10.21.16 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

This boxer dreams of joining the professional ranks. SEE PAGE 16

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 15

FREE

•

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Your guide to everything hunting. SEE PAGES 10-11

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy

hose looking for

Doing its Part

some fall fun

The Plant City Elks Lodge presented a $500 donation to the United Food Bank of Plant City’s Children’s Nutrition Program and congratulated Mary Heysek on being named the United Food Bank’s new executive director.

still have time

to check out the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze on Charlie Taylor Road.

Staying Optimistic

The maze sprawls through 5 acres of the Futch family farm. There’s also a country store, vendors, games, food and music. The maze will be open the next two weekends of October.

For more information,

SEE PAGE 13.

Casey Jeanite

Guests wandered through the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze Saturday, Oct. 15. Stalks are over 6 feet tall.

Living History

Classic

Three Plant Citians attended the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

As a child growing up in South Carolina, Joseph Garvin had to walk seven miles to school. The bus didn’t stop to pick up African-American children. “That was part of the culture back in those days,” Garvin said. His home had no air conditioning or running water. His family relied on heavy quilts to stay warm in the winter. But now, at age 82, Garvin has seen the times starting to change. In late

Zone Six of the North Florida District of Optimist International held its installation banquet for new members and incoming leadership for the 2016-17 year. The Optimist Clubs of Lakeland, Plant City and Winter Haven comprise Zone Six. All three clubs were represented at the banquet which was hosted by the Lakeland club and held at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant in Plant City Monday, Sept. 19. The incoming governor of the North Florida District, Sonny Kincheloe, of Jacksonville, presided over the installation. New members Doris Robbins and Jimmy Beaty were installed for the Plant City club along with the officers and board members for 2016-17, effective Oct. 1: President: Jack Holland First vice president: Jeb Hicks Secretary/treasurer: Paul Woods 2016-17 board members: Mark Ackett, Walt Arnold and Stan Hobby 2016-18 board members: Gary Jordan, Doris Robbins and Michael Williamson Immediate past president: Jeff Arnold

September, he was able to attend the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. It’s a museum he and his wife, Margaret, are charter members of. “It does give you hope,” he said. “Your expectations are greater.” THE JOURNEY TO CAPITAL

Garvin’s wife, Margaret, was unable to attend the grand opening of the Courtesy photo

SEE HISTORY PAGE 4

Joseph Garvin stood in front of the White House.

Hot wheels roll into Dover. SEE PAGE 8

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

WEEK OF OCTOBER 21, 2016

“It’s not like we have to make something up or tell a story — it’s already here.” — Yvonne Fry, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce board member, on working with the City of Plant City, Plant City Economic Development Corp. and Main Street to bring tourists to Plant City.

IN OFFICE Comfort Food HOSA Club members prepared Pasta for Pennies boxes to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s School & Youth campaign this month. Two million students take part in Olive Garden’s Pasta for Pennies fundraiser. The students collect spare change and in return get a pasta party. HOSA is a club of students interested in health-related professions.

BY THE NUMBERS

the number of years Pasta for Pennies has been held.

2,700

the number of schools that participate.

4.2

the amount of dollars, in millions, students raised through Pasta for Pennies last year.

A Place to Live Need help figuring out the process of buying a home or credit counseling? The Plant City Housing Fair will address these issues and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at St. Mary’s Community Church, 907 E. Laura St. During the fair, there will be information on social services, homebuyer training classes and how to make minor home repairs. Food and children’s activities will be available. For more information, call St. Mary’s Community Church at (813) 754-1616 or Rev. Timothy S. Knighten Sr. at (813) 478-3503.

Keep Bellies Full Photos by Emily Topper

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the club’s new headquarters on Reynolds Street.

he Plant City Republican Campaign Office held a ribbon cutting for its new headquar-

ters at 1007 E. Reynolds St. Wednesday, Oct. 12. Following the cutting by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, guests explored and enjoyed coffee. The grand opening was attended by

the amount of dollars, in millions, students raised through Pasta for Pennies since its inception.

current elected officials and local can-

Correction

didates, including Plant City Mayor

In the Friday, Oct. 14, Your Town: Class of 1952, we incorrectly identified the reunion as the Class of 1952’s, not the Class of 1951’s. We regret the error. The Class of 1951 was joined by the Class of 1952 to celebrate its 65th class reunion, held at the Golden Corral in Lakeland. There were 48 graduates in attendance.

Rick Lott, City Commissioner Nate Kilton, County Commissioner Stacy White, Rep. Dan Raulerson and United States Congressman Dennis Ross.

Plant City Republican Women’s Club President Judy Wise

The United Food Bank of Plant City’s Annual Fall Food Drive through Area 6 Hillsborough County schools kicks off Monday, Oct. 31. It will run through Thursday, Nov. 10. Donate non-perishable food items to any Area 6 school. Some food items needed are: n Peanut butter n Canned meats n Canned soups n Canned vegetables n Canned fruits n Cereals n Pasta n Rice n Macaroni and cheese n Breakfast bars Food collected will feed families within the community and assist the United Food Bank’s Children’s Nutrition Outreach Program. This service provides meals to over 5,000 children each year during out-of-school times, including the upcoming Thanksgiving and winter breaks. Last year, over 70,000 pounds of food were distributed through the Children’s Nutrition Outreach Program. For more information on the Area 6 Fall Food Drive, to donate or volunteer, please contact the food bank at (813) 764-0625.

YOU ARE INVITED TO MEET GARY DOLGIN CANDIDATE FOR CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE For Circuit Court Judge

You are Gary Dolg Circui

You are invited to meet Gary Dolgin Candidate for Circuit Court Judge. For Circuit Court Judge The Dolgin Family - Corey, Ari, Gary, Wendi, Mallory and “Chester”

Proud member of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce

PLEASE JOIN YOUR HOSTS Jerry and Marti Loftstrom, Owners of Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee & Eatery Ken Buchman, City Attorney - William Dodson, Vice Mayor of Plant City Dave Galloway, Esquire - Commissioner Michael S. Sparkman Mac Smith - Randy Larson

The Dolgin Family - Core

For a reception supporting Gary Dolgin for Hillsborough County Circuit Court Judge, Group 24, Tuesday, October 25th, 5:30- 7:30 pm at the Whistle Stop Gourmet Cafe & Eatery | l 02 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563. RSVP to garydolginforjudge@gmail.com or 813.223.3200 Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated (The maximum individual or corporate contribution permitted by Florida Law is $1,000). Please make checks payable to the Gary Dolgin Campaign. IfThe you cannot butGary, wish to contribute, please visit GaryDolgin.com. Dolgin Familyattend - Corey, Ari, Wendi, Mallory and “Chester” 220015

WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? A new species of whitefly has been detected in Florida. What this means for Florida growers remains unknown. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

They look like tiny white dots specked along the green of leafy vegetables, but these minuscule, winged bugs — known as whiteflies — have some Florida growers concerned. In April, a species of the whitefly that is resistant to a number of insecticides was detected in Florida nurseries. But concern may be premature, according to Dr. Hugh Smith, the assistant professor of vegetable entomology at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the school’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. THE B’S AND Q’S OF IT

Whiteflies have been in the Sunshine State since 1900. In the 1980s, the whitefly B-biotype species was detected — a pest that caused irregular ripening of tomatoes and other crops. The B-biotype also spread viruses in tomatoes, cucurbits and beans. While growers have treated their crops to protect against the B-biotype with insecticides, the new species of the whitefly is thought to be more resistant. The Q-biotype was first detected in Arizona in 2004 and has elevated levels of resistance. “In other countries, it’s been very difficult to control with some of the most important insecticides,” Smith said. “It was found in Florida in 2005.” The Q- and B-biotypes are identical. The only way the species can be determined is through lab testing. With the Q-biotype detected in local nurseries this past year, growers who treat whiteflies could potentially be faced with a resistant biotype that dominates and kills plants. The concern, Smith said, is about whether or not the Q-biotype will establish itself in field crops. This year, the Q-biotype was detected in 19 retail nurseries and in nine wholesale nurseries, including some in Hillsborough County. The Q-biotype was commonly found among ornamental plants, such as poinsettias. “Many people didn’t think we’d be able to keep it out of the field for more than a year, but we kept it out for more than 10 years,” Lance Osborne, a professor of biological control of insects and mites at the University of Florida, said. “The B-biotype is a significant pest worldwide and is very problematic for tomatoes. The big difference is that the Q-biotype is more tolerant of pesticides.” The biggest tool growers can use, Osborne said, is proactivity. “It’s not a disaster if we manage things appropriately,” Osborne said. “Pesticide resistance management is the top priority.” PREPARING FOR THE PEST

Handling the treatment of the Q-biotype whiteflies will be one of the discussion topics at the Florida Ag Expo Thursday, Nov. 2, at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. Smith will be one of the whitefly speakers. “To the best of our knowledge, the Q-biotype has never caused any problems to agriculture in the United

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Not a problem — yet

EGGED ON

IF YOU GO 2016 FLORIDA AG EXPO When: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 Where: University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 County Road 672, Wimauma, Florida 33598 Registration: FloridaAgExpo. com; required for a free lunch Cost: Free LEARN MORE Visit: FLWhitefly.org

Photo by Emily Topper

Whiteflies lay their eggs on the underside of leaves. Eggs can grow into a full adult ready to lay eggs in as little as 16 days.

HONEYDEW

PUT THE PEST TO THE TEST Growers or homeowners who suspect they may have the Q-biotype are encouraged to contact their UF-IFAS extension or to send a sample of the pest to a laboratory in Florida: Address: Dr. Cindy McKenzie United States Horticulture Research Laboratory 2001 S. Rock Road Fort Pierce, Florida 34945 Email: Cindy.McKenzie@ars. usda.gov

States of America,” he said. “There’s no reason for (Florida growers) at this point to think they’re dealing with the Q-biotype in the field. That’s the vegetable perspective.” Like Osborne, he cited proactivity as a top concern. “We need to be vigilant and keep testing,” he said. “We need to test the susceptibility to insecticides. What we need to do is actually take advantage of populations that have been detected, study them and come up with guidelines for Florida growers if the Q-biotype becomes established in the field. We’re making generalizations (about the Q-biotype). We can’t generalize about what is now considered to be its own species because species are probably made up of populations that may respond differently to insecticides.” Detecting the pest and determining the proper response are the next steps for growers and researchers. “How do the two compete on a given crop in Florida? We don’t know,” Smith said. “If a grower sprays something that kills one biotype but not the other, the resistant one becomes predominant. There are insecticides that work against both. Growers shouldn’t really be doing anything different in their whitefly management, other than continuing to practice good resistance management.” Growers with concerns are encouraged to attend the Florida Ag Expo or to contact their local University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences extension. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

Photo courtesy Lyle J. Buss

Whiteflies transmit their diseases through their mouthparts. They excrete “honeydew,” which leaves a sticky residue on plants. The residue then attracts a fungus known as sooty mold, which makes leaves look dirty. While sooty mold can be washed off with water, an excess of it can prevent light from getting to plants.

TOMATO YELLOW LEAF CURL

Emily Topper

Whiteflies suck juices from plants, which is considered to be direct damage. In turn, this causes the plants to yellow and shrivel. On tomatoes, this phenomenon is known as tomato yellow leaf curl — a detriment to tomato plants. If there is enough whitefly damage on the plant, the plant can eventually die.

FRIENDS AND FOES

Where there are whiteflies, there are probably ants. Ants feed on the “honeydew” residue and protect whiteflies from whitefly enemies, such as ladybugs and small birds. In gardens, ladybugs and parasitic wasps are a way to naturally fight whiteflies. Treating against ants can in turn reduce the whitefly population.

The agenda for the Florida Ag Expo at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma Thursday, Nov. 2, includes a session on the Q-biotype whitefly, but not because it’s wreaking havoc on fruit and vegetable crops. As of this writing, there’s still no evidence the Q-biotype has infested local fruit or vegetable fields. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is dedicated to delivering solutions to growers. Often that means starting before the problem even arises. That’s the case with the Q-biotype. Getting a head start is why we send researchers abroad looking at threats we expect to arrive here. It’s why we do so much work on monitoring and detection. It’s why our researchers test possible solutions for things that aren’t a problem – yet. It’s also why we recognize it’s important to put our discoveries into the hands of the people who can make best use of them. No one can implement solutions to their problems better than they themselves can. People just need the tools. That’s why we have the expo. At the expo, attendees will hear from IFAS scientists about what should concern them about the Q-biotype whitefly and probably some about what shouldn’t concern them. It won’t just be talk, either. Some will have the chance to practice identifying whiteflies and other bugs using microscopes in the lab of Dr. Hugh Smith, of our Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. He’ll help participants differentiate harmful pests from benign bugs. There’s lots more on the agenda – field tours, the grower panel, exhibitors and a no-cost lunch for those who register in advance at FloridaAgExpo.com. The expo is one way UF/IFAS partners with growers to get a head start on things that could become problems and share strategies on how we can more successfully address them if they do. With so many existing and potential threats to agriculture, it’s imperative we work together on this. What you’ll get the most out of, though, is talking to our faculty, the men and women who are working for growers every day in the greenhouse, the lab and the experimental fields. Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

New Walden Lake reserve study a better planning tool The new reserve study took 90 days to complete and was done before the WLCA’s most recent budget workshop. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

After being dissatisfied with the results of a reserve study last year, the Walden Lake Community Association accepted the results of a new reserve study at its monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 17. “We had things we wanted them to add (last year), and they wouldn’t add them,” WLCA President Dan Orrico said. “I think overall we feel (the new study) was a much more complete study, as it encompasses all the changes to our community.” A reserves study is a planning tool for the community that allows the WLCA to ensure it maintains sufficient funds in reserves to take care of large ticket items, such as signage or infrastructure repairs. Items missing from the 2015

reserve study included the community’s pump stations. Prior to the 2015 study, the last full reserve study was done several years ago. Since then, the WLCA has had a number of infrastructure additions and improvements in the community, including the new Walden Lake Sports Complex on Griffin Boulevard. In June, the community association agreed to fund a new reserve study for $6,500. The new study took 90 days and was completed before the WLCA’s budget workshop in October. Done by a different company than the 2015 study, the new reserve study analyzed the community additions, including the Walden Lake Sports Complex, which has pavilions, a baseball diamond, a soccer field, hibachi grills and covered trash cans. Soon, the complex also will have a batting cage.

“The next full reserve study will be done in about three years, unless there is significant change in the community,” Orrico said. “It’s an estimate. It’s a guide.” Updates to the existing full reserve study are made annually. Based on the results of the new reserve study, the WLCA has upped the contributions it makes monthly to the reserve fund. “Every month we pay into our reserves,” Orrico said. “We increase the amount we’re putting in annually because we have more things to maintain, and the cost of repairs have gone up. The reserve study gives the community a plan for the maintenance of its real property. It ensures that we have the funds available for major repairs or replacements and it keeps our community looking healthy.” The results of the full reserve study will be posted on the community’s website. Member access is required. Emily Topper

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

A reserve study analyzes the infrastructure in a community, including signs and offices.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

FROM HISTORY PAGE 1

museum, which was held Saturday, Sept. 24. Instead, Garvin traveled to D.C. with his nephew, Marshall Middle School teacher Stanley Glover, and pastor Robert Townes. The trio arrived in D.C. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, and stayed for five days. They took the Metro. Gone are Garvin’s childhood days of being unable to ride public transportation. “They never had a national museum there before,” Garvin said. “I was just excited about going and knowing we would see artifacts from the United States and abroad.” Prior to the grand opening of the museum, the men attended Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration. The show included musical performances, spoken word and oral history activities. “We heard the old gospel music that the slaves sung,” Glover said. “It was phenomenal. You began to feel what they felt. They sung it deep. You felt that time.” “It brought back memories,” Townes added. Townes grew up in Lakeland. He had no running water or air conditioning. “It’s like the old primitive Baptist churches,” Townes said. “It brought all that back to me.” “What brought it home was when we went to the museum to look at the housing,” Glover said. The gold-colored museum, which starts four floors underground, features views of the United States Capitol, the Washington Monument and other landmarks around the National Mall. As the men traveled through the museum on escalators, they saw the shackles and garb from Plantation workers and the casket of Emmett Till, an African-American teenager who was killed at 14 after allegedly flirting with a white woman. An underground railroad was built inside the museum. “To look at the killings now ... it brought back some things,” Glover said. “When you walk up, that feeling that you get is, ‘Whoa, this is phenomenal.’” Glover hopes the museum will serve as a history lesson to people of all ages and races. “It can connect the missing dots that haven’t been connected,” he said. “Whites and Hispanics can view the struggles and get a taste of what the

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

ABOUT THE MUSEUM The groundbreaking for the National Museum of African American History and Culture was held in 2012 and was attended by President Barack Obama. Congress provided half of the funds for the $540 million museum, and the remaining $270 million was funded by private sources. The museum, which has four stories underground, was constructed with artisan styles that take inspiration from craftsmen in New Orleans, Louisiana and Charleston, South Carolina. The museum features castaluminum panels that make it the most sustainable national museum ever built.

INSIDE THE MUSEUM The museum features prominent artifacts from AfricanAmerican history, including: n The dress of Carlotta Walls LaNier, who was one of seven students to integrate Little Rock Central High School n The flute of Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins, an African-American autistic savant and musical prodigy. n The casket of Emmett Till, a teenager who was killed after allegedly flirting with a white woman.

Photos by Emily Topper

Above: Joseph Garvin held up the invitation he received to the grand opening of the museum. Left: Joseph Garvin, Robert Townes and Stanley Glover attended the museum’s opening.

struggle was like. There are so many injustices out there now that we must see ... we’re working our way toward being united as one, as we say in our Pledge of Allegiance. We are united as one, we are Americans.” It’s a reminder to the men how far they’ve come and how far they still have left to go. “We’ve still got a ways to go in 2016,” Townes said. “I just look at the dream Dr. King had that’s coming to fruition. I think our youth (should go) to this museum.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

OCT. 7

MEAN SCREEN 310 block of East Merrick Street. Attempted burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) tried to break into her home through the back. The screen door had been damaged. GIMME THREE STEPS 100 block of North Palmer Street. Information report: Officers responded to a bar in reference to a report of a suspect pulling a gun. DINE AND DASH 1200 block of Townsgate Court. Theft: Officers met with complainant, who stated three suspects, identified as one male and two females, ordered $31.98 worth of food at a restaurant and left without paying. Complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.

OCT. 8

HOME IMPROVEMENT 1700 block of North Gordon Street. Burglary: Complainant stated an

unknown suspect broke into an unoccupied dwelling and stole miscellaneous tools, valued together at $100, that were being used to repair the property. Suspect had gained entry by breaking through a window. GREAT TIMING East Alsobrook Street/South Maryland Avenue. Affray, assault: Officers saw two men fighting and, when they approached, one subject struck the other in the head with a belt, creating a wound. Both men refused to press charges and signed waivers of prosecution. GYM RATS 1860 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Assault: Complainant stated two suspects got into a fight at a gym. Both were given requests for prosecution.

OCT. 9

FAKE IT ‘TILL YOU MAKE IT 2010 block of North Wheeler Street. Counterfeit currency: Complainant stated, while hosting a yard sale, someone made a purchase using $50 in counterfeit money.

OCT. 10

SITTING DUCKS 1600 block of Paddock Drive. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainants, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered their vehicles overnight. Both vehicles, which had been locked, were in the driveway. CAUGHT IN THE ACT 4330 block of Kipling Avenue. Residential burglary, battery: Officers responded to a burglary in progress call and arrested the suspect on one burglary and two battery charges. LOST AND FOUND 700 block of North Woodrow Wilson Street. Vehicle burglary, auto theft: Officer met with complainants, who stated unknown suspect(s) broke into their maroon Dodge van and stole their gold 1998 Ford Taurus. The Taurus was later recovered.

OCT. 11

TWO FORDS, ONE STACK 520 block of Lindsay Anne Court. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered a white Ford F-150 and a red Ford Explorer between 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, and 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. Suspect(s) stole $1,000 from the truck and a purse from the SUV. TWO GMCS, TWO STACKS 600 block of West Lee Street. Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered a 1999 GMC pickup truck and a 2005 GMC Denali SUV, both of which may have been unlocked, and stole a black purse containing $2,000.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

PIPE IT UP Henderson Way. Accidental injury: Officer responded to an accidental injury claim, caused by an explosion of a 24-inch reclaimed water pipe belonging to the City of Plant City.

OCT. 11

MUST HAVE BEEN BIFF 3610 block of Trapnell Ridge Drive. Theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole her son’s blue Razor electric “hover board,” valued at $500, after he had left it in the front yard at a friend’s house.

COPS CORNER

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

NOT A GOOD SIGN Country Hills Boulevard/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had caused $200 in damage to a neighborhood’s entrance sign.

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“‘Ernest Goes to Camp.’ ‘It’s an hour and a half of my life I can never get back. It did irreversible damage to the cause of comedy.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Photos by Emily Topper

Classic cars were on display across the First Baptist Church of Dover grounds.

UNDER THE HOOD C

ar aficionados from all over Hillsborough County drove to the 2016 Dover Rod Run Car Show at First Baptist Church of Dover Saturday, Oct. 1. In addition to checking out hundreds of classic cars, trickedout trucks and massive motorcycles, attendees enjoyed lunch and live music. The event is held twice annually. — EMILY TOPPER

Top: Roy Riveiro and Kevin Mahoney with a 1969 Dodge Dart. Above: Members of the Tampa Jeep Krewe came out in droves. Left: Michael, Sarah and Emily Sutor

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PlantCityObserver.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

ith two weeks to go until the first Florida deer and fall turkey season open in Zone C, the Plant City Times & Observer has rolled out its second annual hunting guide to keep sportsmen abreast on this year’s trends and

equipment. Read on to find out where Plant City hunters find their best game. Don’t forget to check out our shopping guide to equip your arsenal with the latest products. And experience the trials of Colorado elk hunting from the perspective of this year’s columnist.

When Randy Larson’s son, Jesse, approached him with an interest in hunting, the former Plant City mayor took it upon himself to teach Jesse each animal is

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

The hunting trophies are mounted and labeled on the office walls in Randy Larson’s Franklin Street home. There’s a European stag and a wildebeest; blesbok and nyala antelopes; kudu, a woodland antelope. “They’re mine and my son’s,” Larson, a former Plant City mayor, said. Larson’s son, Jesse, is now an adult. When he was 11, he expressed an interest in hunting to his father. But the duo didn’t immediately pack their bags for a weekend in the woods. Instead, Larson brought his son to Tampa-based Arrowhead Archery. Jesse would practice two to three times per week. Larson also insisted his son go through the proper hunter education training. If Jesse could pass the state-approved written test, Larson would take him hunting. “He passed the test,” Larson said. “So now I had to live up to my promises. It started as a way for me to spend time with my son.” LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Photos by Emily Topper

Above: For former Plant City mayor Randy Larson, hunting is about understanding the appreciation of God’s creation and the sacrifice an animal makes. He passed on those lessons to his son, Jesse. Top: Randy and Jesse Larson hunted together for 11 years. Top Right: Randy and Jesse Larson like to hunt blesbok and nyala in Texas.

A HUNTER’S TOOLS While bringing along the perfect gun or bow is an essential part of any hunting trip, the right accessories can make a difference between catching game or going home emptyhanded. The following products are available at Southside Western & Outdoor Wear.

Even after Jesse passed his written exam, he still had to follow Larson’s rules when the duo went hunting. They were only allowed to take one animal per person per hunt. Above that, they only hunted an animal if they intended on eating it. “It’s God’s creation,” Larson said. “We wanted it to be respected. We learned what game was available ahead of time.” On one of Jesse’s first hunting trips, Larson brought his son to a farm that was overrun with does near Lake City. When Jesse successfully hunted his first doe on the trip, he was taught to

harvest the animal. While doing so, he discovered the doe may have been pregnant. “He was in amazement,” Larson said. “He understood the meaning of life. That was probably the best life lesson for him ... him understanding what the responsibility of the hunter was and the reason for the game laws. Every year he got more knowledgeable about what we were trying to do and how to do it.” ONE CLEAN SHOT

Together, the father-son team took about one hunting trip every year. They primarily went to Texas, where they hunted different types of exotic game. “Most all are antelopes,” Larson said. “Most of the animals originated out of Africa. We liked the exotics because of how they interact in nature, their natural camouflage. We wanted to do something different every year.” When they hunted, Larson and Jesse sought out the older animals in a given pack. They were able to determine the age by the size of an antelope’s antlers or the points on a deer’s antlers. “You don’t want to take the youngest male,” Larson said. “You take the oldest to improve the herd. When the young males come up, the older males sometimes fight and kill the younger ones. The older males are very dominant.” On their trips, the duo could spend up to three days hunting a specific animal. When they got close enough to it, they did their best to take down the animal with one clean shot. “It’s more humane,” Larson said. “It means you’ve planned your hunt.

When we take the shot, we make sure we’ve got a clear view of the kill shot.” The shot would usually be between the heart and the lungs, but organ locations varied by animal. “If you wound them, they run off,” Larson said. “If we’re going to hunt, we’re going to hunt as humanely as we can. If we hunt it ... we’re going to eat it.” For the Larsons, hunting was never about quantity. When they were invited to a hog hunt in Texas, they declined going. Though the state allows hogs to be hunted all year long, the Larsons decided to decline the hunt because they would be encouraged to hunt as many hogs as possible and leave them in the fields, something that went against their hunting principles. “We are conservation hunters,” Larson said. “We respect God’s gift of an animal giving its life for our sustainability.” Ultimately, Larson said, hunting was a way of teaching his son about the respect for both the hunting weapons used and other living things. “There’s a lot of shootings and killings on the streets,” Larson said. “When a person pulls that trigger, something or someone’s not going to be living anymore. (Hunting) made Jesse more personally responsible as he became a teenager. It gave him an appreciation for the responsibility that comes with owning a firearm. It was a religious experience for us in a lot of ways.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

EMILY TOPPER

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There’s nothing worse than having to check for ticks after spending hours in the woods. BioShield Spray repels ticks, bed bugs, mosquitos and fleas through the use of NeuroRX. The DEET-free product is made in the United States and safe to use around non-insect animals, including mammals, fish and birds.

Built with a scent halt and waterproof leather, Ariat boots are made for frequent wear. The boots are moistureresistant and come with a CushGel pad to reduce pressure. The lightweight boots make hunting as comfortable as possible. Complete with camouflage, prey won’t be able to see or smell a hunter coming.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

IN THE ZONE Florida and Georgia are popular hunting destinations among Plant Citians. Hunters just have to know where — and when — to go.

Following the 2015 bear hunting season, and several protests, the state called off the 2016 hunt.

FLORIDA The state of Florida is broken into four hunting zones: A, B, C and D. Plant City falls inside Zone C, the smallest in the state, but many local hunters enjoy going to other zones. Most of Florida’s hunting season dates and regulations vary from zone to zone, so it is imperative hunters are in the know before they go. GENERAL GUN SEASONS DEER, ZONE A Nov. 19 to Jan. 1

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

Florida hunters loved the state’s 2015 bear hunting season. In fact, they may have loved it a little too much. The black bear hunt, which the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had scheduled to last a week in October 2015, was expected to hit its cap of 320 kills over the seven-day period. Instead, hunters killed 298 in just two days — prompting the FWC to call off the hunt Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015. “We started this with harvest objectives that were very conservative and very mindful that we were doing this for the first time in 21 years, and there were uncertainties,” Executive Director Nick Wiley said at a news conference. The decision to go ahead with the hunt was popular among hunters, who bought 3,700 permits leading up to the first day of the season. There were 207 bears killed Friday, Oct. 23, 2015. It was also controversial, drawing the ire of conservationists from all over the state. This year, as the FWC made plans to bring the bear hunt back from Monday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 30, protests were held in the Tampa Bay area and other parts of the state. Senators tried to pass the Florida Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act, SB 1096, which would have changed the rules of the hunting season, but the bill died Friday, March 11.

IN THE WOODS

DEER, ZONE B Dec. 3 to Feb. 19 DEER, ZONE C Nov. 5 to Jan. 22 DEER, ZONE D Nov. 24 to 27; Dec. 10 to Feb. 19

The protestors got their wish Wednesday, June 22, when the FWC announced it would cancel the 2016 bear season and focus on other bear management efforts. “Although hunting has been demonstrated to be a valuable tool to control bear populations across the country it is just one part of FWC’s comprehensive bear management program,” Wiley said in a release. “I am proud of our staff who used the latest, cutting-edge, peer-reviewed science to develop a recommendation for our commissioners to consider. Our agency will continue to work with Floridians, the scientific community and local governments as our focus remains balancing the needs of Florida’s growing bear population with what’s best for families in our state.” The FWC noted that canceling the season gave the organization more time to develop other bear management efforts and that $825,000 has been invested in the bear manage-

ment program for such purposes. On its website, the FWC states the Black Bear Management Program trained 1,600 local responders to deal with bear attacks, helped develop bear-resistant trash cans and got the group moving on a plan to protect 185,000 acres of bear-populous land, among other things. While the 2016 season’s cancelation was set in stone, the FWC did leave the door open for the bear hunting season to make a comeback in 2017, calling it a potential “important conservation activity” to keep bear populations in check. The group stated that data collected from 2015 will allow it to determine where to focus such future hunts. For additional information regarding Florida’s black bear hunting seasons, visit ow.ly/t03m305hrYP.

FALL TURKEY, ZONE A Nov. 19 to Jan. 1 FALL TURKEY, ZONE B Dec. 3 to Jan. 29 FALL TURKEY, ZONE C Nov. 5 to Jan. 1 FALL TURKEY, ZONE D Nov. 24 to 27; Dec. 10 to Jan. 15 YEAR-ROUND, ALL ZONES Wild hog, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, coyote For a full list of upcoming seasons and regulations, visit MyFWC.com/hunting/season-dates. The map is from FWC.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

A C

NATE KILTON

Elk hunts: high altitude, high reward Avid hunter and Plant City Times & Observer co-owner Nate Kilton said elk hunts, while rewarding, can be tough on the body. The hunt I’m going on this year is something I did two years ago. I have an uncle who lives in Crested Butte, Colorado, and he’s been going to the same piece of land in the Gunnison National Forest for 17 years. There will be nine of us there. We’ll hunt elk for nine days. It’s completely different than hunting in Florida. PREPARE YOURSELF

The biggest challenge is going from 100 feet above sea level to camping at 9,000 feet and hunting at anywhere from 10,000 to 10,500 feet. The lungs don’t keep up. It’s about being physically ready for it. As far as altitude sickness goes, I’ve never had a problem with the headaches. But toward the end of the hunt two years ago, I got really fatigued and lost my appetite — symptoms of altitude sickness. Even though I needed the calories and I wanted to eat, I couldn’t. Before going into a hunt like this, you have to know that is what you may be dealing with. Take your time and drink plenty of fluids. BIG KILLS

When you harvest an animal, it’s a challenge because they’re so big that you’ve got to dress them right on the spot, quarter them out and lug them back to camp. Sometimes, you have to leave it overnight because it’s too much to carry, even with multiple hunters.

55-LITER ENGEL COOLER, $349.99 What’s in a name? When it comes to Engel Coolers, hunters get a bang for their buck. The cooler is Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Certified bearresistant and is fitted with a strong, non-skid lid. With two inches of insulation, the cooler is perfect for storing fresh game for up to 10 days.

The last time I was out there, my uncle and I shot elk on the same day. Mine was at 10,400 feet and over a mile and one half from camp. We had to leave a lot of it on a game pole in the woods and go back up for it the next morning with sleds and backpacks. I had shot a small cow, and she was still probably almost 325 pounds. You can imagine what some of the bigger ones are like. We carry the bare minimum because the hiking is strenuous, and you’ve probably got a 20-pound backpack between the water and game bags you need to have, knives and everything else. Your rifle is going to weigh anywhere from 7 to 10 pounds, depending on what you’re lugging around. And you certainly don’t want to get lost out there. STAY AWARE

We had somebody who was lost on the first night of the hunt come into our camp. He was fortunate he found us or else he would have been sleeping in the woods. We were able to get him back to where he needed to be. And he was an experienced hunter — he just got turned around, which is easy to do in those mountains. That’s why I carry a GPS and a compass. THE TACTICS

If you’re careful, you play the wind right — downwind from the elk — and if you’re stealthy enough, you can get pretty close. But you’ve got

GARMIN ASTRO 320 + T5 COLLAR COMBO GPS DOG TRACKER, $600 This is a hunting necessity for man and man’s best friend. On hunting trips, the Garmin collar can be attached to a hunting dog to enable the hunter to track the dog on the handheld 320 light-up screen up to 9 miles away.

to make sure you’re being super quiet and your scent is covered. We’ll walk a little bit, slowly and quietly, through the woods, and we’ll sit for a little while. We repeat that, over and over again, working our way through the woods. Everybody is in different areas. We’ll stir up an animal in one spot and push it over to another hunter in another area. That’s part of the strategy: getting the animals up and moving by having hunters in various areas. Elk are a lot like deer in that they have acute senses. Their sense of smell is so much more than what humans have — and even canines. Their eyesight is fairly good. Their hearing is good. You’re not going to sneak up on them — they’re smart animals. Elk are large, strong, majestic animals with huge hind legs and strong front shoulders. You can be on a hill with a steep incline, and they’re going to burn right up it like it’s nothing. They’re definitely formidable big game animals.

Nate Kilton is a local businessman and a co-owner of the Plant City Times & Observer. He is currently hunting elk in Crested Butte, Colorado, with family members.

GEORGIA Although Georgia is divided into six regions, they do not necessarily serve the same purpose as Florida’s zones. Instead, hunting is regulated on a county-by-county basis, though many counties share similar season dates and regulations. Deer hunting is an example of Georgia having it both ways. While most of the state’s seasons can be divided neatly into zones, there are several counties in central and eastern Georgia that, while adjacent, do not share the same rules. The seven regions displayed on the state’s hunting map, from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, exist to show areas covered by certain game management and law enforcement offices. Every other time period, which can last from two days to almost two months, switches from “Antlered bucks only” to “Either-sex.” Although there are plenty of differences from zone to zone, as explained in the state’s official hunting guide, “Modern Firearms,” season starts Saturday, Oct. 22, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017. For a complete look at Georgia’s hunting season dates and regulations, visit ow.ly/biUF305hti9.

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Using a salt block is a winwin for both hunters and animals. As a cheap and effective bait, the salt block attracts deer to a hunter’s location while providing necessary minerals to the animal. The Trace Mineral Salt block boosts an animal’s digestive system and reproductive process. Salt blocks are sold in smaller sizes and various flavors.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

RAISE YOUR HAND Celebrating Character Plant City High School hosted a series of public forums with Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins, District 4 board member Melissa Snively and others on Monday, Oct. 17.

The Plant City Kiwanis Club supports the Terrific Kids program at four area elementary schools and hopes to expand its reach in the future.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

EMILY TOPPER

Justin Kline

Di Lott asked a question of Superintendent Jeff Eakins.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS FACULTY FORUM These are some top issues brought up during the faculty forum, which was held before the community forum. Q: When will non-classroom instructional units (resource teachers, reading coaches, success coaches, academic intervention specialists) be relocated? Which group will be the first to go back to the classroom? Which positions will be eliminated? A: Superintendent Jeff Eakins said relocations will start at the district level. While no timeline is set yet, one will be put together in the next two weeks. Q: How does the district plan to support IB training and certification? A: School board member Melissa Snively said, “The teachers whose certification would expire were permitted to attend the training. Those whose certification would not expire this school year were asked to wait. We are committed to ensuring that our teachers receive all the professional development and certification needed to meet our students' needs.” Q: Administrators don’t know what it’s like to work in a school. Why don’t board members visit? A: Board members say they are in schools several times a week but must be “strategic” with their visitation choices. Q: The district’s walkthroughs do not provide teachers with constructive feedback and lack attention to detail. How can this change? A: Board members agreed teachers should be able to provide their own feedback on walkthroughs, and school board meeting times must be pushed back to 5:30 p.m. to allow more teachers to attend. Q: Why can’t adult education schools hire more full-time, rather than parttime, employees? A: Eakins said the board is looking into repositioning methods. Q: Is the Ford & Associates firm actively managing money? A: Eakins said it does not, and the firm helps with refinancing, analyzing debt and finding better interest rates on the board’s $65 million mortgage for school buildings. Q: Does the school board have any-

made on the federal level.

OTHER TALKING POINTS Editor’s note: Opinions are those voiced by some parents, faculty and community members in attendance. n Is the Turkey Creek Middle School PTA audit clean? n Cursive should be taught in schools. n Money is wasted. n The school board should visit schools more often and engage with students. n Students should be able to have their own similar forum. n Students should not be removed from class to be interrogated about things that happen outside the classroom. n Teachers are paid too little. n There are too many support staff cuts.

thing to do with levying the property tax in Hillsborough County? A: Eakins said it does not, and the only thing that could happen is a voter referendum to get one-half mill back. Eakins added Snively plans to travel to Tallahassee this year to start a conversation about this subject. Q: What will the school board do to make teachers feel their voices are being heard? A: Chief of School Harrison Peters agreed there must be more engagement. Snively said her role as a mother of four gives her perspective. Eakins said he has asked to have more “ears on the ground.” COMMUNITY FORUM These are some top issues brought up during the community forum, which was held after the faculty forum. Q: Must a person have a child in school to join a PTA board? A: Snively said it is a volunteer position anyone can sign up for, whether or not they have a child in the school system. Q: Plant City High School vending machines do not have food all kids enjoy, so they may cut class to get fast food. Could vending machine items be changed? A: Eakins said those decisions are

Q: Why does the school board cut jobs inside schools, then spend $800,000 on a consulting firm and over $900,000 to consolidate two human resources offices into one building? A: Eakins said all positions outside of the classroom must be analyzed, and a group will be formed to examine how non-classroom resources are being used. Q: Does the district or the state decide what is taught in schools? A: Eakins said the state decides what is taught, but the districts have some autonomy over how things are taught. Q: Was there embezzlement at Turkey Creek Middle School? A: According to an audit done by Naomi S. Frierson, treasurer of Hillsborough County Council of PTA/ PTSAs, “while there is a substantial deviation from proper procedures and best practices, I find no evidence of willful wrongdoing.” She said future officers should attend Hillsborough County Council of PTA/PTSAs training and officer-specific training at the Florida PTA Leadership Conference in July. A copy of the audit is available through Melissa Snively’s office. Q: Parents had bad experiences at Turkey Creek Middle PTA meetings. What are the professional standards enforced by the school board? A: Snively said details of the disciplinary actions taken are private. Eakins said every employee must sign a code of ethics. Snively added the code of ethics can be viewed on the school board’s website. Q: Did funding for school advisory councils get cut? A: According to a letter from Gretchen Saunders, chief business officer of Hillsborough County Public Schools, funding has been cut from the state budget since 2009. Hillsborough County Public Schools has found different ways to provide funding since then, including money from bank account interest, Office Depot contract rebates and money from Pepsi. Now that Pepsi funding has stopped and bank account interest dwindled from lower interest rates, there is no more funding. SACs are support groups made up of the school's principal, staff, parents and community members.

The Plant City Kiwanis Club is making a habit out of celebrating outstanding students. This year, the club has expanded its reach with Terrific Kids, a program that recognizes students for character and hard work. Though the club has supported the program for nine years, it has expanded its outreach in Plant City elementary schools. This year, the club supports the Terrific Kids program at Jackson, Burney and Wilson elementary schools and Independence Academy. Nationwide, the program is sponsored by Kiwanis International. “The Kiwanis Club sponsors it,” club member Sharon Moody said. “We want to expand. We hope we can do up to 10 schools within the next year. It’s all elementary schools with this program.” Every month, each school recognizes a student from every class who has demonstrated leadership skills and strong character. The students are recommended by either their teachers or peers and are celebrated with various treats and goodies. At Wilson Elementary School, October’s Terrific Kids were recognized Thursday, Oct. 6. The Plant City Kiwanis Club brought juice and doughnuts to students, who also were rewarded with Terrific Kid pencils, buttons and stickers. Mac Smith and Don Walden, both members of the Plant City Kiwanis Club, were present Oct. 6 to hand out the rewards to students. Both attended Wilson together during their childhood. “I was born in 1929 and went here in 1935,” Smith said. “It brings back old memories. I lived not too far from here when I went to school.” “They are the advisors here,” Moody said. Now they, along with the rest of the Plant City Kiwanis Club, are supporting the next generation of students. The aim of the program is to teach students how to establish and reach goals while encouraging peer mentoring. Additionally, the program aims to empower students by recognizing them amongst their peers. “Each teacher picks a different kid every month,” Wilson Elementary guidance counselor Laura Roman said. “They’re recognized on the morning show. Every week we have conversations about character.” Those interested in supporting the Plant City Kiwanis Club and helping the club extend its outreach to other area schools are encouraged to join. The club meets every Wednesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive in Plant City.

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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.

is for responsible.

is for inclusive.

is for friendly.

is for inquisitive.

is for capable. LEARN MORE Website: KiwanisKids. org

Photos by Emily Topper

Top: Mac Smith, Wilson Elementary Principal Gina Becker, Sharon Moody, Don Walden and Wilson Elementary Guidance Counselor Laura Roman Above:Wilson Elementary Principal Gina Becker

INSURANCE

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We’re not just Pizza, Come try our Hamburgers, Chicken & Steak Too! Lunch & Dinner specials every day! View our Printable Menu on Abcpizza.com

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Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

1/2 Price Appetizers

Always Better Crust

Students are recognized monthly in Plant City.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS

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

Mini Greek Salad & your choice of a small sub

TERRIFIC KIDS

STAFF WRITER

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

Over 50 Yrs. serving Plant City area

218971

ocal teachers, parents and students got a chance to have their voices heard by top Hillsborough County Public Schools officials Monday, Oct. 17. Superintendent Jeff Eakins, District 4 board member Melissa Snively, Chief of Schools Harrison Peters and Area 6 Superintendent Sharon Morris opened the floor in two separate, 90-minute forums at Plant City High School: one for teachers and one for parents and students. The forums were part of the school board’s initiative to improve communication between itself and the general public.

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 21, 2016

LEGAL NOTICE

Verizon Wireless proposes to build a 150-foot self support communications tower (with an overall height of 160 feet including attachments). Anticipated lighting application is medium intensity dual red/white strobes. The Site location is 3305 English Road, Plant City, FL 33567, coordinates 27° 57’ 7.39”, -82° 3’ 43.973” . The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is A1051453. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS - Interested persons may review the application www.fcc.gov/asr/applications by entering the filing number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review www.fcc. gov/asr/environmentalrequest . Online filings are strongly encouraged. The mailing address to file a paper copy is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.

Photos by Casey Jeanite

Tara and Autumn Partridge

Getting Squirrelly

HISTORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS - Public comments regarding potential effects on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Liz Jerry, Trileaf Corp, 1051 Winderley Place, Ste 201, Maitland, FL 32751 e.jerry@trileaf.com, (407) 660-7840. Please include the tower location and the location of the historic resource that you believe to be affected. 220062

uests ventured to the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze for opening weekend Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16. The maze, on Charlie Taylor Road, includes games, food, vendors, a country store and more. The maze will be open again Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 29, and Sunday, Oct. 30. —AMBER JURGENSEN

IF YOU GO The corn maze attracted guests of all ages.

First Presbyterian Church of Plant City would like to thank the community of Plant City and the local businesses who generously supported our “Fish Fry”. We look forward to many more community events at our “Baker Street” park. 405 W. Baker Street, Plant City, FL 33563

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FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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

PLANT CITY’S BEST LOCAL AUCTION HOUSE! Live bluegrass music was provided by Duck Wallow Lane.

Live-Absolute Auction

Thursday- 4pm Saturday - Noon, Preview 1 Hr. before NO RESERVES

Accepting Consignment

Monday - Thursday 10am-2pm

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including pictures of items on this week’s auction!

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203 E. Laura St., Plant City, FL | 813.754.4607 Mike & Hope Williams, Owners

Visit us on

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Matthew Dick and Jessica Ledbetter enjoyed their barbecue pulled pork sandwiches.

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 ________________

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

Deadline: Fri., October 28, 2016

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Toni Futch handed out samples of strawberry shortcake.

Big Mike’s Auction House, LLC

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

FRIDAY, OCT. 21

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. EAST HILLSBOROUGH ART GUILD OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. 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. HEALTH AWARENESS FESTIVAL 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Solaris Health, 701 N. Wilder Road. (813) 752-3611. RISING STAR PUMPKIN PATCH 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, from Friday, Oct. 21, 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. 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.

BEST BET SATURDAY, OCT. 22

WALDEN LAKE FALL FESTIVAL 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the polo fields in Walden Lake, 3035 Griffin Blvd. Enjoy games, vendors and more.

ZOMBIE HUNT 8 p.m. to midnight 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.

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

country store, corn maze, games, hay rides and more. FutchEntertainment.com.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Calvary FWB Church, 3539 E. Trapnell Road. The youth group hosts it yearly and also sells homemade devil crabs.

HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL AND TRUCK SHOW 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 S. County Road 39. Free games, face painting, music and more. Visit the church’s pumpkin patch, which is raising money for youth events.

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR GIRL 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Durant High School, 4748 Cougar Path. FALL PLANT FEST 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, and Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. There will be annuals, perennials, Florida natives, trees, fruit, vegetables, vines, succulents and more. The Food Day Celebration begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23.

SATURDAY SCHOLAR SERIES 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 402 W. English St. Guests will learn about long-term care with speaker Lynn Pennley, district manager of West Central Florida Ombudsman Program. For more information, contact the office (813) 752-9316. YARD SALE 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at 4835 W. Sam Allen Road. There will be furniture, clothing, china, DVDs and more.

FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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

PLUS…

SUNDAY, OCT. 23

THE LESSER LIGHT COLLECTIVE CONCERT 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Plant City SDA Church, 2203 Strawberry Drive. Lee G and Neville Peter from The Lesser Light Collective give a Christ-centered concert based on Daniel and Revelation. The concert is free. STRAWBERRY QUEEN COMPETITION ORIENTATION 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23; and 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, and Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Arthur Boring Building on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, 2406 W. Reynolds St. Interested applicants must attend one of the three meetings.

MONDAY, OCT. 24

AFTERNOON OF COLORING 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Materials are provided but feel free to bring your own coloring supplies. There will be 10 seats available. Pre-register at the library’s circulation desk or call

(813) 757-9215.

TUESDAY, OCT. 25

GARY DOLGIN MEET AND GREET AT WHISTLE STOP CAFE 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Whistle Stop Cafe, 102 S. Collins St. City commissioners and community members will gather to endorse Gary Dolgin for Circuit Court judge. The event is open to the public.

THURSDAY, OCT. 27

LOCK UP AT THE ROBERT WILLAFORD RAILROAD MUSEUM 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Robert Willaford Railroad Museum, 102 N. Palmer St. Community leaders and museum board members will “go to jail” to raise money for the museum. Guests of the event can pay money to help get them out of jail. Proceeds benefit the museum.

FRIDAY, OCT. 28

BARBECUE CHICKEN FUNDRAISER 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Jarrett-Scott Ford, 2000 E. Baker St. A $10 donation includes barbecue chicken, baked beans, cole slaw and a roll. Proceeds benefit the Plant City Christmas Parade. Call Sharon Moody at (813) 453-7134 or Henry Falcon at (813) 754-9338. PLANT CITY FOOD TRUCK RALLY 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Union Station Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. Enjoy a pumpkin contest, costume contest, Girls Night Out, kids activities and more.

BOO!

Tons Of Holiday Fun! Fun Family Event!

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PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Place 813 757 6677 tampaymca.org

It’s that time again—

Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant

Sedita Kilton & Company, Certified Public Accountants, P.L.

“PLANNING FOR LIFE” SERVING CENTRAL FLORIDA WITH EXPERTISE IN: • Business Taxation & Tax Planning • Business Advising • Bookkeeping • Quickbooks Experts • Personal Taxation & Tax Planning

There will be three orientations this year: Sunday, October 23 at 4:00 PM Monday, October 24 at 5:30 PM Tuesday, November 1 at 5:30 PM

INDUSTRY SPECIALTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

The orientation will be located in the Arthur Boring Building on the Festival Grounds by the Lions Club booth.

Nathan A. Kilton, CPA/PFS, CFP®, MBA, REALTOR®

Participants need to attend only one but they are mandatory.

FOR SAFETY IN NUMBERS! www.seditakilton.com

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For more information contact Gail Lyons (813) 967-6366 | Kerrie Gafford (863) 670-6272

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• Construction • Agriculture • Doctors • Wholesalers • Real Estate

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

R.L. AVANT R.L. Avant, 89, of Dover, died Sept. 28, 2016. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Dover. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served in World War II. He was a farmer, mineworker and a deacon at his church. He is survived by his son, Tommy Avant (Kathy); daughters, Barbara Taylor (Scott), Kathleen Ross (Jim) and Debbie Williams (Larry); grandchildren, Brandy Scott, Alex Ross (Sheila), Aaron Ross (Nicole), Nick Williams (Candice), Ashley Woods (Matt), Josie Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Katlyn Anderson and Michael Andrews; and eight greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Marie Avant; brother, Roland Avant; and sister, Jewel Smith. A funeral service was held Oct. 3, at First Baptist Church of Dover. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

CECIL M. BOSTICK Cecil M. Bostick, 82, of Ocala, died Oct. 2, 2016. He was born in Plant City on May 16, 1934. He was a retired chief aviation ordnanceman with the United States Navy. He loved cars, hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sharon Bostick; children, J. LaTrell Kielbasa (John), of Ft. Lauderdale, and Harold V. Dean III (Lisa), of Lakeland; grandchildren, Jonathon R. Kielbasa (Askandra), Alethia J. Kielbasa, Jeremy M. Kielbasa, Jason Matthews and Elizabeth Dean; and siblings, Margie Boyette and Theron Bostick (Carolyn). He was preceded in death by his son, Clayton “Corky” Bostick. A celebration of life was held Oct. 8, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

DELBERT BUCHANAN

Delbert Buchanan, 72, of Plant City, died Sept. 27, 2016. He was the son of the late Tom and Anna Jordan Buchanan. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired from TECO. He is survived by his beloved wife, Loretta Buchman; daughter, Dina Cowart; and siblings, Joe, Larry and Bobby Buchanan. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Kevin Buchanan. A memorial graveside service was held Oct. 7, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

JAMES EDWARD CAPPS James Edward Capps, 88, died Sept. 23, 2016. He was a devoted family member and a dear friend of many. He is survived by his daughter, Sue Ann Eriksen (Tim Lewis), of Plant City; son, Jim Capps (Connie), of Sevierville, Tennessee; and granddaughter, Kristen Mariel Capps, of Baltimore, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Bernice Capps; wife, Evelyn Thompson Capps; wife, Marjorie Capps; brother, Beryl Capps; and son, William Phillip Capps. Arrangements by Garden of Memories. The family will be having private services.

ROBERT E. CLAWSON Robert E. Clawson, 97, died Sunday, Sept. 25, surrounded by his daughter and two granddaughters. He lived a very happy and full life from 1918 to 2016. He was a lawyer, a pilot in the United States Air Force, a World War II veteran, an equestrian and a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His family will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Clawson. He is survived by his daughter, Callie; son, Bobby; son-in-law, Wayne; and granddaughters,

Helen, Hannah and “Little” Callie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project at WoundedWarriorProject.org. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and Crematory, Georgia. Online condolences may be made at CrowellBrothers.com.

JAMES LOUIS “HOTROD” FAULK James Louis “Hotrod” Faulk, 85, of Plant City, died Oct. 2, 2016. He was born in Vernon, Florida on June 15, 1931. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Assembly of God in Plant City and was in the Florida National Guard. He loved dogs and enjoyed working on tractors. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Faulk; children, David Faulk, Sandra York, Ronnie Faulk (Judy), Connie Jones (Jimmy) and Ronnie Williams; sister, Laverne Hendley; special niece, Butterball Rogers; 16 grandchildren; and 24 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kay Thomas. A celebration of life was held Oct. 6, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Springhead Cemetery, Lakeland. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

CHALMERS D. HICKS Chalmers D. Hicks, 87, of Plant City, died Sept. 23, 2016. He was born Aug. 25, 1929, in Liberty, Alabama, to John and Lou (Millwood) Hicks. He was a janitor at Turkey Creek School and a farmer. He was the owner of Hicks Swap Shop and loved buying and selling new and used furniture. He is survived by eight sons; one daughter; three brothers; one sister; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Earlene Hicks; brothers, Marion and Brownie Hicks; and stepson, Chris Inlow. Services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

LINDA LEE HUMPHREY Linda Lee Humphrey, 58, of Plant City, died Oct. 1, 2016. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, she was the daughter of Louis and Muriel Chaplin Geaski. She is survived by her son, Jesse Patelli; and sister, Melanie Brown (Paul). A memorial service was held Oct. 8, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

MARGARITA PEREZ AJENO Margarita Perez Ajeno, 69, of Plant City, died Oct. 3, 2016. She was born in Havana, Cuba on May 8, 1947, to Oscar Perez and Mercedes Ajeno. She attended St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City. She enjoyed doing crafts and spending time with her family. She will be missed. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Julio Verdeja; sons, Julio O. Verdeja (Maria M.), Jorge A. Verdeja and Francisco J. Verdeja (Fernanda); daughter, Ana M. Verdeja (Carlos Lamoutte); sister, Nancy Campos; grandchildren, Julio E. Verdeja, Alexandra I. Verdeja, Caroline M. Lamoutte, Lauren Lamoutte, Carlos A. Lamoutte, Isabella S. Verdeja and Luciana M. Verdeja. A funeral mass was held Oct. 6, at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Pope Paul VI Institute at PopePaulVI. com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

DOROTHY “DOT” MAE PINION Dorothy “Dot” Mae Pinion, 86, died Sept. 30, 2016, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Lakeland. She was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina to the late Lewis Jackson Sr. and Bonnie Belloe Nobles on Aug. 16, 1930. She moved as an infant with her family to LaBelle, Florida, where she grew up. She worked for several years as a telephone switchboard operator in Ft. Myers. She married Herman P. Pinion on June 29, 1959. Together, they moved to Plant City in 1960. She was active for many years at Midway Baptist Church in Plant City, where she served as the deacon’s wife. She also served in the Homebound Ministry and on the Bereavement Food Committee. In her later years, she was a member of Church on the Rock. She had been a resident at Arbor Oaks Assisted Living in Lakeland since 2013. She was known for her sweet, gentle spirit right to the end. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Bryant (Claude), of Lakeland, and Charlene “Patti” Austin (Chris), of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandsons, Dylan Austin, Sean Austin and Langley Bryant; sister, Joanne Craft; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman; brother, Lewis J. Nobles Jr.; and sister, June Howard. A service was held at Church on the Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church on the Rock or Good Shepherd Hospice at ChaptersHealth.org. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

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

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10/13/16 11:03 AM

OCTOBER 21, 2016

SPORTS

“It’s just a good thing to see, when you see your coaching goes to fruition.” Chris Gay helped Durant make the playoffs. PAGE 18

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

Dedmen advances to golf states

t the Monday, Oct. 17, FHSAA 3A-Region 5 tournament, Plant City High junior Taylor Dedmen won the tournament as an individual with a score of 72, locking in a trip to states. The Lady Raiders golf team finished fifth overall, with a team score of 532. The boys team placed eighth overall.

Volleyball regionals

fter Plant City, Durant and Bloomingdale respectively defeated Tampa Bay Tech, Lennard and Strawberry Crest Monday, Oct. 17, the 8A-9 district championship scene was set one day later. East Bay, which earned a first-round bye, eliminated Plant City, 25-23, 25-20, 25-23, and Bloomingdale eliminated Durant, 25-23, 2523, 25-22. The teams played for the 8A-9 title Thursday, Oct. 20, at Strawberry Crest High School.

Lancers, Elks team up for soccer competition

ocal soccer players can put their shooting skills to the test Monday, Oct. 24, and Tuesday, Oct. 25. The Plant City FC Lancers and the Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 are hosting the 2016 Elks Soccer Shoot, in which anyone ages 4 to 13 (as of Aug. 1, 2016) can participate. Registration is free. The competition will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2602 E. Cherry St. For more information visit PlantCityFC.com.

Boxing w trouble as once Dav i . Now, he’s fo d Torres’ path llowing a the pa way from th to h SEE PA is drea GE 1 m.

Justin Kline

Plant City High junior David Torres hopes to one day go pro.

GAME OF THE WEEK

TAMPA BAY TECH AT DURANT

Cougars win Redman Cup Durant defeated Plant City, 16-6, Friday, Oct. 14.

Colts to host breast cancer awareness fundraiser

he Plant City Colts are trying to make Friday, Oct. 28, a night to remember. The football organization is hosting “A Walk to Remember” from 7 to 10 p.m. at Marshall Middle School, 18 S. Maryland Ave. All are invited to walk the school’s track and raise awareness with the Colts family for $5. All proceeds will be donated to local breast cancer survivors. Register by emailing ShaniquaAbdullah1935@gmail.com or at the event.

Justin Kline

Brandon Myers scored two touchdowns.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR Justin Kline

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? FRIDAY NIGHT NOTES PAGE 17

David Tabakovic wants to keep the fullback position alive as his sport moves away from it.

Durant fullback David Tabakovic came to the United States from Russia eight years ago and transitioned from rugby to football. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

David Tabakovic won’t forget where he came from anytime soon, though that’s because his coaches and teammates do terrible Russian accents. The Durant High School junior has lived in the United States since 2008. His English is good enough to be indistinguishable from the average American 16-year-old — thanks in part to years of learning English in Russia. Like many big guys around his age, he can be found on the football field on Friday nights. It’s a departure from his first sport, rugby, but a change he grew to love. FROM BEARS TO BUCCANEERS

Born and raised in Russia to a Russian father and a Polish mother, Tabakovic grew up in a small town, dotted with barns and brick houses. It almost

sounds like any small country town — just with more bears. “It’s a stereotypical thing, but it’s true,” Tabakovic says. His father, a mechanic for Volkswagen, taught him English from a young age. According to Tabakovic, it was classic “Dad” reasoning. You never know, son, what’s going to happen, Tabakovic recalls his father saying. We may move to America. A job-related transfer, coupled with the divorce of his parents, happened to play into that situation: moving to the U.S. The family initially settled in Palm Harbor in 2008. Tabakovic’s father remarried, and the family moved to Valrico in 2013. Although Tabakovic had heard of American football while in Russia, his first opportunity to try it came in SEE GAME PAGE 17

THE OTHER GUYS PLANT CITY Following a 16-6 home loss to Durant, which saw an unusual struggle from the Raiders offense, Plant City will get to recharge its batteries with a bye week. STRAWBERRY CREST When: 7:30 p.m. Where: 7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton The Chargers are coming off of a bye week and heading directly into a matchup with East Bay. The Indians are coming off of a 40-34 loss to Bloomingdale, which saw them blow a 20-14 halftime lead

Try as they might, the Raiders simply couldn't find any answers for Durant's defensive puzzle. The Cougars shut down nearly every facet of Plant City's game in a 16-6 win at 1 Raider Place that came with two added bonuses: the Redman Cup trophy and the district's last remaining playoff berth. "I was a little bit nervous early on, you know, we were giving up a few plays and the quarterback was hurting us a little bit," head coach Mike Gottman says. "But we settled down. It was a high-emotion game. It was the real deal. That's why you coach, for Friday nights, for this atmosphere." Durant was the first to get on the scoreboard, as Peyton Ledbetter hit a field goal with 1:48 left in the first quarter. Plant City was able to snatch the lead away with its only score of the game at the 9:53 mark of the second quarter, when running back Treshaun Ward capped off a drive with a nifty spin move on a four-yard run into the end zone. But the Raiders' PAT attempt missed, keeping Durant within one possession. SEE CUP PAGE 17

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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SEE CUP PAGE 16

the U.S. “My dad signed me up for football in 2008 and, ever since then, he’s been inspiring me to keep going and follow my dream,” Tabakovic says. It didn’t take long before he fell in love with the sport, and he found an idol in Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Mike Alstott: a fullback, also Tabakovic’s position. Like a forward attack in rugby, Tabakovic enjoyed “plowing through” people to score points. After about a year of learning the game, it all came together for Tabakovic. He knew he wanted to play high school football — but his chance was put on hold.

The Cougars pulled ahead for good on the ensuing kickoff, which Brandon Myers took to the house for a touchdown. Down 10-6, the Raiders tried driving for another score before the end of the half but started to get unlucky. Quarterback Corey King lost control of a lateral attempt, which was then scooped up by Brandon Guido. It led to a scrum between the teams. After a brief sign of hope — Durant quarterback Carlton Potter was then picked off by Tyreke Harrison — the Raiders turned the ball back over and Myers was able to score again with an 11-yard catch in the back of the end zone. Although Durant's star wideout was hurt on the play, he walked off on his own power and rested in the second half. There was no scoring in the second half, but plenty of drama. The teams traded the ball back and forth, but the Cougars' offense was able to eat up enough clock to keep the tempo in the road team's favor. It also helped that defensive back Chris Gay snagged two picks in the go-home half. With just over two minutes left to play, the Raiders attempted to drive from their own 8-yard line and picked up two quick first downs. Plant City did manage to convert on fourthand-eight from their own 33, but the Durant defense stopped the ensuing drive to seal the deal. Perhaps reality set in when Gottman grabbed the Redman Cup for the first time in two seasons and successfully juked several Gatorade cooler-toting Cougars. "It's great," Gottman says. "I mean, we have a really hard time winning football games here, and it's just great to come over and get the Redman Cup back ... words can't explain the emotions right now."

Tabakovic returned to Russia in 2014 to visit his mother. The trip caused him to miss what would have been his freshman season with the Cougars. After returning, his parents accidentally signed him up for the Valrico Rams Pop Warner team. He made the Durant varsity team in 2015, his sophomore year. Durant has been putting him to work in his junior season, making the most of his blocking and running skills. Carrying the ball, Tabakovic is averaging 4.3 yards per carry and has scored twice. He knows fullbacks aren’t as common as they used to be, but he hopes to play well enough for Durant to play in college, preferably Florida State University, and maybe go to the NFL. “I’m trying to bring that position back to life,” Tabakovic says. TITLE FIGHT

It may be true that Tampa Bay Tech is favored to win the Friday, Oct. 21, game and the district, as has been the case all season. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the Titans offense have decimated opposing defenses with its relentless passing game, and the defense has similarly shown little mercy. The Cougars claim nobody believed they could beat Plant City Friday, Oct. 14. They proved the doubters wrong by winning and securing a playoff spot. If they already beat the odds once, who’s to say they can’t do it again?

PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act (sections 83.801 - 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Uncle Bob’s Self Storage location(s) listed below. And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 am, November 9th, 2016 at 1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526. CUSTOMER NAME

INVENTORY

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Top: Treshaun Ward scored the Raiders’ only points. Middle: Casey Flouro hauled in a catch. Bottom: The Cougars were thrilled.

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Friday Night Notes

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BACK TO LIFE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

1400 Plantation Blvd. Plant City, FL 33566 P: 813.757.6616 | F: 813.752.8569 plantation@shelton-cook.com

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SEE GAME PAGE 16

Sports Editor Justin Kline weighs in on last week’s Redman Cup game nearly anybody, but it was able to contain the offense after that. A few predictions I had made in the Thursday, Oct. 13, Gridiron Report came true. First, while I didn’t specifically pick either team to win, I said I could see the game being decided by no more than 10 points. I also said it would be a one-score margin, but that one kind of backfired on me. The last prediction I made was that if anything was going to hurt the Raiders, it would be penalties. Sure enough, there were plenty of calls that gave the Cougars good field positioning and scoring chances. On the flip side, I don’t think I’ve personally seen Durant take as many penalties this season as they did in this game. That sounds like rivalry week. I found the buildup to this game interesting, because it was the first time I’ve heard the talk around town give Durant a real shot at getting a win. That’s not counting 2013, as I had only been in town for three days at that time, but I can’t remember any other time before the last few matchups in which I had Plant City fans tell me Durant looked like it could get a win. Overall, this was as good a Redman Cup game as I’ve seen in my time here. Next week, we’ll see how the Cougars handle Tampa Bay Tech, the district’s other locked-in playoff team. Although the playoffs are already guaranteed, both teams are currently undefeated in district play and have one loss overall. The battle for the district championship will be fought at Cougar Path this week, and it’s there that we’ll see if the Cougars can go from beating one of 2015’s best football teams to beating one of 2016’s top dogs in consecutive weeks.

Justin Kline is the sports editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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nother year, another Redman Cup game in the books. Durant earned itself another “W” in the series’ win-loss column and left 1 Raider Place knowing it’s guaranteed to play some postseason football next month. I don’t think those seniors could have been much happier. I don’t think they could have been much more anxious during the game, either. We didn’t get a highscoring affair, but that means we got a grinder of a game where everyone in a football uniform or coaching gear is on edge. Emotions ran high — at one point, maybe a little too high — and it showed. But that’s what makes games like these so special. I’m kind of inclined to believe the injured guys were the most anxious to get a win. On one side of the field, you have Antoine Thompson doing everything in his power to pump the Raiders up and keep them positive. On the other side, you have Steven Witchoskey yelling out encouragement and putting his walking boot through its paces. You just knew, at the time, everyone physically unable to play in the game, beyond just those two guys, wanted nothing more than to jump into the lineup and make a difference themselves. I think one of the most important performances of the game came from Durant’s offense, which found a way to keep the game in the team’s favor without the second-half services of a banged-up Brandon Myers. Down one of its best players, the Cougars’ scoring unit made up for its lack of scoring by extending drives and picking up first downs, mainly on the ground. Sometimes, all you need to do is control the tempo and manage the game, and that’s what Durant did. The defense was able to take care of the rest. Shutting down the Raiders isn’t easy, given the amount of talent on the roster, but the Cougars held Plant City to just six points. There wasn’t much the stop unit could do to keep Treshaun Ward out of the end zone on the Raiders’ lone scoring drive, as the move Ward used to create separation would have stumped

9 8

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

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This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) Love, 2) Beauty, 3) Foam 4) Cupid, 5) Venus Aphrodite

OctThis 20 (Medium, rating 0.52) week’sdifficulty Sudoku answers

2 9 8 7

6 3 4

3 6 8 4 2 9 1 4 7

4 9 1

8 6 7

2 1

3 6 9 8 2

slew of sports, from football to soccer, weren’t really his thing. Then he found Plant City Boxing Gym.

to the limit, to where I know I can’t do any more.”

FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY

Torres found his training sessions paid off in his very first fight in May. He won the first of his six fights by TKO in the third round. “I was crying.” Torres says. “It was exciting, my first fight. Not a lot of people win their first fight, and not a lot of people win by TKO.” He gained the approval of his mother and stepfather and now has a support system beyond his trainers. Rodriguez plans to help Torres launch his career once he turns 18. Florida’s Sunshine State Games, Silver and Golden Gloves tournaments will be in play. Sporting a 5-1 record through six fights, Torres is confident his experience in the novice ranks and his lessons learned from the Plant City Boxing Gym are preparing him to be successful at the next level. “Whatever (Rodriguez) is down for, let’s go for it,” Torres says. “If he says he wants to go to Golden Gloves, let’s do it. I trust him. He’s the best coach.”

Torres puts everything he has into sessions at Plant City Boxing Gym. There are long runs, done on the balls of the feet, from one end of the warehouse to the other. There are lunges, tire flips, heavy bag sessions, jump roping, mitt drills and plenty of other cardio-centric exercises. He runs two miles to the gym. And he doesn’t like to miss practice. This, according to gym owner Jose Rodriguez, is what sets Torres apart. “I feel like, every time I’m hitting that bag, I’m focused on everything,” Torres says. “All the things I’m mad at. Everything I’ve been through. I focus on it so I can release my stress.” In the gym, fighters work and work until their legs can’t move, until their arms can’t guard their faces and until nothing sounds more relieving than taking a quick break to go outside and vomit. And, when that happens, the “second wind” of energy puts Torres and others back in for more. “Boxing’s tough,” Torres says. “I like working out. I like pushing myself

STING LIKE A BEE

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Chris Gay

2 4 9 3

3 6 8 7

4 9

6 9 3 2 4 7

8 5

8 4 7

3 2 6

Justin Kline

David Torres won by unanimous decision Saturday, Oct. 15.

3 2 6 8

9 3 2 6 8 4 5 1

168342-1

www.rollysonfearnow.com

Mike Tyson once said, “Everybody has a plan ‘till they get punched in the mouth.” If Rayshawn Cooper hadn’t already known that, he found out Saturday, Oct. 15, when he fought Plant City High School junior David Torres. Although the two fighters were separated by a seven-year age gap, Torres, 17, looked superior. From start to finish, his approach was relentless: Cooper’s reach advantage was negated by Torres’ habit of moving inside and showering him with aggressive, yet calculated, combinations. It almost appeared as if Torres wanted Cooper to hit him. At times, a wolfish grin unfurled on Torres’ face before he cut off an escape route or rushed inside. His punches flew and landed with a controlled rage, as if he had bottled up emotions to let them loose at that very moment. And, although there were exchanges where Torres got as good as he gave, he didn’t back down. Boxing is Torres’ newest way of showing he fears no one. Boxing is his outlet for an anger that once consumed him. Boxing is the piece of his soul he never knew he was missing. “I want everybody to know it’s good to have a hobby where you can release your stress,” Torres says. Torres always knew fighting was his specialty. Growing up, he says he developed the kind of personality that would get him in hot water. He wanted his peers to know he was not a kid to be trifled with, whether they knew they were drawing his ire or not. “I couldn’t control myself,” Torres says. “Sometimes, I’d get in fights for no reason other than, ‘That dude looked at me.’” Torres eventually saw a hair-trigger temper was only going to hurt him in life, so he sought solutions. The usual

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Durant defensive back Chris Gay had the game of his life Friday, Oct. 14. His two interceptions — one that made Bright House Sports Network’s highlight reel — helped Durant win the Redman Cup and make the playoffs. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

This week’s Crossword answers

That one-handed pick where you tipped the ball to yourself made it on TV. How did you feel when you heard about that? Man, that was crazy. I don’t even have Bright House, so I couldn’t see it. My coach had to tell me about it. It’s just a good thing to see, when you see your coaching goes to fruition. What was your mindset, going into such a huge game? We knew (Plant City) had a running back, and we knew their quarterback had an arm on him. They wanted to go deep sometimes.

2016

Going back to that pick, everyone on the sideline was worried when you tipped it and freaked out when you caught it. What about you? On the routes they ran, I just had to keep dropping back. On that route, I had to drop back into the end zone to make sure no one could get behind me. When I saw it coming in, I just went up to tip it down. But I tipped it soft enough that it landed in my bread basket, and I just took off.

F U N F O R T H E E N T I R E F A M I LY !

That’s got to be one of the highlights of your career. For Durant, it’s probably number one. For high school, it’s probably number two, next to my first varsity game as a freshman.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30TH 4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Where were you before then? I lived out in Italy for a while. My dad’s military. At my high school in Italy, we had (American football). All the bases had it. We would travel to Germany and lower Italy and stuff to play there. It wasn’t on par with Hillsborough County football, but my team was equivalent to some of the teams around here. We did all right.

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What’s your strongest attribute as a player? My speed. It’s been a little bit of work, getting my zone breaks right

and everything, so my speed definitely helped me out in the beginning. What skill have you improved most? Targeting the ball in the air. I had a tough time with that when I was younger, and I just started to get really decent at it. District title is on the line this week. Coaches say nobody believes in you guys. But what do you say to people like that to convince them not to write you all off? They put us down 14 points last week, said that we’d lose. We’re coming after it. We’re coming to get the “W.” I’m not saying that Tech’s bad at all — they’re obviously a great team. But we want to be great, too, and we’ve got to beat Tech to do that. Any college plans? I’ve got one look from a college right now but, really, I’m going to try to go to FAU or UCF and walk on. Who’s your favorite player? Tyrann Mathieu. He’s a little guy like me. He plays with a lot of heart, and he plays to execute. If you could play for any pro team, what would it be? The New Orleans Saints. I’ve been a Saints fan since I was about 7 years old. Reggie Bush, when he came from USC — that’s my college team — I wore the No. 25 jersey freshman and sophomore year, I didn’t even play running back. Were you 7 or 8 when he went to the Saints? Yeah. I feel old. I’ve got his rookie card, yeah. You get $1 billion in the bank one day. What do you buy? A Bugatti. What advice do you give a kid hoping to play defensive back like you? Just get after the ball. Fly around, and be an athlete. Don’t try to think too much. Just do what you know how to do. What famous person would you like to hang out with for a day? Marilyn Monroe. She was the first lady like that. She was the first boss lady.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

High: 86 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 9%

SATURDAY, OCT. 22 High: 79 Low: 54 Chance of rain: 0%

High: 80 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 0%

High: 82 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 5%

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

Rentlok Self Storage

1 Cause for a prison lockdown 5 Capital of Senegal 10 Bed with bars 14 Wood of hobby kits 19 Archer of cinema 20 State as a view 21 First female U.S. attorney general 22 Just perfect 23 Not nice at all 24 Letter between eta and iota 25 Forearm bone 26 Word attached to “party” or “opera” 27 Went car shopping. Couldn’t decide between a ... 31 Photographer’s three-legger 32 It makes the grade 33 Minstrel’s instrument 34 Hats for bagpipers 35 Address fit for a king 36 Small swamps 37 Utter 40 Seeks divine guidance 43 “To ___ it may concern” 44 Priority male? 45 Fairy tale beginning 46 Part of a greeting 47 It involves scales 52 Champion’s number 53 They can swing from good to bad 54 Six-legged colonists 55 Remove wooden pins from 56 252 wine gallons 57 Far East sash 58 Rolled cubes 59 Before, before words 60 Then I couldn’t decide between ... 69 Roll-call thumbs-down 70 Tapered part of a rocket 71 Good thing to strike 72 Timeline stretch 73 States biblically? 76 Sledgehammer kin 77 Frat letter 80 Design on human skin, briefly 81 TV’s ALF and Mork, e.g. 85 Nibbled on 86 Puerto ___ 87 Some spreading trees 88 Critter turned into a frontier cap 89 Teach one student 91 Utilized ember 92 Matterhorn’s mountains 93 Having been delivered? 94 Disorderly mound 96 TV host O’Brien’s nickname 97 Pouter’s expression 98 “At the ___ Core” 101 Before I got back on my BIKE, I was torn between a ... 108 Cook, as chestnuts 109 Give off, as steam 110 Creature that’s similar to a giraffe 111 ___ moss (garden shop purchase) 112 Terra ___ (fired clay) 113 Egypt’s main water source 114 Window that projects 115 Eleanor Roosevelt’s first name 116 Type of magnolias? 117 “So, what ___ is new?” 118 Wed

1. P I H B 2. T B E C R W 3. Q I E N 4. S C G Z X 5. H B M C D

This Mount Olympian offered up Helen to Paris, spurring the Trojan War:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 Oct 20 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.52) through 9 in each row, column and box.

1 2

3 7

9 8

4 6 8 4 4 9 3

1 6 9

6 2 1

7:33a

6:53p

Sunday, Oct. 23

7:34a

6:52p

Monday, Oct. 24

7:34a

6:51p

Tuesday, Oct. 25

7:35a

6:50p

Wednesday, Oct. 26

7:36a

6:49p

Thursday, Oct. 27

7:36a

6:48p

Oct. 22 Last

Nov. 14 Full

Nov. 7 First

Thursday, Oct. 13

0.00

Friday, Oct. 14

0.00

Saturday, Oct. 15

0.60

Sunday, Oct. 16

0.00

Monday, Oct. 17

0.00

Tuesday, Oct. 18

0.00

Wednesday, Oct. 19

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

OCT. TO DATE:

2016 52.56 in.

2016 5.36 in.

2015 29.50 in.

2015 0.96 in.

Our Vision:

We are Christ centered, church connected, and community minded as we equip the body of Christ. Our Core Values: 218047

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

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Dr. Dan Morris Sr., President

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ACROSS

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

Terry Collier—Household Clorisa Williams—Household Bettye Dexter—Household Debrela Williams—Household

Saturday, Oct. 22

CROSSWORD

CRYPTOQUIZ

Robert Ausbourne—Household Maramoni Harvey—Household Terry Collier—Household Sharon Weart—Household

6:54p

COME LEARN SOMETHING MORE FROM THE BIBLE!

located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813 - 759 - 2800. NOTICE OF SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy and owner and/or manager’s lien of goods hereinafter described and stored at: Rentlok Self Storage located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-2800. And due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties know to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above stated locations to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016 @ 9:30 AM. OR ANY DATE THERE IN AFTER.

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7:33a

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Sunrise Sunset

Friday, Oct. 21

Oct. 30 New

MONDAY, OCT. 24

OKRA

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8 5

2 Oct 20 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.52)

2 9 8 7

6 3 4

3 6 8 4 2 9 1 4 7

3 6 9 8 2

119 “Darn it!”

DOWN

1 Freeway exit 2 Unreactive, as a gas 3 Studio caution 4 Feebleness 5 Web-based business 6 Plant attackers 7 Capital of the Ukraine 8 Voting “no” 9 What drama queens seek 10 Tom on screen 11 Find new tenants for 12 Some lodging houses 13 Large quantities 14 Ones with discriminating tastes? 15 Think the world of 16 Not look so good? 17 Dress in India 18 “Ran” preceder 28 Muscle problem 29 Manhattan Project VIP 30 Predict, as from omens 35 Herringlike food fish 36 Bible ___ (Midwesterner) 37 Editing room sound 38 Teenager’s torment

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, OCT. 23

To enter the I Love Plant City photo contest, email a photo and a caption to ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver. com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, OCT. 21 Dodie White says, “This picture is one of the many reasons that I love Plant City. I snapped this photo while looking out of my patio screen door around 8 a.m. … the beauty of nature in the city limits of Plant City. It reminds me of just how magnificent God’s creation is even in the midst of a terrible storm that was taking place just across our state.”

39 Safecracker, in jargon 40 ID component 41 Accumulate, as a bill 42 Contract broker 43 Question of identity 44 Baccarat player’s declaration 45 One with a manual 48 Shelter, as in a cove 49 Hairdo 50 Member of the first family 51 Hearing-related 57 Nebraska’s largest city 58 One charmed by bucks 59 Holder for a potion 61 Preface 62 Beats swords into plowshares 63 Some whiskey concoctions 64 Isolated land 65 Extremely deep sleep 66 Annoy successfully 67 Love poet’s Muse 68 “PG-13” assigner, e.g. 73 Syringe fluids 74 Center of a rotation 75 Rash response? 76 Tragedy Muse 77 Place for supplies 78 Attend to a pressing assignment?

79 Cotton-processing machine 82 Big-time phone company 83 Search thoroughly 84 One of the Beatles 90 Adequate for the job 92 Pertaining to the largest artery 93 Soft shoe? 94 Man Friday 95 Without any trouble 96 Group with class? 97 Works hard 99 Laughing carnivore 100 Meager 101 Semicircles 102 Plunderer’s take 103 Karma 104 Olympic runner Zatopek 105 Stew vegetable 106 Hibernation hideaway 107 Stats for incoming planes

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

FIGHTER. SURVIVOR. JODI. AGE 39

BC1606723-0916

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ItsInOurHands.org

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