduous process of replacing their belongings. “That’s why it’s been important that people have reached out and helped us,” Greta Smith said. The Smiths are looking for a home in Lakeland that is close to their children’s schools. As they begin to rebuild their life, they are realizing just how much they’ve accumulated over the last 18 years. “We’ll need furniture eventually,” Greta Smith said. “Beds, mattresses, appliances ... those things we take for granted.” Greta Smith said that she would not have been able to bounce back so quickly without the immense help she and her family have received from the Plant City community. “My students have been wonderful,” Greta Smith said. “I definitely could not have done it without friends, family, my Turkey Creek family and church family.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

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The Plant City community has provided an outpouring of food and clothing to help the TCMS educator Greta Smith. Teacher Greta Smith was in her classroom at Turkey Creek Middle School Tuesday, Sept. 15, when she was told that her Lakeland home was on fire. Most of Smith’s family members were safely away from the flames engulfing the home. Three of her children were at school, but Smith’s husband, Thomas, was sleeping inside the home as smoke began to infiltrate his lungs. An onlooker saw the fire start in the family’s garage. The unknown witness rushed across the street, jumped a fence and broke open a window to call to anyone who might be in the house. Thomas Smith awoke and was able to get out of the house, only needing treatment for smoke inhalation. The rest of the home was destroyed, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. “It got the whole house,” Greta Smith said. “What the fire didn’t reach, smoke did. Even though they say it’s not our fault ... I think, ‘Was it something that could have been prevented?’” After the fire, most of the family’s belongings were unsalvageable. Furniture, photographs and electronics were ruined. The family managed to save only a few items of clothing. They had to be washed for five hours to be rid of the stench of smoke. But in the days after the fire, the Plant City community has come together to help with immediate necessities. A GoFundMe account has been set up for the family for their upcoming financial needs. “It’s been a blessing,” Greta Smith said. “A lot of people have reached out.”

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Buckler’s

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REUNION by Abby Baker | Staff Intern

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Once a Gobbler, always a Gobbler The alumni of Turkey Creek High School, now Turkey Creek Middle School, met at the Arthur Boring Civic Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds Saturday, Sept. 19. The classes of 1927-1971 en-

joyed beverages, southern food and cake while catching up. The Plant City High School color guard performed the colors, and each class was honored before the buffet was served.

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A group of old friends shared memories.

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Right: Randy Abbott and Sharon Driggers Faircloth dated in high school.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

FISHING by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

At Internal Medicine Associates of Plant City, we know that life is better with good health. Our Board Certified Internal Medicine Physicians work with Resident Physicians to help you achieve and maintain optimal health—providing comprehensive care to adult patients, including primary care, chronic disease management, women’s health and geriatric care. We offer convenient, same-day appointments with the time and attention you need.

The winners of the fishing derby were proud of their new gear.

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Sixty-six young anglers and their families flocked to the Plant City Stadium pond for the semi-annual Youth Fishing Derby Saturday, Sept. 26. The competition, which was divided into two age groups, lasted from 8:30 to 11 a.m., and seven kids walked away with trophies, rods and tackle boxes. Jovee Tkach

Attending Physician

RESULTS 11- to 15-year-olds Biggest Fish: Luis Palomares (Plako, 2 pounds) Most Fish: Matthew Miller (seven bass)

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5- to 10-year-olds Biggest Fish: Ryland Purdy (Bass, 1 pound) Most Fish: Jovee Tkach (13 fish)

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Captain’s Award: Jaden McCants (Catfish, 1.6 pounds) Backyard Bass Casting Winner: Madisyn Morgan

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The winners of the Punt, Pass and Kick competition were proud of their trophies.

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RESULTS 6-7 Girls 1st: Gianna Stanley (30’ 10”) 2nd: Sophie Settles (20’ 7”) 6-7 Boys 1st: Brendan Smith (129’ 4”) 2nd: Tanner Gonser (96’ 5”) 3rd: Landyn Jackson (71’ 6”)

The NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition was held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex. The competition was open to players age 6 to 15, with boys and girls competing separately.

Fifty-seven participants were rated on the distance and accuracy of their throws and kicks. First-, second- and third-place winners received trophies. This event was sponsored by the NFL and the Plant City Optimist Club.

8-9 Girls 1st: Gracie Edgemon (122’ 7”) 2nd: Nahlia McGrath (64’ 9”) 8-9 Boys 1st: Jordan Hernandez (154’ 11”) 2nd: William Cordle (110’ 11”) 3rd: Aidan Beachy (108’ 10”) 10-11 Girls 1st: Emily Johnson (184’ 4”) 2nd: Shelby Jacobsen (178’ 10”) 3rd: Libby Johnson (55’ 10”) 10-11 Boys 1st: Anthony Palestrini (179’ 6”) 2nd: Will Pace (165’ 10”) 3rd: Andrew Smith (162’ 3”)

Gianna Stanley received the first place trophy of the 6- to 7-year-old girls.

12-13 Girls 1st: Madison Osman (99’ 4”) 2nd: Gemma Stanley (72’) 12-13 Boys 1st: Gavin Hessler (192’ 9”) 2nd: Trey McKinnie (181’ 6”) 3rd: Gavin Carothers (177’ 11”)

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13-14 Boys 1st: Anthony Stanley (177’ 7”) 2nd: Joe Jacobsen (159’ 2”) 3rd: Michael Stanley (136’ 11”) Connor Smith was a fierce competitor.

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

BUST A MOVE Dancing with the Locals is a charity fundraising event for the Noon Rotary Club of Plant City. Each year, eight to 13 couples compete in the competition for two awards: best dancers and most

In this week’s Dancing with the Locals feature, we profile couples John and Freddie Ray, and Dennis and MacKenzie Bonefont.

money raised. Audience members enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while voting for their favorite couple with their dollars. Many of the couples have no prior

dance experience and take classes for six weeks before the big night. Guest judges critique routines, which range from sexy salsa numbers to classic waltzes. — Emily Topper

DANCING WITH THE LOCALS WHEN: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 WHERE: John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road CONTACT: DWTL Chair Jodi Stevens (813) 7160908

JOHN AND FREDDIE RAY

DENNIS AND MACKENZIE BONEFONT

Freddie Ray is used to being in the air. The executive leadership coach teaches companies how to become more successful, and she is frequently traveling by plane across North America. Despite her busy schedule, Ray and her husband, John Ray, have planned their calendar year around the Dancing with the Locals competition on Friday, Nov. 13. “It’s an event that people can go to and have fun,” John Ray said. “But at the heart of it, it’s a positive thing for the community. Plant City has a big heart.” The Rays met in 1995 while working for WBRC, a Foxaffiliated news channel in Birmingham. Freddie Ray worked in sales, and John Ray worked in news. After Freddie Ray was offered a job in Tampa, the Birmingham natives searched for a place to live for 10 months before moving to Plant City. Although they hated the house they toured, the Rays stayed for lunch at a local eatery and felt at home. They instantly fell in love with the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and decided it was a good place to raise their three sons: Corey, Jack and Charlie. “It was people-friendly,” Freddie Ray said. “There’s just everything here.” John Ray is a residential agent at Caldwell Banker in Plant City. He is also the founder of ILovePlantCity.com, a website where he has been posting news, events and local activities since 2010. “The big idea is to mesh it with selling real estate,” John Ray said.

Dennis and MacKenzie Bonefont have only danced in front of a large group of people once before — at their wedding in April. The Bonefonts will take center stage again on Nov. 13, when they compete in the annual Dancing With the Locals competition. The couple was asked to participate in the dance contest by Capt. Kyle Robinson, of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The newlyweds both work for the law enforcement office. Dennis Bonefont, originally from South Tampa, is a field training officer with the bomb disposal team. MacKenzie Bonefont, whose fam- SPONSOR THE BONEFONTS: mpbonefont@gmail.com ily has lived in Plant City since What was your reaction the 1800s, works in District II so important ... it’s journalism, when asked to be part of of HCSO, specifically in street just in a different light.” The couple will be exchangDWTL? crimes. “I was honored to The Bonefonts met shortly ing their badges and uniforms be asked,” Mackenzie before MacKenzie Bonefont for colorful costumes at the Bonefont said. “Somewhat joined the HCSO. Dennis Nov. 13 event, which is preapprehensive.” Bonefont has been with the sented by the Noon Rotary “Probably like a typical HCSO for 12 years, and MacK- Club. “He’ll have a simple cosguy would feel,” Dennis enzie Bonefont has served four tume,” MacKenzie Bonefont Bonefont said. years. Dennis Bonefont is a United said. “Mine will be crazy.” The competition will be out Do you have any prior trainStates Army veteran, which ing? was something that made him of Dennis Bonefont’s comfort zone, but his new bride No. gravitate toward the HCSO. Though MacKenzie Bone- is familiar with the spotlight. What dance style will you font now in the same line of MacKenzie Bonefont served be doing? work as her husband, her in the Strawberry Festival West Coast/salsa background was different. She Queen’s Court in 2007 and was holds a degree in broadcast Miss Central Florida. The couple takes lessons journalism. routine seamless, the Bone“I had always wanted to join from Just Dance studio owner fonts remain focused on why the military and serve,” MacK- Kevin Rios, and they aren’t they’re in this competition. afraid to laugh at themselves. enzie Bonefont said. “It’s for a good cause, MacK“It’s like trying to drink waOnce she obtained her deenzie Bonefont said. “I like the gree, she decided to go into ter out of a fire hose,” Densocial side of things where evnis Bonefont said. “There’s so law enforcement instead of the much coming at you. Up until erybody is joining as one. military. “It’s just a cool experience, to “Law enforcement has more this point, it’s been fun.” be part of it,” she said. As they work on making their to do than just traffic. I feel it’s

SPONSOR THE RAYS: jr@iloveplantcity.com or coach@freddieray.com Freddie Ray is also involved with the community. When she isn’t traveling, she works with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. She recently helped to facilitate the chamber’s leadership retreat. “I enjoy opportunities to help the chamber and other opportunities when asked,” Freddie Ray said. The couple is looking forward to dancing in the annual November event. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Freddie Ray said. “We have some fun moves that I think will be surprising.” The Rays started practicing for the event about a month ago. Although finding time has been the most difficult thing for the couple so far, they are pleased with their progress. They are taking dance lessons from Kevin Rios, owner of Just Dance, in Lakeland. The couple is grateful for the

What is your favorite song to dance to? “The most popular dance at our house right now is (Watch Me) Whip/Nae Nae,” John Ray said. The Rays were introduced to the song by their 15-year-old son, Charlie. What are you most looking forward to? “Dancing together,” Freddie Ray said. “This is our first choreographed thing together,” John Ray said. What dance style will you be doing? A cha-cha. chance to support Plant City. “This event helps to give back a surprising amount,” Freddie Ray said. “It’s just a chance for us to give back.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

CUTESTCRITTER

NEWS BRIEFS + Mother dies in single-car crash

euce is the sweetest puppy there is. He makes everyone he meets happier with his big smile and extra-waggy tail. His owners couldn’t love him more. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest. Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and contact information. Winners will be showcased in the Plant City Times & Observer and will receive a free bag of dental chews to

be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center. Submit your entries to

A mother and her two children were involved in a singlecar crash Sunday, Sept. 27, on Wilder Road. Veronica Garcia, 25, lost control of her vehicle and struck a TECO utility pole after driving into a ditch. She died on impact, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Her two children, Geovanni Ibarra, 5, and Jonathan Ibarra, 1, were transported to Tampa General Hospital with minor injuries. The family was traveling down Wilder Road at about 7 a.m. in a 2005 Buick Terrazzo minivan. For unknown reasons, Garcia drifted off the right shoulder about one half mile from Knights Griffin Road. When she tried to correct, she crossed into the oncoming lane. She then overcorrected to the right and lost control of her van. It spun into a ditch and hit the power pole. Power lines fell from the insulators and were leaning against the pole. Ralph Patterson, of 4605 Wilder Road, heard the crash from his house. He ran to the crash after hearing two children screaming. He flagged down Kirk Butts, of 5014 Turkey Ridge Road. Even though it was possible the pole and vehicle were electrically charged from the power lines, both men removed Geovanni Ibarra from the vehicle. Jonathan Ibarra was thrown from the vehicle and landed in the ditch. Butts removed him from the mud. There were no seat belts or child restraints in use and alcohol is not suspected. The investigation continues.

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driving a a 2006 Ford Focus north of State Road 60 when she crashed into the back of a semi truck driven by Mohamed Ahmed, 34, of Nashville. The Ford became wedged underneath the semi truck and was dragged for 75 feet before breaking free. Swingler died at the scene. According to Florida Highway Patrol, Swingler was wearing a seatbelt, and alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash. Ahmed continued north on I-75, unaware of the crash. He stopped at exit 285, which is State Road 52. It was then that he contacted law enforcement.

+ Man found dead in lake A man was found dead in a lake at Edward Medard Park Thursday, Sept. 24. John Bruner, 69, of Brandon was seen launching his boat at the reservoir off Turkey Creek Road between 6 and 7 a.m. Other park visitors came across his abandoned boat later in the day and called the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies, along with the Marine Unit and Dive Team, responded and found Bruner dead. Foul play is not suspected.

+ Tree branch falls on landscaper A man trimming trees on Walden Lake Golf Course was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital Thursday, Sept. 24, after a large tree limb broke off of the tree that he was working on, according to a report filed with the Plant City Police Department. Phillip Hallmeyer, 35, was working alongside Eric Poling, 33, on one of the golf course’s trees on Sutton Woods Drive. Poling left on a tractor to dump the brush. He returned 20 minutes later to find Hallmeyer face down in a pile of brush. A chainsaw was also found in the middle of the fallen limbs. Poling began performing CPR. Hallmeyer sustained severe trauma to his face and had abnormal breathing. He was airlifted from the golf course to Tampa General Hospital.

+ Gas leak shuts down road A gas leak at the Hampton Inn construction site near Waffle House off Interstate 4 closed traffic to cars on Thonotosassa Road Wednesday, Sept. 23. The Plant City Police Department assisted with traffic control on Thonotosassa Road, between Townsgate Court and Goldfinch Drive. Southbound traffic was redirected north from Townsgate Court and northbound traffic was redirected south from Goldfinch Drive.

+ Teen killed in I-75 crash

+ Economic organization offical

A Plant City teenager was killed after her car crashed into the back of a semi truck on Interstate 75 Friday, Sept. 25. Waleika D. Swingler, 17, was

Local business leaders have partnered to form the new Plant City Economic Development Corp., a private organization focused on growing the commu-

REP. DENNIS ROSS TO RUN FOR MAJORITY WHIP Rep. Dennis Ross officially announced his candidacy for majority whip of the United States House of Representatives Friday, Sept. 25. “Our nation is in need of strong, conservative leadership that will stand up to the president and offer conservative solutions and reforms,” Ross said in a statement. “I have long said that Republicans cannot simply be the ‘Party of No.’ Republicans must put forth credible alternatives to Obamacare and take up immigration reform that secures our border. We must cut spending, balance our budget and simplify our tax code so Americans have more money in their pockets.” Ross represents Florida’s 15th House District, which includes Lakeland, Bartow and Plant City.

nity by offering opportunities for new and existing businesses and creating success for families. “Plant City’s proximity to major roadways, as well as Port Tampa Bay, is ideal for corporations in industries such as manufacturing, distribution and logistics,” Randy Larson, newly elected chair of the Economic Development Corp., said in a statement. “Many agencies are working together to streamline the process for new commercial development and corporate relocations here, creating a welcoming environment that is friendly to companies looking to expand their operations and impact on the market. Our goal for our local EDC is to connect commercial brokers and developers with the opportunities, people and resources they need to choose Plant City for new and expanding businesses.” The EDC has identified the strengths of Plant City, which include location, infrastructure, transportation system and a favorable tax climate. With these strengths in mind, it is now working toward its goals, which include ensuring current and ongoing business success, pursuing redevelopment opportunities, encouraging and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit, promoting and enhancing the skills of the local workforce, and working proactively with city government leadership. “We welcome companies to become a part of our growing community and take advantage of the opportunities that abound here in Plant City,” Mayor Rick Lott, said. Businesses can contact info@ plantcityedc.com for more information about the EDC and for opportunities that can benefit local business owners.

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Observer

Obituaries Joseph “Joe” Amedure

Joseph “Joe” Amedure, 74, of Valrico, died Sept. 18, 2015. Mr. Amedure was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and was a physical therapist. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Despina “Dessie” Amedure; son, Joey Amedure (Elaina), of Valrico; and daughter Melissa Amedure, of Valrico; brother, Nicky Amedure, of Florida; grandchildren, Alina Chrysler, of Lithia, Jolene Amedure, of Valrico, and Jacob Amedure; and five great-grandchildren. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Charles K. Carter

Charles K. Carter, 82, of Plant City, died Sept. 23, 2015. Mr. Carter was a veteran of the United States Army and was a retired field engineer with Tampa Electric. He was a member of the Olin S. Wright Masonic Lodge No. 79 and of the First Baptist Church of Plant City. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Patricia A. Carter; children, Kenneth Carter (LeeAnne), of Orange City, Shelley Wozniak (Michael), of Jacksonville, Bryan Carter (Tye), of Tampa, Raymond Carter (Georgina), of Tampa, Michael Sprouse (Misha), of South Carolina, Debbie Driskell, of Brandon, and Denise Rush, of Brandon; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A celebration of life was held Sept. 26 at Hopewell Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Darryl Dean Coker

Darryl Dean Coker, 58, of Plant City, died at home of a heart attack Sept. 16, 2015 Mr. Coker was born in Plant City in 1956. He was a graduate of Plant City High School and computer drafting technical school. Before retiring, he worked at Navy Submarine Base in Kings Bay, Georgia, as project manager, then as a computer craftsman in Plant City and Tampa. His favorite pastime was spending time with his son, daughter and granddaughters on Jekyll Island in Georgia. When at home in Plant City, he enjoyed flying his helicopter drone at Mike E. Sansone Park and teaching. Mr. Coker and his son, Shane, were former karate instructors at their own dojo for years until a tornado destroyed the building in Brunswick, Georgia. He was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Dean Coker; son, Michael Shane, of Brunswick, Georgia; daughter, Kristin, of Brunswick, Georgia; three granddaughters,Nevaeh, Traeh and Taylor; ex-wife, Patty; brothers, Jamie (Jo), of Riverview; Daniel, of Lakeland; and many nephews and nieces. A memorial service was held Sept. 23, in Plant City. It was presided over by Pastor Randal Johnson, of Eastside Baptist Church. It was at Eastside Baptist Church where Mr. Coker became a Christian and was baptized as a young teen.

A burial service followed at Mt. Enon Cemetery in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

Willie “Blanche” Dasinger

Willie “Blanche” Dasinger, 88, of Plant City, died Sept. 19, 2015. Mrs. Dasinger was a member of Ahava Baptist Church in Plant City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Dasinger Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Mason, of Plant City, and Lisa Carter (Robert), of Plant City; grandchildren, Jessica Anderson (Chad), of Plant City, and Justin Carter (fiancee Tiffany Tucker), of Plant City; and great-grandson, Coleman Anderson. A celebration of life was held Sept. 23 at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Joan Davis Fletcher

Joan Davis Fletcher, 90, died Sept. 12, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Fletcher was born in Plant City and resided in The Pines of Sarasota for three years. She is survived by her daughters, Cyndee DellaValle (Joe), Debbie Griffin (Ben Hill), Virginia Weber (Rick) and Rina Korfman (Bob); son, Tom Howell (Joana); daughter-in-law, Connie Howell; sisters, Dot Davis (Ken), Dale Brady (Dick), Karen Hum-

phreys (Jerry); grandchildren, Jamie Spivey (Karla), Chris Spivey, Mark Spivey (Karen), Tory Howell, Matthew Jeter (LoraLee), Bailey Jeter and Amanda Phillips; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Alton Fletcher; and son, James Richard Howell. A celebration of life was held Sept. 25 at Wells Memorial and Event Center. Burial followed at Springhead Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

Charlie Kenneth “Ken” Futch

Charlie Kenneth “Ken” Futch, 72, of Plant City, died Sept. 19 surrounded by his family. Mr. Futch was born on Oct. 31, 1942 in Plant City. He was a proud member of the United States Air Force, a fan of John Wayne movies, and always enjoyed hunting and fishing. He will be remembered as a man who loved his family, treasured his friends and adored country music. He is survived by his son, Rick Futch (Emily); daughter, Vicki McIntosh (Marty); brothers, Don and Dalton Futch; grandchildren, Presley, Nehemiah, Cosette, Jakson and Hudson; and many family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Kenny Allen; father, Charlie Futch; and mother, Mattie Lou Futch. A funeral service was held Sept. 24 at Wells Memorial and Event Center. Burial followed at Mt. Enon Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com,

Doug Gambrell

Doug Gambrell, 81, of Plant City, died Sept. 24, 2015. Mr. Gambrell was a veteran of the United States Army, and was the owner of Doug’s Auto Repair.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Gereva Gambrell; children, Jeffrey Gambrell, of Zephyrhills, Ricky O’Neal Gambrell (Darlene), of Plant City, Tennille Laurelli (Matt), of Plant City, Eva Diane Whited, of Tennessee, and Regina Ann Diaz, of Tennessee; siblings, Jean Clouse, Joseph Gambrell (Carolyn), Jill Sparks (David), Lewis Gambrell, Mural Burgess (Jerry), Thelma Hickey (Sam), Cathy Thomas, and Judy Fields; six grandchildren; and 11 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Elzo Gambrell; and five siblings. A celebration of life was held Sept. 30 at Hopewell Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Clio Jeanette “Jan” Jones

Clio Jeanette “Jan” Jones, 82, of Lithia, died Sept. 15, 2015. Mrs. Jones was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a great friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jack; sons, Richard Jones (Shirley), Charles Jones (Ellen), and Anthony Jones (Jennifer); siblings, Jackie King, Neil Lafever, Margie Sapp and Edwin Braddy; four grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and loving family. A celebration of life was held Sept. 20 at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sydney First Church of God, 1432 Sydney Dover Road, Dover 33527. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Albert “Al” Powers

Albert “Al” Powers, 43, of Plant City, died Sept. 13, 2015. Mr. Powers was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was a member of the Gun Owner’s Association of America and the South Bay Hunting Club. He loved his family, and enjoyed hunting and riding his

Harley Davidson. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Avins-Powers; children, Johnathan Avins, Brandon Avins and Kaela Powers; parents, Lorraine and Frederick Sager; and brothers, Michael Domagala and Keith Domagala. A celebration of life was held Sept. 23 at Hopewell Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Charlotte Stansel (Zimmer)

Charlotte Stansel (Zimmer), 83, of Lakeland, and formerly of Plant City, died Sept. 16, 2015, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Stansel was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and will be missed. Her life and her love were her family. Angels, crocheting and cooking were some of her favorite hobbies. She was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church. She is survived by her sons, Charles Stansel (Edith), Craig Stansel, Curtis Stansel (Adela); daughters, Charlene Schroder, Cynthia McCarty (Michael) and Cathryn Meingasner; sister, Evelyn Turner (Bob); grandchildren, Jonathan, Joshua, Jason, Melonie, Robin, Matthew, Ashley, Amanda, Anthony, Caitlin, RJ and Leemarie; and 10 greatgrandchildren. Visitation was held Sept. 19 at Wells Memorial and Event Center, followed by a reception at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Plant City. A funeral Mass was held Sept. 21 at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City. A private burial was held at Florida National Cemetery.

Waleika Swingler

Waleika “Wally” Swingler, 17, of Plant City, died Sept. 25, 2015. A visitation was held Oct. 1 at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home in Lakeland. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at the funeral home, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland.

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PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

SPECIAL OLYMPICS by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

SIDELINES

P.C. athlete joins Special Olympics powerlifting team

Do you have a sports scoop? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com or tweet us at @PCTOSports.

SOCCER

+ Burroughs commits to USF

Special Olympics of Hillsborough County is fielding a powerlifting team for the first time in a decade and one of its members is Plant City’s Lonnie Coston.

Plant City High midfielder Kylee Burroughs has committed to the University of South Florida, according to her family. Burroughs, a senior, led the Lady Raiders with eight assists last season and was third on the team with 11 goals. She helped Plant City reach a 15-31 overall record and the FHSAA regional finals. Currently, USF has a 9-1-1 record and is RPI’s seventh-ranked team in the country.

n a converted Tampa warehouse, Lonnie Coston is cranking out bench presses in the late-summer heat. With the guidance of Mike Tedford, Coston powers through his set in front of a small audience. Push, and exhale. Ease down, and inhale. Repeat. Coston’s form is clean, and he finishes the set with no problems. As the people around him clap, Tedford guides Coston off of the bench and helps him to the side. The Special Olympics athlete is blind. He and his three teammates, Tyler Gwynn, Austin Hauff and Dallas Jones, are training for upcoming competitions, starting Oct. 2, as well as November’s State Games.

FOOTBALL

BACK IN THE GAME

TCYFCC RECAP

It’s been roughly a decade since Special Olympics of Hillsborough County last fielded a powerlifting team. It’s not that they didn’t want to, of course, but the resources weren’t always there. The organization had some difficulty finding someone to organize and coach a team. What changed this year? For starters, there’s Tedford. He and his wife, Letitia, own space in the converted warehouse on Cypress Street. They’ve turned it into True Grit Fit, a gym offering spe-

Plant City Dolphins

Justin Kline

Coach Mike Tedford spots Lonnie Coston during some bench presses. cialized training programs and boot camps without the luxury of air conditioning. The couple, who are from San Diego and Australia, opened the gym about a year and one half ago and are actively involved in its programs.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Friday night notes

Boy, that escalated quickly. even with the running clock. I went to Crest on Friday, As I mentioned earlier, Sept. 25, for the Chargers’ Crest didn’t let itself get shut game against Tampa Bay out: at the 2:22 mark in the Tech, and I can say that no fourth, Whatley hooked up one needs a good-luck charm with tight end Austin Eldridge more than the Chargers. The for six points. They couldn’t game was a blowout as early get the extras, however, so the as the first quarter, and Tech final score sat at 39-6. did pretty much whatever It’s getting harder and it wanted to do harder to write throughout all four and talk about the quarters. Chargers these days. By the time I got Last year’s squad only to Dover, the score picked up one win, was already 14-0. but those kids were The Titans then also in a lot more of blocked a punt and their games — figurecovered the ball. ratively speaking — It set them up at and generally hung in JUSTIN the goal line for a there for longer. KLINE quick score. This year, Crest has In the second really only looked quarter, an early Crest fumble like its 2014 self in the loss to by the goal line put Tech up, Middleton. 28-0. Following a huge punt It’s absolutely fair to chalk return by Brandon Stewartthat up to being handed a Frazier — easily the highlight much tougher schedule this of the night for Crest, besides year. The only game left on the late touchdown pass — the Chargers’ schedule that, Tech picked off Tate Whatley at this point, looks as viable on the ensuing play and took as the Middleton game is it to the house for six. Bloomingdale on Friday, Oct. That’s when everyone in the 30. (Given how Bloomingdale stadium realized Tech wasn’t looked last year, that’s not trying for good sportsmansomething I thought I’d be ship in this game. No matter writing right now.) This would what is said after it’s over, be a tough slate for any team you’re not being courtein the Tampa Bay area, and ous when you’re going for everyone knew that going two-point conversions with a into this season. 30-plus point lead in the first From an outside perspechalf. tive, it’s tough to pinpoint to Tech finished its offensive any one thing. There’s talent efforts for the night with a on both sides on the ball here, field goal at the 3:20 mark if a little raw, but there are aband didn’t try to score again. solutely kids on this team who The way its offense looked, it could have eclipsed 50 points, SEE KLINE / PAGE 13

Tedford says he enjoys getting the gym involved in community outreach activities, but that the opportunity to coach the Special Olympics team came to him. While talking to a Special Olympics director in the gym one day, he offered to help

out in any way he could. One thing led to another, and Tedford soon found himself at the helm of the powerlifting team. “I said, ‘I’m your man. Let’s do it,’” Tedford says. “As someone who truly loves the sport of weightlifting, it’s not work.

It’s fun, teaching this stuff.” Coston, Gwynn, Hauff and Jones signed up for the team, and the group has spent most Saturdays over the last two months training at True Grit

SEE POWER / PAGE 13

GAME OF THE WEEK by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

Tampa Bay Tech at Plant City: Fourth in the Hargrove family Playing running back for Plant City High is a tradition for Markese Hargrove and his family of football players. Markese Hargrove’s family has a passion for athletics. Many of its members have excelled in sports at Plant City High School, be it football, basketball, track and field, or anything else. But in the senior’s case, he’s upholding another family tradition: pounding the rock for the football team. Hargrove is the fourth person in his family to play running back for the Raiders. Before him was his brother, Dazmond Patterson, and uncles Joslin Shaw and Liron Thomas. Of course, the role came with high expectations. “They told me it would be a lot of weight on my shoulders, because Plant City is a running team,” Hargrove says. “They said to just be prepared for that, to make sure I’m in shape and ready for it.” The most recent family member to fill the role was Patterson, who couldn’t have set the bar higher for Hargrove or anyone else playing the position. The current Ohio University Bobcat spent three years on the Raiders’ varsity squad, playing for then-coach Wayne Ward from 2009-11. He finished his career with 3,335 rushing yards, 28 rushing touchdowns, 986 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches. Patterson ran for over 1,200 yards in both his sophomore and junior campaigns, and gained 821 on 90 carries in his final season.

The Dolphins teams went 3-2 in the Saturday, Sept. 26, games against the Pinecrest Pilots. The Mighty Mites, Pee Wees and Midgets each won their games with scores of 25-7, 38-6 and 28-12, respectively. All of those teams boast 6-0 records. The junior varsity team was shut out, 32-0, and the varsity team barely lost, 14-13. Both teams fell to 5-1 on the season.

Turkey Creek Trojans For the most part, the Trojans couldn’t get much going against the Lakeland Eagles. The Mighty Mites (2-4) were shut out, 13-0, and the Pee Wees saw their winless streak extend to six games with a 35-0 loss. The Midgets and junior varsity teams improved their records to 4-2 with 13-0 and 20-6 wins, respectively, but the varsity (3-3) squad had to forfeit.

Antioch Redskins

Justin Kline

Markese Hargrove, the fourth PCHS running back in his family, wears no. 4 on his jersey. Like his brother, Hargrove is not a big guy. But he is an explosive athlete. Hargrove has gained 536 yards, thus far, averaging 107.2 per game, and he has scored seven touchdowns. He hasn’t been deeply involved in the passing game this year. He did show his ability to be an effective receiver in 2014. Hargrove has several college offers in his pocket, but has yet to make a commitment. He’s playing it smart, planning to make his decision only when he feels he’s found a program that feels like home.

Of all the people outside the team that have given Hargrove advice, his brother had the words that may have been taken most to heart. “Dazmond (Patterson), he always told me to never let my size determine how I play,” Hargrove says. “He told me to never let someone else feel that I’m too small to do things like put my shoulder down and run somebody over. Don’t be afraid to do things like that — always keep going.”

SEE WEEK / PAGE 13

The only Antioch team to come away with a win Saturday, Sept. 26, was the varsity (2-4) squad, which picked up a 25-21 win over the Brandon Broncos. All other teams were shut out, with the Broncos putting up at least 25 points in each contest. The Mighty Mites’ record fell to 1-5, and the other teams are winless.

Dover Patriots The Patriots saw mixed results on the field, with its teams going 3-2 against the Lakeland Gators. The Mighty Mites (1-5), junior varsity (5-1) and varsity (4-2) squads each won big, with scores of 38-6, 47-7 and 66-14. The Pee Wees (1-5) and Midgets (4-2) lost, by scores of 7-0 and 40-7.

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

MEET THE TEAM

KLINE / PAGE 12

Fit with the Tedfords and coach Ryan Jackson.

could start at other schools in the area. There’s no need to address the position of head coach, as John Kelly has proven that he can both get his kids to play their hearts out for him and, with developed players in place, win enough football games to contend for a playoff spot (see the 2013 season, which ended with a three-way tiebreaker). If Crest is trying to figure out how to stop this slide now, those are two areas where it won’t have to look.

MAKING GAINS

It’s not the first time Tedford has trained people with special needs, but it is the first time he’s trained a group of these athletes with the goal of competing. Although adapting workouts to fit each athlete’s capabilities can be challenging, the trainer says that the end result is rewarding. These athletes develop new and improved motor skills that they otherwise wouldn’t have, which helps with the day-to-day. “I teach these athletes just like I’d teach anybody else,” Tedford says. “They might not pick it up as fast but, eventually, they’ll get it.” With this specific group, Tedford says that the training regimens he and Letitia have put the athletes through has yielded big results. “Shoot, it’s amazing,” Tedford says. “Especially Lonnie and Tyler. They’ve done their first competition for the county and both of them did really, really well. … Before, they couldn’t even do a basic squat. Now, they can go below parallel, in perfect form.” Working with Coston might seem like a big challenge. In a sport where athletes in training are observing themselves to make sure their form is correct, being blind ramps up the difficulty. But Tedford says that Coston has risen to the challenge and looked impressive in workouts. “He’s so used to moving and

GOT PESTS?

Justin Kline

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Coach Mike Tedford, Austin Hauff, Dallas Jones, Lonnie Coston, Tyler Gwynn and Letitia Tedford.

Lonnie Coston

“What made me get into powerlifting is, when I first heard about it, I didn’t know about it. So I said, ‘Oh yeah, I want to do it.’ I really like it. I think the dead lifts are my favorite. It’s cool because you can pick up the weights and hold it.”

Austin Hauff

“I like lifting weights. We try not to eat fat things. If we lose a lot of weight, we can lift a lot more of this weight. I’m excited to have people cheer for me.”

not being able to see that it’s just an everyday norm for him,” Tedford says. “He picked it up just as fast as some of the other kids did. I’ll guide him down, position him there for a few seconds and say, ‘I want you to remember the position that

Tyler Gwynn

“Everybody in this gym is really nice. The athletes and the coaches help out really good. I can do a lot of things now. I can throw the bowling ball a lot better now. I have some leg issues, and (working out) has helped a lot.”

Dallas Jones

HOME PROTECTION PEST CONTROL

“I work out at the Y, but it’s my first time doing powerlifting here. Glenn (Fite, SOHC director) says I need to get big and strong. My favorite workout is pushups. Right now, I can do 10.”

you’re in right now.’ He’ll remember it. He might slip up the first few times, but we all do.” While the main goal is to get all of the athletes ready for Oct. 2 and beyond, the coaches and athletes are going to have a blast no matter what

I can’t explain exactly what it is with this team because, like many of you, I don’t know where it begins. You can’t accuse the program of not trying to put a good squad together, as it’s hired some good assistant coaches to develop these kids. You can’t pin it all on the senior departures, as the Chargers have addressed several of the holes left by graduated seniors. And you can’t pin it all on a lack of talent. But if you’re a Chargers fan, you’re still left looking fan explanation. What’s going on?

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happens. “It’s gonna be fun,” Tedford says. “They’re looking forward to it. They’re a little bit nervous, but I know they’re gonna have fun.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobservercom.

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Strength in numbers Building muscle is not an easy task. It can take months, or even years, before you notice a change in your muscle size or definition. Getting rid of unwanted fat around the muscle can be achieved by eating a healthy diet, along with performing fat-burning exercises. Increasing muscle size can be achieved by lifting heavy weights and changing your routines in number patterns (sets and repetitions). Sets and reps provide structure and organization to your workout. Once you create a workout plan, you HEATHER should stick DYKSTRA to it for at least six to eight weeks, while increasing your weight when you feel ready to do so. If the weight is still a bit too heavy for you to complete every rep in the chosen set, you aren’t ready to increase. After the six to eight weeks, you can change your workout routine if you notice a lack of results. Try different exercises that you haven’t done in a while or that you’ve never done before. Changing up the number of sets and reps can break you out of that plateau as well. The number of reps should be varied often, as repetitions are the main key toward progression.

ABOUT SETS A set is the number of times in which you will repeat the exercise sequence for a specific number of reps. For example: John did three sets of 10 squats. Ten is the number of reps performed three times for a total of 30 repetitions. You can stop between sets and take a break, or simply stop for a brief moment before the next set, depending on your muscular endurance. As with reps, varying your numbers of sets is just as important. The more reps you do, the fewer sets you do. Some good guidelines: One to five reps: four to six sets Six to eight reps: three to five sets Nine to 12 reps: three to four sets Thirteen or more reps: two to three sets

One to five reps

Although extremely challenging, this range is the quickest way to produce muscle strength. Using a light weight in this range will not produce results — you will lift a certain amount of weight no more than five times, because you can’t lift it more than five times. This means you have reached failure and muscle fatigue, which is when you will see growth occur. You will have to experiment to find out what the maximum amount of weight you can work with is to see where to start. That means that you should not attempt this until you have perfect form. Ask a trainer to spot you. They can also help you with a forced rep, which is where they provide just enough assistance to help you get through your last rep in a set.

Six to eight reps

This is also a muscleproducing range that will show gains. When you need a change from the one-to-five range, come here.

Nine to 12 reps

Body composition changes, such as the burning of body fat, weight loss and toning, happen quickly. This is also a good place to come when the previously mentioned ranges need a change.

Thirteen or more reps

High rep ranges like this can most definitely produce change. This is not just a place for beginners to start, but also for experienced athletes to dabble in. Les Mills BodyPump is a barbell class I teach at the YMCA, and it is performed with 80 to 100 reps per muscle group. We call it the “rep effect,” because it creates long, lean muscles and a strong, toned physique. It exhausts muscles, using light-to-moderate weights, while performing a very high number of repetitions. By the time you finish a BodyPump class, you will have performed over 800 reps: more than four times what a person can achieve when training alone. Using super-heavy weight in this range will lead to overtraining, or injury. Heather Dykstra is an AFAA-certified personal trainer and has been a group fitness instructor for over 13 years. She is currently involved with the Plant City Family YMCA.

OTHER AREA ACTION DURANT The Cougars (4-1; 1-1 district) were handed their first loss last week, a 27-24, double-overtime thriller at Lennard (4-0; 1-0 district). A 2OT loss to a good team like this is far from the worst thing to happen to anyone, but the district loss could complicate things for Durant. Fortunately for the Cougars, they’re set to host an 0-4 Bloomingdale (0-1 district) team that, after taking a 47-13 loss at Tampa Bay Tech, appears to be in the middle of a free fall. WHEN: 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2

WEEK / PAGE 12

VS. TAMPA BAY TECH

The Raiders (4-1; 2-0 district) have been rolling lately, but so has Tampa Bay Tech. Following back-to-back losses to Sickles and Wharton, the Titans’ (3-2; 2-0 district) offense has been on fire. Since getting quarterback Cyrus Wade more involved with the offense — and giving him the reins as the starter last week — the unit has scored 86 points in the last two weeks. In comparison, the Titans scored 46 in the first three weeks of the season. Part of this can be chalked up to Tech’s recent strength of schedule. Its last two opponents, Bloomingdale and Strawberry Crest, are both winless. If they were ever going to bring Wade up to speed with the offense, last week was the perfect time to do it. But Wade did look good in his first start, completing three of his six pass attempts against the Chargers and scoring twice. It’s understandable that he didn’t get many pass plays called this time around, especially with Tech averaging 6.4 yards per carry against the Chargers’ defense. That run-heavy approach will likely continue against the Raiders’ defense. Head coach Greg Meyer and

STRAWBERRY CREST The Chargers (0-5; 0-2 district) took a brutal 39-6 loss to Tampa Bay Tech (3-2; 2-0 district) at home Friday, Sept. 25, and will face another tough test at Lennard this week. The Longhorns’ offense, behind running back Jahryn Bailey, is one of the most prolific units in the district. Meanwhile, Strawberry Crest’s defense has given up 30 or more points in all but one of its games. WHERE: 2002 E. Shell Point Road, Ruskin WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2

his staff have progressively been turning things around in Plant City’s biggest problem area: pre-snap penalties. The proof is in the pudding. Last week, against East Bay, the Raiders stayed focused on the line and were able to dispatch East Bay with relative ease. They also addressed any concerns with Hargrove’s ankle, which he had recently tweaked. The senior picked up 101 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. He says his ankle is healed. The area in which the Raiders should be concerned is in the passing game. Plant City didn’t have the ball for nearly as long as the Indians (2-3; 0-2 district). Junior quarterback Corey King was held to three completions on 11 attempts. One did go for an Antoine Thompson touchdown, but the Raiders will need King to be as efficient as possible against a defensive backfield featuring Marchalo Judge. Contact Justin Kline at plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

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You really did your thing out there last week. What were you feeling before the game? We felt confident going out there. We’ve just got to keep pitching hard. Got to keep playing.

tried before, what would it be? Baseball. Probably outfield.

With two big wins in a row to start district play, how are you feeling about the Friday, Oct. 2, matchup with Tampa Bay Tech? We’re ready for anything. We’ve been practicing hard and studying as a team. We’re gonna be good.

So you’re a college guy. What team did you grow up rooting for? I grew up rooting for Florida, all my life.

What’s your favorite pro team? I don’t do that.

How do you think their season is going? They

When I talked to you before the season, for the Football Guide, you said you were ready to take on Armwood and shock people. That didn’t go quite as planned. What did you take from that game? Just to not underestimate anybody.

played good. They had a good win this past weekend. They’re going to be good. I think they’re going to go all the way. You think coach McElwain’s the right guy? Yeah, I like coach McElwain a lot. What’s your favorite subject in school? Math. What’s the best football movie of all time? “Remember the Titans.” If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? Ray Lewis. What would you want to do if you could hang out with him for a day? I’d tell him to give me advice on how to be successful. Let’s say you make it to the pros and get a $1 billion paycheck. What’s the first thing you buy? Something for my mom. Anything she wants. Probably a new house.

Any college prospects? I have three offers right now, but I’m getting a lot of interest.

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What team did you start with? I started off at the Plant City Eagles, but then (Ruth) introduced me to the Dolphins, and I got better.

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If you could have any superpowers, what would they be? Super speed. I would run all over the football field. Speed kills. Let’s say a kid is coming up through the Dolphins, learning football for the first time, and he asks you how to be a good player. What’s the first thing you tell him? Just work on your own and play hard. Of all the people who have helped you out in life, who’s the biggest influence on your life? I would say Coach Meyer. He changed me. Here, I could have started as a freshman, but I didn’t want to, because of my attitude and stuff. But then, I got up here and he taught me a lot. Do you have any goals for the rest of this season? My goal is to get 175 tackles by the end of this season.

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS.

Sept. 24

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

Sept. 25

0.00

Friday, Oct. 2 Saturday, Oct. 3 Sunday, Oct. 4 Monday, Oct. 5 Tuesday, Oct. 6 Wednesday, Oct. 7 Thursday, Oct. 8

SAT.

Sept. 26

0.24

SUN.

Sept. 27

0.22

MON.

HIGH 87 84 85 86 86 87 88

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sept. 28

0.11

Friday, Oct. 2 Saturday, Oct. 3 Sunday, Oct. 4 Monday, Oct. 5 Tuesday, Oct. 6 Wednesday, Oct. 7 Thursday, Oct. 8

TUES.

Sept. 29

1.00

WED.

Sept. 30

0.00

MONTH

TO DATE

3.42 (2014: 9.56)

YEAR

SUNRISE 7:21 a.m. 7:22 a.m. 7:23 a.m. 7:23 a.m. 7:24 a.m. 7:24 a.m. 7:25 a.m.

LOW 66 67 67 65 65 67 69

MOON

SUNSET 7:15 p.m. 7:14 p.m. 7:12 p.m. 7:11 p.m. 7:10 p.m. 7:09 p.m. 7:08 p.m.

PHASES

Oct. 4

Oct. 12

OKRA

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando $12 to $12.85

TO DATE 40.56 (2014: 43.72)

Oct. 20

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

I PC

Parkesdale Farm Market Manager Jocelyn Harmeyer submitted this picture of the market’s pumpkin patch. Jocelyn wins a Grimes Hardware Strawberry Town Cafe gift card. She can claim the card with an ID at Strawberry Town Cafe, 3161 Paul Buchman Highway. Do you have a picture that sums up the personality of Plant City? To enter the I Love Plant City photo contest, email your photo and a caption to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Winners will have their picture featured and receive a special gift.

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Come try our new HOT items and new combo deals that come with French Fries!

3161 Paul Buchman Hwy. • Plant City • Located one mile north of I-4

ACROSS 1 Animal’s hide 5 Path set aside for walking 10 Former French currency 15 Cut some slack (with “up”) 19 Largest continent 20 Banish from school 21 Book’s right-hand page 22 Coal furnace waste 23 Expressway access 24 “... with ___ in sight” 25 Boy Scouts ceremony 27 Ruddy 29 After-bath powders 31 Upper-crust types 32 Canola and olive, for two 33 Finger or toe 34 .035 ounces 35 Vehicle with caterpillar treads 38 It’ll make you itch 39 Warm wind of the Rockies 42 Chocolate tree 43 Kind of curve, in math 44 Draped Indian wear (var.) 46 “Go ___ the gold!” 48 Feels remorse 49 Blueprint detail, in short 50 Demands payment 51 Large, round hairdo 52 Portfolio part, for short 53 Dickens orphan 57 Admiral’s command 58 Tire mishap 60 Really angry 61 Faunas’ kin 62 Private student 63 Guinness and Waugh 64 All bones 65 Performed in “Cats”? 67 Turf, in some restaurants 68 Adjective for God 71 Broadcasting 72 Excessively smooth-spoken 74 “Eureka!” 75 Use the board 76 “Be seein’ ya” 77 Units of work or energy 78 Have memorized 79 Jeanne d’Arc, for one (Abbr.) 80 Overly ornate 82 Uses credit 83 Commonly sprained joint 84 Enter furtively 86 Demagnetize, as a tape 88 Pursued 89 Faucet brand 90 Lean 91 Cage for chicks 92 Canal or country 95 Gemstone weight unit 96 Way to address a peeress (with “your”) 100 Scuba equipment 102 Arles’ river 104 Bang-up 105 Gen. Robert ___ 106 Danny of Boston Celtics notoriety 107 More than willing 108 “Be a sport!” 109 New York pro team

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an American astronaut. Using the hints T=O and W=L, decipher the clues to name the astronaut.

1. L U B A H A 2. X K T W W T 3. B T T H 4. U X L W U 5. Q V T E M Q

This astroanut received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. Oct 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.54)

4 3

182826

CROSSWORD HEADING INTO O.T. by Della Knightley

CRYPTOQUIZ

6 2

8 Oct 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.54)

110 Eucharistic plate 111 Still-picture subjects 112 Clark of Superman fame DOWN 1 One of Henry VIII’s wives 2 Biblical birthright seller 3 Swing support, sometimes 4 Popular pudding ingredients 5 One next to the last 6 Impulse carriers 7 Approached 80 mph 8 Suffix for “Hallow” 9 Ancient 10 Romps playfully 11 Undergo chemical change 12 Drama divisions 13 Last in line, degree-wise 14 Cliques 15 Type of pie 16 Dismounted 17 Mentally sound 18 Grocery list items 26 Alda and Shepard 28 “Bye bye” 30 ___ Khan 33 Bonehead under a cap 34 Belgium treaty city

35 Cash substitute 36 Pacific island nation 37 Liner trips, e.g. 38 Kitchen strainer’s kin 39 Small container for liquids 40 Say grace 41 “M*A*S*H” setting 43 Church steeple 45 Entrances for colliers 47 Decays 49 Turned on an axis 51 Went ___ for the ride 53 Glossy brown critter 54 The life of ___ (luxurious existence) 55 “Trick or ___!” 56 Nutcase 57 Smooth in motion 59 Irene, Marie or Pierre 61 Oscar Wilde’s “Libertatis Sacra ___” 63 Book of maps 64 Drinking sound effects 65 Pea containers 66 Condos, e.g. 67 Play a set with the band 68 Be on the same wavelength 69 Gunwale pin

70 Deviated from a course 72 Put one’s ___ (give an unsolicited opinion) 73 Rife with information 76 Catch some z’s 78 Backpack 80 Troll’s kin 81 Give heed 82 Acorn creator 83 Nautical cry 85 Reflections, of a sort 87 Biology class abbr. 88 Hired hands at Microsoft 90 Jessica or Hope of the movies 91 Rattan craftsperson 92 “Casey at the Bat,” for one 93 Car part 94 Kremlin denial 95 Isn’t able to 96 Theater box 97 “Fourth base” 98 Knowing, as a secret 99 Closely confined (with “up”) 101 Mexican aunt 103 Hem’s partner

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

BayCare Health Events Join Us at South Florida Baptist Hospital

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Volunteers

Community Education

Breast Cancer Basics

Volunteers Needed

Chronic Sinus Issues

A physician expert will share what you need to know about breast cancer, including signs, symptoms and risk factors.

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.

An expert discusses the symptoms and causes of chronic sinusitis, as well as treatment options. A question and answer session will follow.

Thursday, October 8, 6pm Vita Saranga-Perry, MD, Hematology-Oncology Community Conference Room Cost: Free

For more information: (813) 707-2175

Classes

Healthy Lifestyle Screenings

Smoking Cessation

Cholesterol Screenings

Get help quitting tobacco and coping with cravings. Free cessation aids will be provided, based on medical need. Thursday, October 1, 10am Cancer Resource Center 1708 Palmetto Ave., Plant City Cost: Free

Weight Loss Surgery Information Join our Surgical Weight Loss Program team to learn the benefits of surgical weight loss through adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. Preregistration is required. Monday, October 12, 5:30pm Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle Medical Arts Center, Entrance B Conference Room 1601 W. Timberlane Drive Plant City Cost: Free

Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (no fasting required) No appointment is necessary. Fourth Tuesday of every month 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3pm Community Health Resource Room Inside Main Lobby Cost: $30

Blood Pressure Checks No appointment is necessary. Every Tuesday, 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm Community Health Resource Room Inside Main Lobby Cost: Free

Safe Sitter Covers babysitting basics: Minor to life-threatening situations, infant/child choking rescue, EMS, safety, behavior and entertainment.

Female Pelvic and Urinary Health Part of our Ladies Night Out series. Discussion covers common female pelvic floor issues, urinary problems and treatment options. Attendance recommended for women only

Tuesday, November 3, 6pm Mark Baker, MD, Urological Surgery Administrative Conference Room 2nd floor Cost: Free

Drive by South Florida Baptist Hospital during October to see the hospital lit up in pink to support breast cancer awareness.

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.

182875

Saturday, November 7, 8:30am-5pm Community Conference Room Cost: $55

Monday, October 26, 6pm Jeremy Rogers, MD, Otolaryngology Community Conference Room Cost: Free

BC1506983-0915

301 N. Alexander St. | Plant City

BayCareEvents.org