11.20.15 PCTO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

HANGRY

REAL ESTATE Find out which homes sold in October.

If you missed the annual Dancing with the Locals competition Saturday, Nov. 14, check out a photo gallery from the event at PlantCityObserver.com.

OUR TOWN

Anthony Muniz won the jam, hosted by Wally B.

+ Students place at poetry jam Strawberry Crest High School students competed in a poetry jam hosted by professional poet Walter B. Jennings, known by stage name, Wally B. This year’s judges were Barbara Bergholm, April Langston and Jessica McMichen. The winners were: First place: Anthony Muniz Second place: Austin Knight Third place: Joceline Lumbreras Muniz will go on to compete at the district jam against other high school winners. Knight and Lumbreras will be student judges at the district jam.

CADENCE

Residents fight hunger with Food Bank fundraiser.

PAGES 8-9

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Footballers prepare for Superbowl. PAGE 12

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SHOP TILL YOU DROP

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

SBS: Promoting local buying This year, Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 28.

Where to Shop

About the Day Small Business Saturday began in Nov. 2010 as a follow-up to Black Friday. Instead of promoting large retail stores that sell many of the same items, Small Business Saturday promotes the shop small, buy local movement. The American Express Corporation trademarked the term Small Business Saturday.

Shops in Historic Downtown will be offering special deals and unique gifts on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. Plant City Mercantile will have 30 vendors. Other stores around Plant City will also be participating, such as RAOK Boutique and Fringe Boutique. RAOK: 2804 James L. Redman Parkway #103 Fringe: 601 E. Alexander St.

One of the most popular traditions after Thanksgiving is to wait in long lines outside of big box retailers in anticipation of Black Friday deals and savings. But in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, local business owners are preparing for the next round in the frenzy of holiday shopping: Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday, which began in Nov. 2010 around the United States, is being localized in the heart of Historic Downtown Plant City. On Saturday, Nov. 28, resi-

dents can flock to local shops to find deals and unique gifts that are sparse at department stores. This year, shopping addicts can look forward to about 12 downtown businesses participating in Small Business Saturday. “All downtown shops know that it’s going on,” David Schultz, owner of curated boutique marketplace Plant City Mercantile, said. Schultz, who is also a member of the City-supported Main Street Program in Historic Downtown, said that this

year businesses have used social media to promote the annual national event. “Through everybody’s Facebook page and Instagram, we’re trying to make people aware,” he said. “It’s important. Social media is incredibly important to retail businesses these days.” On social media sites, Plant City Mercantile has showcased items, such as jewelry and antiques, that will be for sale by over 30 vendors on Small Business Saturday.

SEE SMALL / PAGE 6

SENT FROM ABOVE by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

The Good Samaritan

The Shepherds are thankful for a mystery man and his dog, who helped Carole Shepherd after she suffered cardiac arrest during a morning walk. Editor’s Note: If you are the good samaritan/mystery man mentioned in this story, or if you know who the man is, contact News Reporter Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com to be put in touch with the Shepherd family.

+ Sculptures return to P.C.

Ten J. Seward Johnson sculptures will return to Plant City Tuesday, Dec. 1, through Tuesday, March 15. The sculptures are on loan from the Sculpture Foundation, which arranges the traveling of the sculptures around the world. The return of the sculptures has been in the planning stages for over a year. The Arts Council of Plant City was in contact with the Sculpture Foundation, but there were not any sculptures available until now because of several large national exhibits. The sculptures will be different from the sculptures that have been visited in Historic Downtown in the past. They will be placed in McCall Park, the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and Wlecome Center, Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, Plant City Entertainment Inc., Village Green, Bruton Memorial Library and City Hall.

arole Shepherd has no memory of Thursday, Oct. 15. The Plant City resident, who has lived in the same house on North Wheeler Street for the last 46 years, doesn’t remember waking up that morning. She doesn’t remember delaying her early morning walk with her husband, Tom, so that he could have blood work done. She doesn’t remember what she wore or what she said. She especially doesn’t remember anything after 9:20 a.m. The Shepherds had been finishing their walk, albeit later than usual, when Carole Shepherd collapsed from sudden cardiac and reEmily Topper

Tom and Carole Shepherd have two dogs, Bunny and B. Nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital gave them the white stuffed animal during Carole Shepherd’s stay.

SEE SAMARITAN / PAGE 4

GOBBLE, GOBBLE by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Turkey Trot 5K to spread wings on Thanksgiving Feeling guilty about overeating on Thanksgiving? Plant City’s YMCA will host a 5K on Nov. 26.

In under a week, people across the United States will be celebrating Thanksgiving — the holiday that excuses eating enough mashed potatoes to fill a swimming pool. Thankfully, health-conscious Plant City residents can kick off Turkey Day the right way by participating in the Plant City Family YMCA’s 5K Turkey Trot. The Thursday,

Nov. 26, race will begin at 7 a.m. at the YMCA. Participants will start and end in the YMCA parking lot, and will run through the Walden Lake community. The race will end at 9 a.m., but most participants will finish the race, which is roughly 3.1 miles, in about an hour. “It’s a great way to start your day,” Dean Pfeffer, the vice

chairman of Plant City’s YMCA board of directors, said. Pfeffer is also the pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, which has been one of the event’s sponsors for the last two years. “Families can start the holidays together.” This is the fourth year that the YMCA has hosted the race

SEE BENEFIT / PAGE 6

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

IF YOU GO When: 7 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26; registration begins at 5:30 a.m. Where: Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place Cost: $35 per person for non-YMCA members; $30 per person for YMCA members; cost will go up on race day. More Info: (813) 757-6677

Vol. 3, No. 16 | One section Crossword....................15

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

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

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

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, NOV. 20 Friends of the Library Holiday Book Sale — takes place takes place from 12 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. There will be about 3,000 books for sale. Proceeds benefit library programs and improvements. (813) 757-9215. Lucky Stiff — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, to Saturday, Nov. 21; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. The cost is $16 for adults; $14 for students and seniors. The performance revolves around an English shoe salesman who is forced to take the embalmed body of his recently murdered uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo to try to get his inheritance.

SATURDAY, NOV. 21

Randy Macneeley Band — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Duke’s Brewhouse, 2212 James L. Redman Parkway. (813) 752-2700. YMCA Rock Solid Relationships: Let’s Talk About Sex — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Speaker Tim Gregory, a marriage and family counselor, will speak about relationships

Fourth Annual Holiday Gift Expo and Cookie Fest — takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave. There will be more than 100 specialty exhibitors, clothing, jewelry, home decor, children’s items, food, art, ceramics, live entertainment and more. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be an unlimited cookie and milk buffet for $8.

25, at Duke’s Brewhouse, 2212 James L. Redman Parkway. (813) 752-2700.

day season. Shops around Plant City will be offering discouts. PlantCity.org.

THURSDAY, NOV. 26

ONGOING

YMCA Turkey Trot 5K — takes place beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Proceeds benefit the YMCA. (813) 757-6677.

Acoustic Happy Hour — takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Live Music — takes place beginning at 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club — meets at 7 a.m. Mondays, at the Community Conference Room at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. For more information, visit PlantCityDayBreakRotary.com. Blues Night — takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Top Shelf Bar & Grill, 110 E. Reynolds St. Blues veteran Don Lehman brings sophisticated, contemporary blues, soul, funk and jazz to Historic Downtown. No cover. For more information, call (813) 704-6994. Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Fridays and

BEST BET

FRIDAY, NOV. 27

Suncoast Credit Union Pig Jam — takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at 1500 S. Park Road. There will be professional and amateur barbecue competitions, more than $16,400 in prizes, vendors, three raffles, live music, kids’ activities and more. For more information, call the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at (813) 754-3707.

Anna Gavin and Este Love — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Duke’s Brewhouse, 2212 James L. Redman Parkway. (813) 7522700. Christmas Lane — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, to Sunday, January 3, at the Florida Strawberry Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave. Over 1.5 million lights covering 100 Christmas trees will be on display. The largest tree is 40 feet tall. There will also be a concession stand, gift shop, live musical entertainment, Santa appearances and more. ChristmasLane.org.

in this free event. Child care is provided.

P R O U D L Y

Entry includes cookie decorating. Holiday characters will arrive at noon. A free kids craft workshop will be at 1 p.m. Free pictures with Santa, Elsa and her friends from “Frozen” will be at 11 a.m. Strawberry Classic Car Show — takes place beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at McCall Park, 102. N. Palmer St. (813) 754-3707.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25 Wishbone Wednesday with Rimfire — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.

S E R V I N G

T H E

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Monday.

SATURDAY, NOV. 28 Small Business Saturday — takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, in shops around Plant City. Remember to buy local this holi-

G R E A T E R

P L A N T

C I T Y

Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. GriefShare — takes place beginning at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road. Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar and group discussion to help cope with the death of a loved one. (813) 752-4622. Live Music — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100. Motion Commotion — takes place beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. This 45-minute program incorporates music, literacy and fitness. For children ages 18 months to 5 years and their caregivers. (813) 757-9215. Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Yoga — takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays, and 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Classes are taught by Jenna Anticola. (813) 757-9215.

A R E A

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

JAM SESSION by Emily Topper | Staff Writerr

Let the Good Times Roll Plant City native Anna Gavin will be returning from Nashville with her band, Anna Gavin & The Good Time, for a Nov. 27 show at Duke’s Brewhouse.

lant City residents will see a familiar face performing at Duke’s Brewhouse Friday, Nov. 27. Plant City native and Nashville transplant Anna Gavin will be performing with her band, Anna Gavin & The Good Time, at the local eatery. Also performing that night will be her second cousin, Este Loves, who has been playing music professionally across Central Florida for the last few years. “We grew up playing together,” Gavin said. Gavin moved to Nashville from the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World about two and one half years ago. Since then, Gavin has been performing on and off with her fiance, Ben Blakely, and his brother, Joshua Blakely. After Gavin gave birth to twin boys a year ago, the band picked back up. Gavin grew up around music and began singing at an early age. She remembers singing at First Baptist Church of Plant City when she was 5 years old. Her grandmother would accompany her on the piano. At age 12, Gavin began writ-

IF YOU GO Anna Gavin & The Good Time and Este Loves When: 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27 Where: Duke’s Brewhouse, 2212 James L. Redman Parkway Cost: Free

ing her own songs. At 16, she began playing guitar. Gavin’s music tastes began to change as she got older. Her influences come from a variety of artists, including Ryan Adams, Jewel and Johnny Cash. “I’ve kind of evolved and matured musically,” she said. The Blakelys also come from a musical family. Ben and Joshua Blakely’s grandparents were the well-known Nashville swing duo, Jimmy and Dorothy Blakely. In 2013, the musician released “Detour,” her first album. Attendees of Gavin’s Nov. 27 show who are familiar with her first album can expect

Anna Gavin will be performing with her band, Anna Gavin & The Good Time, on Friday, Nov. 27. Her bandmates are fiance, Ben Blakely (pictured), and his brother, Joshua Blakely. Courtesy photo

something different from the singer. “It’ll be a mixture of folk rock, classic country and classic rock,” Gavin said. The Duke’s Brewhouse show is the only performance that Gavin will be doing with her band while in Plant City, but the musician does have a few

other solo shows in the area during the holiday season. Though she still has family in Plant City, she has no plans to return to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. “I’m pretty rooted (in Nashville),” Gavin said. But Nashville might not be home forever. In January,

Anna Gavin & The Good Time will be recording an album. The recording will take about six months and is set to be released in 2016. Following that, the band will most likely embark on a national tour in 2017. “We’re working on going on the road,” Gavin said.

Still, the artist won’t forget about her hometown. She may come back to perform in Plant City in the spring of 2016. “We’ll be rocking out for sure,” Gavin said. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

Around WLCA approves budget WLCA by Emily Topper | Staff Writerr

It allocated funds for legal expenditures for either the ongoing lawsuit against Visions Golf or land use attorneys. The Walden Lake Community Association approved at its Monday, Nov. 16, meeting the use of $77,000 of the 2016 budget for legal costs. Out of it, $50,000 could be used for either the existing lawsuit between the WLCA and Visions Golf Inc., or a land use lawyer for four unused parcels in the community, WLCA President Bob Hunter said. This year, the WLCA became a plaintiff in a lawsuit to stop Visions Golf from rezoning part of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club course for development. Visions Golf owns the 36-hole spread in the middle of the Walden Lake neighborhood. The funds allocated for legal expenditures could also go toward future decisions on four parcels of land the community owns. At the Nov. 16 meeting, the board voted to have the parcels appraised. They contain wetlands and areas that have the potential for commercial development. Two parcels are located off of Alexander Street; one is lo-

By the numbers: 2016 Budget $1,014,834 Allocated for operating expenses

$2.26 Increase in operating expenses per month compared to 2015

$50,000 Allocated for legal expenditures

$12,000 Allocated for legal collections

$15,000 Allocated for legal fees

cated next to Walden Lake Elementary School; and one is behind O’Brien’s Irish Pub and

Land use question The WLCA board voted to have four unused parcels of land the community owns appraised. The parcels contain wetlands and have areas that have the potential for commercial development. Following the appraisals of the land, the board will consult with the community to determine if the land should be kept, sold or donated. According to Florida law, the community must be consulted in regards to land use.

Parcel One

The first parcel of land is located on Alexander Street. This year, it cost the community $6,000 when a hazmat team was hired to clear out dangerous materials, such as needles, from a homeless camp.

Parcel Two

The second parcel of land is located on Alexander Street, next to the SunCoast Federal Credit Union. It is an estimated 4.2 acres.

Family Restaurant. “Our interest here is to gain some revenue for the association,” Hunter said. The $50,000 for legal expenditures was freed up after the WLCA voted to use $50,000 of the 2015 budget to develop the polo field next to the association’s office on Griffin Boulevard. Construction of the polo field is expected to begin within the next two to three weeks and includes pavilions, restrooms and areas for recreational sports, such as baseball. The WLCA also approved $1,014,834 from the 2016 budget for operating expenses. The operating monthly operating expenses increased by $2.26 per month, which is about $32 per year. “When you put it in dollar issues, $32 dollars per year is not that much,” WLCA President Bob Hunter said.

RESERVE FUND

The WLCA board will increase the amount of money it puts into the reserve fund. A reserve report suggested that WLCA should increase the monthly amount in the reserve fund by $2,500. Currently, the board sets aside $5,000 per month, but will start put-

ting aside $7,500. “Because our community is older, we must annually maintain what the community owns,” Hunter said. “The reserve study is a state-mandated requirement. It has to be done every year.” The money set aside in the reserve fund will be used for major property improvements, such as maintaining street signs, walking paths and the the community’s children’s park. Over the next six years, the community will need to spend $90,000 to replace signs, Hunter said. Bridges and pedestrian walkways are also in need of repair.

IRRIGATION

In 2015, the board allocated $7,800 for irrigation but spent $45,910. The increase in costs were caused by the community changing from sprinkler systems to a drip system. This year, the board has allocated $9,000 for irrigation, and $37,080 for landscaping and repairs. Per month, $4,257 will be spent on landscaping, repairs, mulching, annuals and irrigation combined. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

Parcel Three

The third parcel is located next to Walden Lake Elementary and is roughly 10 acres. Only three acres will be appraise as the board wants to keep a buffer of trees and a lake between Walden Lake residents in that area and the rest of the land. The land may have some commercial value, but could also be used to solve transportation issues between the Walden Lake community and Walden Lake Elementary.

TOWN

Reporters from the Plant City Times & Observer hit the streets of Plant City to ask residents a little about themselves. Will we spot you around town next?

We asked:

What are you thankful for?

Alexis Hill, 15 I would have to say my grandma. Without her wisdom and guidance I don’t know where I would be.

Bryan Campbell, 8 Eating chicken. Also turkey.

Joey Harper, 24 I am thankful for Jesus, of course, and definitely my friends and family.

Kerrie Shepherd, 44 My family because of all the love and support they give me.

Margaret Graves, 75 I’m most thankful for my family, my home and all my friends.

Mattia Hansen, 14 My family because without them I wouldn’t be here.

Parcel Four

The fourth parcel is roughly between 25 and 30 acres. It is located behind O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant. The area is comprised of some wetlands, and WLCA board members suspect that the homeless have also set up tents.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

SAMARITAN / FROM PAGE 1 spiratory arrest behind Bruton Memorial Library on Thomas Street. But what happened next was something that Tom Shepherd will never forget.

THE MYSTERY MAN

The day started off like any other. The Shepherds, ready to greet the neighborhood dogs, began their usual morning walk. Seeing the neighborhood’s four-legged friends gave Carole Shepherd, a life-long dog lover and owner, a pep in

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

her step. The Shepherds knew their neighbors by the kinds of dogs they ran into — two labradors, the white poodle, the Springer spaniel. As the neighbors finished walking their dogs, they disappeared into their houses. When Carole Shepherd collapsed no one was around — or so Tom Shepherd thought. As the dispatcher on the phone spoke with Tom Shepherd, a man walked across the street with his dog — one that Tom Shepherd wasn’t familiar with. The man tied his dog to a

tree and then began to perform CPR on Carole Shepherd. As he did CPR, his dog barked. “He did it for probably two to three minutes,” Tom Shepherd said. “She didn’t respond, there was no response.” As the EMTs arrived, Carole Shepherd gagged. The man apologized to Tom Shepherd. He worried that he had broken one of her ribs while performing CPR. The EMTs tried to keep her conscious. Carole, stay with us. The man untied his dog from the tree.

Carole, stay with us. The man turned to Tom Shepherd. “Good luck, Mr. Shepherd.” Stunned that the mystery man knew his name, Tom Shepherd turned from his wife to thank him. He was gone. Though there are some things Tom Shepherd can’t erase from his memory that day — his wife being airlifted to the hospital, the EMTs performing CPR — he can’t remember what the mystery man or the man’s dog looked like.

“I can’t describe him for the money in the world,” Tom Shepherd said. “I didn’t know he was there until he was there.” The only details that Tom Shepherd can remember is that the the man may have been 40 years old or younger, and the dog was most likely between 35 to 40 pounds. The Shepherds are especially surprised that the man knew their last name, which Tom Shepherd does not remember telling him. For as long as they have taken their morning walks, they have never seen the

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man or his dog before. “That caught me off guard,” Tom Shepherd said. “It still does.” The Shepherds have tried to find the man to thank him, but have not had any luck. “He just disappeared like he appeared,” Tom Shepherd said. “He didn’t hang around. He hasn’t contacted us. If he knew us, he could come by here.”

THE WHITE DOG

Carole Shepherd was first taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital and then airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Carole Shepherd was hooked up to life support. The prognosis wasn’t good. The doctors told the family that they should begin preparing themselves for the harsh reality: Carole Shepherd may not live and, if she did, she would likely experience some kind of brain damage. Left with no other choice, all the family could do was wait. As Carole Shepherd lay unconscious in a hospital bed, she dreamed. She dreamed of a big white dog that was resting on top of her. It was staring at her. It was protecting her. Behind the white dog was a field of green grass and blue sky. Hundreds of other, smaller dogs sat in the grass, watching the big dog. She felt safe. “They (the little dogs) were only there for support,” Carole Shepherd said. “The big dog was in charge.” Suddenly, the dogs scattered. They didn’t have leashes, and that worried her. “If it wasn’t real, I have a vivid imagination,” Carole Shepherd said. “But I swear it was real. I felt him on me.” Carole Shepherd woke. She felt scared in the hospital room and thought that she was in a bad dream. “The only thing that gave me any peace was that there was a cross above the door,” Carole Shepherd said. Amazed that she was awake and that there was no brain damage, the doctors and nurses told Carole Shepherd that her survival was a miracle. One of the heart technicians told her that she had a new birthday: Oct. 15. After hearing about her vivid dream, the nurses at the hospital bought Carole Shepherd a white fluffy dog from the hospital gift shop. The dream holds a special place in Carole Shepherd’s heart, especially after hearing that the man who saved her life had a dog. “It’s such a spiritual thing,” Carole Shepherd said. “I’ve been a dog person since I was a baby. They’ve all had special places in my heart.” She believes the man who saved her life may have been led to her by his dog. “Dogs have that sense of danger and illness,” Carole Shepherd said. “The dog might have wanted to go that way. Until I can meet him and hear his story, I’ll always wonder.”

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Following her recovery, Carole Shepherd believes that God still has plans for her. “It is just a blessing that I’m alive,” Carole Shepherd said. “I am blessed, and that’s what every day is about now. Each day has got to count for something. Whenever He thinks I’ve accomplished what I need to do, I’ll be ready to go. Those things are yet unknown, but I’m ready.” The family has vowed to never take things for granted following Carole Shepherd’s miracle. “If people can read this story and one heart is touched, it’s worth everything that happened to me,” Carole Shepherd said. “I think that’s what it’s all about. We have to try to do His will here on Earth.” With Carole Shepherd recovering, the family has one more goal: to find the Good Samaritan. Based on where the man was walking, the Shepherd family believes that he may live on or around Franklin Street, or somewhere in the Historic District. Carole Shepherd wrote a letter to express her gratitude. “I need to find this man and his dog, whom I consider an angel walking out by God,” she wrote. “I have no doubt God will richly bless him for all he has done.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

S Y A D I L O H Y PP

MY VIEW by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Giving Thanks

UB L C T S I M I T S T CIT Y OP

PLAN ISTMAS TREElocSalAYOLUTEH!!! CHR stay in town to support Proceeds

THANKSGIVING WEEK! THANK YOU SPONSORS! OPENING Corner of Maki Road & West Alexander Street

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Gold Sponsors McEnany Contracting, Inc. Plant City Rotary Club Silver Sponsors All-A-Bloom Florist Fearnow Insurance, Inc. I-4 Power Medicus Global Hillsborough Community College J. L. Marine Systems, Inc. Keymark Corporation Hole Sponsors Chuckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tire & Automotive Construction Technology Group Fifth Third Securities Florida Insurance Center Fredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southern Kitchen Harrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery Haught Funeral Home, Inc. Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens Jarrett-Scott Ford Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barbeque Johnson-Adams & Associates Keller Williams Realty Kelley Borders, DMD Linder Industrial Machinery Oasis Auto Bath Parkesdale Farm Market Poppell Insurance, Inc Publix Super Markets Remco Transmission, Inc. Rollyson-Fearnow Insurance Company, LLC Sedita, Kilton & Company, C.P.A., P.L. Sunshine Bank Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union Tampa Electric Company Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith, PA Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center Youmans Drafting and Design

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There is something to be weeks prior â&#x20AC;&#x201D; she talked to said about those who open me excitedly about Sailor their hearts when nobody is Moon and other anime shows watching. she enjoyed, and drew me a In our Oct. 23 edition, the picture. She has more spirit Plant City Times & Observer than anyone Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever met. ran an article I wrote about The sanctuary was full of Lisa Brown and her 12-yearpeople who had chosen to old daughter, Haley dedicate their SunBrown. Haley had day night to come to been diagnosed with a benefit concert for a heart condition a stranger in need. A called paroxysmal full week later, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still atrial tachycardia, in shock about what which causes the that concert yielded: sudden onset of a fast $3,082 dollars for Lisa heart beat. She needand Haley. ed to have immediate In two short hours, EMILY surgery. the community had TOPPER Following the news, raised almost three Lisa lost both of her times the amount of jobs within a week of each money the Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GoFundother. The family was forced Me account had raised in over to move out of their aparta month. ment, and Lisa ended up sellI am so happy to have ing many of her belongings to been able to go to such an put food on the table. event â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one that started out On the Monday following of something I wrote and the the articleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publication, I was thoughtfulness of strangers. contacted by Ricky Young, When I first spoke with one of the directors of the Lisa via Facebook, she almost Sunshine State Bluegrass declined the offer to do an Association. He told me that article, but eventually agreed. he was moved by Lisa and I know that she and Haley are Haleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story, and that the both extremely grateful and Sunshine State Bluegrass touched by everyone who has Association wanted to hold a reached out to them during fundraiser concert for them. their time of need. I was touched. Here was a So am I. As an Orlando naman, an entire organization, tive, seeing the way a smallwho hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard of Lisa or town community bonds Haley until the article ran. together to help one of their Later that week, I interown warms my heart. viewed Ricky and Eddie NelItâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lesson too. Imagine son, another director of the what could happen if we all bluegrass association. Since helped a stranger in need. Ricky first proposed the idea, Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of tragedy in the the organization had already world, but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cost a enlisted four bands to play at dime to show compassion. the Brown benefit concert. We are in the season of Some of the band members giving thanks, and of showcame to Plant Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shiloh ing our appreciation and love Baptist Church to perform to our friends and family. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from as far as Englewood. easy to be thankful during the The benefit concert was holidays. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much harder to held Sunday, Nov. 8. Lisa was be thankful when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re down able to bring Haley, who was on our luck or when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the road to recovery folbusy. But we should challenge lowing her heart surgery. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ourselves to be better. hard to imagine that Haley had gone through an extenContact Emily Topper at etopsive heart surgery just a few per@plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

TURKEY / FROM PAGE 1 and the second year that it has been held on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, the YMCA had about 200 participants. This year, the organization is expecting 250 people to run. Many are from Plant City, but runners also bring family members from as a far as the Midwest and Canada. JJ Myers, membership director of Plant City’s YMCA, will be leading the Nov. 26 race. Six trophies will be given out to the first three men and first three women who finish the race, and medallions will be given out based on age group and gender. “It was really mixed last year, which is what we aim for,” Myers said. “We’re looking at just improving overall.” Besides allowing family members to spend quality time together and promoting a healthy lifestyle, all proceeds raised through the Turkey Trot 5K will go back into Plant City’s YMCA. After raising about $3,000 last year, the YMCA hopes to raise $5,000 from this year’s race. “A lot of people don’t know that the Y is a charity,” Pfeffer said. “We try to make that affordable for the entire community.” Many of the proceeds from the Turkey Trot will go toward the YMCA’s summer camp for children, which is held from the end of the school year un-

JJ Myers, YMCA membership director, and Dean Pfeffer, board of directors vice chairman, are ready to trot into the holiday spirit with the 5K.

Emily Topper

On Small Business Saturday, Plant City Mercantile will have over 30 vendors selling a variety of items from antiques and jewelry to raw, local honey.

Emily Topper

SMALL / FROM PAGE 1 til August. “It gets the kids out of certain situations,” Pfeffer said. “They’ll be here in a healthy environment.” Kids who attend YMCA summer camp programs receive swimming lessons and get exercise. Summer campers also receive breakfast, a snack and lunch. The YMCA, Myers said, is involved in the achievement gap. Each year, low-income students have a gap in achieved academic skills from middle and upper-class youth. By incorporating core curriculum during the summer, the YMCA is able to keep students on track and ready for the next school year.

“Races like this and other things the Y does are working to lower those statistics,” Pfeffer said. For race participants who want to get a work out in while supporting the community, the YMCA will be open until 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Additionally, if participants take classes at the YMCA on Thanksgiving Day, they will be entered into a contest to win prizes, such as T-shirts and other gear. “A lot of our folks just like to support the cause,” Myers said. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

“It’s a good deal, it’s growing,” Schultz said. “We want to make it grow here in Plant City. People are becoming more cognizant of their downtown.” Although the Main Street Program, a revitalization effort, has focused on drawing people to Historic Downtown with Small Business Saturday, shops all over Plant City will be participating. “When I say shop locally, I mean shop Plant City,” Schultz said. Small Business Saturday is not in competition with Black Friday, but one that offers shoppers a unique, personable experience. “They’ll miss a lot of

GET IN THE GYM Don’t wait until the new year to start working on your fitness resolution. In November and December, new members will receive a $25 YMCA gift certificate. Financial assistance is available based on need.

DON’T MISS OUT Kids can meet Santa Saturday, Dec. 5, at the YMCA’s Breakfast with Santa event. Beginning at 9 a.m. there will be a pancakes, crafts and games, as well as pictures with Santa. The cost is $4.

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La ciudad de Plant City conducirá una pruebas de humo en el sistema de alcantarillado principal en las calles, a partir del 1 de diciembre de 2015 hasta diciembre 4, de 2015; Robin Drive, Johnson Loop, Spotted Lilac Lane, Lavender Jewel Court, North Johnson Street, Gordon Oaks Drive, N. Wills Street, E. Spencer Street, E. Mimosa Drive, E. Carol Drive, E. Linda Street, N. Park Road, N. Maryland Avenue, Shannon Avenue, McDavid Avenue, N. Vermont Street, N. Pennsylvania Avenue, E. Young Street, E. Devane Street, E. Frances Avenue, E. Cherry Street, E. Tomlin Street, Oakdale Street, E. Gilchrist Street, E. Baker Street, E. Calhoun Street, E. Reynolds Street, Michigan Street, N. Night Street, N. Johnson Street, N. Merrin Street, N. Warnell Street, N. Gordon Street, Center Street, Powell Street, N. Palm Drive, N. Bracewell Drive, N. Crystal Terrace, N. Nancy Terrace, S. Frontage Road, Illinois Street, Lee Villa Drive and Brown Street. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame a Angel Soto-Diaz at 813-757-9288 ext. 4725.

187915

The City of Plant City will conduct smoke testing on the mainline sewer system beginning December 1, 2015 through December 4, 2015 on the following streets; Robin Drive, Johnson Loop, Spotted Lilac Lane, Lavender Jewel Court, North Johnson Street, Gordon Oaks Drive, N. Wills Street, E. Spencer Street, E. Mimosa Drive, E. Carol Drive, E. Linda Street, N. Park Road, N. Maryland Avenue, Shannon Avenue, McDavid Avenue, N. Vermont Street, N. Pennsylvania Avenue, E. Young Street, E. Devane Street, E. Frances Avenue, E. Cherry Street, E. Tomlin Street, Oakdale Street, E. Gilchrist Street, E. Baker Street, E. Calhoun Street, E. Reynolds Street, Michigan Street, N. Night Street, N. Johnson Street, N. Merrin Street, N. Warnell Street, N. Gordon Street, Center Street, Powell Street, N. Palm Drive, N. Bracewell Drive, N. Crystal Terrace, N. Nancy Terrace, S. Frontage Road, Illinois Street, Lee Villa Drive and Brown Street. If you have any questions, please call Angel Soto-Diaz at 813-757-9288 ext. 4725.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

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unique home decor and gift items not offered or not available at the box stores,” Schultz said. As Plant City continues to grow and focus on economic development, Schultz hopes that that Small Business Saturday will grow with it. He would like to see Small Business Saturday blossom into an event that allows businesses to remain individual but part of a conjoined effort. The event would have food, music, sidewalk sales and would bring even more people to Plant City’s Historic Downtown.

Hope G. Weilant, RMHCI

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

The Florida Strawberry Festival released its 2016 lineup of headline entertainment artists performing on the Wish Farms Soundstage. The 2016 lineup is as follows: THURSDAY, MARCH 3 10:30 a.m.; Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra 3:30 p.m.; Charley Pride 7:30 p.m.; Josh Turner FRIDAY, MARCH 4 3:30 p.m.; Mickey Gilley 7:30 p.m.; Big & Rich SATURDAY, MARCH 5 3:30 p.m.; Lecrae 7:30 p.m.; Cheap Trick SUNDAY, MARCH 6 3:30 p.m.; Shenandoah 7:30 p.m.; Donny & Marie MONDAY, MARCH 7 3:30 p.m.; Gene Watson 7:30 p.m.; Lonestar TUESDAY, MARCH 8 3:30 p.m.; Dick Fox’s Golden Boys starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian & Bobby Rydell 7:30 p.m.; Trace Adkins WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 3:30 p.m.; Ray Stevens 7:30 p.m.; Martina McBride THURSDAY, MARCH 10 10:30 a.m.; Tommy Dorsey Orchestra 3:30 p.m.; Oak Ridge Boys 7:30 p.m.; Casting Crowns FRIDAY, MARCH 11 3:30 p.m.; Tanya Tucker 7:30 p.m.; Cole Swindell

The Plant City Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit conducted an operation focused around illegal sexual activity at Mike Sansone Park. It yielded six arrests. The operation, conducted between Thursday, Oct. 22, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, mostly took place at the park’s public restrooms. Candelario Gutierrez, 45, was arrested and charged with engaging in lewd act and indecent exposure; Jesse Johnson Jr., 58, was arrested and charged with voyeurism and indecent exposure; James Tilton, 61, was arrested and charged with engaging in lewd acts and indecent exposure; Ryan Green, 20, was arrested and charged with engaging in lewd acts and indecent exposure; David Connor, 60, was arrested and charged with simple battery and an offer to engage in lewd acts; and Michael Vogel, 64, was arrested and charged with offering to engaged in lewd acts. The men have been trespassed from Plant City parks.

+ App takes Publix grocery orders Shipt, a mobile app-based grocery delivery service, expanded into Plant City Tuesday, Nov. 17. For an

Robert Baskin, MD

mix. He is the cutest critter because he

went from living on the streets to a life of soft blankets, beds and chew toys. In his spare time he posts pictures with his big sister, golden retriever Allie, on Instagram. Follow him @ marleymoo7. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center sponsors the weekly Cutest Critter Contest. Entering is simple: Submit a photo and

+ Insurance agent sentenced to prison A 34-year-old Plant City insurance agent was sentenced to 18 months in prison and to pay back $150,371 to her victim — her employer — by a federal judge Thursday, Nov. 12. Heidi Calonge was also ordered by United States District Judge James D. Whittemore to spend six months on house arrest after her release from prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Calonge pleaded guilty Aug. 13. to eight federal charges, including counts of bank fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud. Authorities said Calonge worked at Express Insurance of Plant City. She “devised a scheme to defraud the owners out of bonus and commission checks,” authorities said, by posing as the owner of the Plant City business and stealing the insurance company checks for the business. She registered a similar corporate name as her employer and opened a P.O. box and bank account using that name, authorities said. She spent the money she defrauded her employer out of on herself and her family, and opened a competing insurance business. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Mark Ford, DO

a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Winners will receive a free bag of dental chews to be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center. Submit your entries to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com; subject line: Cutest Critter.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 12 3:30 p.m.; Merle Haggard 7:30 p.m.; Charlie Wilson SUNDAY, MARCH 13 3:30 p.m.; Echosmith 7:30 p.m.; The Band Perry Advance tickets for admission and for headline entertainment shows will go on sale at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, and can be purchased three ways: online at FlStrawberryFestival.com; at the Amscot Main Ticket Office, 2209 W. Oak Ave.; and over the phone at (813) 7541996. Free seating for each concert is available in the Morrow Steel Free Grandstand and is available on a first come, first seated basis.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

REAL ESTATE by Justin Kline and Emily Topper

South Plant City home tops October sales The home at 1131 Cowart Road sold Oct. 16, for $349,900. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,705 square feet of living area on 1.27 acres. The price per square foot is $127.54.

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The home at 5202 Varn Road sold Oct. 28, for $244,000. Built in 1955, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,537 square feet of living area on 5.60 acres. The price per square foot is $91.64.

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The home at 2303 Berry Road sold Oct. 15, for $144,000. Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,028 square feet of living area on 0.94 acres. The price per square foot is $71.01.

Country Hills

The home at 4734 Bloom Drive sold Oct. 9, for $120,500 (auction/REO). Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,620 square feet

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Lincoln Park

The home at 4610 Quarter Hawk Trail sold Oct. 27, for $234,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,632 square feet of living area on 5.06 acres. The price per square foot is $139.09.

The home at 16 S. Warnell St. sold Oct. 6, for $21,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1930, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 653 square feet of living area on 0.18 acres. The price per square foot is $32.92.

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of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $74.38.

Country Hills East

The home at 4319 Country Hills Blvd. sold Oct. 29, for $139,900. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,340 square feet of living area on 0.10 acres. The price per square foot is $104.40. The home at 4518 Tina Lane sold Oct. 9, for $139,900. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,465 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $94.88.

Eastridge Preserve

The home at 3320 Ranchdale Drive sold Oct. 28, for $267,182. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,919 square feet of living area on 1 acres. The price per square foot is $119.80. The home at 3514 Ranchdale Drive sold Oct. 13, for $229,900. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,487 square feet of living area on 1.07 acres. The price per square foot is $107.43.

Fletcher Country Estates

The home at 1701 N. Lime St. sold Oct. 23, for $131,200. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,078 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $121.71.

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The home at 5406 Bruton Road sold Oct. 2, for $125,699 (auction/REO). Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two

The home at 3850 Crystal Dew St. sold Oct. 10, for $210,750. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,807 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $75.08. The home at 3401 San Moise Place sold Oct. 23, for $191,490. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $103.39.

Park Place

The home at 1204 Lavender Jewel Court sold Oct. 31, for $256,955. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,710 square feet of living area on 0.21 acres. The price

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The home at 8601 Back Road sold Oct. 16, for $112,700. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,512 square feet of living area on 1.37 acres. The price per square foot is $74.54.

baths and 1,408 square feet of living area on 5 acres. The price per square foot is $89.27. The home at 4611 Coronet Road sold Oct. 28, for $125,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,372 square feet of living area on 0.76 acres. The price per square foot is $91.11. The home at 7903 S. County Road 39 sold Oct. 19, for $175,500. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,512 square feet of living area on 0.50 acres. The price per square foot is $109.13. The home at 2212 Preservation Drive #34 sold Oct. 1, for $175,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,083 square feet of living area on 0.05 acres. The price per square foot is $76.81. The home at 1210 W. Reynolds St. sold Oct. 5, for $35,105 (REO/Bank Owned). Built in 1920, it has two bedrooms, one bathroom and 1,491 square feet of living area on 0.45 acres. The price per square foot is $23.54. The home at 307 Son Keen Road sold Oct. 28, for $110,024 (auction/REO). Built in 1954, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,923 square feet of living area on 3.96 acres. The price per square foot is $57.21. The home at 116 N. Wilder Road sold Oct. 13, for $245,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1963, it has four bedrooms, three full and two half baths and 3,508 square feet of living area on 2.11 acres. The price per square foot is $69.53.

OCTOBER SALES

The home at 5033 Miley Road sold Oct. 30, for $147,250 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,570 square feet of living area on 1.42 acres. The price per square foot is $92.36.

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The home at 1131 Cowart Road sold Oct. 16, for $349,900.

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The home at 180 Alexander Woods Drive sold Oct. 16, for $108,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,466 square feet of living area on 0.05 acres. The price per square foot is $73.67. The home at 247 Alexander Woods Drive sold Oct. 29, for $108,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,466 square feet of living area on 0.05 acres. The price per square foot is $73.67. The home at 253 Alexander Woods Drive sold Oct. 30, for $125,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,912 square feet of living area on 0.13 acres. The price per square foot is $69.87. The home at 2103 Grayson Woods Court sold Oct. 30, for $124,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,789 square feet of living area on 0.13 acres. The price per square foot is $69.31. The home at 2106 Grayson Woods Court sold Oct. 16, for $108,000. Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,466 square feet of living area on 0.05 acres. The price per square foot is $73.67.

per square foot is $150.27.

Patronelli Acres

The home at 5431 Bob Smith Ave. sold Oct. 27, for $144,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,865 square feet of living area on 5 acres. The price per square foot is $68.47.

Plant City Heights

The home at 503 W. Devane St. sold Oct. 20, for $191,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,731 square feet of living area on 0.36 acres. The price per square foot is $108.32.

Ranchero Acres

The home at 4712 Gallagher Road sold Oct. 23, for $229,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,664 square feet of living area on 4.95 acres. The price per square foot is $123.20.

Todd Estates

The home at 8209 Todd Place sold Oct. 8, for $360,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,591 square feet of living area on 1.01 acres. The price per square foot is $131.22.

Trapnell Ridge

The home at 3907 Chipping Sparrow Lane sold Oct. 6, for $149,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,789 square feet of living area on 0.24 acres. The price per square foot is $81.61. The home at 3503 Trapnell Grove Loop sold Oct. 8, for $114,204 (auction/REO). Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,838 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $62.13. The home at 3517 Trapnell Grove Loop sold Oct. 2, for $123,000 (short sale). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,789 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $68.75. The home at 3613 Trapnell Ridge Drive sold Oct. 2, for $139,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,273 square feet of living area on 0.18 acres. The price per square foot is $100.16.

Walden Lake

The home at 2805 Aston Ave. sold Oct. 14, for $289,900. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,677 square feet of living area on 0.31 acres. The price per square foot is $108.33. The home at 4319 Barret Ave. sold Oct. 29, for $149,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,736 square feet of living area on 0.52 acres. The price per square foot is $55.83. The home at 2622 Bridle Drive sold Oct. 2, for $199,900. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,969 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $93.96. The home at 2901 Clubhouse Drive sold Oct. 19, for $204,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,105 square feet of living area on 0.34 acres. The price per square foot is $96.91. The home at 3118 Emerson Place sold Oct. 5, for $189,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,838 square feet of living area on 0.23 acres. The price per

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

Walden Pointe

The home at 1904 Via Napoli St. sold Oct. 6, for $258,140. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,540 square feet of living area on 0.26 acres. The price per square foot is $102.02. The home at 3009 Via Parma St. sold Oct. 19, for $223,040. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,384 square feet of living area on 0.22 acres. The price per square foot is $93.56.

Walden Woods

The home at 724 Ashentree Drive sold Oct. 30, for $119,000 (short sale). Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 1,594 square feet of living area on 0.02 acres. The price per square foot is $74.65.

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The home at 605 N. Gordon St. sold Oct. 26, for $140,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,234 square feet of living area on 0.23 acres. The price per square foot is $113.45. The home at 701 N. Gordon St. sold Oct. 21, for $117,500. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,075 square feet of living area on 0.10 acres. The price per square foot is $109.30. The home at 805 N. Gordon St. sold Oct. 16, for $35,900. Built in 1907, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,432 square feet of living area on 0.36 acres. The price per

The home at 810 Bronze Bush Court sold Oct. 9, for $189,300. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,864 square feet of living area on 0.20 acres. The price per square foot is $100.59. The home at 2824 Holly Bluff Court sold Oct. 28, for $200,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,530 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $77.67.

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The home at 810 W. Reynolds St. sold Oct. 7, for $169,900. Built in 1915, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,176 square feet of living area on 0.21 acres. The price per square foot is $71.23.

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berlane Drive sold Oct. 7, for $200,000. Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,078 square feet of living area on 0.26 acres. The price per square foot is $96.25. The home at 2313 Walden Place S. sold Oct. 22, for $199,900. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,048 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $97.61.

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square foot is $102.83. The home at 3003 Forest Club Drive sold Oct. 16, for $287,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,064 square feet of living area on 0.34 acres. The price per square foot is $105.61. The home at 1605 S. Golfview Drive sold Oct. 15, for $164,900. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,996 square feet of living area on 0.28 acres. The price per square foot is $80.41. The home at 2601 S. Golfview Drive sold Oct. 29, for $169,000 (short sale). Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,510 square feet of living area on 0.26 acres. The price per square foot is $107.95. The home at 2894 Hammock Drive sold Oct. 9, for $219,900. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,408 square feet of living area on 0.42 acres. The price per square foot is $90.32. The home at 1201 Sandalwood Drive sold Oct. 28, for $195,000. Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,907 square feet of living area on 0.23 acres. The price per square foot is $102.25. The home at 3217 Stevenson St. sold Oct. 5, for $215,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,758 square feet of living area on 0.28 acres. The price per square foot is $116.61. The home at 1411 Teakwood Drive sold Oct. 2, for $170,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,958 square feet of living area on 0.27 acres. The price per square foot is $74.06. The home at 3214 Thackery Way sold Oct. 2, for $154,000 (auction/REO). Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,041 square feet of living area on 0.14 acres. The price per square foot is $73.36. The home at 1912 E. Timberlane Drive sold Oct. 2, for $115,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,530 square feet of living area on 0.21 acres. The price per square foot is $75.16. The home at 2103 E. Tim-

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

FEEDING THE HUNGRY by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

ONE BOWL AT A TIME The first day of cool weather was perfect for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, held Saturday, Nov. 14. The event raises money for the United Food Bank of Plant City. For $10, attendees purchased handcrafted bowls and got a soup lunch. Next Radical Generation (NRG) performed and local artists auctioned off their bowls. Leigh Scott and Bruce Rodwell

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

Observer

Obituaries Margie Nantz Ballard

Margie Nantz Ballard, 87, died Nov. 1, 2015. Mrs. Ballard was born March 6, 1928, to the late William and Lucy (Bollinger) Nantz. She lived in Gastonia, North Carolina, until moving to Florida in 2011. She is survived by her children, David Ballard, of West Union, South Carolina, Judy Duncan, of Gastonia, North Carolina and Sylvia Baker, of Lakeland, Florida; 20 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Ballard; four brothers; and one granddaughter. A celebration of life was held Saturday, Nov. 7, at Berea Baptist Church in Gastonia, North Carolina, where Dr. Rick Ivey presided. Interment followed at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Berea Baptist Church, 2522 Hickory Grove Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 28056. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

Leona “Granny Nub” Coone

Leona “Granny Nub” Coone, 87, of Pitts, Georgia, died Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, in the medical center of Navicent Health in Macon, Georgia. Mrs. Coone was born April 21, 1928, in Allentown, Florida. She was the daughter of the late John Henry Linzy and Antie Mae Hughes. She was retired from the Florida Sip Company in Plant City, where she sectionized grapefruit. She is survived by her

daughter, Jewell “Jo” Friel (Rick), of Pitts, Georgia; brother, Ommer Linzy, of Plant City; four sisters, Jewel Gould, of Baxley, Georgia, Pauline Lehman, of Lake Park, Georgia, Margaret Middlebrooks, of Plant City, and Brenda Rose, of Pitts, Georgia; two grandchildren, Kristin Haire and Jacob Friel; one great-grandchild, Jett Haire; and many nieces, nephews and other family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Austin Coone; four sisters, Lillian Linzy, Annette Carlton, Ellen Smith and Robbie Carlton; and two brothers, William Linzy and Elmer Linzy. Memorial services were held Saturday, Sept. 26, at Pitts Church of God, where pastors Danny Rhodes and Britt Peavy officiated. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Mt. Enon Cemetery in Plant City, 3702 N. Frontage Road, Plant City.

Rosie Bell Cruz

Rosie Bell Cruz, 81, of Thonotosassa, died Nov. 7, 2015, with her family by her side. Mrs. Cruz was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Family was everything to her. She enjoyed cross stitching, fishing, birds, and gardening flowers and vegetables. She attended the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall in Thonotosassa. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, George Cruz; children, Darrell Barker, Bobbie Bramsen, Barbara Perez, April Molkentine, Florence Myers, Brenda Myers, Debbie Berg, Liz Omelia, George Cruz Jr., and Linda Antonetti; sister, Ruthie Cox; and many

beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ethel McCall; and son, Clarence Chancey. A celebration of life was held at the Cruz home Saturday, Nov. 14. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

Shirley Ann DuBois

Shirley Ann DuBois, 81, of Plant City, died Nov. 10, 2015. Mrs. DuBois is survived by her children, Chris DuBois (Sheri), Karen DuBois, Mark DuBois (Lynn) and Connie DuBois; and two grandchildren, Cori Jo and Chris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph D. DuBois Jr., and infant son, Charles Kent. A celebration of life was held Saturday, Nov. 14, at Hopewell Funeral. Committal followed at Hebron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Collie Health Foundation, c/o Nancy Van Note, 827 Bowman Road, Jackson, New Jersey, 08527. Paypal, membership@colliehealth. org. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Herbert Rankin Findley

Herbert Rankin Findley, 88, of Plant City, died Nov. 8, 2015. Mr. Findley was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II in General MacArthur’s Honor Guard. He was preceded in death by his wife, Freida Findley.

He is survived by his children, Becky Buchanan (Sonny), and Buddy Findley, of Plant City; sister, Emma Lou Surrency, of Mims; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of life was held Friday, Nov. 13, at Northside Baptist Church in Plant City. Interment followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northside Baptist Church, 1700 N. Franklin St., Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Rev. Clifford L. Halford

The Reverend Clifford L. Halford, 83, of Plant City, died Nov. 9, 2015, in Tampa. A native of Clermont, Florida, Rev. Halford was the son of Lee and Lillie Youmans Halford. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church, the D.A.V., the North American Hunting Club, National Rifle Association, the resolutions committee for the Shiloh Baptist Association, Writers in Touch and the Salt Springs Writers Forum. He also authored a weekly column for the North Lake Outpost entitled, Looking Back. He is survived by his children, Cliff Allen (Tammi) Halford, William Kelly Halford and Laura Derryberry; sisters, Becky Holton, Dorothy Taylor and Faye Allbriton; three grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Murphy Halford; and brother, Lee Allen Halford. A celebration of life was held Saturday, Nov. 14, at Haught Funeral Home. A funeral service followed. Online condolences may be left for the family at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Elizabeth “Libby” Hawthorne

Elizabeth “Libby” Hawthorne, 77, of Plant City, and born in Cottondale, Florida, died Nov. 9, 2015. Mrs. Hawthorne attended Calvary Freewill Baptist Church. She was a cabin mother at the Calvary Freewill youth camp, a Girl Scout leader, and a volunteer for the Navy Chiefs Association and the Florida Strawberry Festival. She loved her family, and she enjoyed farming, gardening, cooking and Rays baseball. She was a saint to her sisters and a mama to everyone she knew. She is survived by her daughters, Diane Conrad (Ron Evans), of Lithia, and Teri Stansel, of Lithia; grandchildren, Danya Conrad and Tiffany Garren; siblings, Martha (Donald), Carlton (Peggy Jane), Peggy (Ed), Judy (Ray) and Lois (George); and siblings-in-law, Delsie, Missie, Nonie, Donie and Ronnie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Hawthorne; parents, James and Magdalene Benefield; and brother, Don. A celebration of life was held Friday, Nov. 13, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Billy Royce Johnson

Billy Royce Johnson, 71, of Dover, died Monday, Nov. 9, 2015. Mr. Johnson was a native of Turkey Creek. He was the only son of Henry and Sible Henderson Johnson. He was a physician’s assistant and O.R. Tech at South Florida Baptist Hospital for over 30 years and was a member of Faith Lighthouse Church. He was a singer, piano player, floral designer and gardener, and he loved football. He was a graduate of Turkey Creek High School. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Doris Collier Johnson; daughters, Cheryl (Kenneth) Smith, Patsy (John)

Sapp and Debbie (Larry) Weaver; siblings, Travis Johnson and Melba Williams; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandson, John Sapp Jr.; and siblings, Rev. Wayne Johnson and Rev. Kenneth Johnson. The family received friends Friday, Nov. 13, at Haught Funeral Home. A funeral service followed. Online condolences may be left for the family at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Deborah Modlin Snider

Deborah Modlin Snider, 68, of Plant City, and formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, died Nov. 8, 2015. Mrs. Snider was a retired English department head at New Palestine High School in Indiana, where she earned Teacher of the Year honors. She was a graduate of Indiana Central College, where she was a cheerleader and honor student. She earned her Master’s degree at Butler University. After retirement, she was instrumental in forming a book club in Plant City. She loved life and enjoyed books, the beach and a Florida retirement that lasted more than 12 years. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Alan Snider; children, Chad Sellmer, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jon Snider (Cathy), of Anaktuvik Pass, Alaska, and Kimberly Sprinkle (Jeff), of Baytown, Texas; siblings, Judy Modlin, of Elkhart, Indiana, Dan Modlin (Debby), of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Belinda Arthur (Ned), of New Palestine, Indiana; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold S. Modlin and Marian Lund Modlin. A celebration of life will be held in Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made to local libraries to purchase additional books in her memory. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

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Sports

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PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

GAME OF THE WEEK by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

Tampa Bay Tech at Plant City: Round 2 The last time Tampa Bay Tech went to Plant City, the Raiders laid a 19-3 smackdown on them. How will Plant City fare against a healthier, hungrier Titans squad?

Justin Kline

The Plant City Raiders steamrolled Tampa Bay Tech in the teams’ Friday, Oct. 2, meeting.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Friday night notes Since we had no more surprise sports stories this week, Friday Night Notes is back. The Plant City Raiders are the only game in town and, for much of last Friday’s playoff game against East Lake, the Raiders looked JUSTIN like the only KLINE team in the game. It was a 47-34 win that probably should have been 47-10. I can explain. East Lake looked pretty good coming into this one, especially after closing the regular season with a 45-21 win over Clearwater. The team has a good running back in Xavier Jackson and a QB, Bobby Goldinak, who can manage a game and do the things you need to do to get wins. Defensively, they’re big up front, and running backs don’t have the easiest time hitting the holes. Unless you play in an awful district, you don’t make the playoffs if you can’t play the game. But Plant City had two distinct advantages working in its favor: speed and size. The Raiders played at about twice the speed of the Eagles and, thanks to the footwork of Markese Hargrove and Corey King, were able to hit those holes before East Lake could close them up. And, while none of the Plant City running backs could be considered big by any means, wideouts T.J. Chase and Antoine Thompson created plenty of mismatches against the Eagles’ small defensive backs. Chase, in particular, looked like he was having an easy time making catches: he hauled in two scores, though he should have had three. The officiating in this game wasn’t terrible, but

SEE KLINE / PAGE 13

SUPERBOWL SATURDAY

If there was ever a statement ed up securing the Raiders the game on Plant City’s schedule, district crown they’ve been the Friday, Oct. 2, matchup chasing for years. A win could against Tampa Bay Tech was it. have still put Plant City in the That’s no slight to the Red- playoffs as a No. 2 seed, but man Cup, but this Titans team would the Raiders be the talk of the town as they are had some of the highest expectations IF YOU GO now? In the Titans’ dein the district. That’s Where: fense, the squad they what happens when you have an offense 1 Raider Place, trotted out against the Plant City Raiders looked like bouncing back from When: it was thrown to the the loss of superstar 7:30 p.m. wolves. It was banged Deon Cain, a roster up. Injuries prevented containing all-county talent Marchalo Judge and the Titans from doing what a defense known for its physi- it had so often done to other opponents, such as the 47-13 cal, nasty on-field results. And then, they looked like and 39-6 wins in the weeks becellar-dwellers in a 19-3 loss at fore the Plant City game. 1 Raider Place. SEE PC / PAGE 13 The loss, in hindsight, end-

by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

SUPERBOWL BOUND

Four Plant City Dolphins teams will play in the TCYFCC’s biggest game: the 2015 Superbowl.

SIDELINES Do you have a good Sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com, or Tweet us at @PCTOSports.

SWIMMING

+ Athletes place at FHSAA states

Durant and Strawberry Crest had swimmers compete in the FHSAA State Championships Saturday, Nov. 14.

DURANT Katie Vasiloff won her second consecutive state championship in the 100 butterfly and immediately had to swim in the 50 free. She ended up placing second, but the sophomore’s effort capped a solid day for the Cougars swim team. Swimmers: Vasiloff (1st, 100 fly; 2nd, 50 free); Sean White (6th, 100 free, 17th, 200 IM); Christian Hofrichter (6th, 500 free; 11th, 200 free) Divers: Marshall Seguin (15th, 1 mtr.) STRAWBERRY CREST How good was the Chargers’ day? For starters, all of the swimmers placed in the top 16 in their events. This helped Crest become the No. 15 swimming program in Florida and, in the boys’ case, the best-performing team in Hillsborough County. Although Celi Guzman, who was recently featured in the Plant City Times & Observer, didn’t win gold at states, she did take home the school’s first-ever bronze medal and, along with Zane Richardson, was first in school history to make a podium at states. Swimmers: Guzman (3rd, 100 back; 12th, 100 fly); Zane Richardson (5th, 500 free; 15th, 200 free); Daniel Teske (10th, 100 fly; 11th, 100 back) Team events: 200 medley relay (Ninth place: Alonzo Biala, Richardson, Teske, Kasen Van Fossen); 400 free relay (11th place: Teske, Biala, Van Fossen, Richardson)

MARTIAL ARTS

+ P.C. man on karate hot streak

The Dolphins will look to expand upon last year’s Superbowl success by adding a few more wins.

IF YOU GO Where: Lakeland High School practice field, 726 Hollingsworth Road, Lakeland When: Saturday, Nov. 21. Games at 9 a.m. (Mighty Mites); 10:30 a.m. (Pee Wees); 12 p.m. (Midgets) 2 p.m.; (JV) and 4 p.m. (varsity)

his is it: the Superbowl, the big one, the granddaddy of ‘em all. And the Plant City Dolphins have more squads in it than anybody. The Saturday, Nov. 21, matches won’t be easy. But Plant City fans can rest assured that these Dolphins are no pushovers. There’s a big chance that all four could walk away with wins — an outcome that late president Buddy Bennett would have loved to see.

MIGHTY MITES

The youngest squad cruised to a 31-0 shutout win over the Bucs during playoffs Saturday, Nov. 7. While Plant City was a No. 1 seed in the tournament, thanks to a 10-0 record, East Bay was No. 6 in the bracket and, perhaps, not expected to get as far as it did. Plant City will face the No. 2 Brandon Lions, which picked up a 24-12 win over the Lakeland Eagles on Nov. 7 to advance. Brandon had a 9-1 record throughout the regular season, losing only to Plant City in Week 6. The score to that game was 33-20, and it’s highly likely that the Superbowl rematch could also become a shootout.

MIDGETS

The only other No. 1 seed of the bunch, the Midgets team locked in its Superbowl appearance with a 33-18 win over Pinecrest. Plant City finished with a 9-1 record on the season, tying only with East Bay. Coincidentally, the Dolphins and Bucs will square off in the Superbowl: East Bay got in the game with a 13-7 win over a tough Lakeland Gators squad, the No. 3 seed. The Bucs will have a chip on their shoulders, as their only loss of the season was a 12-6 defeat at the hands of — who else — the Dolphins. Add that

SEE SUPER / PAGE 13

Justin Kline

CLOSE CALL The only team to not make the cut was the Pee Wee team, which the Plant City Times & Observer had recently featured. For the most part, going against the Pee Wees’ single-wing offense was like trying to stop a buzzsaw. They outscored their opponents by double digits in nearly every game they played and, for a while, looked pretty close to unbeatable. That is, until they ran into a motivated East Bay Bucs team in the second round of the playoffs Saturday, Nov. 7. Despite having the home field advantage, the Dolphins couldn’t overcome their early turnovers and mistakes, and ended up taking a 15-14 heartbreaker of a loss.

On the karate tournament circuit, things have been going Mike Thomas’ way. The local karate student, 26, has been on a hot streak since late October. He placed first in kata and fighting at the Blitz Mayan Challenge, held Oct. 23 and 24 in Fern Park. He then went to Miami Beach Nov. 6 and 7 for the Panamerican Internationals tournament, where he placed first in fighting.

BASEBALL

+ Three Raiders sign LOIs

On Thursday, Nov. 19, Plant City High School athletes Billy McKay, Brendan Shultz and Jarrett Joyner signed letters of intent to play collegiate baseball. McKay, the ace/ reliever hybrid, signed with University of Florida. Joyner signed with Southern Wesleyan University, in South Carolina. Shultz signed with St. Leo University.

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

CHEER by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

BRING IT ON The weekend before the TCYFCC Superbowl, conference cheerleading teams brought out their best routines for the annual Cheer Off. The Plant City Dolphins, Turkey Creek Trojans, Dover Patriots and Antioch Redskins each had at least one squad place at the Saturday, Nov. 14, competition. It covered all five age groups and several divisions based on squad size.

WINNERS

KLINE / FROM PAGE 12

era — it happened right in front of me. Fortunately, King ran for a score immediately afterward. It was also a solid effort by the Plant City defense. It forced several turnovers, got a pick six and held steady for a goal-line stand. Kwest Fluitt, who had a fumble recovery and the pick six, deserves some props for having a big game. There are two things I’m sure the Raiders have been working to fix in practice this week. East Lake got most of its first downs and touchdowns by running up the middle. The Raiders need to shore things up in that area, and that’s not too difficult a fix.

But the thing that really could have killed a lesser team was the fact that the cornerbacks rarely turned around to make a play on the ball. It may have been all right this time, as Plant City still got a big win. If that doesn’t change, the Raiders will certainly fall victim to more and more big plays and pass interference calls. So, about Plant City’s next game: I initially thought that a matchup with Countryside would be the most intriguing outcome but, after seeing how Tampa Bay Tech handled them, I may have to walk that one back. It looks like the Titans have gotten back on their feet with the 31-21 upset, which fea-

tured a run of 24 unanswered points. And a healthy, motivated Titans team coming back to 1 Raider Place has the potential to do the exact opposite of what it did last time. No, 19-3 is not happening again. Count on that. Friday, Nov. 20, is a much more even matchup for the Raiders, who cannot afford to get too comfortable at any point in the game. I went into more detail about the matchup on the Gridiron Report, which you can listen to at PlantCityObserver.com. I’ll sum it up: this time, the cooler heads will prevail.

regular season on a bye week. Last week, the Titans extended their win streak to four games by shocking a highly-touted Countryside team, 31-21, with a run that included 24 unanswered points scored. Quarterback Trent Wyatt had one of his best games of the year, going 8-for-12 with 83 yards and three touchdown passes. He also rushed for 99 yards, contributing much of Tech’s 229-yard performance that night. To say Tech is on a roll right is an understatement. Perhaps these Pinellas County teams just can’t hang with Hillsbor-

ough’s squads. Regardless, a win streak is a win streak, and this team is not to be taken lightly. The Raiders know this better than anyone. Although the players do occasionally let their confidence run wild during games, they were largely laser-focused on their assignments in October. Raider fans can expect the same thing this time, especially since the Titans are healthy again. Because of the nature of Tech’s defense, it’s reasonable to say that the cooler heads will prevail in the Friday, Nov.

20, game. For the Raiders to win, they cannot allow Tech’s physical play to get in their heads. The Titans defense is going to give the Plant City offense the hardest test it’s faced since Armwood, point blank period. It’s up to the Raiders to keep their cool and do work if they want to see the next round of the playoffs, and fans can bet that that’s exactly what head coach Greg Meyer has been telling the athletes in practice this week.

record. To get to this point, it had to overcome the No. 2 Lions — which it did in a grinder of a game, an 8-6 win. Now, they’re set to face the No. 1 Pinecrest Pilots. Pinecrest posted a perfect 10-0 record this season and advanced to the Superbowl with a 35-0 win over the No. 4 Bucs. In the regular season, Pinecrest blew Plant City out of the water with a 32-0 win at home. Do these Dolphins have it in themselves to go out there and

get the last laugh?

their shot. On Sept. 26, they had to squeak their way into a 14-13 home win over Plant City. If one thing is for certain, it’s that the Dolphins would rather not keep this one close. Pinecrest has shown its ability to win the tight games, but will they be able to pull out another win over Plant City if the Dolphins can catch them slipping early on?

SUPER / FROM PAGE 12 to the fact that the Bucs and Dolphins teams always seem to play each other well, and Superbowl attendees could be treated to one of the best games of the day.

JUNIOR VARSITY

This is where things get really interesting. The JV team was the lowestseeded of the Plant City teams, clocking in at No. 3 with an 8-2

Justin Kline

DOVER PATRIOTS First: Mighty Mites Third place: Pee Wees, varsity ANTIOCH REDSKINS Third: JV

VARSITY

Last, but not least, there’s varsity. The No. 2 Dolphins beat the Bucs, 22-14, to get to this Superbowl. The Dolphins stood alone in second place with a 9-1 record, only trailing the 10-0 Pilots — the No. 1 seed. But Pinecrest struggled in its second-round playoff game, eking out a 32-30 win over the No. 5 Lakeland Eagles to get

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Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

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But something about that loss lit a fire in the Titans. They hosted Armwood on Friday, Oct. 9, and, to the surprise of almost everyone, hung within five points of the mighty Hawks. The Titans averaged 30 points scored per game in their next three wins, first getting back in the hunt with a 35-26 win over Lennard and then punishing Durant, 28-0. The game against East Bay, a 28-13 win, secured their playoff spot before they ended the

TURKEY CREEK TROJANS Third: varsity Fourth: Pee Wees, Midgets Fifth: Mighty Mites

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PC / FROM PAGE 12

Morgan Pierce donned the golden gloves for the JV Dolphins’ grand finale.

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there were two calls against Plant City in the first half that left many fans reeling. I can’t speak for the first one, which negated a Tydre Ward touchdown. (I was on the other side of the field, shooting photos with the defenders behind Tydre.) But I can speak for the second one: Chase made a catch in the end zone, had possession of the ball and, after getting up, threw it to the ground to celebrate. The refs ruled that he didn’t have possession of the ball. Since the back judge had a clear view of the catch, I have no idea how they came to that conclusion. Heck, I even got it on cam-

PLANT CITY DOLPHINS First: Mighty Mites Second: Pee Wees, varsity Third: Midgets

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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