12.09.16 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Meet the pool champ.

SEE PAGE 12

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 22

FREE

YOUR TOWN

The Tire Shop of Plant City is

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

COMMENTS AND CONCERNS

GAINING TRACTION Rick and Sara Johns bought Vaughn’s Tires almost two years ago. With new ownership and a new name, they’re hoping to gain more customers. SEE PAGE 5

Courtesy photo

Wedding Bells

The Florida Department of Transportation is accepting comments about the proposed project through Monday, Dec. 19. SUBMIT BY MAIL: Kirk Bogen, P.E., Environmental Management Engineer Florida Department of Transportation, District 7 MS 7-500 11201 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612-6456 Email: Lilliam.Escalera@dot. state.fl.us

FDOT hosts U.S. 92 hearing

Mr. and Mrs. Roberto L. Paradela are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Zuly Paradela, to Clinton Allen Stearns, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stacy D. Stearns. The bride-to-be is a graduate of Chamberlain High School in Tampa. She attended Saint Leo University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology. She later earned her master’s degree from Liberty University. She currently works at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as a detective and polygraph examiner. The future bridegroom is a longtime Plant City resident and a graduate of Plant City High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of South Florida. He is currently a law enforcement deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The couple plan to marry this spring.

With the public hearing complete, design acceptance is slated for spring 2017.

EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

Courtesy photo

BayCare welcomes new physician Dr. A. Mosharraf Hossain, M.D., M.P.H, joined BayCare Medical Group at 1601 W. Timberlane Drive in December. He is accepting new patients, ages 18 and up. Hossain is board certified in oncology and internal medicine with clinical interests in both solid and liquid tumor treatment and bone marrow transplant. He has been published in multiple journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Blood Cancer Journal and American Journal of Psychiatry. Prior to his position with BayCare, Hossain served as an associate professor and medical director for the division of hematology and oncology at the Univeristy of Missouri in Columbia. Hossain is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American College of Psychiatry, the American Society of hematology and the American Association of Public Health. Hossain received his doctor of medicine from Dhaka Medical College of Dhaka University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He completed internal medicine and psychiatry residencies at the University of West Virginia School of Medicine in Morgantown. He later completed a hematology and oncology fellowship at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center in Morgantown. In addition to English, he is fluent in Bengali, Hindi and Urdu.

•

Emily Topper

After working for Vaughn’s Tires for over a decade, Rick Johns purchased the North Wheeler Street shop. He now operates The Tire Shop of Plant City with his wife, Sara.

Paved shoulders, sidewalks and improved walkability for pedestrians are all cited in the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan to widen 18.1 miles of U.S. Highway 92. A public hearing for the project, which is part of a five-year plan, was held Thursday, Dec. 1, at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College. The goal of the road improvement project is to prepare for further growth in Hillsborough County. FDOT plans to widen U.S. 92 from east of Interstate 4 to east of County Line Road. Existing lanes will be widened from two to four lanes, with the exception of Mobley Street to Maryland Avenue. The project will exclude lane widening and road work in Historic Downtown Plant City, with the exception of routine maintenance. Though Plant City has been taking part in Hillsborough County’s growth spurt — including the development of the County Line Logistics Center at Fancy Farms near the County Line Road and Rice Road intersection — some business owners along U.S. 92 are concerned about what the expansion means for their storefronts. Sam and Sandy Sidoti, who have lived in the area for the last 16 years, are among them. “We own property next to the bowling alley on U.S. 92,” Sam Sidoti said. “It looks like (the expansion) is going to take most of it. The whole front of the property would be gone ... there’s no place for cars. I don’t think it’s warranted at this point, but they’re thinking about 10 years down the road.” According to Kirk Bogen, environmental management engineer at SEE FDOT PAGE 5

Changing Tune Dark Horse Music Store will move into Historic Downtown in early 2017. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

It began as a way to earn gas money. At 16, Michael Wilson began offering drum lessons to Plant City residents. With no studio space of his own, he traveled to his clients’ homes. Seven years later, Wilson, the founder of Dark Horse Music Store on Wheeler Street, is still offering lessons to students — along with instrument rentals, repairs and SEE DARK HORSE PAGE 3

THE NEW DIGS DARK HORSE MUSIC STORE Address: 108 N.E. Drane St., between The Original Big Dog’s Patio and Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Contact: Dark Horse Music Store, (813) 754-5269 Website: DHMusicStore.com

Emily Topper

Michael Wilson began offering drum lessons seven years ago. Now the owner of Dark Horse Music Store, Wilson’s business will be moving into Historic Downtown Plant City at the start of 2017.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2016

“There are 10,000 known diseases, but we only have cures and treatments for 500 of them. 21st Century Cures will help patients suffering from those diseases by streamlining and improving the FDA’s review of life-saving drugs for patients, modernizing clinical trials ... and supporting and investing in the next generation of scientists.” —U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross on the passing of the 21st Century Cures Act.

Plant Power The Plant City Garden Club hosted the Can You Dig It? Reels & Rhythms of the ‘60s Flower Show Saturday, Nov. 12. Awards were presented in design and horticulture that best matched the show’s theme.

t was a packed night Monday, Nov.

DESIGN WINNERS DESIGNER’S CHOICE AWARD Susie Cochran

28, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill. Customers, friends and family of pub

TABLE ARTISTRY AWARD Jan Griffin

owner Mike Goodwin gathered to watch

AWARD OF DESIGN EXCELLENCE Jan Griffin

as Goodwin was honored by the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon.

HORTICULTURE WINNERS COLLECTOR’S SHOWCASE AWARD Jan Griffin

The organization presented Goodwin with its Outstanding Corporate Partner Award at the restaurant, located at 1701 S.

GROWER’S CHOICE AWARD Mikie Snyder and Jan Griffin

Alexander St. The Krewe of Agustina de Aragon con-

CLUB HANGING BASKET AWARD Mikie Snyder

sists of 250 volunteers around the Tampa Bay area. Goodwin was selected as a re-

CLUB CACTUS AWARD Darcy Stottlemeyer

cipient for the group’s award due to his support of local athletics and charities. O’Brien’s has been teamed up with Krewe

AWARD OF MERIT Jan Griffin

Photos by Justin Kline

Mike Goodwin, the owner of O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill in Plant City, was honored Monday, Nov. 28, by the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon.

for fundraising efforts and volunteer ser-

CLUB SUCCULENT AWARD Jan Griffin MISCELLANEOUS WINNERS ARBOREAL WINNERS Bess Treadwell and Darcy Stottlemeyer

vice for several years. Goodwin’s community efforts are continuing this holiday season. He is currently

AWARD OF HORTICULTURE EXCELLENCE Jan Griffin

hosting a toy drive at O’Brien’s. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the

EDUCATION AWARD Linda Steele Green

Plant City eatery by Tuesday, Dec. 13.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD Joanne Mason

— JUSTIN KLINE

Join Haught Funeral Home during the month of December as we remember those we have lost. Stop by during regular business hours and place a personalized Angel on our Angel Tree. There is no cost for the angel. This is our way of remembering our loved ones during the holiday season. This service is available to everyone in our community. Also plan on joining us Tuesday December 13th at 7:00pm for our Service of Remembrance. Please Join us as we remember. 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Plant City, FL 33563 813-717-9300

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

A TOUCH OF

ITALY Bella Mare Ristorante brings authentic Italian food to downtown Plant City.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

ON THE MENU

JUSTIN KLINE

BUON APPETITO

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ew cuisines are imitated as often as Italy’s. But, as any expert chef will confirm, there’s no substitute for the real deal. Chef Franco Dragonetti, a native Italian, has brought the real deal to Plant City in the form of Bella Mare Ristorante, located downtown at 115 E. Reynolds St. The restaurant, which opened Tuesday, Nov. 22, is his second in the Tampa Bay area and another labor of love for the lifelong chef. He is partly responsible for creating Brandon’s Allegria Italiana with his brother, Vito, in 2013. “We have to bring a little bit of Italy to another place,” Franco Dragonetti said. Born in Matera, Italy, Franco Dragonetti and his brother learned to cook from his mother, Mamma Rosa. The Dragonettis lived in Italy until 1972, when they relocated to New York City. They owned, operated and cooked in several New York City-area restaurants for over three decades, including Caffe Nuvolari, Cafe Ernesto, Pastappunto Pasta House and Sotto Cinque. In 2004, the Dragonettis sold their New York properties and took a break. Even after taking time off, they eventually felt the pull to go back. “When you get involved in this business, you never get out,” Franco Dragonetti said. “But it’s nice. We like it. I enjoy cooking.” A year after successfully launching Allegria Italiana in Brandon, Franco Dragonetti left the restaurant solely to his brother. He started Bella Mare and brought aboard a friend, Anthony Mondelli, to manage the dining room experience. Although the restaurant’s storefront hasn’t undergone much of an overhaul, adding a small banner above the entryway and placing a chalk board on the sidewalk, the inside isn’t recognizable as the place that was most recently City Pizza. The interior has been redone to offer a more intimate dining experience, to say the least: the walls have gotten fresh coats of paint, the furniture has been replaced and the tables are all adorned with cloths and candles.

BELLA MARE RISTORANTE Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Info: 813-756-6461 Address: 115 E. Reynolds St.

Overlooking the dining room floor is a mural of a woman underwater, to which the owner partly attributes the restaurant’s name: Bella Mare, translated to “beautiful sea.” “That’s her, right there,” Franco Dragonetti said. “Beautiful lady of the sea.” Bella Mare’s menu reads largely in Italian, but Mondelli and the wait staff can answer any questions patrons may have. Popular Italian items, such as spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan and shrimp scampi are present, but there are also plenty of items that many may not see as often. Such menu items include gnocchi ai formaggi, or tender potato pasta dumplings, paccheri ai pesto, or large tube pasta served with pesto sauce, and rigatoni bolognese, which is served in the restaurant’s homemade tomato sauce. Although it isn’t on the menu, Mondelli has put together what he’s called a “house sampler appetizer,” a plate of calamari, mozzarella bites, bruschetta and other foods to hold patrons over until their main dishes arrive. For dessert, Bella Mare offers cannoli with chocolate and hints of cinnamon. Other items include tiramisu and New York-style strawberry swirl cheesecake. Franco Dragonetti’s goal is to stick around for the long haul. While the chef knows he won’t be there forever, he’d love to have his latest “touch of Italy” felt in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World for a while. “Hopefully, we’re going to go on for a long time,” he said.

MEATBALLS

BAKED CLAMS

RIGATONI BOLOGNESE

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Photos by Justin Kline

Franco Dragonetti and Anthony Mondelli operate Bella Mare Ristorante.

BONELESS PORK TENDERLOIN

Advance Tickets On Sale Now! • FLstrawberryfestival.com

“It’s mind-blowing. I get to do my dream job every day, and I’m only 23. ” — Michael Wilson, owner of Dark Horse Music Store. The shop will move downtown in 2017.

March 2 –12, 2017 • Plant City, FL Artists Appearing on the Soundstage:

Emily Topper

At its new location in Historic Downtown, owner Michael Wilson plans for Dark Horse Music Store to offer studio recording.

audition preparation. The business has grown so much that 23-year-old Wilson and his team have outgrown their 700-squarefoot Wheeler Street space in under one year. By the start of 2017, Dark Horse will have relocated into a 3,600-square-foot facility on Northeast Drane Street in Historic Downtown. “It’s mind-blowing,” Wilson said. “I’m just amazed. I get to do my dream job every day, and I’m only 23.” DRUMMING UP BUSINESS

Formerly known as Mikkeal Music Company, the upcoming move won’t be the first real estate change for the business. After his client base grew for the first time, Wilson converted his garage into a makeshift studio space. When the business grew again, Independent Christian Assembly Church offered Wilson a store location off of Alexander Street. “It was always just lessons at that point,” Wilson said. “It’s steadily grown every single month. I have really good help.” Dark Horse opened its current location at 1103 N. Wheeler St. in February 2016. But with over 80 private classes every week, Wilson quickly realized the business would need a larger space. “We don’t have room for inventory,” Wilson said. “We’ve outgrown this space. I feel like we’ll be able to network with Plant City better.” The expanded space will allow Dark Horse to continue to serve neighbor-

ing communities, as well. Besides Plant City, the business has students based in Mulberry, Lakeland, Riverview and New Tampa. As the space has grown, so have the services Dark Horse offers. The shop now offers rentals for schools and instrument repairs. When the new location opens in early January, Wilson plans to incorporate a studio recording space. In the future, the shop also would like to offer dance classes. The new Drane Street location will include eight studios and six themed departments. Wilson hopes lighting effects and themed displays will allow Plant City residents and visitors to see the shop as a downtown attraction. “I just want people to come see it,” Wilson said. “We put a lot into the design of the store. It’s going to be something to come see. We’re hopefully going to have a few rare instruments and some vintage stuff on display. We want to have an art aspect as well. Each student room looks like its own house.” Though Wilson would like to franchise the business within the next five years, the shop’s primary location will stay in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. “I’ve got a pioneer spirit,” he said. “There’s not something like this here already. I just saw a gap in the market.” The store will be closed from Sunday, Dec. 22, to Sunday, Jan. 1, to open the new location. Dark Horse plans to open the Drane Street store Monday, Jan. 2, 2017. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com,

Thu. Mar. 2, 3:30

$15 & $20

MUSIC MAKERS Lessons offered by Dark Horse Music Store include: Violin Guitar Drums Piano Voice Ukulele Bass Flute Mandolin Banjo Clarinet Trumpet Saxophone

for KING & COUNTRY Thu. Mar. 2, 7:30 $25

Willie Nelson and Family

Clare Bowen/Charles Esten

Brenda Lee

Tues. Mar. 7, 7:30 $25 & $30

Thu. Mar. 9, 7:30 $35

Kane Brown

Tracy Byrd

Wed. Mar. 8, 3:30 $15 & $20

Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers Fri. Mar. 10, 3:30 $15 & $20

3 Doors Down

Sat. Mar. 4, 7:30 $35

Sat. Mar. 4, 3:30 $25

The Bellamy Brothers Mon. Mar. 6, 3:30 $15 & $20

Sun. Mar. 5, 7:30 $45

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The Blues Brothers

Fri. Mar. 3, 7:30 $35

Little Big Town

Sun. Mar. 5, 3:30 $25

Tues. Mar. 7, 3:30 $15 & $20

Kip Moore

Fri. Mar. 3, 3:30 $40

Scotty McCreery Wed. Mar. 8, 7:30 $25 & $30

Elle King

Fri. Mar. 10, 7:30 $20

Jennifer Nettles Mon. Mar. 6, 7:30 $35

The Oak Ridge Boys Thu. Mar. 9, 3:30 $15 & $20

Maddie & Tae

Sat. Mar. 11, 3:30 $25

#berryfest17

Patti LaBelle

Sat. Mar. 11, 7:30 $40

Joe Nichols

Sun. Mar. 12, 3:30 $20

Rascal Flatts “RHYTHM & ROOTS” Tour Sun. Mar. 12, 7:30 $50

Visit FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available!

Free Grandstand 3:30 & 7:30 pm Seating is on a first come, first seated basis. Concert dates and times are subject to change

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FROM DARK HORSE PAGE 1

Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

Songs and Sermons David Burtt, the newest music pastor at First Baptist Church of Dover, is using his passion for music to share his faith.

IF YOU GO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DOVER What: ‘Noel: The Story of Amazing Love’ Christmas Program When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 Where: First Baptist Church of Dover, 3223 N. Gallagher Road Visit: FirstBaptistDover. org

EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

On his fourth day without coffee, David Burtt is too busy to notice any symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. It’s Thursday, Dec. 1, just a few days since Burtt and the Celebration Choir at First Baptist Church of Dover have performed at Christmas Lane’s live nativity. Even so, the 26-year-old pastor is already preparing for his next event: the church’s annual Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 11. “We use music as a platform to present the Gospel,” Burtt said. “I love Jesus and I love to sing.” It was those two loves — ones Burtt describes as guttural feelings — that led him to his new church family. MADE TO WORSHIP

CA$H

Though his father is a pastor, Burtt’s call to join the ministry didn’t come until later in life. Burtt was studying classical voice as a tenor at the University of South Alabama when he made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine

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Corps, a choice he made after watching his best friend graduate at the top of his class. “We were in the same unit,” Burtt said. “We got to work across the hall from each other.” The new career path came with sacrifices. Burtt lost his voice during boot camp, along with his ability to hit the high notes. “When I felt the calling to go into the Marine Corps, I never thought I would use music again,” he said. “It hit me really hard that I lost my voice, my favorite attribute.” With the loss of his voice, Burtt lost sight of his other love. “For about a year and a half, I didn’t go to church,” he said. “I didn’t live for God, for sure.” After a stint of active duty, Burtt returned home to Alabama. His mother sat him down. What do you want to do? The answer was easy, as though no time had passed at all. Jesus. Music. I WILL SING

The University of Mobile was down the road from where Burtt lived in

Alabama. Until making the decision to pursue music and worship as a career, he had never considered attending the university. “It has the largest music program in Alabama,” Burtt said. The school also is home to Voices of Mobile, a praise group that travels around the nation performing at churches and other venues. Burtt wanted in. During his first year at the University of Mobile, he slowly worked on getting his voice back. He tried hitting the high notes, to no avail. But he could hit the low notes. And Voices of Mobile only had opening – for a bassist. Burtt decided to give it a shot. “I was worried,” he said. “But I just felt that God was calling me to at least try out.” He made the cut and spent the rest of his time at the University of Mobile traveling with the group, performing at churches across America. He was serving as the group’s road manager during a performance at First Baptist Church of Brandon. “I got along with the church’s music minister,” Burtt said. “He said, ‘Aren’t you looking for a job? I’ve got a friend

who’s a pastor and they’re looking for somebody.” With his résumé in hand, Burtt jumped in the car and headed down the road to Dover. “I came down here and did not want to leave,” he said. Months later, he’s focused on growing the church’s music programs through praise and worship. “We are really praying for an orchestra,” Burtt said. “We want to fill the right side of the stage with instruments. I’ve got a classical background and a 70-person choir. We’ve got room for it. This time next year, I want to have live music for everything we do.” For Burtt, music ties into everything that has to do with worship. “There’s just something about worshipping the Lord through music that transcends all languages,” he said. “Worship is our response to a great God. Music and worship are two of the most primal instincts of humanity. We were created to worship. Music is just a platform expressing that when words can’t.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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Emily Topper

David Burtt was brought on as First Baptist Church of Dover’s newest music pastor in October.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

READ THE ROAD PLAN

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Check out the documents on the U.S. Highway 92 study by the Florida Department of Transportation. The documents will be on display through Monday, Dec. 19. Where: Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. Call: (813) 757-9215

Rick and Sara Johns renamed Vaughn’s Tires earlier this year to The Tire Shop of Plant City — a natural choice for the couple’s second home. “When we would talk to people we’d always say, ‘I’m at the shop,” Rick Johns said. “We like to joke around a little bit.”

FROM FDOT PAGE 1

FDOT, 230 properties throughout the county would be acquired and relocated through the expansion. The relocation includes businesses and residential lots. For business owners who could face such relocation, smart expansion is a priority. “I look at it as a necessity that’s good for the community,” Jim Scott, of Jarrett-Scott Ford, said. “As a business owner ... I’m worried about the disruption for my business and the timeline. I think it’s great that (FDOT) is coming out and being proactive and letting people know of the growth of the county.” The estimated total cost for the proposed improvements is $399 million, according to FDOT. Location and design concept acceptance is expected to occur in spring 2017, but FDOT is still accepting comments from the public, including residents and business owners. Those who wish to offer input can do so before Monday, Dec. 19.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

GAINING TRACTION EMILY TOPPER

Emily Topper

Rick and Sara Johns operate The Tire Shop of Plant City on Wheeler Street. The shop was formerly Vaughn’s Tires.

MANAGING EDITOR

When Rick Johns started working for Vaughn’s Tire Service, he wasn’t even old enough to drive. Then 15, Johns had to get rides from Plant City High School to the tire shop on North Wheeler Street. He’d work after school from 1 to 5 p.m., handing on-the-job training slips to owner Vaughn Gamble for a supervisor signature. Twenty years later, Johns and his wife, Sara, have taken over the business and given it a new name: The Tire Shop of Plant City. The couple bought the tire shop from Gamble about a year and one half ago, when Gamble made the decision to retire. “We talked,” Rick Johns said. “He decided if I wanted it that he was going to offer the place to me first, before anybody else. Vaughn’s a character. He likes to laugh. I learned a lot from him, though. He pretty much showed me everything there is to do with tires.” At first, Rick Johns wasn’t sure the tire industry was for him. But the 36-year-old doesn’t like to be confined to one area, and every day at the tire shop proved to be a different adventure. After being recommended to start at Vaughn’s by his friend’s father, Rick Johns continued to work in the tire business even after a few stints in other industries. “I didn’t know that’s what I wanted to do,” Rick Johns said. “But I’m good with my hands, and I’m a people person. I like to do it myself. If you do it yourself, you know it’s done right. I was just a kid. (Vaughn) put me to work.” “He can build or fix anything,”

THE TIRE SHOP OF PLANT CITY Owners: Rick and Sara Johns Address: 1604 N. Wheeler St., Plant City Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Formerly: Vaughn’s Tires Facebook: The Tire Shop of Plant City, Inc.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

Sara Johns, his wife of 12 years, said. Besides her husband, she’s the shop’s only other employee. “He’s been doing this for 20 years. I’m trying to pick up a little bit. I know all of our customers.” HUB OF THE COMMUNITY

As a family-owned business, the Johns’ are focused on keeping the business community-oriented. The couple tries to host food drives and other events when their four children — Rylie, Nate, Eli and Addie — have similar ones at school. Their children frequently spend time with the family at the shop after school. “We’re simple here,” Sara Johns said. “Our prices are very reasonable. It’s hard to compete with big companies, but you’re supporting a family instead of an executive. We care about our customers. Sometimes people come here and they have kids in the car and no money. He won’t turn them away.” The shop sells new and used tires and makes standard repairs, including repairs on four-wheel drive tires.

With new and updated equipment, the couple is working toward being able to sell and repair even more commercial-sized tires. “It’s usually about $10 for repairs and $30 per used tire,” Sara Johns said. “We can do bigger stuff now.” Prices on new tires usually vary based on size. Any extra money the family makes goes back into the shop. The couple has painted the building’s interior and is working on getting signage for the outside of the Wheeler Street shop. The community involvement carries on one of Gamble’s traditions. Prior to his retirement, Gamble was a foster parent and coached area softball and basketball. “We were in debt when we started,” Sara Johns said. “It was a huge learning experience. But the more we have, the more we can give back.” “If we keep them going, they’ll keep us going,” Rick Johns said. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

SCHS graduate named national FFA officer

STAFF INTERN

When Victoria Harris started at Strawberry Crest High School, her accessory of choice was a string instrument — not the blue Future Farmers of America jacket she regularly sports. “When she came to us, she was an orchestra kid,” Principal David Brown said. “She played the viola.”

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As Harris knows, school participation at Crest is widely encouraged. Brown wanted his students to excel academically while participating in student-led organizations. It’s a vision that’s putting Strawberry Crest on the map for students across Hillsborough County, as enrollment has nearly doubled since the school opened. It’s also one that Brown hopes will continue to produce top students — students like Harris.

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she will help facilitate workshops and leadership training for students. The new title requires regular travel. During her yearlong tenure, Harris will visit 35 states and give close to 100 speeches. Harris attributes her ability to maintain the busy schedule to her prior experience in FFA during her days as a Charger. “The school provided a lot of opportunity,” she said. “It wasn’t established yet, so there was a lot of room for the school to get involved in a lot of different programs. Everyone was so supportive and willing to help.”

Stephen Harris Owner/Operator

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allowed me to see my own potential, and taught me and others the leadership skills you need to get ahead and do well.” Prior to being elected a national officer, Harris served as the FFA state secretary for Florida. After graduating from Crest, she enrolled at the University of Florida. She currently takes biology classes and is working toward her degree in veterinary medicine. As a national officer, Harris will join six other students from schools across the nation to help manage 650,000 association members. As secretary,

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But during an open house at the school, the FFA table caught the attention of both Harris and her brother. She quickly made the transition from playing notes to selling livestock, a passion she carried through her graduation from Strawberry Crest in 2014. It’s a passion she continues to have today. In October, Harris was named the National FFA Secretary for the 2016-2017 year — a first for her alma mater. “Before I became a national officer, I got involved with the junior chapter office,” Harris said. “They really

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Victoria Harris is making a name for herself in the FFA world. In October, she was named the National FFA Secretary for 2016-2017.

Linda Lentz

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

REAL ESTATE

North Wilder Road home tops November real estate transactions MANAGING EDITOR

ing area on 2.36 acres. The price per square foot is $122.71.

The home at 512 Greenway Drive sold Nov. 3, for $37,000. Built in 1956, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,128 square feet of living area on 0.41 acres. The price per square foot is $32.80.

EMILY TOPPER

he home at 4020 N. Wilder Road sold Nov. 29, for $502,500. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,259 square feet of living area on 9.78 acres. The price per square foot is $154.19.

The home at 120 S. Wiggins Road sold Nov. 8, for $380,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, four and one half baths and 3,748 square feet of living area on 1.10 acres. The price per square foot is $101.39.

The home at 2125 Lanier Road sold Nov. 28, for $350,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,338 square feet of living area on 3.64 acres. The price per square foot is $261.58.

The home at 5320 Bob Smith Ave. sold Nov. 21, for $175,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,560 square feet of living area on 5.49 acres. The price per square foot is $112.18.

The home at 4010 Midway Road sold Nov. 4, for $125,000. Built in 1995, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,176 square feet of living area on 1.97 acres. The price per square foot is $106.29.

The home at 4703 Bruton Road sold Nov. 28, for $197,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,701 square feet of living area on 4.68 acres. The price per square foot is $115.81. The home at 4605 Cooper Road sold Nov. 3, for $335,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,730 square feet of liv-

The home at 2907 Forest Hammock Drive sold Nov. 10, for $283,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,209 square feet of living area on 0.26 acres. The price per square foot is $128.11. The home at 1702 S. Golfview Drive sold Nov. 14, for $138,600 (auction/REO). Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,735 square feet of living area on 0.20 acres. The price per square foot is $79.88.

The home at 3011 Azalea Blossom Drive sold Nov. 14, for $205,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,854 square feet of living area on 0.19 acres. The price per square foot is $71.83.

WALDEN LAKE

The home at 3111 Magnolia Meadows Drive sold Nov. 14, for $185,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,770 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $104.52.

The home at 4329 Barret Ave. sold Nov. 16, for $218,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,551 square feet of living area on 0.33 acres. The price per square foot is $140.55.

The home at 2824 Hammock Drive sold Nov. 16, for $277,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,674 square feet of living area on 0.29 acres. The price per square foot is $103.59.

The home at 2708 Clubhouse Drive sold Nov. 30, for $237,500. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,056 square feet of living area on 0.30 acres. The price per square foot is $115.52.

The home at 1904 Juniper Drive sold Nov. 17, for $183,500. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,560 square feet of living area on 0.25 acres. The price per square foot is $117.63.

The home at 2813 Aston Ave. sold Nov. 25, for $258,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,427 square feet of living area on 0.29 acres. The price per square foot is $106.30.

The home at 3313 San Moise Place sold Nov. 15, for $189,990. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $113.63.

The home at 2503 E. State Road 60 sold Nov. 29, for $133,000. Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,263 square feet of living area on 0.60 acres. The price per square foot is $105.30.

AVERAGE: $176,007 MEDIAN: $171,500

The home at 3514 San Moise Place sold Nov. 28, for $223,990. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,432 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $92.10.

MAGNOLIA GREEN

The home at 2108 Jerri Lynn Court sold Nov. 1, for $225,000. Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,557 square feet of living area on 1.16 acres. The price per square foot is $144.51.

HILLSBOROUGH

NOVEMBER SNAPSHOT

MINIMUM: $37,000 MAXIMUM: $502,500

The home at 4012 Concord Way sold Nov. 22, for $212,900. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,952 square feet of living area on 0.31 acres. The price per square foot is $109.07.

The home at 3510 San Moise Place sold Nov. 28, for $198,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,751 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $113.08.

ONLINE See more transactions at PlantCityObserver.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

NOV. 26

BAD NIGHT’S SLEEP 20 block of A Street. Grand theft: Officers met with complainant, who stated possible known suspect(s) stole money she had been stashing underneath her bed’s mattress. Complainant stated that $300 of her $500 stash was missing and that she suspected her family. She signed a waiver of prosecution.

NOV. 24

X-GAMES PLANT CITY E. Cherry Street/North Knight Street Multiple charges: Officer saw several subjects driving dirt bikes recklessly around a residential area and attempted a traffic stop. All but two drivers, one adult and one juvenile, fled the scene. The adult was charged with reckless driving, resisting arrest with violence and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The juvenile was also arrested.

“Cancun.” — Petra Delgado, 45

NOV. 25

WINDOW PAIN 1310 block of East Renfro Street. Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had broken a back window of her 2003 Jaguar car overnight. The damage was estimated at $500.

“Canada. My best friend’s from Canada.”

BEEMER BLUNDER 2510 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Vehicle theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown

— Megan Hines, 23

“Willie’s”

“A trip around Europe.”

CUT IT OUT 2050 block of Greenwood Valley Drive. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered his unlocked 2013 Chevrolet vehicle and stole two hunting knives. LOCK IT UP 1200 block of East Calhoun Street. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who state unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked 2000 Toyota vehicle and stole her wallet, which contained her driver’s license, cash and bank cards.

catﬁsh, mahi-mahi, tilapia and white ﬁsh

COMPUTER BLUES 4020 block of Concord Way. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had entered their unlocked vehicle and stolen a work laptop and a pair of headphones. CURIOUS CYCLE 1900 block of Avon Street. Found bicycle: Officer met with complainant, who stated he had found a pink Magna bicycle chained to his fence. The bike had been abandoned, and a check on the serial number revealed it had not been reported as stolen. The bike was impounded for safekeeping. CONSTRUCTION DYSFUNCTION

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NICE TRY 3200 block of Gloria Avenue. Fraud: Officers met with complainant, who stated she had received a call from her electric company and had been asked to submit a payment using prepaid gift cards. Complainant suspected she was being scammed.

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T 400 block of Vining Street. Stolen ATV: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen his Honda Rancher ATV. The vehicle had been parked just outside of his bedroom window.

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NOV. 26

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NOV. 22

3300 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Theft of construction equipment: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen two Miller inverters from a construction site. The inverters had not been seen since Wednesday, Nov. 23, and were valued together at $4,594.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

COPS CORNER

suspect(s) stole his black BMW vehicle after he had left it running outside of a business.

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

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

ColdwellBankerHomes.com Call 866.600.6008 and enter the

code for property details or to speak with the agent.

Chipmans | 5/3 | $475,000 Jimmie Robinson 866.600.6008 526460 913 Roux St Search T2835370 on CBHomes.com

Ruskin| 3/3.2 | $475,000 Sherry Clements 866.600.6008 535343 104 2nd Ave SW Search T2850823 on CBHomes.com

Bloomfield Hills | 4/3 | $325,000 Patrick Lynch 866.600.6008 518566 6810 Bloomfield Haven Pl Search T2826387 on CBHomes.com

Land O Lakes | 3/2 | $299,900 Maddie Alford 866.600.6008 531607 4744 Barry Dr Search T2844870 on CBHomes.com

Dover | 4/2.1 | $298,500 Maddie Alford 866.600.6008 508632 2215 Fritzke Rd Search T2815395 on CBHomes.com

Historic | 4/2.1 | $295,000 Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 499161 801 N Wheeler St Search T2826130 on CBHomes.com

Seffner | Lots/Land | $279,999 Kandice Barber 866.600.6008 522615 1708 E US Highway 92 Search T2830752 on CBHomes.com

Boyette Springs | 4/2 | $276,131 Lynne Halleran 866.600.6008 85754 10131 Sedgebrook Dr Search T2848542 on CBHomes.com

Polk County | 3/2 | $265,000 Jimmie Robinson 866.600.6008 533501 2690 Doc Lindsey Rd Search T2848518 on CBHomes.com

Plant City | 3/2 | $264,707 Lynne Halleran 866.600.6008 477237 707 W Terrace Dr Search T2845260 on CBHomes.com

Walden Lake | 3/2 | $230,000 Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 491502 1736 Brookstone Way Search T2850297 on CBHomes.com

Hunters Run | 4/2 | $224,000 Lynne Halleran 866.600.6008 47042 679 Hunters Run Blvd Search T2847159 on CBHomes.com

Land O Lakes | 4/2.1 | $219,900 Lynne Halleran 866.600.6008 531671 18126 Cypress Bay Pkwy Search T2844053 on CBHomes.com

Vitelli Acres | 3/2 | $195,000 Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 480116 3020 N Maryland Ave Search T2837784 on CBHomes.com

Woodards Manor | 3/2 | $169,900 Maddie Alford 866.600.6008 535435 5208 Cindy Kay Dr Search T2851147 on CBHomes.com

Mulberry | 3/1.1 | $138,000 Patrick Lynch 866.600.6008 518415 1175 Dean St Search T2825977 on CBHomes.com

Lunn Woods | 3/2 | $98,900 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 492274 6214 Lunn Woods Way Search T2849045 on CBHomes.com

Shady Hammock | 3/2 | $89,900 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 491994 4011 Shady View Dr Search T2849046 on CBHomes.com

Bell Lake Vista | Lots/Land | $88,500 Maddie Alford 866.600.6008 531606 22220 Hale Rd Search T2844912 on CBHomes.com

Oak Hammock Estates | 3/2 | $79,900 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 490386 4632 Turner Rd Search T2849047 on CBHomes.com

Plant City | 4/2 | $72,900 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 481873 7611 Loghouse Rd Search T2838351 on CBHomes.com

Leisure Estates | 3/2 | $69,900 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 489068 4806 Rustic Ct W Search T2848499 on CBHomes.com

Lakeland | 2/2 | $69,900 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 493608 519 Lazy Lake Dr W Search T2849100 on CBHomes.com

Mulberry | 3/2 | $59,900 Antonia Coronel 866.600.6008 531747 506 5th Ave Search T2841576 on CBHomes.com

Lakeland | 3/2 | $59,900 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 493603 6023 Woodale Dr Search T2849095 on CBHomes.com

This is where goals are set and journeys are planned.

ColdwellBankerHomes.com

Plant City 813.754.3586

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Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. ÂŠ2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. 12731FL_9/16

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

CARPET STEAM CLEANING 223192

3 ROOMS $65 813-986-1266

& Get Hallway cleaned FREE. Additional rooms $20 ea.

Photos by Emily Topper

STATE FARM® AGENT

Santa Claus’ red sleigh was the final float in the parade.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

—EMILY TOPPER

1702 S. Alexander, Plant City, FL 33563

2016 CHRISTMAS PARADE WINNERS

FOSHEE JEWELERS Polk County’s Most Trusted Jeweler Since 1953

Best Overall: Plant City Church of God Soul’d Out Ministry Best Church: St. Clement Catholic Church Best Marching Unit: Strawberry Crest High School Marching Band Best School: Strawberry Crest High School Calendar Girls Best Business: Focus 4 Beauty

Jewelry Appraisals WE BUY: Gold • Silver • Coins WE SELL & SERVICE: Jewelry • Watches • Clocks

943 E Parker St. • Lakeland, FL 33801 Clyde R. Foshee 863.686.3479

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pectators packed into Historic Downtown Friday, Dec. 2, for the 2016 Plant City Christmas Parade. Over 80 floats and cars participated in the annual event, which was led by Grand Marshal Al Berry. Awards were given out to school units, marching bands, businesses and churches.

Auto | Annuities | Home | Life Small Businesses | Retirement

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COME LEARN SOMETHING MORE FROM THE BIBLE! Our Vision:

St. Clement Catholic Church won the best church unit award.

We are Christ centered, church connected, and community minded as we equip the body of Christ. Our Core Values: 222874

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

Dr. Dan Morris Sr., President

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Top: Strawberry Crest High School won the award for best marching unit. Above Right: Wilson Elementary School teachers waved to parade attendees. Above: Children played with puppets on the Eastside Baptist Church float. Right: Angels made up many traditional Christmas-themed floats. 222731

Criminal Defense Attorneys for Plant City • Seal and Expunge • DUI • DV Injunction

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

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.

TO ADVERTISE

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

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: Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Interim Managing Editor / Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@ PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor of In the Field / Sarah Holt, sarah@ inthefield.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, DECEMBER 9, 2016

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

JACKSON ELEMENTARY WINTER CARNIVAL 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at Jackson Elementary, 502 E. Gilchrist St. The fourth and fifth grade chorus and school rock band will perform. ‘SHEPHERDS AND KINGS’ CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at First Baptist Church of Plant City, 503 N. Palmer St. Call (813) 752-4104.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

‘BELIEVE! A CHRISTMAS CONCERT’ 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Eastside Baptist Church, 1318 E. Calhoun St. The Plant City Community Chorale will perform the annual ‘Believe! A Christmas Concert’

program. The event is sponsored by Hopewell Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens and is directed by Claudia Bolano Becerra. Call (813) 417-2808. ‘SHEPHERDS AND KINGS’ CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at First Baptist Church of Plant City, 503 N. Palmer St. Call (813) 752-4104. MEN EMPOWERMENT ALLIANCE CONFERENCE 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Abundant Life International Worship Center, 702 W. Alsobrook St. UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY FIFTH ANNUAL CLAY SHOOT 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at FishHawk Sporting Clays, 13505 Hob-

BEST BET SANTA AND THE RED CABOOSE 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, 102 N. Palmer St., Plant City. Children can take pictures with Santa and enjoy goodie bags. Bring an unwrapped toy or gift for donation to the Plant City Police Department’s toy drive. Toys will be collected through Wednesday, Dec. 21. Call (813) 7196989.

son Simmons Road, Lithia. The cost is $115 per person, with proceeds going back into the Plant City community. Contact Bill Hughes, (813) 846-2505 or visit UnityInPlantCity. org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

‘NOEL: THE STORY OF AMAZING GRACE’ CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at First Baptist Church of Dover, 3223 N. Gallagher Road. Call (813) 719-2273. ‘SHEPHERDS AND KINGS’ CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at First Baptist Church of Plant City, 503 N. Palmer St. Call (813) 752-4104. ‘ARREST THESE MERRY GENTLEMEN’ 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 S. County Road 39. Enjoy a musical performed by the children of Hopewell Baptist Church. Call (813) 737-3053. KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road. Enjoy a show by the children of Plant City Church of God. Call (813) 752-4591. ADULT CHOIR CHRISTMAS MUSICAL 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 Cason St. Call (813) 752-8345.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

ADVENT CHRISTMAS PARTY 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St. Guests are encouraged to wear Christmas gear for a photo

booth and participate in an ugly sweater contest. Call (813) 7525061.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

JUNIOR CHRISTMAS PARTY 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at GracePoint Church of Plant City, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road. Kids can make crafts, decorate cookies, watch a movie, play games and more. Parents may drop their children off for babysitting. Call (813) 759-9383.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

COOKIES WITH SANTA 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Stone Ledge Manor, 12006 McIntosh Road, Thonotosassa. Enjoy cookies and a social hour.

SUNDAY, DEC. 18

CHRISTMAS GARDEN STROLL Begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. Stroll through the botanical gardens while enjoying musics and visits with Santa. Runs nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 30. Visit PlantCityCommunityGarden.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 18

‘THE CRADLE AND THE CROSS’ PRESENTATION 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 S. County Road 39. Call (813) 7373053. CHILDREN’S CHOIR MUSICAL AND DRAMA 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 Cason St. Call (813) 752-8345.

SPRINGHEAD BAPTIST CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Springhead Baptist Church, 3106 S. Wiggins Road. Call (813) 752-4879.

ONGOING

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. New members welcome. ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. BINGO 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, at American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. There is a full kitchen. CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild. KEEL AND CURLEY LIVE MUSIC 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100. KRAZY KUP LIVE MUSIC 8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

EVA FRAGOZA Eva Fragoza, 66, of Plant City, died Nov. 21, 2016. She was born Dec. 6, 1948, in Guerrero, Mexico. She was preceded in death by her husband of 15 years, Adelfo Castro. She is survived by four sons; two daughters; one brother; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many other family and friends. A funeral service was held Nov. 28, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Interment followed at Guerrero Cemetery in Guerrero, Mexico. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

KENNETH “KENNY” ROBERT HARRELL Kenneth “Kenny” Robert Harrell, 29, of Lakeland, died Nov. 23, 2016, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He was a native of the Plant City/Lakeland area. He was the son of Kenneth and Donna Douglas Harrell. He worked for Lowe’s in Plant City for the last nine years and was loved by all who knew him. He was a big man with a bigger heart. He is survived by his parents; paternal grandparents, Gaston and Diann Harrell Jr.; and brother, Joshua Harrell. A memorial service was held Nov. 29, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

JOHN FITZGERALD TKACS John Fitzgerald Tkacs, 55, of Plant City, died Nov. 5, 2016. He was born in Ravenna, Ohio, on Feb. 17, 1961. He moved to Florida in 1972 and worked as a mechanic. He is survived by his sisters, Susan, Carol, Loraine and Barb; brothers, Carl, Dennis, Paul and Joe; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Cathy and Christina; and brothers, Jim and Gary.

CAROLYN PEACOCK Carolyn Peacock, 72, of Plant City, died Nov. 23, 2016. She was a member of Springhead Baptist Church and was a member services associate at Publix Credit Union until her retirement. She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Peacock. She is survived by her son, Shane Peacock (Toni); daughter, Tammie Roberts (Mark); sisters, Eloise and Inez Thomas; grandchildren, Tiffany, Amanda, Ralph Jr., Hunter, Baylie, Courtney and Daniel; and great-grandchildren, Claudia, Grego, Abigail, Jackson and Lisette. A funeral service was held Nov. 29, at Springhead Baptist Church. Pastor Chuck Edmondson officiated. Burial followed at Springhead Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

MICHAEL JOHN WERNICKI Michael John Wernicki, 65, of Plant City, died Nov. 24, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, he was born Dec. 3, 1950, to the late Joseph and Sophie (Yuskiewicz) Wernicki. He graduated from Tech Memorial High School in Erie, Pennsylviania, in 1968 and from Gannon University in 1977. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Vietnam. He retired in 2013 from UPS Freight. He loved his church, his country and most of all, his family. He enjoyed pro and college football and was a longtime Cleveland Browns fan. He loved living in Florida, going to the beach and enjoying life. He enjoyed doing spur-of-the-moment things, whether it was a road trip to the Florida Keys or to Washington D.C. for a political rally. Though hospitalized, he was able to obtain a ballot and vote in the 2016 election. Using an old family sausage recipe, he was a self-proclaimed sausage king in both Pennsylvania and Plant City. He was active at St. Clement Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #8095 and

the American Legion. He also volunteered his services at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy (Cappello); son, Mark Wernicki, of Plant City; daughters, Tina Capparelli (Anthony), of Orlando and Julie Wernicki, of Plant City; grandchildren, Dominic and Gianna Capparelli, of Orlando; sister, Barbara Vahey (John), of Erie, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Josie Wernicki; nieces, Donna Samol (Terry), Lori Wadman (Eric), Cindy Dean (Jon), Carrie Aldrete and Mary Aldrete (Henry); nephews, Jack (Alicia), Bob (Julie) and Michael (Maura); and many great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Martha Susan Wernicki and Patricia Wernicki; and brothers, Anthony Wernicki, Peter Wernicki and Paul Wernicki. Services will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, Pennsylvania 16505 or 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, or to St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander St., Plant City, Florida 33563. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

DONALD PATRICK BRENEMAN Donald Patrick Breneman, 71, of Plant City, died Nov. 25, 2016, at his home. He was born in Ohio. He attended Country Meadows Community Church and enjoyed fishing, stained glass, painting and golf. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Joan Anson Breneman; children, Dawn Rood (Steven), Audra Burton (Rodney), Jill Rowell (Steve) and Kerry Thomas (David); siblings, Dale Breneman, Marsha Miller and Charles Breneman; six grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. Service information will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

CHARLES L. DAVIS SR. Charles L. Davis Sr., 96, of Plant City, died Nov. 28, 2016. He was the oldest son of Earl N. and Emma Ola Davis. He was a native of Hopewell and a lifelong resident of Plant City. He served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy and Coast Guard, where he served off the coast of Africa during World War II. He was a faithful and loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. A hard worker all his life, he enjoyed the everyday blessings that came each day. He especially loved to be outdoors working in the yard and taking care of the family grove. He was a longtime member of Lone Oak Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for 22 years as a a deacon and the church clerk. After World War II, he worked for the Pure Oil Company and Mr. J.T. Langford, delivering fuel oil through the Plant City area. After Mr. Langford retired, he became office manager and Pure Oil became part of J.H. Williams Oil Company out of Tampa. He retired in 1989 at the age of 70. He is survived by his son, C. Leighton Davis Jr., of Plant City; daughters, Brenda R. Bryan, of New Zion and Cheryl A. Davis, of Plant City; granddaughters, Shayla Ray Bryan, of New Zion and Katie Durastanti (Stuart), of Bowling Green; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Rose Durastanti. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary S. Davis; son-inlaw, Tommy Bryan; parents; and siblings, Lloyd N. Davis, Marsalie Dillon and Clayton N. Davis. A funeral service was held Dec. 5, at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chap-

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

ters Health, 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300 West, Temple Terrace, Florida 33637, and/or Lone Oak Baptist Church Youth Fund, 3505 W. Lone Oak Road, Plant City, Florida 33567. The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous care and concern provided by the staff at The Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

MAXINE HICKS Maxine (Smith) Hicks, 83, of Tampa, died Nov. 28, 2016. She was born in Plant City. She was a loving mother, wife and friend. She will be affectionately missed. Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was extremely strong. She touched the hearts of all who knew her because her heart was full of love. She was a great example of an angel on earth. She is survived by her children, Denver R.C. Hicks Jr. (Kathleen), Bonnie Sue Day and Jimmy Ray Hicks (Joy); sister, Doris Lewis; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Denver R.C. Hicks Sr.; and brothers, Walter Marvin Smith and John Wesley Smith. A funeral service was held Dec. 2, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

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PlantCityObserver.com

DECEMBER 9, 2016

SPORTS

“Every game, I just go out there like, ‘This will be my best game.’ I just aim my highest and play.” — Mackenzie Steele leads her team in scoring. SEE PAGE 14

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

Crest wrestlers win “Most Outstanding”

Plant City pool player Trenton White is now the youngest TAP League national champion ever.

he Weeki Wachee Duals couldn’t have gone much better for Strawberry Crest High School. Crest not only won the event on Saturday, Dec. 3, taking a 49-21 win over runner-up Hernando, but grapplers Cullen Telfer and D.J. Tice each won “Most Outstanding Wrestler” awards in their respective weight classes. Telfer went undefeated in the lightweight divisions, wrestling at 138 pounds, and Tice swept through the heavyweight divisions at 285 pounds.

Plant City soccer teams on fire

oth Plant City High soccer teams are under new management, but the coaching changes haven’t slowed either team down. The Raiders and Lady Raiders each started their seasons on a high note, picking up four quick wins thanks to high-powered offenses and steady goaltending. The girls had a 4-1-1 record at press time, while the boys were a perfect 4-0-0. Led by former girls coach Caleb Roberts, the boys outscored opponents, 18-4, to start the season. Eric Ugarte, a past Plant City Times & Observer Athlete of the Week selection, led the Raiders with seven goals, four assists and 18 points. Other than a 1-0 win at East Bay on Friday, Dec. 2, Brooke Bennett’s Lady Raiders squad has scored at least four goals in each of its wins. In its one draw, which came at Riverview on Tuesday, Nov. 29, the offense scored four times.

Girls hoops sees tight district race

he area girls basketball scene is as competitive now as it’s been in a while, with all three area teams starting well. At press time, Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest combined for a 10-2 overall record, with no district losses. Durant and Plant City were the only teams to have scored over 200 total points, and Crest’s 75 points allowed was the only total fewer than 129 points. Tampa Bay Tech, which had a 3-1 record, is also making the race interesting. Although the Lady Chargers blew out the Lady Titans, 50-29, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, all three of Tech’s wins have come by no fewer than 12 points.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? ATHLETES SET EXAMPLE PAGE 13

JUSTIN KLINE

TAP RULES

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ormer President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” In Trenton White’s case, that “big stick” is a pool cue. The Plant City native is not a young man of many words, but his actions at the pool table speak loudly. Most recently, White ended the month of November on a high note: winning the 2016 TAP League national 8-ball championship. The win makes White, 12, the youngest national champion the league has ever seen. A GOOD YEAR

White, who has been playing pool for three years, is quickly building a solid résumé for himself. He became the Florida state 9-ball champion in the 14 & Under boys division in March 2015, and successfully defended his title in 2016. He also competed in — and won — the state’s 14 & Under division 8-ball championship this year. A member of the Bay Area TAP Pool League, White got the opportunity to compete in the 2016 Tap League National Championships in Charleston, South Carolina. Held from Friday, Nov. 18 through Tuesday, Nov. 22, the competition would prove to be some of the stiffest White had faced all year. He was also the only competitor younger than age 15, though the majority of the field was made up of adults. Facing players over twice his age isn’t something that fazes White. His regular playing schedule includes stops at Brandon Billiards, Silver Dollar Saloon in Plant City, Wally’s Billiards in Lakeland and Fatso’s Billiards in Tampa, where he normally plays against and gets tips from older players. Every month, he seeks out a larger tournament to compete in, which always pits him against adults. One more tournament against adults, no matter the stakes, wasn’t going to bother him. BREAK AND RUN

White entered the TAP League’s

Justin Kline

Trenton White won a national championship in South Carolina in November.

8-ball and 9-ball competitions in Charleston, but the 9-ball competition didn’t go as he had hoped. “I didn’t do so good,” White said. The 8-ball competition, on the other hand, went well. Playing two to three matches each day, White worked his way through the bracket and soon found himself playing in the championship round. The championship format was a best-of-seven series, requiring White to win four matches. It didn’t come so easy. White quickly found himself facing a 3-1 deficit, and needed his luck to change quickly if he wanted to leave Charleston a champion. He caught his first break in the fifth match, picking up a win, but the script really flipped in the sixth: his opponent had pocketed the eight ball off of the break, which constitutes an automatic loss of game. Tied at 3-3, White had one last chance to steal victory from the jaws of defeat. He did it on a break-and-run. In layman’s terms, he pocketed a ball off of the break, kept shooting and did

not miss. It took a minute for him to realize it, but he had just become the youngest national champion the TAP League had ever seen. “It was an awesome way to finish,” his father, Thomas White, says. With the TAP championship in the bag, White is hoping to move on to even bigger things in the future. He’s hoping to compete in Europe as early as next year, but would have to meet several conditions for that to happen: he must keep good grades and either win a junior national championship or receive a recommendation from a professional player. White and his family are confident that he could play his way into that tournament if he has to. His career is trending upward quickly, but White isn’t used to taking things slow. “Everybody tells me I need to slow down,” he says. “But that’s the way I shoot — I shoot fast.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Playing 8-ball in the TAP League isn’t the same as the 8-ball most people play at their local bar or pool hall. TAP players are required to call each of their shots into an assigned pocket, and any other ball that is hit must make contact with one of the rails. When not attempting to pocket a ball, players must call out a “defense” shot. There are also ball-in-hand rules enforced, meaning that if a player’s shot does not hit the intended ball, their opponent receives the cue ball and may place it anywhere on the table before attempting a shot. According to Trenton White, 8-ball requires a great deal of strategic thinking on the fly: as it’s impossible to tell what will happen before the break, players must be adept at playing the hands they’re dealt, whether off of their own break or off of an opponent’s shot. White’s tips for players looking to improve are to stay calm, play constantly and never turn down advice.

Stepping Up to the Plate Plant City Family YMCA Sports Director A.J. Hernandez is working to revamp the local youth sports scene. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A.J. Hernandez may be far from his native Tennessee, but he’s right at home in his job. Hernandez, the new sports director of the Plant City Family YMCA, fits the textbook definition of a “lifer.” One of several new additions to the Plant City staff, he hopes to channel his energy and passion into YMCA sports and build strong, consistent programs here and at his other branch, the North Brandon Family YMCA.

LIFER

Hernandez was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He and his two siblings went to their local YMCA branch for after-school programs, camps and sports, and he says the branch did a great deal to help their mother — who was raising the kids by herself. “The Y was really good to my mom,” Hernandez says. “It was able to provide her with the ability to have us come there. As a single parent, that really helped her out. That’s what really ingrained the Y to me.” After graduating high school in 2006, Hernandez went to the Univer-

sity of Tennessee to play baseball and study political science. The center fielder needed to complete volunteer hours for school, and finding somewhere to complete them was easy: he spent several summers as a YMCA camp counselor, and the experiences he had stuck with him. Originally, Hernandez’s plan was to become a lawyer. But a post-graduation internship at a corporate law firm ended up being a wake-up call, telling him that he wouldn’t be happy if he continued working in a field that didn’t line up with his personal beliefs. SEE HERNANDEZ PAGE 13

Justin Kline

A.J. Hernandez is a former University of Tennessee baseball center fielder.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

“The Y was really good to my mom. As a single parent, that really helped her out. That’s what really ingrained Dec (Hard, difficulty the Y to 1 me.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

FOCUS ON FITNESS

JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D.

Managing holiday stress

rating 0.72)

— A.J. Hernandez

FROM HERNANDEZ PAGE 12

GOALS

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Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

he holidays bring their own kind of stress: different schedules, high expectations, too much to do and heavy demands on every person of every age. No one is exempt from the pressures of this time of year. Staying healthy can be a good way to relieve some of that stress. The added benefit is, when January comes, you can be rested, healthy and ready for the new year.

EXERCISE OFTEN

It may seem counterintuitive to take the time to exercise, but the benefit of exercise outweighs the expense of seeming lost time. Exercise raises energy levels and productivity actually increases. Wrap more presents in less time, decorate the tree with greater ease and visit Aunt Sue with a smile on your face. Plus, exercise releases endorphins — the happy human hormone — so you can bring your genuine joy to the holiday season. The added benefit of exercise is an increased production of macrophages— those kinds of human cells that attack bacteria that can trigger infections. Upper respiratory infections are common during the holiday season so we need all the protection we can get. Boost your immunity naturally with regular exercise. COME CLEAN

It’s also cold and flu season. All our comings and goings increase exposure to germs and viruses. Grabbing door handles and shaking hands bring a risk of contamination every day. Come clean by washing your hands often. Carry hand sanitizer. The holidays are about sharing, so share the hand sanitizer and not the germs. Hand-held fruits, such as apples and pears, are healthy seasonal treats. Make them even more healthy by washing them thoroughly right before eating. The fruit bowl might have been washed before it was put out, but airborne viruses and germs could have settled on them when on display. Don’t take a chance — wash them again.

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important at this time of year. Optimum hydration keeps the mucous linings of the respiratory passages moist and ready to do their jobs, dealing with airborne germs, pollutants and allergens. Water is your best friend for detoxing, as well as maintaining energy levels and everyday hydration. Divide your body weight in half and drink that many ounces of water every day. Drinking alcohol on special occasions seems natural this time of year, but it can represent a challenge for health and wellness. A recent Brown University study showed that excessive alcohol consumption is toxic to dendritic cells, which play a critical role in seeking and destroying microbes. Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to increased infections, raising the vulnerability to colds and the flu. BEFORE THE FUN

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Celebrate the season in style with holiday drinks, but only on special occasions. Daily hydration is especially

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DRINK UP

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

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The holiday feast can be even more fun when the body is better prepared. Eat light, easy-to-digest foods 24 hours before the big meal. Soups and light salads work well. Avoid heavy foods such as cheeses and wheat. A good night’s sleep helps, too. This bit of austerity before the celebration gently increases the body’s strength and resilience. A short rest after the meal honors the natural digestive process, enabling the body to better handle the foods — even if an overindulgence occurred. A short walk prompts the body’s function back into balance and boosts metabolism naturally. Invite your family and friends to join you to get some fresh air. Enjoy this quality time away from electronics, with genuine conversation to connect with loved ones. The day after the holiday feast, eat simply and get back into your normal routine. Work with the body for a healthy balance, preparing for the next celebration. Most of all, enjoy the holidays.

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This week’s Cryptoquiz answers 1) Sugar Plums, 2) Clatter, 3) Sleigh, 4) Reindeer, 5) Chimney ’Twas the Night Before Christmas Dec 1 (Hard, difficulty ratinganswers 0.72) This week’s Sudoku

JUSTIN KLINE

8 6 4 3 7

9 5

3 9 2 5

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Justin Kline encourages local athletes to get involved in philanthropy.

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Athletes can make a difference ast week’s Athlete of the Week interview with Strawberry Crest basketball player Briana Trigg went somewhere I didn’t expect. Normally, when I ask athletes what they would do with $1 billion, I hear about fast cars, big homes or other material goods. I can’t say I wouldn’t have a similar answer, if asked. There are some that also say they’d donate some money to charity, and leave it at that. But Trigg, after some thought, decided that she would use money to help a specific cause. Readers will likely remember that she said she would start her own charity to raise awareness for and fight bone cancer, as one of her AAU coaches is fighting the disease. As far as I can remember, it’s the first time any Athlete of the Week selection has told me they would go to that length in a “give to charity” answer and, for that, I salute Trigg. I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising that a Strawberry Crest basketball player said it. A few years ago, the Lady Chargers had a player named Aliyah Gregory who did, in fact, start her own fundraising effort. Her “Assist and Score” campaign raised money to help victims of domestic violence, raising $1 for every point Gregory scored. It

was created in memory of her aunt, Nicole Bush, who herself was a victim of domestic violence. I remember Gregory’s campaign being a success beyond the fundraising efforts, starting conversations around the area and getting the student body energized to show support. I also connected with Trigg’s answer on a personal level, as my mother had the disease before I was born and died when I was too young to remember much about her myself. Based on some stories I’ve heard, it’s not something I’d wish on my worst enemy. Right now, I’m here to let our area athletes know that you don’t need to have $1 billion in the bank to start making a difference. Nothing brings people together quite like team sports, especially around here, and setting up a fundraising event can sometimes be easy. In college, I helped with several fundraisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, including volleyball tournaments that brought in a lot of people from within and around Florida Gulf Coast University. Sometimes, all it takes to make something happen are a few phone calls and a little bit of time. Of course, you shouldn’t just latch onto a cause just to say you did. I’m not here to try and force anyone to

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Hernandez oversees all sports in both locations, and sees potential in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. A long-term goal of his is to develop the YMCA’s sports leagues enough to make them competitive, giving people the best league experiences they could ask for. But, to get there, Hernandez wants to hit several short-term marks. At the top of Hernandez’s list is the need to stay consistent: that is, to ensure that the YMCA is always offering quality programs and informing the public about programs throughout the year. Ideally, Hernandez says, no one would ever have to ask when a certain sport will be played. He’s also hoping to ensure that current sports programs are focused on teaching kids the fundamentals of the sport and fostering safe, fun environments, above all else. Hernandez is hoping to bring on coaches that are willing to teach kids without pressuring them to perform at a high level. He’s all about looking good while having fun, too. He hopes to have all programs follow the lead set by flag football, which recently got camouflage jerseys he describes as, “super sweet,” and get high-quality uniforms for everyone. “You’ve got to look good to play good,” Hernandez says.

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“I wanted to go the opposite path,” Hernandez says. “A little different from what my family thought, but the YMCA was something I really enjoyed and loved.” Hernandez went back to the Chattanooga YMCA and joined the staff as a camp and after-school director. He worked there until January 2013, when he moved to Florida and became a program director at the East Pasco YMCA in Zephyrhills. While at East Pasco, Hernandez oversaw camps, sports, aquatics and other ventures undertaken by the branch. He also became a part of the community, joining the area’s chamber of commerce. In March 2015, Hernandez moved to Brandon and became the branch’s sports director. He was tapped to join Plant City’s staff just over a year later, and has been working with Executive Director Zach Hilferding and his retooled staff since September 2016. “We have that team mentality,” Hernandez says. “To be able to do what you want to do and accomplish your goals, you’ve got to be able to work together as a team and have one mission, one focus. I think we have that here.”

do anything they don’t want to do. But it’s true in all areas of life that, when you find something you’re passionate about, going all-in is enjoyable. This is no exception. Heck, getting involved may teach you something about yourself that you never knew before. And the nice thing is, your cause can be whatever you want it to be. There are plenty of local organizations that are trying to help people and communities in different ways, and are looking for any kind of help they can get. Whether your goal is to help ill patients, victims of violence, homeless people and animals or whatever you feel strongly about, you can make a difference. So I salute athletes such as Gregory who are up for the challenge of taking action, and athletes such as Trigg who already know what causes they would help if able. The more athletes — and people — like that we have, the better off our communities are.

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

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This week’s Crossword answers

2016

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

Mackenzie Steele

Plant City High School’s

RAIDERS BASEBALL 1ST ANNUAL SHOOTOUT Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 2pm Location: Fishhawk Sporting Clays 13505 Hobson Simmoms Rd. Lithia, FL 33547 813-689-0490 • www.fishhawksportingclays.com Team Captain Name: 1) ______________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email:___________________________________ Gun Rental? Yes / No Buy Ammo? Yes / No Gauge 12 / 20

The Plant City Lady Raiders have found their groove under new head coach Danny McIntyre, and got off to a 3-1 start in the 2016 season. Leading the way is junior shooting guard Mackenzie Steele, who is averaging 18.8 points and 2.5 steals per game. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

50/50!!

Raffles!!

Prizes!!!

How did you all adjust to the coaching change this year? We had to start pretty much from scratch, and we had to learn his (McIntyre’s) new coaching style. We pretty much worked as a team.

Team Members Names: 2) ______________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email:___________________________________ Gun Rental? Yes / No Buy Ammo? Yes / No Gauge 12 / 20 3) ______________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email:___________________________________ Gun Rental? Yes / No Buy Ammo? Yes / No Gauge 12 / 20 4) ______________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email:___________________________________ Gun Rental? Yes / No Buy Ammo? Yes / No Gauge 12 / 20 Would you like to be a sponsor for $75? Yes / No Name on sign if sponsoring? ________________________________________ Total:___________________________________ Mail check and this form to: PCHS Baseball, 1 Raider Place, Plant City, FL 33563 Attn: Mike Fryrear **Make payable to PCHS Booster Club with Baseball in lower left memo**

You’ve had three coaches in three years. What’s it like, having to learn an entirely new playbook and adjust to a new person each year? It helps me learn to adapt really fast. I just help my teammates and we use each other to build.

Registration & Lunch at 2pm Shoot Begins at 3pm

How is Coach McIntyre different? He has more experience, I would say, because he’s a state champ. And he seems like he really wants to invest in us. You’ve gotten off to a hot start, leading the team in scoring. What’s the key to playing so well so early? Every game, I just go out there like, ‘This will be my best game.’ I just aim my highest and play.

Entry Fee: $60 per person 50 Clays Provided Lunch Included Bring your own: ammo, eye & ear protection, gun Extras: Golf Cart Rental $15 holds 4 Gun Rental $20 Station Sponsor $75 Additional Lunch $10

Contact Jessica Bice @ 813-927-2812 or Steve Shissler 813-240-9151 for any additional questions.

GO TO WWW.PLANTCITYBASEBALL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

work as a team, we can go wherever we want. Is there any sport you’ve never played, but always wanted to? I’d like to try tennis. How long have you been playing basketball? Since I was about 5 years old. What first got you into it? My dad played, my brother played and my mom played. Pretty much everyone in my family. How far do you want to take basketball? I want to play college ball. Do you know where? I’m undecided right now. Wherever I fit best at. What’s your favorite subject in school? I like them all. What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you? To put my mind to something and just give it my all, and, most likely, I will be successful. What superpower would you want? To be able to fly.

What did you work to improve most over the past offseason? I was constantly working on my shooting, but I worked on my ballhandling, defense, everything. What’s your greatest strength as a player? My shooting. 224719

What’s your proudest moment as a Lady Raider thus far? Being able to be on the team and represent our school. What’s the mood around the clubhouse like this year? How far do you all think you can go? As far as we want. As long as we

Congratulations Bryson Keel and Ashlyn Yarbrough

2016 Dancing with the Locals Winners

225157

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST FRIDAY, DEC. 9

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 High: 71 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 0%

High: 80 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 0%

MONDAY, DEC. 12 High: 82 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 20%

Shipping point: Orlando $12.35 to $14.35

Submit it to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

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YEAR TO DATE:

DEC. TO DATE:

2016 38.59 in.

2016 0.07 in.

2015 34.06 in.

2015 0.38 in.

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CROSSWORD

CRYPTOQUIZ

ACROSS

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a popular holiday work. Using the hints N=E and M=L, decipher the clues to name the work.

1 Fish that spawns upstream 5 With all due speed 10 Beer on “The Simpsons” 14 ___ Gables, Fla. 19 Senate attire 20 Court conflict 21 Popular cookie type 22 Friend wearing a sombrero 23 Four red things 27 One handling drones? 28 Land on the Arabian Peninsula 29 Bald baby bird? 30 Fail to make contact 31 Inclined, to a Brit 32 Army bigwigs, collectively 33 Crunch exercises 37 3:00, in directions 38 1-Across delicacy 39 Places for a little cheese 42 Divvies up 49 One with no need to rent 50 Polish writing? 51 Tiny Greek letter? 52 Unappetizing food 53 Heating fuel 54 Common type of powder 55 Material for an old-fashioned roof 57 Not final, in law 58 You can count on them 60 Dignified manner 61 Like a tapestry 62 Five red things 69 Bishop of old TV 70 Commando incursion 71 Half a U.S. state name 72 Turner the music legend 73 Sounds from a pie fight 76 Mortgage, essentially 77 Catch, as a perp 80 500 race 81 Master of rhymes 82 One way to cook eggs 83 Dangerous part of a sword 85 Some cooking seasonings 88 Abused 90 “... ___ he drove out of sight ...” 91 Australian gem 93 Sound rebounds 94 MacKenzie the Bud Light dog 97 Peaks 99 Round building on a farm 101 Toiler of old comics 102 Female red deer 103 Major film studio 108 Five red things 111 Anatomical cavities 112 ___ sapiens 113 Chips in for a poker hand 114 Paul’s feminine side? 115 Like a not-so-fine whine? 116 Material for a cold blanket 117 Mineral-filled stone 118 Like a busybody

1. V I J E X T M I Z V 2. Q M E S S N X 3. V M N A J R 4. X N A F L N N X 5. Q R A Z F N W

This poem was written by Clement Clarke Moore:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 Dec 8 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.39) through 9 in each row, column and box.

Jan. 5 First

5 Nonbeliever 6 Gets ready to perform surgery 7 Buenos ___ 8 1960s vocalist Vikki 9 Manning of the NFL 10 Church beliefs 11 Citified 12 Deceptive move 13 “Go ___ the gold!” 14 Dinner-and-a-show venue 15 It’s the farthest from Alpha 16 Iranian monies 17 Moorehead or de Mille 18 In need of directions 24 What a hothead will lose 25 Negative responses 26 Harry of rock music 31 Farthest from winning 33 Dangerous air 34 Important caucus state 35 Wine vats 36 Have no ___ for DOWN 37 Larger-than-life 1 Use a bayonet 38 Campus marchers (Abbr.) 2 Thing a mole makes 40 Respond to a stimulus 3 “The Night of the Hunter” screenwriter 41 Go off script 4 Like midnight 43 Kind of bar

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44 Pan alternative 45 Snub, in a way 46 Martini add-in 47 Inquisitive (var.) 48 Book title locale 54 Utilize the sun 55 Polynesian amulets 56 Had in one’s hands 58 “I understand, Captain!” 59 Be intolerant 60 Castle protection 61 Become man and wife 62 Moving about 63 Big beast, briefly 64 Fixes with a needle and thread 65 Deliver a keynote address 66 One way to cook steak 67 Commandments word 68 Heavy weight 73 Less dense 74 Skin opening 75 Hawaiian island gift 76 Lounge around 77 Collective-defense org. 78 “Zip-___-Doo-Dah” 79 Places to retire 82 Civil rights concern

83 Turn into eventually 84 ___-di-dah 86 Insurance type 87 In one way or another 89 Post-treatment setback 92 Coin in Cancun 94 Province of Tuscany 95 City maps 96 Prefix with violet or conservative 97 Illegal lighting? 98 “Seinfeld” character Kramer 99 ___ Domingo 100 Made angry 101 Counterfeit catcher, familiarly 103 Tree that’s common in Maine 104 Available to accept customers 105 ___-the-minute 106 Makes, as profit 107 Deuce leader 109 Cries of wonderment 110 Clothing attachment

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MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

Jackie wins a free car wash from Octopus Car Wash. She can claim it with an ID at 1503 S. Collins St. Do you have a photo that speaks to the personality of Plant City?

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

SUNRISE / SUNSET

High: 64 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 0%

Jackie Seevers took this photo at Christmas Lane when she went to check out the lights with her family.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016

~ Ron W., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital

The Care You Need, When You Need It. Ron had always been healthy and active. But then he faced a life-threatening blood clot. Ron chose South Florida Baptist Hospital for their advanced technology and the excellent care he knew he’d receive. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience. When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City.

Choose South Florida Baptist Hospital. Let South Florida Baptist Hospital be your partner for getting you well and keeping you well. Fill out a health profile online at SouthFloridaBaptistCare.org and you’ll be sent a complimentary travel first aid kit.

Our Specialties: n ER: Efficient medical treatment for minor or major emergencies and illnesses n Surgery: Large operating rooms, high-tech equipment and spacious recovery rooms create a pleasant environment for patients n Heart: State-of-the-art heart and vascular center offering cardiac diagnostic services and procedures

BC1606703-0916 222885