12.16.16 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

UYFL results.

SEE PAGE 12

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 23

FREE

•

FRIDAY,DECEMBER 16, 2016

GROWTH SKIRT SparkleSkirts announces expansion at County Line Commerce Center. SEE PAGE 3

FUNDING REQUESTS TOTAL FUNDING REQUESTS INCLUDE: Four-lane crossing over CSX rail line and new switch/spur: $1,500,000 Collins Street improvements: $1,825,000 Opticom traffic control system: $150,000 Watershed Management Plan: $650,000 Franklin Street Neighborhood Stormwater Improvements: $850,000 Plant City Surface Water Discharge Study: $150,000 Biosolids treatment with solar dryers: $750,000 Development of McIntosh Tract Regional Park: $300,000

PHIL’S BABY

Courtesy photo

2017 Strawberry Youth Parade names grand marshal

Commission makes funding requests

Ashlyn Yarbrough has been selected to serve as the grand marshal of the 2017 Strawberry Youth Parade on Saturday, March 4, 2017. Yarbrough, a senior at Plant City High School, is the daughter of Mark and Lori Yarbrough. She is a four-year varsity cheerleader and serves as senior class president. In addition to serving as a member of the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court, Yarbrough is the current Miss January 2016 for the Plant City High School Calendar Girls. She is the vice president for the Girls Interact Club and is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Business Leaders of America. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City. In November 2016, Yarbrough was responsible for organizing Plant City High School’s first annual Raider Color Run. That same month, she also won the 2016 Dancing with the Locals competition, where she and partner Bryson Keel raised over $30,000 for the Noon Rotary Club. She plans to attend the University of Florida upon graduation, where she will major in business marketing.

The top funding request is for improvements to Collins Street, including sidewalks and bike lanes. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

Just in time for the holidays, Plant City Commissioners have sent their funding wish list to Tallahassee. At the City Commission meeting Monday, Dec. 12, commissioners approved the 2017 legislative funding requests, totaling $6,175,000. At $1,825,000, funding for improvements to Colins Street is the largest request. Funding would be used to redevelop Collins Street through Midtown and the commercial district. If approved, improvements would include two-lane travel lanes, parallel parking, sidewalks and bike lanes. “The city manager (Mike Herr) looks at requests and items outside of city funding,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “Items are picked that would have the biggest impact in Plant City. Then, the requests are sent to the legislative body in Tallahassee.” Collins Street improvements are a top priority, as the City of Plant City currently has bids out for the development of Midtown. “That’s very, very important to us,” Lott said. “We’re hoping to get everything funded. That’s up to our elected officials in Tallahassee, but we have a great relationship with Tallahassee. We feel confident we’ll get support.” In addition to the improvements at Collins Street, the City of Plant City also has requested the construction of a four-lane crossing over the CSX rail line at Lakeside Station Logistics Park, which currently houses Star Distribution Systems, Evergreen Packaging and other industrial companies. Construction would provide the site with access to U.S. Highway 92, which would be a key element in attracting further businesses to the 1,400-acre property. Lakeside Station is set to undergo further development in 2017, including the relocation of QGS Development Inc. Currently located in Lithia, the development company will be building a 16,000-square-foot space in the new year in Lakeside Station. The City of Plant City will be notified of Tallahassee’s decision by the end of April. The City will receive approved funding in October, when the fiscal year begins. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

YOUR TOWN

Emily Topper

Jason Jeffcoat’s 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead once belonged to his grandfather, Phil Brady.

Jason Jeffcoat took home the People’s Choice and Best of Show awards at the Plant City Bike Fest in December. His road to win began with a love of motorcycles passed on by his grandfather. EMILY TOPPER | MANAGING EDITOR

ason Jeffcoat’s earliest memories are made of rubber tires and moving asphalt. Strapped in by a bungee cord to the back of a motorcycle, the winding roads of Plant City soothed an infant Jeffcoat to sleep. On occasion his grandfather, Phil Brady, would reach back to touch Jeffcoat’s leg, waking him gently. Around him, people laughed at the sleeping baby on the back of a motorcycle. Camera flashes popped. Jeffcoat posed for pictures again on Saturday, Dec. 3. Now an adult, the motorcycle aficionado had brought his

grandfather’s beloved 1947 HarleyDavidson Knucklehead to the Plant City Bike Fest. It was the first time the bike had been featured in a show in over 16 years, and the first time Jeffcoat had debuted it since Brady’s death in 2015. Jeffcoat wasn’t expecting much. Bikes with LED lights and endless chrome were entered in almost every category. Suddenly, his name was called. More cameras, more flashes and words Jeffcoat had never expected: Best of Show. SEE PAGE 5

Courtesy photo

Engaged Wedding bells are ringing in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Andy Riddle and Jessica Reeves met at Strawberry Crest High School in 2009, when Riddle was a junior and Reeves was a sophomore. The couple began dating on Dec. 7, 2009, and had their first date at Christmas Lane. Seven years later, the holiday tradition remains special for the couple. Riddle proposed to Reeves Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Christmas Lane.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

“This is a very special bunch. It’s not easy doing what we do ... but it is a family

WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2016

and they come together on this. They will do anything for the kids. The family culture within our group is so strong.” —Steve Blackwelder, vice president of human resources at Highland Packaging, on the company’s Christmas drive for children at Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Lakeland. SEE PAGE 6.

lant City Commissioners pre-

Employees’ Pension Board for over 18

sented the family of the late

years, often as chair of the board. He

Ralph E. Shope with a proclama-

served as a vice president of installment loans with the First Florida Bank in Plant

tion on Monday, Nov. 28. Shope, 82, died Wednesday, Nov. 16. He served in the United States Air Force

City. Mayor Rick Lott and fellow city com-

as a master sergeant. The Tennessee

missioners presented the proclamation

native was a longtime resident of Plant

to Shope’s wife of 59 years, Lynn Shope.

City, where he was actively involved in

Many friends and family members were

the community.

present for the ceremony. Courtesy photo, Plant City Police Department.

Shope served on the City of Plant City

—EMILY TOPPER

The proclamation presentation included a presentation by the Joint Service Plant City Fire Rescue and Police Honor Guard.

The Walls of History

Emily Topper

The photo of Jim Redman will hang next to the vault doors at the Trinkle Law office on Collins Street.

Plant City residents enjoyed a tour of Historic Downtown buildings Thursday, Dec. 8. Attendees of the tour were able to visit the Wells Building on North Evers Street and the Hillsboro State Bank Building, now Trinkle Law, on Collins Street. Ruby Jean Redman, wife of the late Jim Redman, and daughter

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Susan Sullivan were presented with a framed photo of the longtime legislator at the event. The photo will be hung in Trinkle Law’s main conference room next to the historic bank’s vault doors. Trinkle, Redman, Coton, Davis & Smith, P.A., is located at 121 N. Collins St., Plant City.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Run Away EMILY TOPPER

MANAGING EDITOR

here did you get that skirt? Fellow female racers pointed to the sparkly fabric Leah Powell was wear-

ing. It was 2008, the morning of the inaugural Disney Princess Half Marathon in Orlando. Though Powell and her friends weren’t dressed in full princess garb, their matching skirts were turning heads. Powell smiled. “I did,” she said. SparkleSkirts was officially born.

Fashion After moving into the County Line Commerce Center in early 2016, athletic wear company SparkleSkirts has already completed its first expansion.

FAST-GROWING FASHION

SparkleSkirts announced plans to move into 15,000 square feet of the County Line Commerce Center in January 2016. Since then, the company has already outgrown the site at the corner of County Line Road and U.S. Highway 92. But the company won’t be relocating. An additional 8,000 square feet of warehouse space at the center was just leased to the company by Central Florida Development. “It surprised us how quickly we grew,” Leah Powell said. “The people who built this (Central Florida Development) have been phenomenal to work with.” SparkleSkirts houses 26 employees and 12,000 skirts out of its Plant City facility — a vast difference from the challenges Leah Powell faced when first trying to launch the business. After the reaction to the skirts at the Disney marathon, Leah Powell’s friends challenged her to start making the skirts. Then, the economy crashed. Leah Powell’s husband, Tom, lost his job. Shortly thereafter, the bank took the couple’s home. “I look back on it now and it doesn’t seem that bad,” Leah Powell said. “But at the time, I felt like a loser. Our good friends rented us their house that was on the market and we stayed there for two years.” As they began to piece their lives back together, the idea to launch SparkleSkirts seemed more within reach. Eventually, the couple decided to take a running leap of faith. “We just decided, you either do it or you don’t,” Leah Powell said. In order for the company to succeed, Leah Powell needed to sell a product that could benefit a runner’s every need. A runner since the age of 30, the marathoner knew what she wanted to see in the perfect athletic gear: Pockets. A place to store her phone, keys and ID. Shorts that didn’t chafe or ride up. Colorful and unique designs — and a little bit of sparkle.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

MEET THE BOARD Tom Pollock Mark Rothman Christy Lyle Jake Austin Jesse Larson Bijen Patel Trent Lott Randon Trowbridge William Thomas Jr. Nikki McAlpine John Dicks II

On the Rise Rise Plant City is a new organization dedicated to recruiting and retaining young professionals in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. MATT SILVERMAN STAFF INTERN

“We just decided, you either do it or you don’t. It surprised us how quickly it grew. It’s not just what they are, it’s what they do. ” — Leah Powell is the creator and owner of SparkleSkirts.

READY TO RACE

The thousands of skirts in the SparkleSkirts warehouse are all made in the United States. With sizes that range from XXS to 3XL, the company has created skirts to properly fit runners of every shape and size. The designs of the skirts vary based on runners’ interests. Some are covered in pictures of cats while others are swirled with sparkles or lined with plaid. Some skirts are pleated or have embellishments. Others have loops to thread in ribbon or Christmas lights. But they all have the same benefits. The shorts underneath the skirt are guaranteed not to ride up. Each skirt is equipped with three pockets for runners to store their gear, whether they’re running a marathon or taking a stroll through the park. Leah Powell has her regular customers — the company has come across two SparkleSkirts fan clubs on Facebook — but she’s hoping to expand her clientele. SparkleSkirts has launched a line of capri pants and men’s board shorts. In the future, Leah Powell is planning on adding kilts and cycling shorts. Currently, SparkleSkirts ships an average of 80 boxes of skirts per day, usually with one to three skirts in a box. Even with the company’s growth spurt, Leah Powell’s jobs and her profits stay local. Employees who aren’t based out of the Plant City facility work in either St. Petersburg or Miami at the company’s sewing facilities. Additionally, the company sells its skirts exclusively online.

Photos by Emily Topper

Leah Powell made skirts for her and her friends to wear for a race in 2008. This year, SparkleSkirts has expanded at its existing location off of County Line Road.

BUY THE SKIRTS SPARKLESKIRTS Sizes: XXS — 3XL Price: $65 and up Features: Pockets, custom designs, embellishments, no-ride shorts Visit: SparkleSkirts.com

THE SKIRT THAT GIVES BACK

Often used at marathons, runners can wear certain SparkleSkirts to show their support for various causes. Leah Powell and her team donate a portion of proceeds raised from the sale of charity-themed skirts to causes. Charity-themed skirts include skirts for autism awareness and breast cancer research.

Due to the production cost of being made in the United States, skirts usually sell for $65 and up. “It costs $35 to make one skirt,” Leah Powell said. “They’re made in America, they support charities and they hold gear. I even try to buy the fabrics in America. It’s not just what they are, it’s what they do.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

LEARN MORE

BY THE NUMBERS

12,000

1-3

23,000

Skirts in Warehouse

Boxes Shipped Per Day

As Plant City undergoes a growth spurt, one new organization is seeking the voices of young professionals in Plant City. Rise Plant City’s website launched Thursday, Dec. 15. The group’s board members are primarily young professionals that either live or work in Plant City with one common goal: to support economic development in Plant City by attracting and retaining other young professionals. “The long-term goals are to reach out and give young professionals a voice within the community,” Rise Plant City Chairman Tom Pollock said. “It’s going to give them a platform to improve their community, to get involved in the decisions that are being made in the community.” Pollock, a Plant City native, is the founder of Rise. Prior to helping launch the organization, the Lakeland resident was involved with Emerge Lakeland, another young professionals group where he served on the membership committee. The organization inspired Pollock to consider forming a similar group tailored to the economic needs of Plant City. David Sullivan, a board member of the Plant City Economic Development Corp., encouraged Pollock’s involvement in Plant City. Pollock developed his concepts for Rise while working under Sullivan at Platinum Bank. In May 2016, the Rise board was formed. “Ultimately, the goal is to bring people in or retain them,” Pollock said. “A lot of people who go to college decide not to come back (to Plant City).” Through economic development, the Rise board wants to create opportunities in Plant City that appeal to the younger demographics, including activities, restaurants and events. Pollock thinks Plant City is on the right track — from the walkable streets of Historic Downtown to unique spots like The Corner Store and Keel and Curley Winery, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World has the potential to become a permanent residence for the younger workforce. “‘Potential’ is the biggest word that comes to mind when I think of Plant City,” Pollock said. “We have Midtown, which is a large area that is prime for development. Keel and Curley (is) doing a great job of bringing people in.” As the group grows, Pollock looks forward to Rise working with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and the Plant City EDC. With the board organized, the group is accepting newcomers. Rise members should be working professionals or recent college graduates between ages 21 and 42. Once part of Rise, members will enter into a large network of like-minded professionals and business owners looking to hire young talent. The organization also is seeking a treasurer. Membership in other Plant City organizations, including nonprofits, will be encouraged. “We’re going to bring in the right people to serve in that capacity as mentors,” Pollock said. “There’s a lot of interest there.” The group will be organized around a central board with branching committees to serve members’ strengths, including events, marketing and membership committees. All decisions made by the group will be decided by vote.

Skirts per box

Square footage

Facebook: Rise Plant City Contact: Info@RisePlantCity. com Website: RisePlantCity.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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GRANDPA’S GLORY FROM PAGE 1

Brady loved antiques. “Everything new was junk,” Jeffcoat, who works for Advantage Restoration and Contracting in Plant City, said. “If it was built in China, it was just garbage.” One of his most prized antiques was the 1947 Knucklehead, nicknamed ‘Phil’s Baby’. In efforts to keep it safe, Brady stored the bike in his garage and, later, in a friend’s loft. He always intended that the bike would one day be Jeffcoat’s. Though Brady planned on passing it down to Jeffcoat before his death, he ended up signing the title over to him when Jeffcoat turned 18. With the title came two rules: “He always told me growing up, ‘Don’t take your eyes off of it,” Jeffcoat said. “And, ‘Don’t sell it.” After Brady died, Jeffcoat considered putting the bike in a museum. While he was getting the bike appraised, the appraiser made an offer to buy the bike — and restore it. Jeffcoat agreed. The bike payment was made in cash, with new, crisp $100 bills. All but one — an antique. “When I first sold it, I had just turned 21 so it didn’t strike me as anything,” Jeffcoat said. As the year progressed, Jeffcoat began to regret his decision to sell. He stayed in contact with the buyer over restoration efforts, which were taking place in Pennsylvania. “I felt like I should have kept it,” Jeffcoat said. “My grandpa had it my whole life. Over the year, it really started getting to me.” He wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Three months later, the buyer contacted Jeffcoat: I want you to have it back, and your grandfather would want you to have it back. The buyer offered it back to Jeffcoat at the same price he originally sold it for. Immediately, Jeffcoat left for Pennsylvania. “He got it running, but that was it,” Jeffcoat said. “He said he didn’t feel right riding it. I felt that it was heaven sent for him to call me. I just knew that was grandpa’s baby and I needed to buy it back.”

Photos by Emily Topper

Above: Phil’s Baby won Best of Show and People’s Choice at the Plant City Bike Fest. Right: Jason Jeffcoat’s tattoos include a tattoo of his grandfather’s handwriting.

Again, the purchase of the bike was made in cash. Again, an older $100 bill was stashed in with newer ones. “It was like my grandfather was there,” Jeffcoat said. “I always look for things like that in anything I do. Before I ride, I go to my grandpa’s grave just in case anything was ever going to happen to me. He pretty much raised me.” With the bike back in his possession, Jeffcoat was determined to give it the life his grandfather always intended. AMPED UP

Originally, it wasn’t Jeffcoat’s idea to enter the Knucklehead in the Plant City Bike Fest. That was the suggestion of Jason Jones, owner of Advantage Restoration. “If it wasn’t for Mr. Jones telling me to take it up there, it’d probably still be sitting in the backyard,” Jeffcoat said. Jeffcoat and his friend, Cruz, got to

work. For four days, they scrubbed the bike down to prepare it for the show. “My buddy Cruz is one of my best friends,” he said. “We worked on it for four hours every night for four days.” At the Plant City Bike Fest, Jeffcoat wasn’t focused on winning. He wanted to keep the bike safe, as Brady would have wanted. “My friends at the show took turns keeping an eye on the bike,” Jeffcoat said. “I’ve got the best friends in the world. They really stick by my side in anything I do.” When Brady got to the show, fellow bike enthusiasts took an immediate interest in the Knucklehead. “There were 15 people around us immediately,” he said. “Then I’m like, ‘Wow, this bike may actually have a chance.” But the thought didn’t last long. Bike Fest organizers placed the bike between a custom 2014 HarleyDavidson Street Glide motorcycle and a 2016 Street Glide with LEDs. Once

in his assigned place, Jeffcoat’s bike began leaking oil onto the concrete. “Now I’m really in the dumps,” he said. “I messed up the Plant City sidewalk.” Fifteen minutes later, Jeffcoat was feeling bad for the people around him. Within two hours of the start of the

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

show, he’d lost his voice from talking to passerby about the bike. “To me, I never would have thought that’s how it would turn out,” he said. “I don’t think one person from that show didn’t look at the bike twice. It was crazy how it affected people. I probably got 35 new contacts in my phone from bike guys that said they’ll do whatever I need to help me with the bike.” As the award segment of the evening began, the Knucklehead was announced the winner of the People’s Choice Award. “But when they got to the antique class, I didn’t win,” he said. “I really didn’t think I was going to win anything else.” Then came the overall award – Best of Show. And Jeffcoat had won. “I couldn’t hold everything back,” he said. “I did as good as I could at holding tears back. I didn’t want to break down in front of everybody. All I could do was keep taking deep breaths and swallowing my tears.” After accepting the award, Jeffcoat placed his trophies by the bike and walked over to a nearby fence, away from the crowd. “And it just came over me,” he said. “It was like my grandfather was standing over my shoulder, telling me everything was alright. My grandpa was there with me spiritually. I had some of my family there. My mom has been my best friend my whole life and she was happy. My dad was crying, because he was with my grandpa when he bought the motorcycle 30 years ago. It was just crazy. All my family and friends know what my grandpa meant to me. He was there with all of us.” The Plant City Bike Fest served as a debut for Phil’s Baby. When he’s not riding it, Jeffcoat plans on entering the bike in multiple shows. “I just want to get it out there,” he said. “I want people to see it. I don’t want to keep it to myself. There’s no glass holding you back from anything on a bike. There’s nothing more I like than to be out in the wide open.” Jeffcoat rides everywhere he can, from Key West and back to the roads of Zephyrhills and Ocala. From a short distance, fellow travelers can see the turquoise lettering painted on the back of the bike, bright against the black exterior: Phil’s Baby. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

CHRISTMAS CHEER

COME LEARN SOMETHING MORE FROM THE BIBLE!

Santa Claus has help this year. Highland Packaging Solutions delivered gifts and stockings to children at Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Lakeland.

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Decorating the Christmas stockings starts early — in mid- to- late October. Employees split up plain stockings individually and by department to decorate with as much Christmas spirit as possible. The decorating is kept secret until the final reveal in December. Before dropping off the stockings at the children’s home, the stockings are judged in a contest. “Our grand prize winner gets a $50 gift card,” Blackwelder said. “Our individual winners get $25 gift cards.” This year, employees from Spivey, Grimes and Astin Farms participated as judges. The stocking contest – and participating in the company’s holiday drive — has become an activity

Photos by Emily Topper

Above: Highland Packaging employees hold up the winning entries from the stocking decorating contest. Right: Steve Blackwelder with the winning stocking, decorated by Beth Maxwell.

employees look forward to every year. “It’s sort of infectious,” Blackwelder said. “It’s a wagon worth getting on.” The success of the gift drive is all due to the heart of the company’s employees, Blackwelder said. “This is a very special bunch,” he said. “They will do anything for the kids. The family culture within our group is so strong. When the wish list comes out, these people get on board. It’s not easy doing what we do. There are demanding hours and some weekend work, but it’s a family. They come together on this.” The first fundraiser three years ago developed due to Plant City ties at the children’s home, Blackwelder said. “It’s got deep roots in Plant City with Plant City people,” he said. In addition to the gifts employees buy — from bikes and drones to dolls and Legos — the company also is able to raise an additional $1,000 for further charity work. Additional gift cards are given out to employees at the children’s home. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

WINNING STOCKINGS Overall: Beth Maxwell Best Traditional: Kyro Morales Best Non-Traditional: Jo Ann Brockman Best Childhood Memory: Lily Cruz Most Christmas Spirit: Ashley Blanke JUDGES David Spivey Debbie Grimes Suzanne Roberts

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For the third year in a row, Highland Packaging Solutions has decked the halls of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes in Lakeland. Thirty-six oversized stockings filled with wrapped presents and a Christmas dinner were delivered to the Lakeland campus Thursday, Dec. 15. Highland Packaging purchased Christmas wish list gift items for 15 children this holiday season. The extra stockings and gifts will be given to kids who are admitted to the Lakeland campus throughout the Christmas season. “Three years ago, we knew that there were needs,” Steve Blackwelder, Highland Packaging’s vice president of human resources, said. “We have over 400 people here. We knew that if we got behind a worthwhile cause, we could really make a difference.” The Christmas season is just an expansion of the volunteer efforts the company makes throughout the year. Monthly, the company’s departments take turns cooking a meal for the children’s home. A backpack drive for students is held at the beginning of the school year, and the company assembles Easter baskets for children in April. But during Christmastime, company employees exceed even their own expectations.

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American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26 placed 847 wreaths on veteran graves to honor local heroes during the holiday season. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

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In 2015, the Plant City-based American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26 placed 395 wreaths on the graves of local veterans for Christmas. At the time, unit president Pam McGregor vowed to make the distribution of the wreaths an annual tradition — one the unit would continue to do even if, as McGregor put it, “it’s the last penny in my pocket.” This year, the unit has surpassed even its own expectations. On Sunday, Dec. 4, and Monday, Dec. 5, members placed 847 wreaths on veteran graves in Oaklawn and Memorial Park cemeteries. An extra $250 raised by the Legion was donated to Wreaths Across America, a national initiative that places wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and 1,100 other locations across the globe. The wreath-laying ceremonies typically take place on National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 17. “All the money we raised was from inside the Legion,” McGregor said. “We wanted to do two cemeteries and that’s what we did. We work really hard so the veterans are not forgotten.” To stretch their dollars as far as possible, unit members use reusable wreaths each year. “They’re fluffed and we put new ribbons on them,” McGregor said. “Michaels in Plant City cut us a really good deal. They ordered all the wreaths for us at $2 per wreath.” Girl Scout Troop 2912, which the

Emily Topper

With 847 wreaths placed, unit members more than doubled the 395 wreaths placed on graves in 2015.

SEEKING SHELTER

The members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26 are in search of a shed to store veteran wreaths during the year. The unit has outgrown its existing shed at the American Legion, 2207 W. Baker St. Those interested in helping can contact the Legion at (813) 752-8608.

unit sponsors, joined the wreathlaying ceremony this year. “Some of the girls were able to come with their parents,” McGregor said. “It’s all about community and those girls are our future. Hopefully, they’ll grow up to understand the importance of never forgetting our veterans.” While the unit was placing the wreaths on Dec. 4, the members were

notified that Legion member Tom Gill had died. Gill was a veteran who had served in the United States Air Force and the Army National Guard. “It brings it home,” McGregor said. “There will be a very special Christmas wreath placed on his grave.” Though the unit was able to double the number of wreaths placed on veteran graves this year, McGregor still hopes to expand the unit’s outreach in the future. She would like to see wreaths placed on veteran graves in Garden of Peace Cemetery. “There’s so many cemeteries,” McGregor said. “We want every veteran grave in Plant City to have a wreath.” In the future, unit members would like to see local organizations and businesses in Plant City support the Wreaths Across America efforts. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THINKING POSITIVE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

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“To be able to stay in Plant City.” —Barbara Wagner, 86

Decisions, Decisions Scott Toler explains the benefits of using a decision tree to make important choices.

— Casey Mack, 21

“I have the best job in the world. I get to represent the hope of Jesus Christ to the city ... I’m looking forward to sharing this good news with our town.” — Tommy Warnock, 58

“To break ground for a shelter that we’re trying to work on building here in the Plant City area.” — Blanca Rodriguez, 41

If you have ever needed to make a decision, you might be aware of the challenges sometimes involved. The need to decide about a course of action can come upon us in unexpected ways, and often with time limits attached. The longer we live, the more decisions we need to make. Doing a cost and benefit analysis can be helpful. This gives an overview of how deciding one way or the other will enhance or detract from our well-being. This can be done by using a two-sided decision tree, with the cost on one side of a line and the benefits on the other side. Exploring the pros and cons of any decision involves making short notes of the positives and negatives accrued by going in a possible direction. Knowing the potential circumstances and results becomes clearer after making this list. We often hear that we need to heed our instinctual response when making decisions. If we do that, the need to make sure that a down mood or a less-than-gratifying day has not interfered with making a choice becomes paramount. Waiting to decide something when we are wellfed and well-rested is often a better idea. However, looking at some historical vignettes reminds us that some decisions are made under stressful conditions. As a general, Dwight Eisenhower needed to decide the optimum date for launching the D-Day invasion in June of 1944 while listening to contradictory advice. The weather in the English Channel and on the French Coast fluctuated between calm and storm-ridden. His decision to invade Normandy on June 4 turned out to be a critical

maneuver for the Allies to win World War II. While each of us may face our own D-Day-like scenarios on a smaller, more personal scale, the use of methods like decision trees act in our favor by helping us make beneficial decisions. Getting a good night’s sleep before deciding something also improves the ability to make a good choice and gives the fresh perspective of a new day. If you have problems making decisions, that could be a symptom of depression. This condition limits the clear insights that you gain with brighter emotional outlooks. Even so, approaching certain decisions free of depression does not alter the level of challenge involved in making certain choices. We have numerous decisions to make on a daily basis as Americans because our economy produces abundant choices about what to buy and do. What game do you want to watch or what concert do you want to attend? Having some indecisive moments is understandable given our range of options. It can also be true that we decide how well our day goes. Interpreting events in a more amenable way motivates the perception that it has been a good day. Our only real control comes from the way we see and process daily life.

Scott Toler is a licensed mental health counselor living in Plant City. He can be reached at etoler25@tampabay. rr.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

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Creative Flower Designs by Glenn sponsored this week’s Cutest Critter. Send entries to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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WEED WHACKER 1910 block of Ira Taylor Road. Theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had stoled a herbicide sprayer valued at $9,000. The sprayer, which has a 150-gallon tank and a steel boom with five baskets, was stolen between Tuesday, Nov. 29, and Friday, Dec. 2. IFRAUD 1 Police Place. Fraud: Officers met with complainant at PCPD headquarters. Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) purchased $2,000 worth of Apple iPhones with her cell phone company account. Suspect(s) had also changed all of her personal information on the account. BURNING DESIRE 300 block of Shelby Brooke Drive. Arson: Officers responded to a grass fire in the yard of a residence. The officers determined that the fire was started as an act of arson. SPECIAL DELIVERY 800 block of West Mahoney Street. Theft: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole a package from his porch while he was away from home.

DEC. 5

SPRAY IT, DON’T SAY IT 1800 block of Teakwood Drive. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had entered his unlocked 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck and stolen a Grayco brand paint sprayer, valued at $800, as well as $660 in cash. The truck had been entered between 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, and 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5, while it was parked in his driveway. LOST AND FOUND 1200 block of East Renfro Street. Found property: Officer met with complainant, who stated the principal of a school in the area had found a

knife and a phone in a drainage ditch on school property. The items were taken by PCPD for safekeeping. TV TROUBLE 1300 block of East Church Street. Residential burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) broke a window and entered a home, and then stole an unknown brand television and stand.

DEC. 6

WHAT A BLOCKHEAD 1000 block of West Baker Street. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had thrown a concrete block through the passenger side window of her white Honda Accord, entered the vehicle and stolen $50 from her wallet. The incident occurred between 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, and 7 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. CLEANED OUT 1900 block of Charlow Court. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered his unlocked vehicle overnight and stole $165 in cash, his driver’s license, a stereo and two speakers. TOOL TIME 3300 block of Gloria Avenue. Burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) broke into a shed and stole four saws and a welder.

DEC. 2 COUNTERFEIT CASHIER 200 block of West Alexander Street. Counterfeit money: Officer met with complainant, who stated he was given a counterfeit $20 bill as change while shopping at a grocery store. The bill was taken to PCPD property as evidence.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

A SEASON OF FAITH

lant City residents got into the Christmas spirit Friday, Dec. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 11, with three Christmas productions. First Baptist Church of Plant City kicked off the weekend with its Christmas production, 'Shepherds and Kings' on Dec. 9. The show ran nightly through Dec. 11, and followed a waitress during Christmastime who tries to help a restaurant patron. On Dec. 11, Hopewell Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Dover presented Christmas shows. Hopewell's production, 'Arrest These Merry Gentlemen,' centered around a pair of police officers and a pair of reporters who follow the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. First Baptist Church of Dover's production, 'Noel: A Story of Amazing Love' featured the church's celebration choir and youngest members.

Prayers took place onstage in the First Baptist Church of Plant City production.

– JUSTIN KLINE AND EMILY TOPPER

Above Far Left: David Burtt led the Celebration Choir at First Baptist Church of Dover's production. Above Left: Hopewell’s children starred in the play as actors and singers. Above: First Baptist Church of Plant City's production featured the three kings. Left: Shepherds banded together to travel to the manger at Hopewell Baptist Chuch. Katie Damron and Ashlie Tucker played friends Sarah and Paula at First Baptist Dover.

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

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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 16, 2016

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.

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.

THE CHRISTMAS TRAIL 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2837 S. Frontage Road. Enjoy a lighted walking trail, activities for children and Christmas characters. Register in advance at TheChristmasTrail.com.

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) 7529100.

CHRISTMAS GARDEN STROLL Begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 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.

KRAZY KUP LIVE MUSIC 8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. O’BRIEN’S LIVE MUSIC 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

‘THE CRADLE AND THE CROSS’ PRESENTATION 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 S. County Road 39. Call (813) 737-3053.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818. PLANT CITY CONNECTIONS 8 a.m. Tuesdays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60 E. This networking group hosts speakers each meeting. Facebook. com/groups/pcityconnections.

BEST BET THE CHRISTMAS TRAIL 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2837 S. Frontage Road. Enjoy a lighted walking trail, activities for children and Christmas characters. Register in advance at TheChristmasTrail.com.

PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Mondays at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St. PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB Noon Tuesdays at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

JEFFREY JOSEPH “JEFF” WALMSLEY Jeffrey Joseph “Jeff” Walmsley, 58, of Plant City and Lake Wales, died Nov. 30, 2016. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a member of Eastside Baptist Church in Plant City. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a superintendent with Ajax Paving. He enjoyed spending time with his family and helping people. He was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nita A. Walmsley; sons, Jeffrey Chad Walmsley (Audrey), of Dade City, Christopher Joseph Walmsley (Heather), of Dover and Chad Eric Blanton (Christina), of Zephyrhills; parents, Mary Alice Steinke, of Plant City and John and Debbie Walmsley, of Plant City; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Will, Charles Bryce, Hayden Thomas, Christopher Wyatt, Isabella Jade and Eli Joseph; siblings, John Carl (Anne), of North Carolina and Susan Collins (Scott), of Plant City; mother-in-law, Anna Ramirez, of Plant City; stepgrandmother, Edith Howard, of Plant City; dog, Trixie; and many other family, friends and colleagues. A celebration of life was held Dec. 4, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Prelude to a Cure, 5004 E. Fowler Ave., Suite C-321, Tampa, Florida 33617. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

MICHAEL J. WERNICKI Michael J. Wernicki, 65, of Plant City, died Nov. 24, 2016. He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and Sophie (Yuskiewicz) Wernicki. He was a graduate of Tech Memorial High School and Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, a parishioner at St. Clement Catholic Church and a treasurer for the Knights of Columbus. He also was active in the American Legion and volunteered at the Shriner’s

Hospital for Children. He retired from UPS Freight in 2013. He loved football, traveling and most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy (Cappello) Wernicki; son, Mark Wernicki; daughters, Tina Capparelli (Anthony) and Julie Wernicki; grandchildren, Dominic and Gianna Capparelli; sister, Barbara Vahey (John); sisterin-law, Josie Wernicki; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral mass was held Dec. 2, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City. Burial followed at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children at ShrinersHospitalsForChildren.org, or to St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander St., Plant City, Florida 33563. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

ROCIO BECERRA Rocio Becerra, 31, of Plant City, died Nov. 28, 2016. Born in Houston, Texas, she was the daughter of Raul Chavez and Rosa Mayen. She was a housewife and loving mother who was dedicated to her children. She was a member of Iglesia Bautista Fe Esperanza y Amor. She is survived by her parents, Rosa and Apolonio Ruiz; children, Anthony Efrain Becerra, Jonathan Efrain Becerra and Isaiah Efrain Becerra; siblings, Jairon Danilo Orellana, Mildred Yadira Dominguez, Oliverio Delarosa, Raul Chavez, Eulalia Almaraz, Maria Stephanie Leon and Angela Sari Ruiz; and grandmother, Savina Martinez. A funeral service was held Dec. 8, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

THOMAS GILL SR. Thomas Gill Sr., 81, of Plant City, died Dec. 4, 2016. A native of Plant City, he was the son of Vassar and Rosalee Wilson Gill. He was the assistant manager at Oasis Laundry Mat. He served in the United States Air Force and the Army National Guard. He was a member

of St. Clement Catholic Church and Eastside Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Gill; children, Thomas Leroy Gill Jr., William Charles Gill, Dianna Dunn, Jerry Wayne Gill and Sheryl Carden; siblings, Jerry and Louis Gill; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Gill. A memorial mass was held Dec. 9, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

DAVID COOK David Cook, 62, of Plant City, died Sunday, Dec. 11. A native of Lakeland, he was the son of the late Louis and Larius Wilson Cook. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City and AMVETS Post #44. He retired from the United States Marine Corps as a gunnery sergeant after serving for 22 years. He also retired from the Lakeland Police Department. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Cook; children, Jeremy Cook (Amber), Ryan Cook (Maria) and Megan Perez (Ruben); siblings, Charles Cook and Susan Bower; grandchildren, Dominic Perez, Louis Cook, Benjamin Cook, Maddox Perez and Ezra Cook. A funeral service was held Dec. 15, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Donations may be made in his honor to the First Baptist Church of Plant City’s Building Fund, 503 N. Palmer St., Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com

DORIS KERTZ HAWKINS

Doris Kertz Hawkins, 86, of Plant City, died Dec. 5, 2016. She was born in Luther, Michigan and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Alvernia High School in Chicago and moved to Plant City in 1953. She was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church. She is survived by her children, Margaret Stubbs (Kenny), Carol Feaster (Ken), Jacquelyn Coker (Joe), Christine Haney (Tom), Mar-

lene Sanchez (Donnie) and Patrick Haney (Becky); seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother, Jacob Kertz. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Hawkins; and son, Michael Haney. A mass of Christian burial was held Dec. 9, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City. Committal followed at Memorial Park, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

CHARLES “CHUCK” EDWARD REYNOLDS Charles “Chuck” Edward Reynolds, 75, of Plant City, died Dec. 3, 2016. He was born in Pikeville, Kentucky to Arvy and Gladys (Webb) Reynolds. He lived in Kentucky and Michigan most of his life and finally settled in Florida. He spent most of his life in the construction industry. He loved fishing, drawing, riding his motorcycle and shooting pool. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Janine Reynolds; son, Charles E. Reynolds Jr. (Tonya); daughters, Tammy Bowen, Wendy Reynolds (David Evans), Patricia Reynolds, Candy Horsley (Andy Grantham), Lorrie Reynolds and Shelly Ogonoski; sisters, Cynthia Rock (Alex), Peggy Simonds-Neal, Glenna Purcell (Dave) and Julie Christopher (Mike); and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Toni, Jessie, Glenda and Sandy; and two infant children, Hope and Caroline. Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

JIMMIE O’NEAL SMITH Jimmie O’Neal Smith, 77, of Dover,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

died Dec. 3, 2016. He was born in Florence, Alabama, on Feb. 20, 1939. He was a member of Foursquare Church of God in Plant City. He was a retired truck driver with Southern Culvert. He was loved and will be missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Jo Smith. He is survived by his children, Larry Neal Smith (Marcie), of Zephyrhills, Virginia Geneva Staggs, of Mulberry and Anita Jo English, of Dover; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Sonny Smith (Shirley), of Cork, Ollie Mae “Sis” McCowan, of Dover and Otis Lee “Buddy” Smith (Diana). A celebration of life was held Dec. 7, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

HERBERT WATSON Herbert Watson, 66, of Dover, died Dec. 9, 2016. A native of Plant City, he was the son of the late Milton and Hazel Ellis Watson. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Shelia Watson; children, Michael Dalton Watson (Tammy), Timothy Scott Watson (Misty) and Travis Adam Watson; siblings, James, Eric and Tommy Watson, Raymond and Mark Bocknor, June Ann Parker, Lottie Wiggins, Lori Wiggins and Mary Ann Langford; and four grandchildren. A funeral service was held Dec. 13, at Lebanon Baptist Church in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.

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PlantCityObserver.com

DECEMBER 16, 2016

SPORTS

“The wrestling program took me in, made me one of their own. I feel like I’m part of a family.” — D.J. Tice is thriving at his new school. SEE PAGE 14

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

Garrett signs with Georgia Southern football

ears were shed and ink was put to paper Monday, Dec. 12, when Durant High School senior Jaden Garrett signed with Georgia Southern University. Garrett, a defensive back for the Cougars, missed his senior season due to injury. He finished his high school career with 91 total tackles and three interceptions, and served as a leader on the defensive unit. The senior will graduate from Durant early, and will report to Georgia Southern in early January.

Crest girls, PCHS boys lead area hoops

ith basketball season in full swing, a pair of Plant City-area teams are separating themselves from their packs. The Strawberry Crest Lady Chargers are having as good a rebuilding year as one could ask for, as the team is currently undefeated at 7-0. Its five district wins have come by no fewer than 29 points (a 50-29 win over Tampa Bay Tech on Tuesday, Nov. 29) and the offense is averaging an even 63 points per game. Freshman Megan Watson has been scoring 15 or more points in two of the team’s last three games. Crest will travel to East Bay Friday, Dec. 16, to take on the Lady Indians (2-7; 1-3 district). The Plant City Raiders own the best overall record (5-1; 3-1 district) on the boys side. Plant City is currently tied with East Bay for second place in the district, due to a 50-49 loss to the Indians on Dec. 2. But the Raiders can shake up the standings with a win over Tampa Bay Tech, currently undefeated in district play, at 1 Raider Place. In the team’s recent threegame win streak, senior Tarik McKelphin has averaged 24 points, three assists and three steals per game. The Friday, Dec. 16 game, which will feature a jersey retirement ceremony for former players Horace Broadnax, Ginger Bennett Forté and Russell Evans, begins at 6:30 p.m.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? CHOOSING A COLLEGE PAGE 13

The UYFL National Championships rolled through Plant City from Saturday, Dec. 3, through Friday, Dec. 9. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

s usual, the United Youth Football League National Championships gave Plant City all the youth football action it could handle. Among the 16 divisional winners were several Plant

City and Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference

Justin Kline

The tournament brought in football teams from all over the United States.

teams. Of the seven Plant City Dolphins and Tri-County Elite teams, three came out on top of their brackets on Friday, Dec. 9. SEE PAGE 13

PCHS to retire boys, girls basketball numbers The Plant City Raiders will retire the jerseys of Ginger Bennett Forté, Russell Evans and Horace Broadnax during the Friday, Dec. 16, basketball games against Tampa Bay Tech. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Tonight’s basketball games at Plant City High School will be important for more than just the district standings. The school plans to honor three of its best basketball players by retiring their jerseys and numbers with a ceremony. The jerseys of Ginger Bennett Forté, Russell Evans and Horace Broadnax have been framed and will be hung inside the school, never to be worn again. “I’m glad,” Forté says. “Really, I’m honored that they’re doing it again. Not only for me, but also for Horace and Russell.” Forté, the only girls basketball player to have her jersey retired, is having her No. 23 retired for the second time. “Somehow, my jersey number got back out and (kids) were wearing it again,” she says. “For them to do it again, I’m really honored.” While at Plant City, Forté helped the Lady Raiders find success as the team’s scoring leader. In her senior year, 1984, she averaged over 20 points per game and led the Lady Raiders into the regional playoffs. Forté and

her team went undefeated until then, when the Hillsborough Lady Terriers double-teamed her and ended Plant City’s playoff run. After the postseason, Forté was told that the school planned to retire her No. 23 before she went to the University of South Florida. “I think Michael Jordan might have copied me,” she says. Forté played for the Lady Bulls and eventually went back to Plant City. She is currently a teacher in the school’s cosmetology department. Evans was known as a three-sport athlete, playing basketball, football and baseball for the Raiders in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The 1991 graduate is best known for his time as the school’s varsity quarterback, and football became SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 14

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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1) Miser, 2) Ghosts, 3) Past, 4) Present, 5) Future A Christmas Carol

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Dec 15 (Easy, difficulty ratinganswers 0.35) This week’s Sudoku

JUSTIN KLINE

6 4 1

2 3 9 7

Choosing the right college program

9 3 5

8 2 7

6 9 4 3 5

Justin Kline has advice for high school athletes deciding where to go after graduation.

6 3 8 4 5

9 2 1

4 8 3

ately, I’ve found myself covering several college signing events around the Plant City area. National Signing Day is still a few months from now, but it looks like we’re hitting a little wave of early commitments. I know there are some kids out there that are still trying to make up their mind before signing, and plenty more that are trying to figure out where to verbally commit to begin with. Knowing what I know from covering prep sports around Florida, I think I can help with these decisions. I’ve talked to plenty of kids about their college choices in my travels, and I’ve gotten all kinds of answers. There’s no one right or wrong way to go about the recruitment process, as every athlete is different and has different needs. Not all colleges and programs will meet your needs, and that may even include your dream school. It’s never simple. If you’re not talented enough to jump straight into a top-tier professional league as soon as you’re legally able to — which describes most young athletes in America — then you’re likely going to be in school for four to five years. If that’s the case, then you have to ask yourself several questions after meeting with recruiters.

“Is the culture right for me?” If you like being a part of a program with a strong tradition, one that’s a model of consistency, then you may not be happy at a program that’s undergoing big changes. But if you love a challenge, and you’d like to say you helped build a foundation, then you should check out that school that just turned over its coaching staff and is preaching about starting a new chapter. “Will I be happy with my role?” If you’re comfortable with spending some time on the bench before seeing game action, then your options are fairly broad. But if you feel that you can step onto a roster and contribute right away, you may want to inquire further about what exactly you’d be expected to do for the first year or so. If your dream school isn’t giving you the option to eventually play the role you want to play, look elsewhere — it worked for Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, who might be starting for the Gators right now if Will Muschamp knew a quarterback when he saw one. “Will I be happy living away from home?” This honestly depends on the town your college is located in. My alma mater, Florida Gulf Coast, caught a bad rap when I started there in 2009 because there wasn’t much

to do around the area then. People called it “Fort Misery” and transferred. But by the time I graduated, the area developed and it’s now way more fun than it was seven years ago. If you don’t want to live where you have to make your own off-campus fun, then do some research on the college towns before you choose. Other than that, my advice is to follow your gut instinct. Go wherever you feel like you’d be at home at, wherever you feel like you’re part of a family. And, if you’re not a senior on the verge of signing somewhere soon, get and keep your grades up — your options get way more diverse when you’re doing well in the classroom, as college programs tend to have GPA-related incentives and will most often go for the kids with better grades and test scores. You can try out for a walk-on spot pretty much anywhere, of course, but if no one’s paying your way through college, you could use the scholarships’ help.

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

8 2 6 4

6 7

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3 8 4 9 5

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8 4 9

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This week’s Crossword answers

2016

168342-1

In the 8U division, the Plant City Dolphins ran through the consolation bracket to finish in fourth place. Plant City started the tournament with a 12-7 loss to the Gainesville Panthers and was sent to the consolation bracket, where it picked up a 26-6 win over the 704 Wildcats and two 6-0 shutout wins — one of which came over the Staten Island Hurricanes Friday, Dec. 9, which secured fourth place for Plant City. The 10U Dolphins got started with a 6-0 win over the Chesapeake Tigers, but took a 13-7 loss to the Gainesville Panthers in the second round that sent them to the consolation bracket. Plant City went into the fourth-place game with a 14-0 win over the Nifty Sports Knights, but then took an 18-7 loss to the MOT Cowboys. The 12U Dolphins also got started on a good note, cruising to a 42-18 win over the Charlotte Cardinals. But Plant City then took a 32-0 loss to the eventual champions, the Detroit Spartans, that put the hometown team in the consolation rounds. Plant City did manage to finish in fourth place, picking up a 22-13 win over the Piedmont Panthers and a 30-20 win over the Warrensville Cowboys.

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The Dolphins and Tri-County clashed once for the championship. In a three-team 6U race featuring the Oxford Circle Raiders, Plant City picked up a 19-0 win over the Raiders in the opening round, while TriCounty took a 12-6 loss to Oxford Circle. Tri-County bounced back in the second round with a 19-6 win over Plant City, and Oxford Circle later beat the Dolphins by the same score. Tri-County got revenge on the Raiders Thursday, Dec. 8, with a 13-6 win, and the Elite team won the 6U title with a 13-0 shutout of the Dolphins Friday, Dec. 9. Even so, the Dolphins gained the upper hand in the 14U All-Stars bracket. In fact, Plant City didn’t lose a single game in that bracket. The team opened play with a 52-0 win over the Carolina All-Stars, followed by a 39-6 win over the New York City All-Stars in the second round. Finally, on Friday, Dec. 9, Plant City rallied to a 24-20 victory over the Piedmont Steelers to finish its run for the ring. Tri-County had opened 14U AllStars play with a 37-0 loss to Piedmont, but it did follow that up with a 31-6 win over the Chicagoland AllStars and a 13-6 win over New York City. Tri-County’s second championship came in the 15U bracket. The team opened play with a 14-6 win over the Bristol Wardogs, and got into the championship round with a 19-6 semifinal win over the Patuxent Rhinos. To clinch the title, Tri-County faced the D.C. Knights and picked up a 26-7 win on Dec. 9.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

D.J. Tice

SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 14

the sport he stuck with after leaving PCHS. Evans, named a Parade AllAmerican in his senior year, went on to Northwest Mississippi Community College. While there, he led the school to a national championship, broke the school records for passing yards, attempts and completions and was inducted into the Junior College Football Hall of Fame. His football jerseys for high school and junior college are both retired. Evans also was an excellent basketball player. He started at small forward, but could play any position if needed — much like the Raiders’ version of current NBA star Draymond Green. “He loved to score, and he could score, and he was a very good teammate to play with,” teammate Calvin Callins says. Evans loved to score so much that he finished his career with 2,540 points, a Hillsborough County record that still stands. Callins, then the team’s point guard, knows exactly how talented Evans was, as he was also a wide receiver for the football team. “If Russell would have had the opportunities that athletes have now, there’s no doubt in my mind that he would have played in the NBA or NFL … or Major League Baseball,” Callins says. Now, no basketball player will wear his No. 24 again. Broadnax, who graduated in 1982, is known for leading the Raiders to their highest point ever: a state championship. His high school coach, Jimmy Smith, says that Broadnax embodied everything a coach could possibly ask

Courtesy Photo

Horace Broadnax and the 1982 team won the state title.

for in a player. The talent, character and academics were all there, and Smith says that was a big asset to the team throughout Broadnax’s career. “Horace was the kind of kid that just knew what to do and when to do it,” Smith says. “Once you turned him loose with the basketball ... he was a coach on the floor.” After winning the state title in his senior season, Broadnax went on to play at Georgetown University, where he helped the Hoyas win the 1984 NCAA national championship and nearly repeat one year later. After a 10-year career as a lawyer, Broadnax felt the itch to get back in the game and started coaching. Broadnax is the head coach at Savannah State University, a position he has held since 2005. He and Forté are expected to attend the ceremony, where he will see his No. 3 retired. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

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MORE TO CELEBRATE This year is also the 35th anniversary of the Raiders’ 4A state championship, which the boys team won in 1982. That year, the Raiders finished with a 25-4 overall record and made a run through the playoffs filled with plenty of close calls. After beating Brandon to win the district, Plant City went on to regionals and finally got over one of its biggest humps. The team advanced with a 63-59 win over Clearwater, which was sealed with a half-court shot by Horace Broadnax. After that, the Raiders kept going with a 74-73 win over Kathleen, a 70-69 win over Miami-Jackson in the championship semifinal and a 73-61 win over Jacksonville-Forrest to take home the trophy. “Everything just came together as a group, and I was really happy with that,” head coach Jimmy Smith says. “It’s what you work for … we just had a good group of kids, dedicated from day one, and we had interchangeable parts.”

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Strawberry Crest’s wrestling team is off to a good start, and part of the reason for the team’s overall success is senior D.J. Tice. Tice, who transferred from Plant City High, is making waves wrestling at 285 pounds, and won “Most Outstanding Wrestler” in his weight class at the Weeki Wachee Duals. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue. How has the switch from Plant City to Crest been? It’s been good. I’m really happy. The wrestling program took me in, made me one of their own. I feel like I’m part of a family. I’m a very friendly person, so whenever I got over here, I just made friends. What are your goals for this wrestling season? March 2 and 3, I hope to be in the state finals. After that, choose whichever college. Any plans on that front? Have any programs been looking at you? I have a lot of people looking at me, but my dream school for wrestling, I don’t know. Probably N.C. State. What’s your favorite class at Crest? I think it would be AP Lit. Mr. Young

is a great teacher and he always makes things fun. What’s the funniest thing that’s happened since you’ve been playing Crest sports? There was one time before a football game, we had a really big speaker in the locker room and we had our cleats on, we were jumping around on the tiles and I slipped and busted my butt. Everyone was dying laughing. What would you do with $1 billion? First thing I buy is a home, and then I’m going to find a charity that I can donate to. I’d probably build a homeless shelter. What superpower would you want to have? I’d want to fly. What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you, whether it came from a coach, teacher or someone else? It would probably be my coach, coach (Will) Terry. Before I went to wrestling camp this summer, he told me the day before I left, no matter how hard the workout is, you never give up … push through, keep your head down and just grind it out. What have you learned about wrestling that’s most helped you become better? It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the size of the fight in the dog. It’s all about how much work you put in. Perfect practice makes perfect - not all practice makes perfect. When did you know you loved the sport? My first match. I lost my very first match, 7-6. It crushed me. When you lose a wrestling match, it’s 1-on1. That person outworked you. From that point on, I was like, “Nobody’s gonna outwork me in any sense.” I won my next couple of matches. I fell in love with it.

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1 Char the surface of 5 Old plum? 10 Pleasantly sharp, as a taste 14 Medicos 18 Rap sheet listing 20 Clay of “American Idol” 21 Roadblocks to compromises, often 22 Invisible general feeling 23 Very tall people seem to be all ... 25 The timid butcher would ... 27 Blazing 28 Like a gymnast 30 Hundred Acre Wood bounder 31 Frighten 34 Juicy fruit 35 Word on a Bible in a hotel 38 Spooky 39 Sally Ride and Mae Jemison, for two 42 Smelting leftover 44 Identified 45 Boric acid extermination target 46 Informal bits of airline information 48 For a jack of all trades 49 Aphrodite’s lover 50 Boxing champion’s prize 52 Arp was one 55 Blight victim 56 Danson of TV 57 The disappointed party guest ... 59 Shrek et al. 61 Blackboard accessories 63 Reef ring 64 Tree nymph of Greek myth 65 Long African waterway 66 U.S. crime-fighting org. 68 It can get your foot in the door 69 Acquire through hard work 70 Put 2 and 2 together 71 More than just angry 73 Some Eastern shrines 76 Achy places 77 The towed car’s battery was ... 80 Tiny 81 Charlemagne domain (Abbr.) 82 Least verbose 84 Baseball team’s 27 per game 85 It may eventually go bald 86 Words with “distance” or “disadvantage” 87 Way out 88 Climbing vegetation 89 Noted Greek fabler 90 African gully 92 Feeling of calm 97 Cousin of a loon 98 Country capital with an opera house 100 ___ it (walks a great distance) 101 Stated with confidence 103 Jailbird 104 Birchbark 105 Pancakes served with sour cream 106 The donkey seamstress would ... 110 Players wish the lottery was ... 115 Ending for what or when 116 Simplicity 117 Anesthetized 118 Be in a shouting match 119 Fix sock holes 120 Like colored fabric 121 Like dirty chimneys 122 Dispatched

1. L K G D Y 2. Z J A G S G 3. Q E G S 4. Q Y D G D R S 5. T O S O Y D

This novella was written by Charles Dickens:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 Dec 15 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.35) through 9 in each row, column and box.

4 3

6 7

9 6 6 7

1 4

7:13a

5:36p

Sunday, Dec. 18

7:14a

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Monday, Dec. 19

7:14a

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Tuesday, Dec. 20

7:15a

5:37p

Wednesday, Dec. 21

7:16a

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Thursday, Dec. 22

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Dec. 28 New

Dec. 20 Last

Jan. 5 First

Jan. 12 Full

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Monday, Dec. 12

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Tuesday, Dec. 13

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Wednesday, Dec. 14

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

DEC. TO DATE:

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2016 0.07 in.

2015 34.06 in.

2015 0.38 in.

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5:35p

8 4 9

2 1 Dec 15 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.35)

6 4 1

2 3 9 7

9 3 5

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6 9 4 3 5

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DOWN

1 Refreshing retreat 2 Make a mistake 3 Ambition 4 Beads for praying 5 San Diego team 6 Anger (with “up”) 7 Hawaiian instrument, briefly 8 Fail to take care of 9 Put away fodder 10 Kin of house music 11 Fit of fever 12 Gradually go bad 13 Russian empresses 14 Parts of pedestals 15 “It’ll be ___ little secret” 16 Grand ___ (wine-bottle words) 17 Word before Mateo in California 19 Enjoyed white water, in a way 24 Zero, in soccer scores 26 Silently say yes 29 Hook to a wrecker 31 Group of 100 in D.C. 32 Excited package opener 33 The special-ops octopus was ... 34 Ray in the ocean 35 “Understand?” 36 The first twin born thinks she is ...

37 Caught red-handed 40 Far from rosy-cheeked 41 In a vicious, ill-tempered manner 43 Workout locales 47 Attic function, often 50 Fully exposed 51 Letters on an ambulance 52 Banned insecticide 53 Rousted out of bed 54 Proofer’s “remove” command 57 Frozen pizza “Mama” 58 Water nymphs of myth 60 Greek deli order 62 French fries or potato salad, often 64 Leaders of colleges 66 Celebration in Mexico 67 Hillside of Scotland 70 Major heart vessels 72 Work with a shuttle 73 Poker kitty 74 Organism requiring oxygen to exist 75 Leaked slowly through 76 “Jaws” actor Robert 77 With sardonic wit 78 Antiwar birds 79 Chaps 83 Paid out 85 Some dogs

88 Place of pain and sorrow 89 Meeting handout 91 Entrance requirement, at times 93 Worked on a wad of tobacco 94 It comes with a small charge 95 Dork 96 Regular compensation 99 Smoking alternative? 102 Noted announcer Scully 104 Word with federal or basket 105 Red as a ___ 106 Complete a dress 107 Adam’s mate 108 Large part of the world population 109 Horse chow 111 Tokyo of long ago 112 Number that some don’t want revealed 113 Our brightest light 114 “Are you finished ___?”

223995

H S A W

1503 S. Collins Street 813-754-0777

7:13a

FREE Vacuum

at only g n i t r a t S r month $ 17.95 pe

8 2

Friday, Dec. 16

d Unlimite

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

Sunrise Sunset

RAINFALL

ENDIVE

Do you have a photo that speaks to the personality of Plant City? Submit it to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, DEC. 18

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016

SUNRISE / SUNSET

High: 78 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 10%

William Airik Belcher captured this photo of Wilson Elementary School with his drone.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 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 222886