10.14.16 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Plant City High girls golf is on top of its game.

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 14

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

YOUR TOWN

GEORGIA, NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA The storm continued as a Category 2 along the coast of Georgia from the evening of Friday, Oct. 7, to Saturday, Oct. 8. It then continued as a Category 1 into South Carolina and North Carolina before going back into the Atlantic and becoming a tropical storm Sunday, Oct. 8. SOURCE: Windspeeds and dates courtesy of the National Hurricane Center

JACKSONVILLE — CATEGORY 3 6 P.M. FRIDAY, OCT. 7 Windspeed: 115 mph

Emily Topper

FROM FACEBOOK

“I am thankful the massive storm shifted east this morning. My grandparents are in Jacksonville, and they chose not to evacuate.” — Sarah Heitz Kraus

ST. AUGUSTINE — CATEGORY 3 3 P.M. FRIDAY, OCT. 7

Windspeed: 115 mph Historic Downtown experiences flooding, including hotels, restaurants, Flagler College and A1A Highway. FROM FACEBOOK

“So glad that Matthew has spared my cousins on Florida’s East Coast a lot of excessive heartache and headaches. Now praying for North Florida, Georgia and Carolina shores. Keep moving away Matt. I have a home in the middle of the Atlantic you can buy.” — Natalie Sweet

CENTRAL FLORIDA — CATEGORY 3 6 A.M. FRIDAY, OCT. 7

Windspeed: 120 mph Hillsborough County schools close. Tomlin Middle and Strawberry Crest High schools are converted to shelters.

Area schools converted to emergency shelters for residents affected by Hurricane Matthew on Florida’s East Coast. AMBER JURGENSEN MANAGING EDITOR

illsborough County schools closed Friday, Oct. 7, not because Hurricane Matthew was a direct threat to the Tampa

Bay area but because seven schools in the district were used as emergency shelters for those in danger on the East Coast of Florida. In Plant City, Tomlin Middle and Strawberry Crest High schools converted into shelters for those evacuating Central Florida and the East Coast.

FROM FACEBOOK

“This is such a relatively temporal inconvenience.”

SEE MATTHEW PAGE 6

— Melissa Hale

SOUTH FLORIDA — CATEGORY 4 11 A.M. THURSDAY, OCT. 6 Windspeed: 140 mph

BAHAMAS — CATEGORY 3 8 A.M. THURSDAY, OCT. 6 Windspeed: 125 mph FROM FACEBOOK

FROM FACEBOOK

“It could have been much worse. If you don’t think it can be bad, go back and look at what (Hurricane) Andrew did to South Florida.”

“Just be glad we are not dealing with devastation like my friends in the Bahamas. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

2 A.M. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5

Windspeed: 125 mph Hurricane Matthew leaves Cuba. FEMA visits the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce around 10 a.m. and declares Plant City is in the impact zone.

South Florida Baptist Hospital employee and Plant City native Jodi Stevens had a cancer survivor party at Carrabba’s Italian Grill Thursday, Oct. 5. Stevens, who is the honorary survivor for Plant City’s Relay for Life, was joined in celebration by friends and family, including her mother and fellow cancer survivor, Linda Smith. Other guests included City Commissioner Mike Sparkman, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Christine Miller, Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis, her children, Evan and Jena, and her doctors and caretakers, LouAnn Brown, Dr. Kathryn Kepes, Dr. Ana Verdeja and Dr. Carlos Lamoutte.

Class of 1952 Turkey Creek High School Class of 1952 held its 65th class reunion at Golden Corral in Lakeland Saturday, Sept. 24. There were 48 graduates who attended, and new officers were elected for the next five-year term. New officers include: President Loren Mercer, Vice President Charlie Grimes, Secretary Peggy Inge, Treasurer Billie Joe Brown and Historian Martha Durrance.

— Kristie Gilford

— Linda Mitchell Futch

CUBA — CATEGORY 3

’I Kicked Cancer’

Twenty-two new homes HAITI — CATEGORY 4 8 A.M. TUESDAY, OCT. 4

Windspeed: 145 mph Over 1,000 people dead as of Tuesday, Oct. 11.

The homes will go in the gated Park Place subdivision. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

A Family Portrait Last month, a note was left on Tonya and Jayson Keefer's car about their blended family. The Keefers took to social media to raise awareness about adoption and love beyond blood and skin color. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Something was stuck to the windshield. At first, Jayson and Tonya Keefer didn’t see the torn piece of paper left on their car. They had finished dinner at the Plant City Zaxby’s and were driving home with their children, Leah and Nathaniel. Tonya spotted the note flapping in the wind. She reached through the window and unfolded it. The handwriting was unfamiliar. There was no name. Just an instruction: Give the black girl back to her mother. You and your husband are white trash. SEE FAMILY PAGE 6

Courtesy Photos

Tonya and Jayson Keefer have two adopted children, Leah and Nathaniel,

At the Monday, Oct. 10, City Commission meeting, no residents spoke against the addition of 22 new homes in the Park Place subdivision, located north of Historic Downtown Plant City. City Commissioners unanimously approved the addition of a 22-lot single-family plat. The 7.67-acre addition to the gated Park Place subdivision received preliminary approval by the City of Plant City’s Planning Board in 2014. Construction plans were approved in November 2015, and final approval from the board was received in January. Park Place is located east of North Johnson Street and west of North Gordon Street and currently has 71 homes. Each of the lots in the new addition, with the exception of the four lots located on the addition’s corners, will be about 8,500 square feet. There are no restrictions on the new addition, which is zoned for both single-family and multi-family dwellings. Homes may be either single- or two-story homes. A sidewalk will be added to both sides of Wild Daisy Drive upon construction. Wild Daisy Drive was formerly named Park Place Drive, but a street with that name already exists in Hillsborough County. The developer will be responsible for extending existing water, sewer and reclaimed water lines to the community’s 22 new lots. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

WEEK OF OCTOBER 14, 2016

“I wanted to incorporate my love of curing cancer. The marathon reminded me of Relay (for Life). It’s quite a community thing.” — Aviva Baker, on running the New York Marathon to raise money for Relay for Life. Find out how to donate by reading Aviva’s story on PAGE 9.

GOING NUTS Town Hall Meeting There will be a Town Hall Meeting with Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools Jeff Eakins and School Board member Melissa Snively beginning at 5:30 p.m. for educators and 7 p.m. for parents Monday, Oct. 17, at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. The meeting is for those who have concerns about schools in east Hillsborough County. The speakers will give updates and information on initiatives and issues affecting local schools.

Fight hunger TruGreen is holding a food drive for schools in Hillsborough and Polk counties. Non-perishable food items can be donated at its office, 702 Kingsley Circle. The Plant City branch is working with Kids Pack, a charity that provides backpacks with meals for kids to take home on the weekends. ITEMS MOST NEEDED: n Chef Boyardee 7.5-ounce microwavable bowls n Applesauce or fruit cups n Pop Tarts n Breakfast bars n Crackers

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

he Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian

HERE’S HOW TO ORDER:

Church of Plant City is

n Call an order in from 9 a.m.

holding its fourth annual Pecan Sale during the month of October. The fundraiser benefits Presbyterian Women’s mission projects, including the United Food Bank of Plant City. Orders for pecans must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 1. Pickup dates are 9 a.m. to noon

to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday at (813) 752-4211. n Email FPCPCchurch@ verizon.net. n Mail checks to 407 W. Mahoney St., Plant City, FL 33563. Make checks payable to Presbyterian Women.

PECAN FUN FACTS

Somethin’ ‘bout a truck

n The name "pecan” is an Algonquin word meaning “a tough nut to crack.” n George Washington and Thomas Jefferson planted pecan trees in the 1700s. Washington called them "Mississippi nuts.” n Roasted pecan shells were a common coffee substitute in Civil War rations. n Astronauts took pecans to the moon in two Apollo space missions.

City Commission approved the purchase of nine vehicles totaling $397,472 at its meeting Monday, Oct. 10. The lowest bidder in each vehicle was Bartow Ford. Funds are available in the Fleet Replacement Fund.

SOURCE: Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom

FIRE RESCUE

$26,304

Full-size vehicle UTILITY MAINTENANCE

$81,509

One-half-ton truck with utility body

$26,298

Three-quarter-ton pickup

$71,373

Eight-yard dump body

$59,093

Contractors dump body UTILITY OPERATIONS

$23,329

One-half-ton pickup

Saturday, Nov. 19, and noon to

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at 407

$23,968

W. Mahoney St. Only prepaid pecans will be reserved. Pecans will be sold in 80-ounce bags

One-half-ton truck with extended cab WATER RESOURCES

$26,469

One-half-ton crew cab

for a donation of $48

TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

or in 48-ounce bags for $25.

$59,129

One-ton truck with utility body

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

“All but one school in this district is considered Title I. That means 80 to 90% of the students are on free or reduced lunch … nationwide, one out of five students is facing a hunger issue.” — Carole Wright, Daybreak Rotary Club president

A fundraiser with SOUTHERN FLAIR Daybreak Rotary’s sixth annual Cracker Country Feast promises to raise money for the hungry. MATTHEW SILVERMAN STAFF INTERN

Courtesy photo

This year’s FRANkstein 5K & WOD-O-Ween will benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City. CASEY JEANITE STAFF INTERN

Start planning your Halloween costumes now. The second annual FRANkstein 5K and WOD-O-Ween will be Saturday, Oct. 29. The event, hosted by CrossFit Plant City, will be at Alderman Ford Park, and dressing up is encouraged. Last year’s FRANkstein 5K and WOD-O-Ween was special for Lauren Bearden, part owner of CrossFit Plant City. It was the first event CrossFit Plant City hosted, and she said she is beyond excited to host another event that showcases fitness to the community. This year's event dashes further and faster into the spirit of Halloween. “We’re even going to be using pumpkins as weights,” Bearden said about a CrossFit workout offered during the event. The run is for fitness freaks and those who are not so active, as there’s more than just the run. There will be vendors, a WOD-O–Ween CrossFit workout, games, pumpkin carving, a costume contest for people and pets and more. “Last year we had about 150 people come out,” Bearden said. “Not all of them ran. Some just came and looked

IF YOU GO SECOND ANNUAL FRANKSTEIN 5K & WOD-O-WEEN When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 Where: Alderman Ford Park, 100 Alderman Ford Park Drive What: 5K, 1-mile dash, costume contest, CrossFit, vendors, games, pumpkin carving and more

around. This year I’m hoping it will be bigger.” The FRANkstein 5K and WOD-OWeen has more benefits for trickor-treaters than burning calories. Attendees at this year’s event will be aiding in the frightful fight against hunger. The proceeds from the event will go to United Food Bank of Plant City. “It’s a great time, late October and the holidays are coming up too,” Bearden said. “So we’ll hopefully be able to make a pretty good size donation to them, and we’re suggesting that participants bring a canned food donation.” For those planning on participating in the 5K or the 1-mile dash, online registration is required, however,

Cost: Advance tickets are $30 for the 5K Fun Run/$15 for the 1-mile Monster Dash; at the event tickets are $40 for the 5K Fun Run/$20 for the 1-mile Monster Dash Why: CrossFit Plant City and the United Food Bank of Plant City will be accepting canned food and donations for this holiday season. Register: CrossFitPlantCity.com/ frankenstein5k

GET A WORKOUT

After the run, try your hand at a CrossFit workout. WOD-O-Ween is open to anyone 12 and up. It’s free, although donations are accepted. Donations will benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City.

anyone can attend the WOD-O-Ween CrossFit workout. The 5K Fun Run will trail through Alderman Ford Park with a choice of on- and off-road paths. For anyone who wants to donate food to the United Food Bank of Plant City, they can do so at CrossFit Plant City, 1402 Mercantile Court, Suite B.

The tradition of southern hospitality is going strong with the Daybreak Rotary Club’s sixth annual Cracker Country Feast. The fundraiser for the United Food Bank and other charities will be Friday, Oct. 21, at the Walden Lake home of George and Cassandra Banning. Attendees will dine on comfort food, drink locally-brewed craft beer, enjoy live music and have the option to enter a large gift card raffle. “It's very casual, so it’s not like you have to dress up,” Daybreak Rotary Club President Carole Wright said. “People come in their overalls. It’s a relaxed, fun event.” The Bannings often offer their backyard gardens as a venue for local charity events. George Banning has been a longtime Rotary Club member and Cassandra Banning does charity work with therapy dogs in the area. The Cracker Country Feast is the Daybreak Rotary Club’s largest fundraiser for the United Food Bank. Last year, it raised just under $23,000. “All but one school in this district is considered Title I,” Wright said. “That means 80 to 90% of the students are on free or reduced lunch … nationwide, one out of five students is facing a hunger issue.” Many students in the county live in poverty and rely on schools to provide them with breakfast and lunch during school semester. During breaks and summer months, Daybreak Rotary aids the United Food Bank of Plant City in providing students with weekly food packages they can take home. As a member of Rotary International, a large organization dedicated to connecting professional and community leaders to promote goodwill and charity worldwide, Daybreak Rotary also donates a portion of money raised toward international causes, such as disaster relief. In the past, it has donated to assist typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines and, most recently, hurricane relief efforts in Haiti and Cuba. On a local scale, Daybreak Rotary also raised funds to build a new Intensive Care Unit at South Florida Baptist Hospital and regularly donates books to local elementary schools.

IF YOU GO

xxxx

The corn maze spans 5 acres.

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 Where: 4506 Clubhouse Drive Tickets: The cost is $75 each. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Daybreak Rotary Club by calling Carole Wright at (813) 707-8838 or George Banning at (863) 6608979.

Can you find your way through this maze? The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is back and offering discounts to first responders and veterans. IF YOU GO

CASEY JEANITE

FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16; Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23; and Saturday, Oct. 29, and Sunday, Oct. 30 Where: 3002 Charlie Taylor Road Cost: Adults, $11; Children $10; $2 off for first responders and military members with an ID Info: FoxSquirrelCornMaze.com

The fifth annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze will open Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Futch family farm, 3002 Charlie Taylor Road. It will run Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Oct. 30. This year, guests can navigate their way through corn stalks standing over 6 feet tall in hopes of spotting one of the notorious fox squirrels who inhabit the ranch. The maze cuts through 5 acres of corn stalks. Each year, the corn maze path makes a different design. This year, it spells out “FSCM supports our heroes.” The design is a Futch family tribute to honor those who serve while still challenging those who dare enter the maize labyrinth. “We started saying troops, and

STAFF INTERN

I said, ‘No,’” Janet Futch said. “We can’t just say ‘police’ or ‘veterans.’ We need to say ‘heroes.’” The Futch family will be offering $2 off admission to heroes, including military veterans, active servicemembers, police, firefighters and paramedics. To get the discount, you must have identification. There will be plenty of fall festivities to indulge in besides the corn maze, including hay rides, duck races, arts and crafts, badminton, cornhole, a corn box, similar to a sand box, and dummy steer roping. A country store includes home decor items, Futch family jams and country trinkets. Food will be provided by local vendors, and there will be a pumpkin patch. Families can take home a pumpkin to carve or decorate the pumpkin at the ranch. If finding your way through a tow-

ering corn maze and eating strawberry shortcake aren’t your thing, Futch still recommends coming out to enjoy the countryside. Guests will be able to see cows and goats who call the ranch home. In its inaugural year, the maze drew nearly 7,000 puzzle lovers. With the rise of agritourism, the Futches decided the corn maze would be the perfect way to share their Plant City heritage with children and families throughout Tampa Bay. The maze will open at 10 a.m. and the gate closes at 5 p.m. Guests must exit the ranch by 6 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults; $10 for children 3 to 17 years old; and free for those 2 and under. There is not ATM at the ranch. Many vendors are cash only. No pets allowed.

File Photo

Unity in the Community presents a check to the food bank each year.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

MEET MARA

EMILY TOPPER

PLANNING AHEAD

STAFF WRITER

ome people look at the layout of a town and see only the negatives. Mara Latorre sees opportunities for improvement. Latorre is the newest planner with the City of Plant City’s Planning and Zoning Department. After graduating with a master’s degree in urban and regional planning at the University of South Florida, Latorre was hired by the City of Plant City late this summer. “I’m a native of Tampa Bay,” Latorre said. “I grew up here, and I wanted to stay regional. I very much consider Plant City a part of that.” While she was finishing her graduate degree, the opening with the City of Plant City was announced to Latorre and her fellow students. Because she also was interested in working in local government, she applied for the position. “I wanted to stay local,” she said. “This is my home, and I stayed vested.” CREATING A COMMUNITY

City of Plant City hires new planner Mara Latorre’s interest in urban and regional planning is driven by her passion for the people in her hometown community.

Latorre first became interested in urban and regional planning during her first few years of undergraduate study, which she also completed at the University of South Florida. She was part of Tampa Underground, a non-denominational church based in Ybor City that did urban ministry and focused on helping marginalized communities. “I became aware of urban issues,” Latorre said. “I wanted to do urban community development. Everything had something to do with community

As the new planner for the City of Plant City, Mara Latorre has short-term and long-term goals for what she wants to accomplish in her new position. “In the short-term, I want to develop a better understanding of the municipal ordinances for Plant City,” Latorre said. “That includes the local government codes and how those tie into localized planning efforts.” Her long-term plans include helping to revitalize Historic Downtown Plant City. “I’d love to bring more spark into the downtown area,” she said. “I think that’d be really amazing. I’d like to improve bike and sidewalk areas and make it more walkable.”

and government. It really opened my eyes. It was an influential way to pave that path. How can you systematically improve a community? At the end of the day, urban planning seemed like the best way to go about that.” Latorre earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in urban studies in 2011. Prior to earning her master’s degree, Latorre served as an urban planning intern with the City of Tampa and a street team member for Creative Loafing. A Tampa-based artist, she’s also used her interest in painting and drawing to help positively influence her community. In 2013, she was the festival planning coordinator for Arts

Coming Into Bloom STAFF WRITER

Nicole Kaczmarek gave birth to her first child when she was 14. She went to work. On would go the Publix uniform. Then off. Then on the McDonald’s uniform after her Publix shift. “I would never encourage that,” Kaczmarek said. “It certainly has been hard. But you have to know how to face adversity and overcome it. Somehow, by the grace of God, I was able to overcome that.” Nineteen years later, Kaczmarek is helping others to do the same. Kaczmarek is the founder of The

Lily Blossoms Foundation, an organization that centers around providing children in need with clothing, shoes and other necessities. The Lily Blossoms Foundation was granted nonprofit status in July, but Kaczmarek has been running the operation since 2012. With her family, Kaczmarek participated in an Angel Tree program at Lincoln Elementary, which provides new clothing and toys to children during the holidays. She partnered with Janell Johnson, a Head Start teacher at Lincoln, to help provide the Angel Trees. For Kaczmarek, the initiative was a way to give back, and it has evolved

THE LILY BLOSSOMS FOUNDATION What: The foundation has partnered with Raymond James Stadium to fundraise by volunteering at football games. Volunteers are needed. Contact: Nicole Kaczmarek, (813) 478-3283 Email: Info@LilyBlossoms.org Website: LilyBlossoms.org

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

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into a desire to keep doing more. Kaczmarek met her now ex-husband when she was 16. The couple divorced in 2008, making Kaczmarek a single mom to three children. “I’m fortunate to still co-parent with him,” Kaczmarek said. “At that time, in 2008, I had a career. I was on the board of directors for the Give A Kid A Backpack Foundation, and I was doing online classes.” Through that, Kaczmarek said, she lost sight of her marriage. “It was always hard for him to recognize the humanitarian in me,” Kaczmarek said. “I’d rather have nothing and help somebody than have everything and be in my own little world.” Kaczmarek continued with her volunteer efforts after her divorce. In 2012, she partnered with Janell Johnson, a teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. Together, they participated in the Angel Tree initiative for students at Lincoln. The initiative was created by the Salvation Army.

Last October, Kaczmarek’s career as a regional logistics manager required a change in location — one she was unable to do, as she had three kids and was fostering an additional two. She was given a severance package. “I think my career defined, in a sense, who I was,” she said. “That’s what I prided myself on.” By April, Kaczmarek was in a tough financial spot. “I had five children depending on me,” she said. “I had exhausted everything, I had used my savings. I had a breakdown.” She still gets choked up talking about it. “It was a really hard time because I felt like I was doing everything I could to make it happen, and it wasn’t,” Kaczmarek said. But she was still volunteering. She decided to turn her passion for helping others into a career. And so,

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

GET INVOLVED

After receiving official nonprofit status in July, Nicole Kaczmarek is helping impoverished youth in Plant City through her organization, The Lily Blossoms Foundation. EMILY TOPPER

Rise North Tampa Festival of the Arts, a visual and performing arts festival. She served as the visual art coordinator for outdoor gallery spaces. That same year, she was a curator for The Conscious Art Show: Voices of the Homeless which highlighted the unseen talents of the homeless community in the Tampa Bay area. Now, she’s bringing that community focus to Plant City. As the new planner for the City of Plant City, Latorre is responsible for helping with site plan reviews and ensuring that plans are up to code with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, she’ll serve on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee on the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Hillsborough County. “I’m just going to be helping the public,” Latorre said. “From aesthetics to infrastructure to community issues. I’ve always had a heart for people, really.” She’s looking forward to the positive impact that she’ll have a hand in through her work with the City of Plant City. “You’re helping to influence the blueprint of a community, the future well-being of an area,” Latorre said. “From helping with roadways to affordable housing and parks ... (ultimately) the quality of life improves for people. I’m really in a place of learning right now. I’m excited to learn whatever I can about Plant City, and I’m excited to have this position. I want to make sure I’m listening to the community. It is your city, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

UP NEXT THE LILY BLOSSOMS FALL FESTIVAL When: 1 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5 Where: The Original Big Dog’s Patio, 103 N. Palmer St.

Emily Topper

After giving birth to her first child at 14, Nicole Kaczmarek has made a career out of giving back.

The Lily Blossoms Foundation, which functions similarly to the Angel Tree program on a local level, was born. “This is what I’m supposed to be doing,” she said. “I wanted to establish a nonprofit but I also wanted to be employed. I recognized a little bit more of my value and what I can offer. It’s helped me become an even better mom.” The Angel Trees through The Lily Blossoms Foundation typically consist of one shirt, one pair of pants, one pair of shoes and one to three toys per child. After gifts are collected during the year, the foundation hosts a wrapping party, usually at O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Plant City. “O’Brien’s really has been our main supporter,” Kaczmarek said. “It’s great to have the toys, but I think we need to focus on what the needs are. It helps to build self-confidence. Ultimately, it’s about empowering underprivileged youth.” In 2012 and 2013, the foundation had Angel Trees for 40 children each year. In 2014 and 2015, the foundation supported 80 children. With the nonprofit status officially tied to the foundation, Kaczmarek is looking to expand the foundation’s outreach efforts in the near future. READY TO BLOSSOM

Besides running the foundation,

SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

THE DONATION BREAKDOWN $30: sponsors one child $600: sponsors one classroom $1,200: sponsors two classes

Kaczmarek works as a logistics consultant for multiple companies, often flying around the country. The job has helped her improve her networking skills, something she has applied to The Lily Blossoms Foundation. “You really have to find a way to get beyond that circle and reach out to the mass,” she said. “I’m networking all day, making connections.” In July, Kaczmarek partnered with Kat DeRosa, of the Original Big Dog’s Patio. The Lily Blossoms Foundation was able to host Christmas in July at the bar, raising further funds for the foundation. FGD Logistics donated $1,000 to the foundation. “Kat DeRosa is a really huge mentor in all of this,” Kaczmarek said. With support from the community, Kaczmarek is upping the ante. She hopes The Lily Blossoms Foundation can provide Angel Trees for 1,000 children this year. She’s continuing to receive support from O’Brien’s and Big Dog’s, as well as Duke’s Brewhouse. “If you have enough passion, you can make something happen,” Kaczmarek said. “Christmas is right around the corner. I have to make this happen. But I’m not going to stop, no matter what.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES &

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

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

FROM MATTHEW PAGE 1

Strawberry Crest High School had two people, who came from Stuart, Florida, stay in the shelter. Tomlin Middle School had 60 evacuees stay in the shelter. By 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, all evacuees at Tomlin had left the shelter and headed home. Other Hillsborough County schools that activated their emergency plans and were opened as shelters included Brandon High, Riverview High, Burnett Middle, Summerfield Crossings Elementary and Pizzo Elementary. According to Chief John Newman, Hillsborough County public school’s chief of school security and emergency, the county strategically selected shelter sites along the Interstate 4 corridor. Each school had American Red Cross Disaster Relief volunteers stationed at them. About 152 people stayed in the shelters. “Seventy percent of the evacuees were from Volusia County, Merritt Island, Daytona Beach and Brevard County,” Newman said. Burnett Middle School was the only shelter that allowed pets, and it was the last shelter to close.

DID YOU GET DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE MATTHEW?

Emily Topper

Volunteers Glenn Keller, Gail Laflamboy and Amanda Bisgaard helped evacuee Brennan Swerczek. Brennan and his mother, not pictured, were the only two people at the Strawberry Crest High School shelter.

Although schools closed, extracurriculars and sports games were still held Friday, Oct. 7. Some Facebook users were surprised. “Wow, can’t have school but can play sports?” Cynthia Kramer Miller asked on the Hillsborough County public school’s Facebook. “The priority at the moment is opening up some of our schools as shelters to those who have to evacuate due to Hurricane Matthew,” Hillsborough County public schools responded.

THANKFUL FOR BEING UNDERWHELMED

Briefly a hurricane, Tropical Storm Hermine tore through Plant City Thursday, Sept. 1. High winds uprooted trees, blew over fences, knocked down power lines, ripped roofs off and more. A month later, in the face of Hurricane Matthew — a Category 5 — residents prepared. Whistle Stop Cafe and other business closed Friday, Oct. 7. Gas pumps were full. Wal-mart

There was a chance Leah could be placed with a family member, as the goal of fostering is to put a child with a member of its biological family. Even so, the Keefers couldn’t help but fall in love with Leah — even when she was temporarily taken away. “We fought a good, solid year,” Tonya Keefer said. “She was removed from our home for about a month. We left Florida for ministry work and were told it was OK to move, but they took her into custody.” Immediately, the couple obtained their fostering license for the state of Georgia and traveled back to Florida every month to visit Leah. “We were claws out fighting,” Tonya Keefer said. After she was returned to their home, the family was told Leah’s distant relatives may want to adopt her. Eventually, a judge ruled in favor of the Keefers. “It was a rollercoaster,” Tonya Keefer said. “It was very complex and emotional. It takes a toll on you emotionally until the very end. I think that’s what deters people from fostering and adopting. People say, ‘I don’t want to take that risk.’ But if nobody did, then who’s going to care for the kids?” For the Keefers, the risk was worth it. Tuesday, Oct. 25, will mark the sixth anniversary of Leah’s adoption. “We’re open with her,” Tonya Keefer said. “We tell her, ‘You were chosen. You were wanted.’ We tell her she’s an answer to our prayers and that she makes our family special. We are different, and we embrace that and the diversity that it brings to our family.”

FROM FAMILY PAGE 1

It was Sunday, Sept. 25. The Keefers had finished dinner with 20-plus people from Hopewell Baptist Church, where Jayson Keefer serves as the church’s youth pastor. Prior to opening the note left under the windshield wiper of the family car, Tonya Keefer had assumed it would be a joke or a forgotten reminder from a friend in faith. Instead, she got this: Just because the girl is black does not mean you have to treat her any different than your white child. You and your husband walked off and did not look back for the little black girl to make sure she got out of the car safely. Leah, 9, and Nathaniel, 20 months, were in the backseat of the car. Both are adopted. Both are loved equally and unconditionally. In the car, Tonya finished reading the note to her husband: You should be ashamed. Seems like you’re racist. “You can imagine our shock,” Tonya Keefer said. “You’re mad and you’re angry because who would write such a hurtful thing?” But the anger quickly subsided into something else: pity. “It’s sad,” Jayson Keefer said. “They see 10 seconds of your life and try to make a narration of it that doesn’t match the reality at all. How does an individual gain the right to judge your life by 10, 15 seconds? In the end, you kind of feel bad for people like that ... their scope is so narrow that that’s all they see.”

CHOSEN

Tonya took to social media to post the stranger’s note and respond to it. She revealed the reality the stranger didn’t know: Both of her children were born to addicts. Both of her children were abandoned by their birth mothers. The couple fought to adopt them and fought to keep them. Their different races don’t make them less than part of one united family. Her children are her heroes. “I’m not really sure where the writer’s mind was,” Tonya Keefer said. “I was hoping it would reach the writer. Just because we have different skin colors, don’t assume the worst. I want people to see our perspective.” The note from the stranger was a

Residents can contact FEMA at 1 (800) 6213362 or visit the website at DisasterAssistance. gov.

Courtesy Photo

Jayson and Tonya Keefer married in October 2001 and finalized the adoption of their first child, Leah, in 2010.

shock to the Keefers, but it wasn’t a first occurrence. When living in Titusville, the Keefers were approached by a police officer while they were eating at a McDonald’s. Leah was laying in Tonya Keefer's lap. “The officer walked up and said there was a report of a suspicious couple with a black child,” Tonya Keefer said. The Keefers showed their adoption judgement — which they carry with them at all times for these very scenarios — to the officer. This is our daughter. WANTED

Much of the couple’s life has been based in sheer faith. After Tonya Keefer’s brother introduced her to Jayson Keefer, the couple became engaged in a month and married in six months. Soon, they were faced with infertility. Five years into their marriage, the couple made the decision to become foster parents with the goal of adopting children. It was April 2007 when they were placed with Leah, then 14 months old. Leah had been with a different foster parent before, someone who warned the Keefers Leah was a fussy baby who wouldn’t eat. They were worried — until they got her. They knew she was the one. “She was so sweet,” Tonya Keefer said. “She just fit perfectly in our home and fit our family.” But the family had to be guarded.

CHERISHED

Recently, the Keefer family has grown once again. They finalized the adoption of Nathaniel in June. “Nathaniel was a non-relative placement,” Tonya Keefer said. “He was born to a woman who couldn’t care for him. I was present at his birth.” Nathaniel’s biological mother asked the family to take care of him, something the Keefers thought would be a temporary situation. “Fairly quickly we realized that it was going to be permanent,” Tonya Keefer said. Another adoption process. Another few months of dealing with red tape and paperwork. Only one certainty: unwavering faith.

was out of bottled water the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 5. Residents gave advice on Facebook for other locations: Check Aldi. Winn Dixie had plenty. Walgreens on Jim Redman. Lowe’s put out about 10 pallets today. “I love how everybody helps out each other in times as this,” Daria Holshouser Knapp wrote. “Be safe and think smart people.” Earlier on Wednesday, Oct. 5, FEMA visited the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce to announce that Plant City was in Hurricane Matthew's impact zone. According to FEMA, residents will be qualified to receive assistance from storm damage. But many residents escaped without damage to their homes. “Don’t be negative about school closings and saying things like, ‘Hurricane Matthew,’ was nothing,’” Julie Hasting wrote on Facebook. “We are blessed the eye stayed along the coast. God is good. You can never take these disturbances lightly. We had a tornado here just weeks ago and had serious damage from a tropical storm. Be grateful, not hateful.”

have been confirmed dead. Areas in Florida Georgia, North Carolina and South Caroline experienced flooding. Although Hurricane Matthew didn’t make landfall in Florida, more than 1 million customers lost power and 20,000 people sought refuge in shelters at the height of the storm. According to Tampa Electric, only 341 customers in the service area were without power. St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and Jacksonville received much attention for flooding. Video of 20 people trapped at Casablanca Inn, which was surrounded by water, in St. Augustine’s historic downtown, circulated the Internet. One third of the Jacksonville Beach Pier was ripped away by the storm surge. In Haiti, over 1,000 people died and a cholera outbreak is feared, as more and more hospital patients are showing symptoms. Matthew made landfall in southwest Haiti as a Category 4 hurricane Tuesday, Oct. 4.

MATTHEW’S MAYHEM

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Over 35 people in the United States

THE NOTE Tonya and Jayson Keefer posted a response on Facebook to the note a stranger left on their car. The response has received over 300 shares on Facebook and has reached people in the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany. This is an excerpt from the note: In our home, we choose not to define or be defined because of a color. The 'black girl' as you call her, is so much more than the label you place on her. She has a name. We call her Leah. She has a beautiful personality, a silliness that is endearing and a laugh that is infectious. She is talented and creative and hilarious. In fact, as we drove into the Zaxby’s parking lot tonight she was bouncing and giggling in the back seat, being her incredibly-unique self. See, you see a black girl in my back seat but not the countless prayers I prayed begging God for her. You can't see the times I've cried or lost sleep wondering if I was good enough for her. You see the 'black girl' with the white family, but I see an answer to my prayers, my daughter, my miracle. GO TO PLANTCITYOBSERVER. COM TO READ THE ENTIRE RESPONSE.

“We just try to remind ourselves when situations arise that God has a plan,” Tonya Keefer said. “The Bible says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ God’s got this.” In her response to the note writer, Tonya Keefer turned to love — her love for God and her love for her children. They are the reason I get up on days I don’t feel like it, she wrote. They are the reason I smile when things aren’t perfect. When she looks at her children, she sees the struggle: the infertility, the unknown, the process. But she also sees their smiles. She sees their joy. She sees her faith in God. She doesn’t see skin color. She sees her daughter.

Emily Topper contributed to this report.

FOSTER FAMILY STATISTICS FOSTER CHILDREN BY RACE

45%

Caucasian

22%

Black or African-American

21%

Hispanic

other races or multiracial

unknown or unable to be determined SOURCE: ChildWelfare.gov

WHERE DO FOSTER CHILDREN LIVE?

46%

non-relative foster family home

29%

relative foster family homes

in institutions

in group homes

on trial home visits

in pre-adoptive homes

runaways

supervised independent living SOURCE: ChildWelfare.gov

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

JOB FAIR Photos by Amber Jurgensen, Emily Topper and Yvonne Fry

The court was crowned Friday, Oct. 7.

IT’S THEIR PARTY P

lant City High School held its homecoming dance Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center. Students danced to their favorite songs and enjoyed refreshments. The homecoming court was crowned Friday, Oct. 7, at the football game. Students prepared for the game and dance with a spirit week. A pajama-themed spirit day was planned for Wednesday, Oct. 5.

— AMBER JURGENSEN

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 9:30 a.m. - Noon

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HCC is pleased to invite the public to the 2016 job fair. This is a free event for any job seeker to attend. Bring a copy of your resumé and dress in business attire. For more information, email Nicole Hamilton at the Plant City Career Resource Center, nhamilton3@hccfl.edu, or visit online at hccfl.edu/ssem/careers/job-fairs.aspx.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

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Bailey Elementary teacher Aviva Baker will run the New York City Marathon in November, with each mile dedicated to someone fighting cancer. EMILY TOPPER

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toward Plant City’s Relay for Life. “The American Cancer Society is amazing,” Baker says. “They do a great job.” Baker started running nearly two decades ago, when she was pregnant with her daughter, Abby. She started running to support those who were fighting cancer in 2005, after her brother-in-law, Jeff Cullina, was diagnosed in 2005. “My brother-in-law had brain cancer,” Baker says. “He wanted to run the Marine Corps Marathon. I ran it, and I gave him my medal. He loved it.” Since then, Baker has continued to run for those who can’t — including her mother, April Layman, who had breast cancer. “There’s so many,” Baker says. “I’m blessed that I can do it. If I had cancer, I couldn’t do this. I hate cancer. It’s random. It kills and touches everybody.”

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The ones fighting and the ones who have lost their battles are what keeps Baker motivated. To prepare for the marathon, she runs three days per week for at least 45 minutes and does weekly strength training. On Saturdays, she wakes up before the sun and runs anywhere from 15 to 18 miles. “I have run every part of Plant City in the dark,” she says. “I usually run at 5:15 a.m. When it’s a two and a half hour run, it’s too hot later on. I’ve had to make a lot of adjustments. It’s a small sacrifice.” Every Saturday, Baker adds one additional mile to her run. She will get

8 7 Abby Baker

BAILEY ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR The fourth grade team at Bailey Elementary School was called for a surprise meeting the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 11. The meeting was to award fourth grade teacher Aviva Baker as Bailey Elementary Teacher of the Year. "She does a little of everything," Principal Jarrod Haneline said. Frances Perez received the Ida Baker Award and Erica Alcal was awarded with Instructional Support Employee of the Year. Every staff member is asked to vote on their picks for the awards annually.

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up to 22 miles before the marathon in November. Well-known throughout Plant City through her work both at Bailey and for Relay for Life, Baker’s students and their parents frequently see her running through the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. “The whole community is supportive,” Baker says. “People stop and give me water when they see me running. It’s a Plant City thing.” But she doesn’t stop for long to chat — she gets right back to her run. “I’m hoping to finish the marathon in five hours,” she said. “I’m not an Olympian. I start to get tired after 10 miles.” It’s during that last few miles when Baker reminds herself why she’s running — and for whom. “I can’t give up,” she says.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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lant City Relay for Life held its Kick Off Party Monday, Sept. 26, at Southern Streams Ranch. Southern Streams Ranch donated its rustic barn pavilion and grounds for the event. Team captains, survivors and caregivers attended the event to learn more about the 2017 Relay for Life and hear a recap about the 2016 Relay for Life.

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Plant City Relay for Life was number one out of 28 teams from Hillsborough and Polk counties in fundraising for 2016.

Above: Ricky Bargeron and Keeney Hayes Left: Honorary Survivor Jodi Stevens and her children, Evan and Jena

2 6 9 7

2016

168342-1

Fall has started, but the summer Florida heat has yet to subside. Even so, Bailey Elementary teacher Aviva Baker heads to the Plant City High School track for her afternoon run. The temperature peaks in the high 90s. Storm clouds darken overhead. Baker pulls her hair into a ponytail and starts her run. Her bright pink T-shirt is emblazoned with her running mantra: Go! Fight! Cure! On Sunday, Nov. 6, Baker will run in the New York City Marathon, a 26-mile run that loops through the five boroughs of the Big Apple. Last year, nearly 50,000 runners finished the race. “It’s a classic marathon,” Baker says. “It’s like a runner’s dream. This will be my fourth marathon and my last. ” This year, Baker is running for those who can’t. Each mile she runs will be dedicated to someone fighting cancer. Baker will embroider a name of someone who is fighting or has fought cancer onto a pair of tights. She’ll wear the tights the day of the marathon. She has five names so far but is looking for 21 more. “I wanted to incorporate my love of curing cancer,” Baker says. “The marathon reminded me of Relay (for Life). It’s quite a community thing.” Baker is the team captain of Relay for Life at Bailey Elementary School, where she teaches fourth grade. All funds from sponsorships she receives in the New York City Marathon will go

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

Hammock Drive home tops September real estate transactions

SEPTEMBER SNAPSHOT

MINIMUM: $10,000 MAXIMUM: $305,000

in 1989, it has five bedrooms, two baths and 2,508 square feet of living area on 0.31 acres. The price per square foot is $86.48.

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

he home at 2865 Hammock Drive sold Sept. 30, for $305,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,661 square feet of living area on 0.26 acres. The price per square foot is $114.62.

The home at 2905 Forest Hammock Drive sold Sept. 19, for $285,500. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,895 square feet of living area on 0.26 acres. The price per square foot is $98.62. The home at 1807 S. Golfview Drive sold Sept. 9, for $187,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,947 square feet of living area on 0.23 acres. The price per square foot is $96.05.

ALEXANDER WOODS

The home at 103 Alexander Woods Drive sold Sept. 21, for $130,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,733 square feet of living area on 0.01 acres. The price per square foot is $75.01.

square foot is $127.29.

CAREY & WALTER

EDGAR T. JONES

The home at 2003 W. Oak Ave. sold Sept. 21, for $174,900. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,560 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $112.12.

Emily Topper

The home at 2865 Hammock Drive sold for $305,000.

acres. The price per square foot is $84.12.

The home at 2805 Clemons Road sold Sept. 16, for $10,000 (auction/REO). Built in 1942, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,043 square feet of living area on 0.23 acres. The price per square foot is $9.59.

The home at 3222 Magnolia Meadows Drive sold Sept. 5, for $182,990. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,751 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $104.51.

The home at 1304 E. Knights Griffin Road sold Sept. 20, for $215,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,831 square feet of living area on 0.59 acres. The price per square foot is $117.42.

HIGHLAND CREEK

The home at 3311 San Moise Drive sold Sept. 28, for $210,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,260 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $92.92.

COLSON ACRES

HILLSBOROUGH

CATO

The home at 2122 Beal Road sold Sept. 28, for $152,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,944 square feet of living area on 0.87 acres. The price per square foot is $78.19. COUNTRY HILLS

The home at 305 Abigail Road sold Sept. 29, for $149,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,465 square feet of living area on 0.17 acres. The price per square foot is $101.71. The home at 4326 Country Hills Blvd. sold Sept. 9, for $140,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,285 square feet of living area on 0.10 acres. The price per square foot is $108.95. The home at 4531 Ethan Way sold Sept. 25, for $162,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,465 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $110.58. The home at 4616 Lantana Place sold Sept. 9, for $96,000. Built in 1986, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,038 square feet of living area on 0.09 acres. The price per square foot is $92.49. The home at 4504 Tina Lane sold Sept. 29, for $168,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,800 square feet of living area on 0.13 acres. The price per square foot is $93.33. EAGLE GREENS

The home at 2653 Eagle Greens Drive sold Sept. 29, for $127,000. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,260 square feet of living area on 0.04 acres. The price per square foot is $100.79. EASTRIDGE PRESERVE

The home at 3518 Ranchdale Drive sold Sept. 8, for $294,286. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,312 square feet of living area on 1 acre. The price per

AVERAGE: $165,323 MEDIAN: $165,000

The home at 4517 Highland Creek Drive sold Sept. 16, for $280,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,521 square feet of living area on 1.11 acres. The price per square foot is $111.07. The home at 3212 Clay Turner Road sold Sept. 26, for $173,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,400 square feet of living area on 1.89 acres. The price per square foot is $123.57. The home at 2211 Holloman Road sold Sept. 2, for $175,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,556 square feet of living area on 1.16 acres. The price per square foot is $112.47. The home at 704 W. McLendon St. sold Sept. 2, for $225,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,981 square feet of living area on 0.25 acres. The price per square foot is $113.58. HOPEWELL GARDENS

The home at 501 Johnson Road sold Sept. 30, for $186,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,821 square feet of living area on 1 acre. The price per square foot is $102.14. LAMBERT

The home at 3006 Jap Tucker Road sold Sept. 7, for $285,900. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three and one half baths and 2,478 square feet of living area on 2.41 acres. The price per square foot is $115.38. LITTLE BIT MANOR

The home at 7400 Dormany Loop sold Sept. 8, for $275,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two and two one half baths and 2,477 square feet of living area on 1.22 acres. The price per square foot is $111.02. MAGNOLIA GREEN

The home at 3717 Crystal Dew St. sold Sept. 2, for $135,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,651 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $81.77. The home at 3812 Crystal Dew St. sold Sept. 16, for $205,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,437 square feet of living area on 0.15

The home at 3506 San Moise Drive sold Sept. 9, for $211,990. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,260 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $93.80. MORGAN MINOR

The home at 4001 Stanley Road sold Sept. 30, for $126,900. Built in 1991, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 924 square feet of living area on 2.37 acres. The price per square foot is $137.34. MORICZVILLE

The home at 7305 Paul Buchman Highway sold Sept. 29, for $257,000. Built in 1971, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,076 square feet of living area on 1.42 acres. The price per square foot is $123.80. OAKVIEW ESTATES

The home at 2908 Jim Johnson Road sold Sept. 20, for $180,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,458 square feet of living area on 0.25 acres. The price per square foot is $73.23. OLD HICKERY

The home at 616 E. Hunter Road sold Sept. 30, for $130,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,404 square feet of living area on 1.05 acres. The price per square foot is $92.59.

baths and 1,556 square feet of living area on 0.33 acres. The price per square foot is $109.25. RANCHERO ACRES

The home at 7202 Pierce Harwell Road sold Sept. 16, for $215,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,800 square feet of living area on 5.03 acres. The price per square foot is $119.44. SUGAR CREEK

The home at 3904 Creek Woods Drive sold Sept. 30, for $132,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,252 square feet of living area on 0.18 acres. The price per square foot is $105.43. The home at 309 Sugar Creek Drive sold Sept. 16, for $165,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,464 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $112.70. TOMLINSONS ACRES

The home at 4902 Five Acre Road sold Sept. 19, for $210,000. Built in 1976, it has four bedrooms, three and one half baths and 2,028 square feet of living area on 1.89 acres. The price per square foot is $103.55. TRAPNELL RIDGE

The home at 3610 Harvest Orchard Drive sold Sept. 28, for $145,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,491 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $97.25. The home at 3709 Trapnell Ridge Drive sold Sept. 16, for $148,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,525 square feet of living area on 0.14 acres. The price per square foot is $97.05. WALDEN LAKE

PINEDALE ESTATES

The home at 4335 Barret Ave. sold Sept. 19, for $159,900. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,617 square feet of living area on 0.32 acres. The price per square foot is $98.89.

PINE GROVE TERRACE

The home at 1747 Brookstone Way sold Sept. 9, for $259,900. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,635 square feet of living area on 0.24 acres. The price per square foot is $98.63.

The home at 1001 W. Pinedale Drive sold Sept. 12, for $274,900. Built in 1960, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,369 square feet of living area on 0.50 acres. The price per square foot is $62.92. The home at 5108 Suburban Drive sold Sept. 29, for $138,000. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,512 square feet of living area on 0.28 acres. The price per square foot is $91.27. The home at 5110 Twin Pine Drive sold Sept. 22, for $170,000. Built in 1971, it has four bedrooms, two

The home at 2817 Clubhouse Drive sold Sept. 30, for $285,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,580 square feet of living area on 0.42 acres. The price per square foot is $110.47.

The home at 4210 Longfellow Drive sold Sept. 15, for $167,500. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,244 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $134.65. The home at 3222 Kilmer Drive sold Sept. 16, for $240,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,252 square feet of living area on 0.46 acres. The price per square foot is $106.57. The home at 4308 Kipling Ave. sold Sept. 14, for $190,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,886 square feet of living area on 0.20 acres. The price per square foot is $100.74. The home at 2003 Masters Way sold Sept. 23, for $282,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,785 square feet of living area on 0.38 acres. The price per square foot is $101.26. The home at 3425 Silverstone Court sold Sept. 16, for $100,000 (short sale). Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,850 square feet of living area on 0.22 acres. The price per square foot is $54.05. The home at 3438 Silverstone Court sold Sept. 16, for $245,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,850 square feet of living area on 0.23 acres. The price per square foot is $132.43. The home at 2906 Sutton Pines Court sold Sept. 29, for $265,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,114 square feet of living area on 0.71 acres. The price per square foot is $125.35. The home at 2318 Village Green Blvd. sold Sept. 19, for $171,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,123 square feet of living area on 0.06 acres. The price per square foot is $80.55. The home at 2314 Walden Place South sold Sept. 16, for $184,900. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,415 square feet of living area on 0.28 acres. The price per square foot is $130.67. WASHINGTON PARK

The home at 713 N. Gordon St. sold Sept. 2, for $155,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,274 square feet of living area on 0.39 acres. The price per square foot is $121.66. Real Estate is sponsored by Malissa Crawford & Associates.

ONLINE

The home at 4107 Concord Way sold Sept. 26, for $216,880. Built

See more transactions at PlantCityObserver.com

CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES

Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. (813)967-0168 or (813)305-1616

2803-4 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida 33566 Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

217438

REAL ESTATE

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

MONNA JEWELL BROWNING

ERNESTINE CAPEHART

Monna Jewell Browning, 75, of Plant City, died Sept. 21, 2016. She was loved by her family and everyone that knew her. She will be missed. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Acie; sons, Acie Jr. (Terri), Charles Michael (Janet), David Keith (Michelle) and George Clell; eight grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held Sept. 26, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 W. Cason St., Plant City, Florida 33563. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Ernestine Capehart, 85, of Plant City, died Sept. 22, 2016. She had a master’s degree in education and was a secondary math teacher for most of her career. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, William Capehart; sons, Timothy Capehart, Bruce Capehart (Diane) and Dean Capehart (Joanne); four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother. A funeral service was held Sept. 27, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

JUANITA BINNION CALHOUN

LORETTA B. HARDIN DUBOSE

Juanita Binnion Calhoun, 86, of Plant City, died Sept. 18, 2016. She was a member of Faith Temple Assembly of God in Plant City and was a devoted church volunteer. She worked as a nurse for over 20 years, and much of her free time was spent crocheting. She was a winner at the Florida Strawberry Festival for her baby blankets. She is survived by her husband of 16 years, Eugene Calhoun; sons, Robert Leston Calhoun (Melody) and John A. Calhoun (Julie); daughters, Nancy Carroll (Larry) and Mary Helen Jones (Paul); stepson, Glen Calhoun (Ursla); stepdaughter, Gail Calhoun (Mike); brother, Kenneth Douglas Binnion; sisters, Betty Butler and Barbara Livezey (John); 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 42 years, Robert Arnold Calhoun; parents, James Leston and Ruby Lee Binnion; stepson, Gary Calhoun; six siblings; and one grandchild. A funeral service was held Sept. 23, at Faith Temple Assembly of God in Plant City. Pastor Bill Sullivan officiated. Burial followed at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens in Brandon. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Loretta B. Hardin DuBose, 91, of Wimauma, died Sept. 20, 2016. She was born May 15, 1925, in Henderson, Arkansas. She lived most of her life in Wimauma, where she was a homemaker and loved babysitting kids. She was a member of Alafia Baptist Church. She and her second husband, Merrill, served faithfully until dementia and Alzheimer’s took over her body in 2005. She is survived by her children, Joean Boatwright, L.Q. Harden (Louise), Denver N. Hardin Sr., Shirley Curtis-Adams (Bill), Nancy Story Salisbury and Carl M. Hardin; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 25 years, Hazel M. Hardin; second husband of 38 years, Merrill E. DuBose; and son, Charles W. Hardin Sr. A celebration of life was held Sept. 24, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Burial followed at Hurrah Cemetery, Lithia. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

DONALD ROLAND ERICKSON Donald Roland Erickson, 86, of Plant City, died Sept. 21, 2016, at his home.

Born in Two Harbors, Minnesota, he was the son of Martin and Rhoda Betzler Erickson. He was a United States Air Force veteran. He worked in the phosphate industry at Port Sutton for 17 years and was a member of the Elks Club. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Wroten Erickson. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Erickson (Ed Patrick); grandchildren, Cengiz Dokumaci and Leyla Oliveira (Pete); greatgranddaughter, Sadie Oliveira; step-grandchildren, Jamie Watkins, Nicole Solis and Mitchell Patrick; and seven step-grandchildren. A graveside service was held Sept. 27, at Sarasota Memorial Park in Sarasota. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

DIANA MARIE MATIAS Diana Marie Matias, 46, of Plant City, died Sept. 20, 2016. A native of Plant City, she was the daughter of David and Mary Taylor Murphy. She was employed in the food service industry and cherished her family and children. She was a huge Harry Potter fan. She is survived by her children, Andrea and Matthew Ramirez; siblings, Steve Bargeron and George, John and Donnie Murphy; and stepmother, Linda Murphy. A memorial service was held Sept. 29, at Youman’s Praise and Worship Center in Plant City. If desired, donations may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

BARBARA JEAN HOWELL PARRISH Barbara Jean Howell Parrish, 80, of Plant City, died Sept. 19, 2016. She was born Aug. 6, 1936, in Tampa. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years at Springhead Baptist Church. Her family was her life. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Mallie Parrish; children, Jamie Parrish (Patsy), of Plant City, and Diane Schell (Tom), of West Palm Beach; brothers, Thomas C. Howell and Samuel B. Howell; grandchildren, Penny, Melissa, Shanna, Kim and Jessi;

great-grandchildren, Miranda, Rebecca, Cody, Ashlyn, Tristan, Ryan, Mason, Austin and Wyatt; great-great-grandchildren, Sadie, Madisyn, Jacob and Jaxson; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. A celebration of life was held Sept. 21, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

JAMES STERLING PEEK JR. James Sterling Peek Jr., 83, of Brandon, died Sept. 19, 2016. He was born May 5, 1933, in Sparta, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He is survived by his son, David Elkana Peek, of Dover; and granddaughter, Sara Vertie Peek, of Valrico. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hildaguarde Sara Peek; parents, James Sterling Sr. and Allyne Peek; and sister, Betty Jean Hiott. Private interment was held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ELIZABETH JEAN PHILLIPS Elizabeth Jean Phillips, 53, of Plant City, died Sept. 23, 2016. She was a certified nursing assistant for 15 years at the James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital. She was a past president of the Greater Tampa Showmen’s Club. She loved to take in strays and garden. She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Phillips. She is survived by her parents,

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

Floyd and Patricia Griffith Sparks; husband, Jimmie Johnston; children, Andy Phillips and Summer Phillips; and brother, Tom Sparks. The family would like to thank South Florida Baptist Hospital and LifePath Hospice for their extraordinary care. Private services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

CELIN DE SANTANA Celin De Santana, 95, of Dover, died Sept. 18, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Augustin Alverez and Teresa Corales. She is survived by her children, Julio Santana (Elba) and Grace T. Santana; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Julio Santana Ramirez. A memorial service was held Sept. 24, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

HARRY WILLIS Harry Willis, 73, of Plant City, died Sept. 11, 2016. He was the son of the late Herman Willis and Marguerite Dennis Willis. He was a United States Air Force veteran. He is survived by his wife, Dana Willis; children, Tammy Hogarth, Paul Willis and Timothy Willis; 13 grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

Florist 116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

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COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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

SEPT. 30

LOST AND FOUND 1200 block of North Wheeler Street. Recovered stolen vehicle: Officers responded to a business in reference to a vehicle left abandoned in the parking lot. The car, a maroon 2004 Lincoln Town Car, had been reported stolen to PCPD.

OCT. 2

DELI DEVIANT 200 block of West Alexander Street. Retail theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen food from a supermarket deli.

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

DOLLAR STORE DELINQUENT 1500 block of East Baker Street. Retail theft: Officers met with complainant, who stated a suspect had attempted to steal $8.50 in merchandise from a discount store. The suspect was identified and arrested. CHANNEL SURFER 3800 block of Trapnell Ridge. Residential burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered their home and stole three flat screen televisions and a DirecTV receiver. PAPER TRAIL 400 block of East Baker Street. Theft, fraud: Officer met with complainant, who stated an unknown suspect had taken his wallet after he lost it earlier in the day. A call to the bank revealed the suspect had used the complainant’s credit card in several locations around Plant City. The suspect was identified, located and arrested. VANISHING VEHICLE 1800 block of East Alabama Street. Armed robbery, carjacking: Officer met with complainant, who stated she had been robbed by a suspect with a weapon while in her vehicleThe suspect stole her purse, keys and vehicle. The vehicle was later recovered.

OCT. 1

MIRROR, MIRROR 2000 block of North Park Road. Petit theft: Officer met with

complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen the mirror caps off of a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado truck parked at a car dealership. TAG TROUBLE 710 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue. Stolen tag: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole the license plate from his 2005 Ford F-150 pickup truck sometime between Thursday, July 28, and Saturday, Oct. 1. SNEAK ATTACK 2600 block of Maki Road. Simple battery: Officer met with complainant, who claimed to have been hit in the face while jogging around an apartment complex.

OCT. 3

THIS AIN’T GATOR COUNTRY 2200 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Recovered stolen vehicle: Officer responded to a grocery store parking lot in reference to an abandoned vehicle. The officer found a white 2000 Toyota which, upon further investigation, had been reported stolen out of Gainesville. DRESSED TO UNIMPRESS 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Fraud, theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen T-shirts from a store and then attempted to return them in exchange for a gift card.

We asked:

OCT. 5

MAJOR KEY 900 block of Morse Street. Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had keyed her 2013 Hyundai Accent between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The damage was estimated at $500.

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

WINDOW PAINS 800 block of West Renfro Street. Burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) appeared to have forced entry into a church shelter home, breaking a door’s glass. A window pane and a ceiling fan were found to have been damaged.

“I’d definitely say working here (Krazy Kup) and finding a home in Plant City.”

COOKOUT CAPER 1800 block of West Oak Avenue. Theft: Officer met with complainants, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole a hospital’s CharBroil grill, valued at $139, around 8 p.m.

— Emily Mobley, 20

OCT. 6

TOOL TIME 700 block of West Reynolds Street. Theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated his cordless Ridgid drill had been taken without his permission between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

“I got my dog this year. She’s helped me with a lot of personal stuff, just having her around.” — Caitlin Mobley, 16

“I got my job at the chamber.” — Samantha Bryant, 28

(Reg. $305) Offer expires 10/28/16. Includes exam, cleaning & x-rays. New Patients Only.

“I just rescued a kitten recently. It was right before Hurricane Hermine. There were three, I found homes for two, and I kept one.” — Kim Hamilton, 39

Offer expires 10/28/16. New Patients Only.

Registration Form: __ I will be unable to attend or play in the tournament, but my donation is enclosed.

Sponsorships Available:

First 100 golfers get __ Watering Hole Sponsor: *Best Exposure* The only cost is food and supplies used to promote your business to participate & during the tournament. Plan to provide samples of your food play at this upscale to approximately 125 golfers. (Use separate Watering Hole Registration Form.) private golf course! __ $5,000 Title Sponsor: Sponsorship includes names on all promotional materials, 12 player slots, first starting Sign-up now to reserve your spot position, polo shirts for each player, plaque, name on as individual player, or a team of 4. tournament banner, 2 hole signs, box of balls for each player and Recognition Galore! __ $2,000 King Lion Sponsor: Sponsorship includes tournament advertisements, 8 player slots, polo shirts for each player, plaque, name on tournament banner, hole sign, and box of balls for each player. __ $1,000 Pride Sponsor: Sponsorship includes tournament advertisements, 4 player slots, name on tournament banner, hole sign, and box of balls for each player. __ $600 Cub Sponsor: Sponsorship includes tournament advertisements, 4 players slots, name on tournament banner, hole signs, and sleeve of balls for each player. __ $400 Individual Team __ $100 Individual Player __ $100 Hole Sign List Each Players Names & include email addresses: Payment Check Enclosed ________________________ Credit Card# __________________________________ Exp.___________ CV Code______ Billing Zip ________ Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________ _____________________________________________ Phone____________________ Fax ________________

“The Food Truck Rally, sponsored by the Plant City MainStreet program, was very, very successful. It was the first of many planned for the last Friday of the month through the end of next year.” — David Shultz, 71

Name 1: Email: Name 2: Email: Name 3: Email: Name 4: Email:

Deadline: Fri., October 28, 2016

216465

217394

(Reg. $1,920) Offer expires 10/28/16. $960 for implant, not including abutment and crown for new and existing patients for first implant.

“Tanner (Rollyson) and them (Plant City Little League 9-10 All-Stars) winning the state championship and making it to the Southeast Regional Semifinals. And my 15th anniversary with my lovely wife, Tara.” — Rhett Rollyson, 45

Our Promise at

www.HopewellFuneral.com 217421

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

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

Felton’s Market

Prices Valid Oct 14 - Oct 20

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

Felton’s Market CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

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

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PORTERHOUSE STEAKS

PRODUCT OF USA FAMILY PAK

7.99

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4.99

3.19

1.79

FAMILY PAK

BUY 1 GET 1

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Reyn

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3.29

FRESH WHOLE PICNICS NO WATER ADDED CUT FREE

2 PACK

1.59

1.14

FIRST CUT PORK CHOPS “FROZEN” .............................................. $1.49 LB “FRESH GROUND” PORK PAN SAUSAGE...................................... $2.49 LB SMOKED PORK NECKBONES FAMILY PAK .................................... $1.29 LB FRESH TURKEY WING “FLAP & TIP” FAMILY PAK.......................... $1.29 LB DIAMOND REEF E-Z PEEL SHRIMP 16/20 2 LB PKG ................... $15.99 EA UNCLE JOHN’S SMOKED SAUSAGE 5 LB PKG .......................... $18.99 EA GWALTNEY BUN LENGTH HOT DOGS “FAMILY PAK” 3 LB PKG $4.49 EA

ABERDEEN SLICED BACON 12 OZ PKG 2 FOR ...................................$5.00 JOHNSONVILLE BRATS OR ITALIAN SAUSAGE 19 OZ PKG .........$5.29 EA CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS (10 LB BAG .54C LB) 40 LB BOX ...... $14.99 EA SPLIT 1/2 CHICKEN “GREAT ON GRILL”......................................... $1.29 LB FRESH BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS FAMILY PAK .... $1.89 LB FRESH WHOLE CHICKEN WINGS 10 LB BAG ................................ $2.59 LB FRESH CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS FAMILY PAK .................................... .69C LB

Cold Deli LEAN DELI HAM ......................................................................................................................$2.09 LB BLACK FOREST HAM ..............................................................................................................$4.99 LB WHITE TURKEY BREAST ..........................................................................................................$4.99 LB DELI ROAST BEEF ....................................................................................................................$5.99 LB

Hot Deli 8 PIECE DARK MEAT FRIED CHICKEN................................................................................... $4.99 EA SMOKED PORK BUTTS ......................................................................................................... $16.99 EA SMOKED HALF CHICKEN ...................................................................................................... $2.49 EA SMOKED SLAB OF RIBS ....................................................................................................... $15.99 EA

LARGE PUMPKINS

RUSSET POTATOES 10 LB BAG

YELLOW ONIONS

BANANAS

3 LB BAG

YUKON GOLD OR RUSSET POTATOES 5 LB BAG

4.99 EA

2.89 EA

1.49 EA

.49¢LB

1.49 EA

PARADISE FRUIT 5 LB BOX ......................................................................................................................................................................... $16.99 EA LAFE PINTO OR BLACK BEANS 15 OZ ........................................................................................................................................................... .89C EA CANILLA RICE 20 LB BAG ............................................................................................................................................................................. $8.99 EA DAKIN MILK GALLON ................................................................................................................................................................................... $2.99 EA PEPSI - MT DEW - DR PEPPER – ORANGE CRUSH 18 PACKS ..................................................................................................................... $3.99 EA County Line Rd.

4 Park Rd.

Maryland Ave.

PLANT CITY

FROZEN

Lakeland

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

14TH ANNIVERSARY STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CAR SHOW 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at McCall Park, 102 N. Palmer St. There will be vendors and entertainment. Admission is free. ORANGE CRUSH TRUNK-OR-TREAT AT PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. The event is free and open to the community. It takes place before the Plant City-Durant football game. RISING STAR PUMPKIN PATCH 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, from Friday, Oct. 14, to Monday, Oct. 31; and noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Rising Star Ranch and Auction, 1710 W. State Road 60. Enjoy pony rides, raffles, food, face painting, pumpking carving and more. The cost is $10 per person; children under 2 years old are free. RisingStarRanchPlantCity.com. SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, to Sunday, Oct. 16; Friday, Oct. 21, to Sunday, Oct. 23; and Friday, Oct. 28, to Monday, Oct. 31, at 2837 S. Frontage Road, Plant City. Enjoy a spooky trail walk. Cost is $10 for a single trail; $20 for combo trails. Call Zach Glaros at (863) 944-0748, email SirHenrysHauntedTrail@gmail.com or visit SirHenrysHauntedTrail.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct.

15, and Sunday, Oct. 16; Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 29, to Sunday, Oct. 30, at Futch Family Farms, 3002 Charlie Taylor Road. Enjoy food and vendors, a country store, corn maze, games, hay rides and more. FutchEntertainment.com. PLANT CITY COMMUNITY CHORALE OPENING CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, 604 N. Valrico Road, Valrico. The music will change as do the images and colors in a kaleidoscope. Experience the Spanish flamenco dance beat of Danza! then be lulled by Braham’s lullaby Wiegenlied and Eric Whitacre’s Seal Lullaby and clap to the rousing gospel piece Take Me to the Water. Ticket information can be found at PCChorale. org. LORETTA DOES ART CLASS 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the 1914 Plant City Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Learn fan brush techniques. Supplies are included and the cost is $25. SILVERHAWK AMERICAN FLUTE GATHERING 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16, at Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd. Plant City flutist Dock Green Silverhawk has organized the event, which includes professional flutists, story tellers, didge players, arts and crafts, singers, food and more. The cost is $2 per vehicle. SlvHawk@aol.com. ZOMBIE HUNT 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct.

BEST BET SATURDAY, OCT. 15

FALL FESTIVAL 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Stone Ledge Manor, 12006 McIntosh Road. Enjoy a dunk tank, face painting, games, cotton candy, raffles and more.

15, and Sunday, Oct. 16; Friday, Oct. 21, to Sunday, Oct. 23; and Friday, Oct. 28, to Monday, Oct. 31, at Rising Star Ranch and Auction, 1710 W. State Road 60. Get tickets at RisingStarRanchPlantCity.com.

MONDAY, OCT. 17

MAKEY MAKEY STUFF 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Use everyday items to create game controllers, pianos and more while exploring basic circuitry with Makey Makey kits. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Limit of 20 participants. Register at the library or by calling (813) 757-9215. TOWN HALL MEETING 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. The public is welcome to attend with questions or concerns about local schools. Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins and School Board member Melissa Snively will be available to answer

PLUS…

Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road. The free event is open to any job seekers. Bring a resume and dress in business attire. For more information, email Nicole Hamilton at NHamilton3@hccfl.edu.

THURSDAY, OCT. 20

questions and provide updates.

WOMEN’S CLUB OF PLANT CITY ANNUAL BARBECUE CHICKEN DINNER FUNDRAISER 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at Union Station Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. Dinners will be availble only through advance ticket sales. Tickets are $12. Proceeds fo to scholarships for local students and a woman returning to the workforce. For tickets, call Pat at (813) 390-7331.

TUESDAY, OCT. 18

FRIDAY, OCT. 21

WINE AND CANVAS 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. Paint a pumpkin in a country scene. Register at WineAndCanvas.com/wine-and-canvascalendar-tampa-fl.html.

HEALTH AWARENESS FESTIVAL 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Solaris Health, 701 N. Wilder Road. (813) 752-3611.

GAME ON 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Learn how to play tabletop games from Mayfair. Board the USS Enterprise. You and your fellow crewmates must cooperate to save your ship. Settlers of Catan will also be played. Colonize a fictional land by competing for resources and protecting borders.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19

JOB FAIR 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Hillsborough Community College Plant City campus’ John R.

COUNTRY CRACKER FEAST 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the home of George and Cassandra Banning, 4506 Clubhouse Drive. Enjoy a meal, drinks, entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City. To purchase a ticket, call president Carole Wright at (813) 707-8838 or George Banning at (863) 660-8979.

KNIGHTS ELEMENTARY FALL FESTIVAL 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Knights Elementary School, 4815 Keene Road. There will be food, games, a dunk tank and more.

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OCTOBER 14, 2016

SPORTS

“I’m just always positive, ready to go play.” Volleyball libero Aubrey Lingo stands out. PAGE 18

GAME OF THE WEEK

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

DURANT AT PLANT CITY

Area seniors reflect on the Redman Cup rivalry game and what it means to them. SEE PAGE 16

2015

Plant City, 21; Durant, 16

2014

Durant, 9; Plant City, 7

2013

Plant City, 14; Durant, 13

Strawberry Showdown

2012

he Plant City Dolphins and Dover Patriots sent their cheerleading teams to the Strawberry Showdown competition Sunday, Oct. 9. The event featured some of the programs’ fellow TriCounty Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference members, the Brandon Cowboys and the East Bay Bucs, as well as the South Tampa 49ers and the Progress Village Panthers. Competition was broken into five divisions, based on age. Plant City placed a team in each division, while Dover competed in every division but the first and fourth. Dolphins wins: First place, Division I; Third place, Division II, III, V; Fourth place, Division IV Patriots wins: Fourth place, Division V; Fifth place, Division II, III

Durant, 22; Plant City, 7

2011

Plant City, 43; Durant, 6

2010

Plant City, 27; Durant, 21

2009

Plant City, 27; Durant, 24

2008

Durant, 25; Plant City, 6

2007

Plant City, 14; Durant, 13

2006

Run, Raiders, Run

lant City-area boys and girls cross country teams recorded top-10 finishes at the Don Bishop Invite Saturday, Oct. 8, at Brandon High School. The boys team placed second, led by Noah Booz’s sixth-place finish. Booz’s time of 16:49 set a new personal best. Luke Whitmore finished 10th, with a time of 17:12, and Wyatt Kroeger finished 12th, with a time of 17:19. The girls team placed sixth overall, led by Cassie Highsmith’s sixth-place finish at 19:45. Hannah Stowe finished 10th, with a time of 20:36. Strawberry Crest’s boys placed eighth overall, led by Justin Garcia’s 11th-place finish at 17:18. The Crest girls placed ninth, led by Taylor Johnson’s 23rd-place finish at 21:40. Durant sent three runners to the boys race, and Haftom Fliegelman won with a time of 16:12.

Durant, 17; Plant City, 13

2005

Plant City, 45; Durant, 32

The Plant City High girls golf team went undefeated in the 2016 regular season. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? FRIDAY NIGHT NOTES PAGE 16

High school sports can be a grind, but it’s important for all athletes to have fun. The Plant City High girls golf team took that to heart this season, staying loose under first-year head coach Mark Kummelman. It couldn’t have worked much better for the Lady Raiders. They wrapped up the regular season Wednesday, Oct. 5, by beating Lennard to complete an undefeated regular season. “It’s been pretty great,” team captain Savannah Kummelman says. “We had a fun year this year. Every day, we came out here and practiced and did the best we could, so we can’t wait to see what ... regionals holds for us.” MAKING CHANGES

When longtime head coach Meg Jordan retired in the offseason, the school had to bring in coaches for both the girls and boys teams. Upon taking the job, one of the first things Mark Kummelman had in mind was to lighten the overall mood to help the girls become better at shaking off oncourse mistakes. Of course, the team couldn’t afford

to get too loose: under Jordan’s leadership, it achieved great success and, since Savannah Kummelman and fellow senior Emily Walker have been around, never missed out on an FHSAA regionals berth. Given the team’s recent track record, staying the course was important. Even with some unfamiliarity — Brianna Badgett and Emma Miller are freshmen, and Taylor Dedmen is a transfer student — the team found its niche and thrived. “We just get along really well,” Savannah Kummelman says. It helps when the roster is made of fun-lovers and jokesters. The girls became fast friends and spend as

much time together as they can. They like to kid around at practice — when there’s time — and have learned to make the most of any situation. “During Hurricane Hermine, we had a nice little get-together, team bonding,” Savannah Kummelman says. “Everybody came to my house, and we baked, and we had a water balloon fight the next day.” The only time the girls actively try to stress each other out is during a van ride, when sleeping golfers or coaches might be woken up by loud music, singing or brake checks. SEE GOLF PAGE 18

Justin Kline

The 2016 Lady Raiders try to find fun in everything they do.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

GAME OF THE WEEK

Redman Cup Rivalry SPORTS EDITOR

In the Plant City area, there’s often no football game bigger than the battle for the Redman Cup. The regular-season game between Durant and Plant City comes with additional stakes. There’s the trophy, the backyard bragging rights and the joy of a hometown rivalry. But this year, the winner will most likely lock itself into the playoffs by the end of the night. The game is arguably most important for the seniors of both squads, who have one last shot to make the playoffs before their high school football careers come to an end. For seniors, spilling onto the field at the end of the game and holding the Redman Cup in the air is like holding the keys to a new car. In this case, the car’s GPS system is displaying the route to the playoffs. This game is a chance to create a legacy.

This game is a chance to create a moment in history for the current group of seniors; one day they may come back to watch the next generation sweat for the title and the trophy. No matter the outcome, one thing is for certain with this game: the players, especially the seniors, will put everything they have on the field. DURANT

For the Cougars’ seniors, this year’s matchup is about redeeming mistakes made in 2015. “This is my last Plant City game,” wideout Brandon Myers says. “I want to go out with a bang. We came in last year with the same record we have now, and then we didn’t finish well … it’s a chance to rewrite our story and not have the same outcome as last year.” Last year’s game was a 21-16 loss decided in the fourth quarter. If last year’s narrative was about a surprisingly good Cougars team hanging with one of the best in 7A

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Friday T Night Notes The Redman Cup rivalry means something to Sports Editor Justin Kline.

THE OTHER GUYS Last week, Strawberry Crest went to Durant and took a 49-0 loss at the hands of the Cougars. The Chargers will now have a much-needed bye week to recuperate before heading into their Friday, Oct. 21, game at East Bay.

Lyas says. “It’s a backyard rivalry. They’re a good program, they have a good offensive and defensive corps. We have that, too … for us seniors, it’s a game we have to win.” PLANT CITY

football, the Cougars believe this year’s is about that team coming back with added experience. “Last year, we were so close to winning,” defensive end Xavier Lyas says. “We’re entitled to this win now. We’ve been working so hard for it. It’s our year to win.” Myers, Lyas and their teammates have been waiting for this moment since 2015. “I feel like this is the game to play,”

The Raiders have won two of the last three Redman Cup games. “We’re ready to get out there,” linebacker Steven Ogletree says. But that doesn’t mean the group doesn’t get caught up in the emotions of the Redman Cup rivalry. “It means a lot,” Ogletree says. “The competition, the fans that come out and support us — it’s just a big event for us.” The catch this year: the Raiders are will line up against at least one former teammate. Perhaps the most notable transfer is senior defensive back Tammarrion Faison, who will see some action against the Raiders. “It’s a huge game,” defensive end Nathan Hamilton says. “We’ve got to practice hard. Not only is it a big

interception sealed the win for the home team. I had gotten used to covering the action from the press box at previous stops — Lakeland and Naples — but this was the first time I ventured onto the sidelines for an entire game. Although it’s not as easy to see all of the action, since you don’t have the bird’s eye view the box provides, it’s a thousand times better. I saw firsthand the emotions on display that so often come with a good crosstown rivalry, and being able to hear how the players and coaches were pumping each other up got me much more immersed in the moment. It was my first time taking action photos too. I’ll be the first person to admit that, coming out of college, I wanted to stick to the written word and let someone with a real passion for photography handle the visual stuff for me. The Plant City Times &

Observer put a Nikon D7000 in my hand and that night showed me how satisfying it is to take (or, for the first few months, try to take) the perfect shot to tell the story. While I’m still nowhere near as good as former Managing Editor Mike Eng, who helped me tremendously in the early days, I credit that Redman Cup game with lighting that fire for me. This year, the stakes are about as high as ever. This is most likely a “win and in” game, in terms of securing a playoff spot. These two teams always play each other well and, with their recent results in mind, I’m expecting to go home afterward and write about another great installment of the Plant City area’s most fun rivalry game. Both teams are coming off of notso-close wins, with Durant shutting out Strawberry Crest, 49-0, and

game, but we’ve got a lot of teammates over there.” The Raiders, having bounced back from a big loss to Tampa Bay Tech with a 45-21 win over Bloomingdale Friday, Oct. 7, feel they’re as ready for this game as they’ll ever be. “I’m not really a big person to get hyped over a game,” Hamilton says. “It’s just one game at a time. Now, it happens to be this game. We just have to go out there and execute, and we’ll be alright.” But others are all in. Ogletree, in particular, feels this game will put Plant City back on the map. “This year, y’all are going to feel me,” Ogletree says. “We’re going to beat them by more than 14 points … we’re coming back together. We just fell off a little bit, but we’re coming back together. I’ve got a good feeling about this.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

JUSTIN KLINE

he theme of this week’s Game of the Week section can be summed up with one question: “What does this game mean to you?” You’ll read or have read what some Durant and Plant City seniors have to say about it, and I’m sure fans of both programs have answers of their own. But, even though there’s no cheering in the press box, the Redman Cup game is special for me too. Three years ago last month, it was my first Friday night football game as a full-time journalist. I remember it pretty well: quarterback Landon Galloway led the Raiders to a 14-13 win with touchdown passes to Hassan Bailey and T.J. Chase. The Cougars nearly tied things up in the fourth quarter with a Trey Van De Grift touchdown pass to Garrett Rentz but couldn’t convert after the touchdown. That came back to haunt them when a late Van De Grift

Plant City outmatching Bloomingdale, 45-21. The offenses are tuned up, the defenses are ready to go and the coaches know the drill. I have a pretty good idea of who could come up big in this game for either team but, to hear my full thoughts and predictions, you’ll have to tune in to this week’s Gridiron Report. As I do every year, I’ve got a good feeling about this one. And no matter what happens — even if it’s a blowout finish or a 2-0 final, I’ll still be just as excited to be covering the Redman Cup rivalry as I was when I did it on my third full day in Plant City. Justin Kline is the sports editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

219512

JUSTIN KLINE

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D.

Thrift Shop

Exercise keeps your brain young

s many as 5.1 million Americans may already suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Globally, a new case of dementia is diagnosed every four seconds, according to the World Health Organization. Current research from the National Institute on Aging concludes Alzheimer's disease occurrence may double every five years beyond age 65. With the world’s aging population, Alzheimer’s impact on society will continue to escalate, potentially reaching 115 million people in 2050. What can be done about Alzheimer’s disease now? Believe it or not, exercise is a good place to start.

CUT ALZHEIMER’S RISK IN HALF

Exercise cannot prevent Alzheimer’s disease but it can cut the risk in half, according to the Global Council on Brain Health. Exercise protects memory and thinking skills and decreases brain fog by changing the brain internally. Researchers at the University of British Columbia found regular aerobic exercise boosts the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved with verbal memory and learning. As we age, the hippocampus shrinks. The size of the hippocampus is directly related to dementia, memory loss and the ability to learn new information. Many Americans are turning to crossword puzzles and computer training, but there is little evidence these make any difference in brain health. Instead, research findings support exercise as a way to improve brain health. NEVER TOO LATE TO START

A recent University of California, Los Angeles study found 876 men and women age 65 or older who were physically active enjoyed a 50% reduction in developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to their peers who did not exercise. A Northeastern University study of previously sedentary adults, ages 50 to 80, who walked around a track 40 minutes a day, three times a week for six months, showed an actual increase in their hippocampus sizes across the board. A control group that did not exercise were showed to have a smaller hippocampus than when they started the study. THE HEART/BRAIN CONNECTION

The current medical theory that heart and brain health is linked is supported

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

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by recent research studies. Exercise helps reduce insulin resistance and inflammation and stimulates the release of chemicals in the brain that affect the growth of new brain cells and blood vessels in the brain. Regular exercise supports lower blood pressure and decreases the stiffening of the arteries. Keeping blood vessels healthy ensures the best possible blood flow to the brain. Both aerobics and strength training boosts brain and heart health. A recent study from the University of British Columbia showed a 15% improvement in mental skills testing from a group of women who did moderate strength training at least once a week.

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

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NOTICE OF PRACTICE CLOSURE MAX F. RATTES M.D.

Dear Patients, I am writing to inform you that effective October 1, 2016 I will be closing my medical practice. I will be joining Tampa General Medical Group (next to TGH) .

TEST IT FOR YOURSELF

HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE OF FLORIDA (Dr. Irfan Siddiqui, Dr. Imran T. Ismail) will continue to see patients at the present location.

Start exercising, and time will tell if your memory and cognitive functions improve. Walking is a great start. Try five times a week for 30 to 40 minutes or at least two times a week for an hour each time. Just get started and stick with it. Add in activities you enjoy, such as swimming, elliptical trainers, tennis or dancing. Track your progress with records of exercise dates and times. Make notes about how you feel. Is exercise becoming easier? Do you notice mental alertness? Don’t expect too much too soon. As things improve, add more activity to your weekly plan.

Medical records are confidential and can be transferred to another doctor only with your written permission. Please let us know how you would like to receive your records. Please refer to the below information, effective October 1, 2016: Dr. Rattes’ new location: 5 Tampa General Circle STE. 300, Tampa, FL; Phone #: 813-251-0793 HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE OF FLORIDA (DR. IRFAN SIDDIQUI): 310 w. Alexander St., Plant City, FL; Phone #: 813-752-3456 It has been my extreme pleasure to be your physician. Feel free to reach out with any questions. -Max F Rattes MD

219050

FOCUS ON FITNESS

Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

Kids hooked on fishing

Plant City High School Pre - game Parties 1 Raider Place Plant City, Fl 33563

he semi-annual Youth Fishing Derby held its fall event on a sunny Saturday, Sept. 24, morning, with 40 participants catching 86 fish. Held at the pond behind Plant City Stadium, the derby was open to anglers ages 5 through 15 and was sponsored by T.A. Mahoney Company.

Before Varsity Home Games at Raider Stadium by the ticket booth (auditorium side) Party Between 6:00-7:15, Game Starts at 7:30 Join us for our themed tailgate parties! Only one home game left this season! 10/14 Raiders vs Durant Trunk or Treat - all kids come and get free candy!

— JUSTIN KLINE

Buy WINNERS

hes sandwic

Photos by Justin Kline

Chase Braglin shows off a catch. Elementary students are invited to Trunk or treat at the pre-game tailgate party hosted by PCHS’s Orange Crush and students clubs. No entry fee for tailgate party or trunk or treat. Parking is $2.00. Location of Trunk or treat will be in front of the Auditorium on the side walk. After tailgate party please join us for the football game. Tickets can be purchased at ticket booth. Looking for local business to set-up a trunk or table during our trunk or treat. Help participate in giving candy out to our community. Trunk or treat is 5:30-6:30.

AGES 11 TO 15 Biggest fish: Cameron Cortes, 2.8-pound bass Most catches: Tie, Jake Braglin and Jonas Hunter Short (five fish) First bass: Jared Johnson First catfish: Christopher Hamilton Captain Tom Award: Jaxson D'Avignon Captain's Spirit Award: Phillip Futch

PLEASE CONTACT

Jodie Shane

813 - 477 - 4850

The Benavides family enjoyed fishing together.

pchsptsa.com | @orangecrush pc | Orange Crush is an spirit outreach committee of PCHS’s PTSA 218975

AGES 5 TO 10: Biggest fish: Jonathan Perez, 1.4-pound bass Most catches: Emmalee Hall, 26 fish

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PUTTING POWER The Lady Raiders aren’t going to be the only ones at regionals. The boys golf team played in the district tournament Monday, Oct. 10, and finished in third place with a score of 345 — good enough to make the cut. Also making the cut was the Strawberry Crest boys golf team, which placed second at districts with a team score of 338.

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

FROM GOLF PAGE 15

FITTING IN

Badgett and Miller were relatively new to golf but fit in quickly. Both girls have shot as low as a 58 this season, with Miller hitting the mark against Bloomingdale and Badgett doing it against Newsome. Scores like that, the girls say, were possible because they knew their new teammates had their backs. “It’s been great,” Miller says. “These girls have really brought me in and, from day one, have been showing me support.” Dedmen didn’t take long to adjust, either. Against Lennard, she broke a record many Lady Raiders before her

have attempted to own for years: she shot a 33, the best nine-hole round in program history, breaking the record of 34 held by Jordan, Kelsey Jensen and Kendall Johnson. The team won first place at the Tuesday, Oct. 11, district tournament at Summerfield Crossing Golf Club with a score of 386. In the girls’ minds, nothing could have stopped this squad from getting a chance to play in regionals at Capri Isles Golf Club Monday, Oct. 17. “Hopefully, we can make it to states,” Walker said.

FHSAA REGIONALS When: 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17 Where: Capri Isles Golf Club, 849 Capri Isles Blvd, Venice

HURRICANE CUISINE It’s not hard to get the members of the Plant City girls golf team to hang out together, but few things bring the girls together like home cooking. In particular, team captain Savannah Kummelman considers herself a natural in the kitchen. At a team sleepover held at the Kummelman household during Hurricane Hermine, she pulled out all the stops for the squad by baking a cookie dough cheesecake with a brownie crust, chocolate drizzle and strawberries. “I’m a pretty good cook, so I always spoil them,” she says.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

PCTO 5.66 x 7 Color.2016_Layout 1 10/4/16 9:40 AM Page 1

Aubrey Lingo

What’s your proudest moment as a Lady Charger? My proudest moment would probably be getting the position of libero. What roles have you played here? I’ve played back row defensive specialist my freshman and sophomore year. Also, my junior year, I played defensive specialist and right back. How excited were you when you got to be libero? I was really excited, just because I like passing and knowing that you’re the special passer on the team. What do you bring to the table, as a player? I’m the loudest person on the court. I’m always cheering. I’m always helping people with their passes or getting them up in a game if they make an error or something. I’m also a captain, so I think they look to me for leadership and everything. I try to help them in practice and in the game.

OCTOBER 15-16, 2016 Saturday - Sunday 10am -5pm

HOT ROCKS,COOL GEMS AND FABULOUS JEWELRY

What do you want to major in? Business or pediatrics. Any sport you’d love to try for the first time? Cheerleading, I guess. I think it’s cool how they can do the flips and everything. You mentioned earlier that you want to leave a mark on this team for the future. What do you think that will be? My positive energy and my positive outlook on everything. You get $1 billion in the bank. What’s the first thing you buy? I’d probably buy my parents two nice cars. What advice would you give a girl who’s just starting out in volleyball and wants to get better? I would tell her to just throw the ball up against the wall. If she wants to pass, just pass back and forth to the wall. If she wants to set, set back and forth to the wall. Hit, just do everything you can. Practice makes perfect.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL EXPO HALL 303 N. LEMON STREET, PLANT CITY, FL 33563

•OVER 40 VENDORS! • GEMS & MINERALS • BEADS • FOSSILS • JEWELRY • SILENT AUCTION • TOOLS AND LAPIDARY SUPPLIES • JEWELRY-MAKING SUPPLIES • HOURLY DOOR PRIZES • LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS • KID’S TOUCH TABLE & SLUICE ADULTS: $5 TEENS 12-16 & STUDENTS WITH ID: $4 ACTIVE MILITARY: $4 KIDS UNDER 12: FREE (WITH PARENT) $1.00 OFF ADMISSION - UP TO 4 PEOPLE - WHEN YOU PRESENT THIS FLYER AT THE DOOR • FREE PARKING!

For more information, visit us at

In proud partnership with the

tampabayrockclub.com

The team is 5-12 this season, so it may not be what everyone was hoping for, but what are some of the positives that you’ve taken from this season? Making a stronger bond with the girls, the new coach and everything. Leaving your mark on the team as a senior. Having them carry on what you’ve put into it for the past four years and carry it on for the next couple of years that they’re going to be here.

now thru OCTOBER 31ST

250 OFF

500 OFF

ANY TOWABLE RV PURCHASE!†

Pint-sized pigskin

ome of Plant City's youngest football fanatics put their skills to the test Saturday, Sept. 24 At the 2016 NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition, held at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 52 kids competed for a chance to advance to the upcoming Tampa sectional competition Sunday, Oct. 16. — JUSTIN KLINE

†

WINNERS

SAVE 7,338

STK. #1249508 Based on 10% down @5.99% APR for 144 mos.

SAVE 8,400

Many competitors got to kick off of a tee for the first time.

14 AND 15 YEAR OLDS First: Gavin Hessler Second: Joe Jacobsen Third: Eric Zarycki

17CJ

LIGHT 2855BH

COLEMAN

MSRP $21,323 SALE PRICE $13,985*

149

PER MONTH *

STK. #1282713 Based on 10% down @5.99% APR for 144 mos.

SAVE 2,769

SAVE 11,659

STK. #1258564 Based on 10% down @5.99% APR for 180 mos.

251RBS

294BH

CHEROKEE

MSRP $31,729 SALE PRICE $23,329*

214

PER MONTH *

SAVE 13,406

STK. #1249320 Based on 10% down @5.99% APR for 144 mos.

STK. #1258669 Based on 10% down @4.99% APR for 240 mos.

MSRP $37,545 SALE PRICE $24,139*

224

PER MONTH *

2 SLIDES, SLEEPS 7, BUNKHOUSE!

2016 KEYSTONE

2016 CROSSROADS

25BHS

205RS

CRUISER

MSRP $40,298 SALE PRICE $28,639*

224

PER MONTH *

SAVE 19,817

STK. #1258678 Based on 10% down @5.99% APR for 180 mos.

MSRP $59,567 SALE PRICE $39,750*

314

PER MONTH *

3 SLIDES, SLEEPS 4, REAR LIVING!

2016 HEARTLAND

2016 DUTCHMEN

3575EL

3990

BIGHORN

SAVE 22,470

PER MONTH *

2016 FOREST RIVER

2 SLIDES, SLEEPS 6, BUNKHOUSE!

199

2016 KEYSTONE

COUGAR

MSRP $24,764 SALE PRICE $21,995*

1 SLIDE, SLEEPS 8, BUNKHOUSE!

2 SLIDES, SLEEPS 5, REAR BATH!

12 AND 13 YEAR OLDS First: Ethan Belluccio Second: Kaden Mizell Third: Quinton Kahelin

2016 COLEMAN

BULLET

BOYS 6 AND 7 YEAR OLDS First: Levi Wilkinson Second: Ethan Lewis Third: Peyton Beachy

10 AND 11 YEAR OLDS First: Sage Thomas Second: Connor Smith Third: William Cordle

2016 FOREST RIVER

SLEEPS 3, REAR LIVING!

12 AND 13 YEAR OLDS First: Shelby Jacobsen Second: Natalie Zarycki

8 AND 9 YEAR OLDS First: Jordan Hernandez Second: Jaylen Martin Third: Brendan Smith

Must present this advertisement at time of purchase. Not applicable to prior sales and may not be combined with any other offer. Limit one offer per household. Offer expires 10/31/16.

STK. #1285674 Based on 10% down @5.99% APR for 120 mos.

10 AND 11 YEAR OLDS First: Gracie Edgemon Second: Nahlia McGrath

ANY MOTORIZED RV PURCHASE!†

WOLF PUP

GIRLS 8 AND 9 YEAR OLDS First: Aubrey Johnson Second: Avery Adams

14 AND 15 YEAR OLDS First: Madison Osman

Justin Kline

219009

This season is your last ride as a Lady Charger. How have the past four years been? The past four years have been good. They’ve been a little rough in the beginning, getting used to having new players come in and new setters. A new coach, also. Going through senior year, it’s really surreal, knowing that it’s your last year playing and everything.

Any college plans? I’ve recently been accepted into the University of Alabama. I’m waiting on a couple more letters back to see where I can get into.

TAMPA BAY MINERAL & SCIENCE CLUB SHOW

VOLTAGE

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374

PER MONTH *

3 SLIDES, SLEEPS 4, REAR LIVING!

SAVE STK. #1258559 53,863 Based on 10% down @4.99% APR for 240 mos. ^

MSRP $133,463 SALE PRICE $79,600*

499

PER MONTH *

3 SLIDES, OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT, SLEEPS 5!

4811 McIntosh Rd | DOVER, FL 33527 | 866.614.4456 | CampingWorld.com/RV RV Sales Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

*Camping World RV Sales prices and payments not inclusive of tax, title, license, and dealer doc fees. All payments to qualified buyers with approved credit. Subject to lender terms. ^Savings based on MSRP and are not inclusive of tax, title, license, and dealer doc fees.†Discount can be applied to new and used units. Must present this advertisement at time of purchase. Not applicable to prior sales and may not be combined with any other offer. May not be used as a down payment. Not applicable on wholesale units. Limit one per household. Offer valid at Camping World in Dover, FL only. Advertised inventory available at time of printing. New unit photography for illustration purposes only. May not be combined with any other offer and not applicable to prior sales. See dealer for details. © 2016 FreedomRoads, LLC. CAMPING WORLD and the CAMPING WORLD Mountain Logo are registered trademarks of CWI, Inc. and used with permission. Unauthorized use of any of CWI, Inc.’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All rights reserved. Offers expire 10/31/16. TPA90021-0916

218542

Strawberry Crest volleyball libero Aubrey Lingo, a team captain, has become a positive example for her younger teammates in her senior year.

57th Annual

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST FRIDAY, OCT. 14

SATURDAY, OCT. 15 High: 87 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 20%

High: 86 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 20%

MONDAY, OCT. 17 High: 86 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 10%

Shipping point: Orlando $14 to $14.85 Do you have a photo that speaks to the personality of Plant City? Submit it to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com. Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

WEDNESDAY

1 Attired 5 Vast gulf 10 Hole-punching tools 14 Some pups 19 Things for 1950s audiophiles 20 Hawk’s home 21 Jockey’s whip 22 Lhasa’s land 23 Tiny energy source 24 King’s duration 25 Chanel of fashion 26 Pointed arch 27 Question asked while slapping one’s forehead 31 Good-for-nothing 32 It ebbs and flows 33 Make a sweater, in a way 34 God with a hammer 35 Part of a statue 36 Monopoly equipment 37 Tennessee athlete, for short 40 Hardly current 43 McHenry in Baltimore 44 Backbone of a ship 45 Five-star 46 Be sick 47 It represents a country abroad 52 Student-conscious grp. 53 Paints sloppily 54 Feature of a stereotypical wicked witch 55 Abettor’s partner 56 Do film work 57 Corn serving 58 Fork feature 59 “___ showtime!” 60 Time to cope 69 “So there you are!” 70 Red male deer 71 Horse chow 72 Fish eggs 73 Not a soul 76 Santa ___, Calif. 77 Craze 80 Hitchhiking seedpod 81 It puts spots before your eyes 85 “A long, long time ___ ...” 86 Keats, for one 87 Aardvark fare 88 100 cents 89 Possessed 91 “To ___ is human ...” 92 Units of work 93 “___ and the King of Siam” 94 Sleuth’s find 96 Fingerboard ridge 97 Crossword component 98 Big name in motorcycles 101 Question parents answer sooner or later 108 Devastation 109 “Just say ___ drugs” 110 Domain or kingdom 111 Jason’s mythological ship 112 Put into office 113 Admirer at a distance 114 America’s bird 115 Muddy up 116 Toils

1. L Z B 2. Z B T K N W I B G Z L 3. S E V Y N Q F 4. K T Q S Z F K 5. F Z Y K I F Z

This Mount Olympian offered Athenians the gift of a salty spring and reacted to their rejection with a flood:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 Oct 6 Medium, difficulty rating 0.53) through 9 in each row, column and box.

7 4

9 5

4 6 1 3

8 7

6 8

8 4

9 1

9 6

Saturday, Oct. 15

7:29a

7:00p

Sunday, Oct. 16

7:29a

6:59p

Monday, Oct. 17

7:30a

6:58p

Tuesday, Oct. 18

7:31a

6:57p

Wednesday, Oct. 19

7:31a

6:56p

Thursday, Oct. 20

7:31a

6:55p

Oct. 30 New

Oct. 22 Last

Nov. 7 First

Oct. 15 Full

Thursday, Oct. 6

0.57

Friday, Oct. 7

0.09

Saturday, Oct. 8

0.00

Sunday, Oct. 9

0.00

Monday, Oct. 10

0.00

Tuesday, Oct. 11

0.00

Wednesday, Oct. 12

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

OCT. TO DATE:

2016 51.96 in.

2016 5.30 in.

2015 26.68 in.

2015 0.44 in.

We give a fast, clean car wash finished off with hand toweling. You won’t waste your time here! Detail services also available!

Mon - Sat. 8am - 7pm Sunday 9am - 6pm

OctopusCarWashFlorida.com

ACROSS

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a Mount Olympian. Using the hints Z=E and F=N, decipher the clues to name the god or goddess.

7:01p

CROSSWORD

CRYPTOQUIZ

$ 00

1503 S. Collins Street 813-754-0777

7:28a

5 Oct 6 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.53)

2 9 5 1

8 6 4 3 1

3 2 5

6 8 4 3 1 9 4 6 1

4 8 9 6 9 5

3 8 7

2 5

117 Lays down a new lawn 118 Apprehension 119 Formerly, formerly

DOWN

1 Tobacco plug 2 Art print, for short 3 Underway, to Sherlock Holmes 4 Knuckleheads 5 Tenor Enrico or actor David 6 Dog excelling in obedience school, at times 7 Bone-dry, in farming 8 “Oh, well” sound 9 Soldiers of old 10 Consent under pressure 11 Composed 12 ___ Ness monster 13 Most hair-raising 14 Cheap cigar 15 Black billiard ball 16 Not much 17 First name in jeans 18 Editor’s “let it stand” mark 28 ___ and aahed 29 “Hasta la ___, baby!” 30 Verbal white flag

35 ___ tube (television set) 36 Authoritative order 37 “___ where prohibited” 38 First word of “The Raven” 39 Malicious look 40 Fruit-bearing tree 41 Character found in the middle of nowhere? 42 Fred Flintstone’s boss, Mr. ___ 43 Winter illness 44 Asian cousin of a donkey 45 Dispatch boat 48 “Famous potatoes” state 49 Reduce, as expenses 50 Bit of kindling 51 Threadbare and dirty 57 Early anesthetic 58 It’s dynamite stuff 59 “Shaft” singer Hayes 61 Musical group of nine 62 House haunters 63 Delightful desert sight 64 Modern Persia 65 Dilute 66 Certainly not rural 67 Overcharge 68 Villainous biblical king

73 Back of the neck 74 Aroma relative 75 Above 76 Mobile phone selections 77 Wandered aimlessly 78 Indian tourist stop 79 “Natal” lead-in 82 Allowed for container weight 83 Incredibly smart people 84 Welcome introduction? 90 Assistance for the poor 92 Builds or constructs 93 Shady nooks 94 Spiny, treelike cactus 95 Hightailed it 96 Long, loose outer garment 97 Like some exclusive communities 99 An overthrow to first base, e.g. 100 Bear and Berra 101 “That was close!” 102 Angel feature 103 “... happily ___ after” 104 Laddie 105 Brand, in a way 106 Hamster’s home 107 Shed skin

217439

B U L C c a W Ky

XPRESS WASH

at only g n i t r a t S month r e p 5 9 $17.

Friday, Oct. 14

FREE Vacuum

d Unlimite

H S A W

Sunrise Sunset

RAINFALL

OKRA

Congratulations to this week’s I Love PC Winner. Stop in for your FREE Car Wash.

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, OCT. 16

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

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

SUNRISE / SUNSET

High: 87 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 20%

David Logue calls his photo “Freedom on Guard.”

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

Joint Pain Relief

Community Education Seminar

Total Joint Replacement Options An orthopedic surgeon discusses advanced treatment options such as robotic surgery for common hip and knee pain or arthritis.

Thursday, November 3 | 6pm South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Conference Room 301 N. Alexander St. | Plant City Refreshments will be served.

To register: (813) 644-4302 | BayCareOrthoEvents.org

Scott E. Goldsmith, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Men’s Night Out A Round Table Discussion

Physicians will discuss issues in areas including urology, orthopedics, colon health, emergencies and more. Sit down with the physicians for questions and answers. Men only, please.

Guest Speakers: ■ Dr. Brian Cronson – Urology

Wednesday, November 2 | 6–8pm

■ Dr. Sony Sam– Family Medicine

Men’s Health Round Table Discussion

■ Dr. Scott Goldsmith – Orthopedic Surgery

■ Dr. Matthew Fucarino – Emergency Medicine ■ Dr. C.R. Hall – General Surgery

South Florida Baptist Hospital Administration Conference Room – 2 North 301 N. Alexander St. | Plant City

■ Dr. Anthony Rossi – General Surgery

Registration is required. (855) 314-8352 | BayCareOrthoEvents.org 217492

BC1606872_0916