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Hopewell choirs Learnabout present “Home PlantCity’s for Christmas.” baseballhistory.
OUR TOWN
+ Curious duo spotted downtown
If you were in Historic Downtown Plant City last week, you may have spotted two peculiarly dressed ladies popping in and out of shops. Mabel and Myrtle went door-to-door wishing business owners and shoppers Merry Christmas. The Plant City duo is available for surprise visits for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries and more. Fore more, call (813) 785-2826 or email iprashm333@aol.com.
Cheryl Biernat See her photo on PAGE 14.
real estate by Michael Eng | Editor
FAMOUS
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Eighteen months ago, Durant High School alum Carley Osch created her jewelry company, Bourbon and Boweties. Since then, her designs have been spotted on the covers of People and Extra magazines.
Court gets $1.5M offer for Red Rose Inn & Suites
The buyer, Louis Spiro, lists a Pinellas Park address in court records. As of Dec. 23, the deal had not closed.
Despite a signed offer of $1.5 million for Plant City’s Red Rose Inn & Suites, the future of the hotel and banquet center still remains unclear. Last week, Louis Spiro, who lists a Pinellas Park address, agreed to buy the Red Rose for $1.5 million. However, as of press time Dec. 23, that deal had not closed. “There is no change in the status,” said Carl Carter, of Murray Wise Associates LLC, the agricultural real estate marketing and financial advisory firm that assisted East Coast Brokers and Packers Inc. and the Madonia family with their Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. “Things do not always happen on anticipated timelines, especially this time of year.” The Red Rose was the final piece of property to be sold following a series of live and online auctions of the assets realestate and equipment assets of East Coast Brokers & Packers. The auctions were handled by Murray Wise, with partnerships with Crosby and Associates, Inc., and Woltz & Associates on the real estate auctions and with Weeks Auction Co. Inc., for the sales of the equipment. The assets included more than 13,000 acres of farmland, packing facilities, labor camps and equipment, primarily located in Florida and Virginia. The sales totaled $75.8 million before the sale of the Red Rose. Evelyn and Batista Madonia, the owners of East Coast Brokers and Packers, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. The exact figure of what they owe to creditors is at least $100 million. Spiro’s offer of $1.5 million is $600,000 less than the $2.1 million high bid received during the Aug. 16 live auction, at the Lakeland Center. That original high bid was rejected because of financial terms. Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
The jewelry hadn’t even shown up yet, but already, there were curious bystanders mulling about Fringe Boutique, Dec. 18. The shop was hosting a trunk show for Bourbon and Boweties. The up-and-coming jewelry line was founded by Durant alum Carley Osch. The signature piece is a bracelet. The gold plated bangle has oversized stones strategically placed in regular intervals around the brass wire. Each bracelet is handmade. They glittered on the table as a hungry crowd descended upon the displays faster than associates could set up. “It’s like this everywhere we go,” Osch says. She had just gotten back from a show in West Palm Beach. Carrying stacked boxes into the store, the high heeled powerhouse was just as effortless and fashionable as her jewelry line. She also rocked some of her own accessories, preferring to wear natural stones stacked upon her delicate wrist. The fashion gods seem to agree with her styling. After sending samples out to various magazines, her jewelry has starting making the cover. Broadcast journalist Katie Couric wore some of Osch’s bracelets on the cover of People magazine. The newest Bachelorette, Desiree Hartsock, also was outfitted in some bracelets during an Extra magazine shoot. Osch found out about the covers secondhand. A friend called her screaming about Couric. Osch thought something terrible had happened. She couldn’t make out what her friend was saying. A similar situation happened for the Hartsock cover. This time, one of the stores that carried her line made the call. Osch started the business just 18 months ago, but, already, her pieces are available in more than 300 stores around the United States. Bourbon and Boweties also has gained international notoriety and is featured in a store in Belgium. Osch’s line also has been invited by the likes of Lilly Pulitzer and Lauren Conrad to do special shows. The Washington Redskins even had the wives, coaches and players outfit-
Registration for the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival Baby Parade will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Plant City Mortgage, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 101 Plant City. Sign-ups for 1- and 2-year-olds will be from 8 to 9 a.m.; 3- and 4-yearolds from 9 to 10 a.m. Spaces are limited to the first 50 children in each age group. Registration is open to children ages 1 to 4, as of Jan. 31, 2014. Open to Eastern Hillsborough County residents only (east of U.S. 301), including Plant City, Thonotosassa, Mango, Wimauma, Brandon, Seffner, Dover, Balm, Valrico, Keysville, Lithia and Durant. Proof of residency (driver’s license) is required at registration. Registration is $25; cash only. Presented by the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club Inc., the parade will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Wish Farms Soundstage, at the Florida Strawberry Festival, 2107 W. Oak Ave. For more, call chairwoman Natasha Davis, (813) 215-7698.
This week’s winner is
Trapnell Trappers visit Glazer.
SOUTHERN STYLE by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
+ Baby Parade sign-ups coming
, 3&
FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
Tampa Bay Times
It was not clear what Louis Spiro plans to do with the Red Rose Inn & Suites.
SEE FASHION / PAGE 4
EDUCATION Marlene Sokol | Tampa Bay Times
Board approves armed guards for elementaries Principals from several Plant City schools supported the measure at last week’s School Board meeting. TAMPA — Shoulder to shoulder they sat, each given two minutes to bring the Hillsborough County School Board into their world. They talked of cussing parents, road rage in school parking lots, threats against staff.
“I cannot control what comes through those front doors,” said Dina Wyatt, principal of Walden Lake Elementary School. Russell Wallace, principal of Bailey Elementary, teared up describing conversations with his family after the Dec. 14,
2012, killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. His daughter asked what he would have done. Kristin Tonelli, principal of Lewis Elementary, said she considers herself a good negotiator. “But I don’t know what I would say to someone with a gun on my campus,” she said. After their statements — and an hourlong discussion about the societal ills
INDEX Calendar.......................2
that brought them to this point — the board on Dec. 18, made its long-awaited decision on Superintendent MaryEllen Elia’s plan to put armed guards in elementary schools. In a 4-3 vote, with Cindy Stuart, Susan Valdes and April Griffin dissenting, they approved the first of four phases of a plan that eventually would post officers
SEE EDUCATION / PAGE 4 Vol.1,No.22 | Onesection
Crossword...................14
Obituaries...................10
Opinion ........................6
Sports.........................11
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR
FRIDAY, DEC. 27
Enrollment Assistance Program (Affordable Care Act) — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Machelle Tulalian, (813) 4224917 or machelle.eaptampa@ gmail.com. Uncork Your Weekend with Rafael and Co. — live music from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 7529100.
SATURDAY, DEC. 28 Family Childbirth Center Education: Childbirth Preparation — takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, in the Community Conference Room at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City. This class helps expectant mothers become informed, active participants in the childbirth process. Participants should plan to attend no later than early in their seventh month of pregnancy. Registration required, $20. (813) 644-6720. Uncork Your Weekend with Cory Walker — live music from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100.
MONDAY, DEC. 30 Bailey Elementary School Library Night — takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Aviva Baker, (813) 3616715 or aviva.baker@sdhc.k12. fl.us. Beginner Square Dance Lessons — classes take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City. First class is free. Plus Square Dance Lessons begin from 8 to 9:30 p.m. (813) 752 0491.
Enrollment Assistance Program (Affordable Care Act) — takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Machelle Tulalian, (813) 4224917 or machelle.eaptampa@ gmail.com.
FRIDAY, JAN. 3 Popular British Costume Drama: Episodes 1 to 4 — takes place from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215.
SATURDAY, JAN. 4 Bike Fest — takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at 102 N. Palmer St. For more, visit plantcity.org. Popular British Costume Drama: Episodes 5 to 8 — takes place from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215.
MONDAY, JAN. 6 Blood Drive — takes place from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215. Central Florida Speech and Hearing — Free phone distribution will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Jennifer Carmack, (863) 6863189.
To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: meng@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Utah Farris, (863) 696-0442 or utahflutes1@wmconnect.com.
Hope Al-Anon Group — meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, at Hull House at First Presbyterian Church, 203 Thomas St. (813) 763-3698.
Ribbon Cutting: Ameriplan Discount Programs — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce,106 N. Evers St., Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org.
Ladies Bible Study — meets at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, at Planteen Recreation Center, 401 Dort St., Plant City. For more information, call Martha Sue Skinner, (813) 752-7630.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8 Contact Breakfast — takes place from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave. Visit plantcity.org. Knit 1, Purl 2 — takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215. Making Calendars with Microsoft Publisher — class takes place from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215.
THURSDAY, JAN. 9 Ribbon Cutting: Lifecycles Tech LLC — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce,106 N. Evers St., Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org.
SATURDAY, JAN. 11
Lose Weight with Hypnosis — takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Darryl Schumacher, certified hypnotist, (813) 833-4035.
Dean’s Ride — takes place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at HCC’s Plant City Campus, 1206 N. Park Road, Plant City. Cost is $30 and includes a T-shirt. Register at tampaymca.org, active.com or mail your registration to the Plant City Family YMCA., 1507 YMCA Place, Plant City, FL 33563.
TUESDAY, JAN. 7
ONGOING
Flute Circle — takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7,
Babytime — takes place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, at
coronary heart disease rises as blood cholesterol levels increase. Free.
BEST BET
Out-of-School Movie — takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Watch Bilbo Baggins go off on an epic adventure. Free popcorn and drinks. (813) 757-9215. Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215. Bereaved Parents Group — meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month, at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City. For more, call Tom Sluder, (813) 659-2555. Berry Patch Quilt Guild — meets from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, at First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 404 W. Reynolds St. Use the entrance on Thomas Street. All are welcome. Elaine Green, (813) 763-7353. Christian Ladies Zumba — meets at 11 a.m. Mondays, 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. Saturdays, at HopeWeaver Church, 2203 W. Baker St., Plant City; and 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 W. Terrace Drive. Donation only. Gina, (813) 928-9998. Cholesterol Screenings — available from 2 to 3 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month, at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City. Cost is $30. Crafternoons — takes place
from 3 to 4 p.m. Mondays, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215. Duplicate Bridge — meets at 1 p.m. Fridays, at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., Plant City. Players must have partners. Walt Arnold, (813) 752-1602. Family Motion Commotion — takes place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. (813) 757-9215. GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City — meets at 11 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month, at the clubhouse, 1110 N. Wheeler St. H.B. Plant Railroad Historical Society — meets from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Larry Whittaker, lwhittaker2@tampabay.rr.com. Heart Health Screenings — available from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City. High blood pressure increases the heart’s workload, causing the heart to enlarge and weaken over time, and the risk of
Pinecrest High School Class of 1956 — meets 10 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month, at Fred’s Market, 1401 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Carol Conrad, (813) 737-1587. Plant City Civitan Club — meets at 7 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month, at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive, Plant City. For more information, call (813) 754-4680. Plant City Federated Republican Women’s Club — meets the third Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22, at the home of Judy Wise, 2706 Pine Club Drive, Plant City. Guests are welcome. (863) 370-8389. Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club — meets at 7 a.m. Mondays, at the Community Conference Center at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. For more, visit plantcitydaybreakrotary.com. Plant City Lions Club — meets at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For more information, visit plantcitylions.org. Plant City Noon Rotary Club — meets at 12:15 p.m. Mondays, at HCC Plant City’s John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road, Plant City. Plant City Sunday Scrappers — meet from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Bring your own project, plus make quilts for donations. Linda Hill, (813) 8566120.
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
TRUE LOVE LASTS Bealsville residents Joe and Margaret Garvin began dating as high-schoolers. In January, the couple will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a huge bash at Buddy Freddy’s.
The story of how Joe and Margaret Garvin met is all American. The sweethearts went to Rochelle High School, in Lakeland. He was a football and basketball player. She was a cheerleader. Little did they know that 60 years later, they would still be together, married, with four daughters and 10 grandchildren. In January, the couple will be throwing a big bash at Buddy Freddy’s for more than 100 friends and family members to celebrate their anniversary. “We just always wanted to have a celebration to invite friends and family,” Joe says. “We always go out of our way to be all-inclusive.” The couple sits in their cozy house off a private road in
Bealsville. Cows graze on their plot of land. The living room is warmly decorated for Christmas. Pictures dot the walls, reminding the duo of the happy life they have created together. Joe believes in pictures. He didn’t have many growing up. “He’s my friend and lover,” Margaret says. “He’s my best friend.” Margaret always had noticed Joe. Her brother played football with Joe. She decided to ask her brother about him. The two started talking. Joe became enamored with Margaret, as well — so much so that he wanted to marry her out of high school. “She’s very caring, easy-going, a great personality, unique, kind, gentle,” Joe says. “I probably missed out on so many ad-
jectives to describe her.” Joe worked a job before and after high school classes. He managed to save up $90. This was the money he was going to use to start a life with his songbird, Margaret. He put $30 down on a Washington Park apartment. Then, he put $30 down on three rooms of furniture. The remaining $30 would sustain their basic needs while they got set up. The 19-year-olds were married on Jan. 7, 1954, at a courthouse in Bartow. It only cost $7. At their 50th anniversary, the couple threw a similar celebration at Barnhill’s, in Lakeland. She told the crowd the story. “He only paid $7 for me,” Margaret says. “I was excited about the first one, because I had so many jokes.”
The couple has kept a sense of humor throughout the relationship. During their 50th celebration, the couple cut their cake much like newlyweds at a wedding. Joe fed a piece to Margaret. When Margaret went to do the same, she smashed it on his nose. In addition to humor, the couple has a few more pieces of advice from their successful relationship. Their faith always has been the center of their lives. Both have a history of volunteering and charity work with the various churches they have attended over the years. Communication is another big factor. “It’s about understanding each other,” Joe says. “I guess that’s part of our legacy — resolving problems.” The couple often tabled disagreements to talk about them later. They also would make a list every Christmas about the goals for the new year and reflections from the past year.
Amber Jurgensen
Margaret and Joe Garvin have four daughters and 10 grandchildren. “We tell young people, ‘You don’t have to have your way all the time,’” Margaret says. “It’s a two-way street.” With a long-lasting relationship comes change — another mountain to climb. “I learned new things about her,” Joes says. “I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to be married to one person for life.” In 60 years, the couple has done many things. They love to travel. Margaret was scared to ride a plane to NewYork City for their first trip. But, Joe encour-
aged her. That opened the door to explore the world. Together, they visited the Holy Land. Margaret was baptized in the Jordan River. They did a tour in Europe, took an Amtrak with a group around the United States and sailed the Caribbean. But, no matter where they’ve gone, the two still have each other. “Things just worked out so well for us,” Joe says. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
hookah hangout
by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
New lounge brings bold flavors to P.C.
Hookah King II, located in the Strawberry Plaza, stands as Plant City’s only hookah lounge.
action! by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor Taylor Frost got his acting start in Plant City. He hopes to raise money to complete his next project.
Plant City native hopes to kickstart new film Taylor Frost needs $3,000 to begin work on “War Cake,” a period-piece psychological thriller. To make a full-length feature film on a $25,000 budget may seem impossible. But one Plant City man is ready to take on the challenge. Taylor Frost and a crew based in Los Angeles will be shooting a period piece in Central Florida this winter. The psychological thriller will take place in 1968, in rural Florida. Producers had much of the necessary resources and equipment from their company, Girl Pants Productions, and other projects. But, for the film to be historically accurate, the creators want to use part of the budget for wardrobe and sets. They started a Kickstarter campaign to raise a minimum of $3,000. So far, they’ve raised less than one-third of their goal. The script calls for two cars from the 1960s. Frost already has one,
a 1961 Austin Healey, but he still needs a police car, a bicycle, furniture and miscellaneous items, such as cigarettes, Bibles and baking soda. “It’s a wonderful script,” Frost said. “It has a very large twist at the end. It made me gasp out loud when I read it.” The production title of the film is “War Cake.” The story follows 18-year-old Judith Hall and her struggle with the conservative and societal pressures of her small town. The coming-of-age journey twists Judith into a tragic descent of delusion. The film will be shot in Tampa, Orlando, Melbourne and other places. In Plant City, locations will include a barn and a lake. Frost found the barn by talking with friends. It will be used for a party scene.
NEWSBRIEFS
2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The motorcyclist — 53-year-old Jimmy Ray Gay, of Conyers, Ga. — was not wearing a helmet. He was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital, where he died. Lopez did not sustain any injuries. The investigation continues.
+ Motorcylist dies in Plant City crash
A motorcyclist died after a crash Dec. 19, in Plant City, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. According to FHP reports, at 3:55 p.m., a GMC Envoy, driven by 20-year-old Julia Lopez, of Plant City, was traveling east on U.S. 92, west of Robinson Orange Park. Lopez swerved to avoid traffic stopped ahead. As she swerved, her vehicle entered opposing traffic and collided nearly head-on with a
+ Funds raised to bring Guardsmen home
The Florida Army National Guard 3-116th Field Artillery Battalion made it home for Christmas. The Plant City rallied around the unit after learning the Guardsmen may not have been able to come
Amber Jurgensen
HOW TO HELP To help make War Cake become a reality, visit the Kickstarter page, kickstarter.com/ projects/ 1254859662/girl-pants-productions-presents-war-cake. The deadline to donate is Jan. 1, 2014. With each donation, donors will receive a special gift.
“It does help to be local,” Frost said. “I didn’t have to go doorto-door asking if anyone had a barn. I could just say, ‘I know you ride horses, do you know of any barns?’” One place Frost couldn’t nail down was the Cornerstone Community building. He loved the location but in the end couldn’t get in touch with anyone to schedule a time. Shooting is scheduled to take place from Jan. 3 to 18. “We’re trying to get a detailed schedule down with travel time,” Frost said. “It doesn’t look like we’re going to sleep much. It’s going to be a wonderful adventure.” Frost met the team from Girl Pants while going to school and working in Orlando. Stephen Vanderpool wrote the script for “War Cake.” Alex Hluch and Nick Giomouso, of Girl Pants, also will be involved. Girl Pants formed about 18 months ago. The company created
a web series, “Dr. What,” a parody of Dr. Who. It’s creators then left for Los Angeles. It was Frost that enticed them back to Florida, with a hankering for a new project. The team spent the summer looking through scripts to find the perfect one. After finishing “War Cake,” Frost plans to submit it to film festivals around the world. The costs raised from Kickstarter also would help absorb submission costs. “We’re up for the challenge,” Frost said. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
home for their leave pass during the holidays from Mississippi. About $34,000 were raised to pay for transportation costs. State Rep. Dan Raulerson and former state Rep. Rich Glorioso worked with Maj. Kyle Richardson and the American Legion Post 71 in Lake Wales to solicit funds. About $20,000 was raised through the American Legion. The issue also caught the eye of Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Scott was able to get Florida Retail Federation members including Walmart, Publix and Walgreens to add in $15,000, as well. Locally, companies such as CAE USA in Tampa heard about the need and also added to team’s
fundraising efforts. “Thank you so much to everyone who donated, as well as those who passed the Guard’s holiday wish along to others,” Raulerson said. “Every individual, civic group and media outlet that took up the cause made a difference.” The unit, which includes troops based in Plant City, Arcadia, Avon Park and Lake Wales, returned to the U.S., after a 10 month deployment in the Middle East. Before finishing their tour, the soldiers must remain in Mississippi until January to complete demobilization. The unit will be given an official homecoming in Plant City next month.
Anyone who wants to experience a little slice of foreign culture has a new opportunity in town. Four months ago, Plant City residents who wanted to smoke from a hookah had to travel to Brandon or Lakeland. Fadi and Hanadi Abed, DETAILS who also own HOOKAH KING II Lakeland’s Hoo- ADDRESS: 1854 kah King, have James L. Redman since changed that Parkway, Plant City by opening Hoo- HOURS: 3 p.m. to 2 kah King II in the a.m. daily Strawberry Plaza. PHONE: (813) 754“We had a 7600 choice between Plant City, Brandon and Valrico,” WHAT IS A Fadi Abed said. HOOKAH? “We didn’t see a A hookah is a tall hangout place for water pipe used 18- to 21-year-olds to smoke tobacco, in Plant City, so we and its origins can came here.” be traced back to Abed said the ancient Indian and 18- to 20-year-old Persian civilizations. crowd is attracThese aren’t tive because they made for smoking are old enough regular tobacco, to smoke tobachowever. Everything co but not old that goes into the enough to go to head has a distinct the bar. Hookah flavor, from someKing II does not thing as ordinary serve alcohol, and as strawberry to a one of Abed’s goals mashup of two or is for the lounge to three different flabe a popular place vors. One pipe can for that crowd to serve at least two socialize. people at a time for The lounge has 20 hookahs availa couple of hours. able for groups to use. The cost to smoke is $10 to $12 per hookah for two people, and extras can be added at $3 per person. There are also pipes, coals and tobacco for sale. Abed has three televisions hanging on the walls, which are usually tuned in to sports: basketball, soccer, football or whatever customers want to watch. One TV, in the back of the lounge, is connected to an Xbox 360, and there’s a two-person couch right in front of it. There are 40 standalone flavors of tobacco to choose from, and customers can mix two or three of them together. There are also some unique, pre-made blends available to smoke, such as the mango-dominated “Yachtmaster” and the raspberry-grape fusion of “Purple Hays.” Abed also offers to place the tobacco in an apple slice, altering the flavor even more. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
Justin Kline
Hookah King II owner Fadi Abed opened the new shop three months ago.
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FASHION / PAGE 1 ted in the brand. “We call it getting ‘Bowetied,’” Osch says. Osch always had been interested in fashion. After Durant, she graduated from Florida State, where she studied textiles and consumer products. But, the adventurous soul tried many things before making her first bracelet. She worked as a nanny and for Salt Life. Then she decided she would go to China to teach English. The trailblazer was supposed to be there for a year. She lasted only 63 days. “It just wasn’t the South,” Osch says. Still, Osch took some valuable lessons home with her. She also unknowingly took home what would spark her successful business. As one of her souvenirs, Osch brought back some jade beads. It took her six months
WHERE TO BUY BOUTIQUE: Fringe Boutique ADDRESS: 601 E. Alexander St. PHONE: (813) 754-4438 FACEBOOK: facebook. com/BourbonAndBoweties
to finally touch them. She wrapped her first bracelet around a red Solo cup. She was hooked. The line spread by word of mouth, and she worked tirelessly to launch it. Osch was at trade shows in a different city every day. Travel was incessant. She even lost a relationship over it. Her first store is in Charleston, N.C. Locally, she started selling at the hair salon next to Fringe. When Fringe opened, she moved her wares there. “We wanted a hometown retail spot,” Osch says. “We’re at home here.”
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!
MAINE: After enjoying some lobster bisque, Mac and Cookie Smith decided to read the Plant City Observer in Stonington, Maine. Snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Editor Michael Eng, meng@ plantcityobserver.com. Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.
Home is where the heart is. And the heart and soul Osch pours into her jewelry reflects her Southern roots. The line’s motto is, “Made by proud Southern hands.” Osch employes 67 local women that hand-make the bracelets out of her grandmother’s detached four-car garage. They get about 300 orders a day. The Bourbon and Boweties Facebook page even warns patrons to allow 48 to 72 hours for a response on an inquiry. Because Osch wants to keep the line artisan, she has worked with other talented artists in the area to create necklaces and earrings. “I’d love to keep up with that,” Osch says. “We want more people to benefit from our success. We want to share the love.” Osch only owns four of her pieces. But they’re the first ones she ever made. The natural stones — turquoise, quartz and blue agate — remind her
EDUCATION / PAGE 1 — armed but without arrest powers — at all 146 elementary schools. The guards will complement the sworn law enforcement officers who patrol at middle and high schools. If the plan is fully implemented, it will cost between $3.4 million and $4.5 million by various estimates. This first phase, costing $815,000, is a far cry from what Elia proposed nearly a year ago — a plan to hire all the guards in the first year. Instead, 20 officers and two specialists will be hired, requiring the recruits to divide their time among multiple schools. It’s still a more dramatic response to Sandy Hook than any other area school district has taken. While some invested in cameras, gates and buzzers — as did Hillsborough — officials in Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando did not hire guards. In Hillsborough, the issue has been highly divisive for the better part of a year. When Elia unveiled her original plan at a news conference in January,
Dozens of Plant City women attended Carley Osch’s local trunk show.
Amber Jurgensen
of her story. “Whatever you want to do put 100% into it,” Osch says.
“Never be afraid to try. An idea is just an idea as long as it’s on paper.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
she offended board members who wanted to take the lead in setting the security agenda. Even after two workshops and countless closed-door discussions between administrators and board members, questions remained about the current system and how the expansion would be funded. Board member Doretha Edgecomb asked security chief David Friedberg about his officers’ training and qualifications. “Very seldom do we hire someone with minimum experience,” he assured her. Community organizer Jose Colindres questioned whether the guards are protected by state law when they need to use force. School Board attorney Jim Porter said he believes they are, but he would research the topic further. Stuart said the price tag, which ultimately will push security spending to roughly $14 million, “breaks my heart.” She questioned whether the public supported the plan. “I see a lot of administrators here,” she said.
Griffin, who argued all along for a more holistic approach to the problems plaguing schools, said she still believes armed guards will not cure what amounts to a lack of civility among parents and children. “We have so many societal issues we are trying to address with this one shot in the arm, and it is an expensive shot in the arm,” she said. From their seats in the audience, the principals barely contained their emotions.“Oh, no,” they whispered when Stuart suggested they wanted campus disciplinarians. A few walked out after Griffin’s remarks. The principals applauded when Edgecomb pointed out that the auditorium they were in had guards to protect everyone’s safety. She asked: “How can I not offer that same peace of mind to those in our schools?” As with other issues facing this board, member Stacy White cast the swing vote. Now a candidate for Hillsborough County Commission, he told the principals half-jokingly that they should lobby
for the return of paddling. The problem, he said, was bigger than school violence. “We’re a society that needs to slow down, remember what really matters in life,” he said. “We need to stop our relentless pursuit of irrelevant material goods made in China.” People need to love their children but also discipline them, he said. “Instill in them a sense of responsibility toward God, country and their fellow human beings,” he said. He implored principals not to let the guards, if approved, make their schools less welcoming. And he asked that the proposal be tweaked to make it clear that the board was committing only to the first year of the plan. With that, board members voted. Principals applauded. And the board adjourned for the holidays. Times staff writers Lisa Gartner, Jeff Solochek and Danny Valentine contributed to this report. Contact Marlene Sokol at sokol@tampabay.com.
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COPS The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.
STEREO STOLEN
200 block of Park Springs Circle. Larceny from a Motor Vehicle. An unknown suspect removed the entire front passenger window to gain access to a Dodge Charger and steal a Bose stereo/CD player. The glass was shattered but held together by the window tint and was placed on the side of the building.
WALLET WOES
1100 block of North Knight Street. Vehicle Burglary. The victim stated she parked her car in her driveway. When she returned to it 20 minutes later, she noticed items had been taken. Unknown suspect(s) stole wallet, which contained the victim’s driver’s license, bank cards and $85, and a Dell laptop.
SCARY SITUATION
1800 block of Wilkins Court. Shooting into Occupied Conveyance. The victim said he had been hanging out at a “lake” and had some words with another male. The victim then came home and parked his car. Before he got out of the car, someone shot his car twice with a shotgun. The car had a broken window and several small impact marks.
NOV. 29
YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE
Intersection Airport Road and Alexander Street. DUI Traffic Crash. Officers responded to a crash with injuries, after which the occupants of the suspect vehicle fled the scene. A K-9 track located the driver about 300 feet in the wooded area in the 1200 block of West Grant Street. The suspect was charged with careless driving, leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, no valid driver’s license and DUI.
WILY ONE
100 block of North Palmer Street. Aggravated Battery. The victim stated he was intentionally struck by a vehicle. An officer located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic
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MANATEE
CORNER
DEC. 1
INTERESTING SELECTIONS
2000 block of Cedar Run Drive. Residential Burglary. The victim reported that between Nov. 27 and Dec. 1, unknown person(s) broke into his residence and stole a Dale Earnhardt checkbook cover and bottles of Wild Turkey whiskey.
stop. The driver was identified by the victim as the person driving the truck that struck him. The suspect was arrested and, while detained in the back seat of the patrol vehicle, he managed to get his handcuffs in front of him and opened the divider, which allowed him to start to crawl into the front seat of the patrol vehicle. The officer was able to re-secure the suspect, who was then transported to Orient Road Jail.
NOV. 30
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
2300 block of Paul Buchman Highway. Business Burglary. Store video shows that at 3:20 a.m. Nov. 30, a white Ford F350, F450 or F550 flatbed truck with a military-style hitch, backed up to the front doors of the store. Two black male suspects put a chain around the doors to break the lock. Once inside, the suspects attempted to steal the store’s ATM. No other store property was discovered stolen. Store video was downloaded and placed into evidence.
TRUCK TAKEN
600 block of South Frontage Road. Stolen Vehicle. The business representative reported a white 2006 Ford F450 flatbed truck was stolen sometime during the night. The truck had company logo on both doors. There was a hitch in the bed to tow a gooseneck trailer. The vehicle was recovered later in the night in the 4200 block of Hamilton Road, in Lakeland.
ELF ON A SHELF?
800 block of North Warnell Street. Residential Burglary. The victim reported that while he was away from his house last night, someone opened an unlocked window, entered the residence and ransacked his house but did not take anything.
SENSELESS ACT
Intersection of North Michigan Avenue and East Tomlin Street. Aggravated Battery. The male juvenile victim advised he was at a party when he was approached by a black male. The black male did not say anything but walked up and punched him in the face twice with a closed fist. This investigation is ongoing.
LOVE HURTS
3100 block of Azalea Blossom Drive. Domestic Battery.The victim advised his live-in girlfriend open-handed slapped him and chest-bumped him during an argument. The girlffriend was transported to Orient Road Jail.
ISTEAL
3200 block of Magnolia Garden Drive. Fraud. The victim advised her ATM card had been used to purchase merchandise from Apple, totaling $500.09. The officer made contact with Apple and learned the merchandise had not been shipped yet. The order was canceled, and her card was refunded.
BEER RUN
4600 block of West County Road 574. Retail Theft. The store clerk advised an unknown white male, about 6 feet tall, entered the store and walked out with an 18 pack of Bud Light without paying.
DEC. 1
STOLEN WHEELS
2300 block of West Granfield Avenue. Bicycle Theft. The victim witnessed two Hispanic males steal two of his bikes. Suspects were located on railroad tracks west of Alexander Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. A witness identified the suspects, and the bikes were recovered.
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LETTERS
technology by Mark Gordon | The Business Observer
TO THE EDITOR
+ WLCA needs your input for polo field
Dear Editor: We are asking for your ideas for the use/reuse/ adaptive use/active/passive ideas for the use of the ground known as the polo field area. That’s the entire, large area adjacent to where the dog park is located (which is not being changed). The WLCA Board of Directors started talking earlier this year about paving the area where the current users of the dog park and the area park their vehicles. It has, at times, gotten very muddy and a mess. As the board began discussing paving that area, a larger question surfaced concerning a long-range plan for the entire area, including the open space behind the community office/parking. Although a plan was discussed about six years ago, it was not implemented, and the board began discussions about a new plan for the large area and how to phase in the various elements of use. The board decided, before making a decision concerning the dog park parking lot, that it would take a broader look at what the best use of the land may be with the input and ideas from the current residents. Thus, a committee of board members and residents is being formed to put together and bring forward a long-range use-plan for the area. We are seeking ideas for how to best utilize the space. So far, ideas have included lined soccer fields, baseball diamonds, limited recreational vehicle storage space, touch football, disc golf, paved parking and more. Please submit your ideas and/or suggestions to manager@waldenlake.org. You also can drop off your written comments at the WLCA building. Deadline is the end of January 2014. The committee then will discuss and consider each and make a recommendation to the board in March. The board then will make the final decision, probably in late April 2014. Bob Hunter, WLCA Board of Directors
+ Thonotosassa exit too dangerous for Wawa
Dear Editor: I read with dismay your article in the Dec. 12 Plant City Times & Observer regarding the Wawa gas station being erected on the land adjoining Starbucks on Thonotosassa Road. This is a very dangerous intersection. The cars exiting from eastbound Interstate 4 clearly have a “Yield” sign facing them. Yet, rarely does one car yield to the cars on Thonotosassa. You are taking your life in your own hands to try to turn right into McDonalds or Publix. It seems as though all they want to do is get off the road, grab their cup of Starbucks and return back onto I-4 as quickly as possible. Something will need to be done with this intersection, involving much work. This is an accident looking for a place to happen. There already have been several fender-benders there, and I hope that a serious accident does not happen. Susan Kingsley Plant City
+ Resident appreciates Glorioso’s leadership
Dear Editor: I am pleased that Rich Glorioso has asserted his leadership skills in broaching the subject of a community solution for Walden Lake’s withering golf facilities. I hope the community will keep an open mind and think constructively on how things might proceed. A committee of professional and thoughtful people would be a good first step. I would ask Walden Lake Community Association President Jan Griffin and those on the board to refrain from speculating on what the cost might be. The truth is, no one really knows, until qualified accountants perform due diligence. There are many unknowns. Is the golf course for sale? Are the current owners valuing the golf course as a golf course as it is, or as something else assuming a favorable rezoning vote? What would be the repair costs? If the city votes denies on a rezoning, and the owners want out of the golf business, then a complete due diligence of the books would be more meaningful. Maybe there is an opportunity for the owners to exit financially intact and an opportunity for city government, WLCA, private businesses and the residents to collaborate on a true community solution. Could one scenario be a purchase of the property by the city, in essence making it a municipal course, operated by our state-funded Tampa Bay Sports Authority, clubhouse leased to private business entities, and WLCA taking a much more proactive role in rebuilding the course and membership for the benefit of the community and city? Just a thought. Don Marshall Walden Lake
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The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.
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Zweet Zymphony Plant City’s Rick Lott and Tom Frederick won the entrepreneurial equivalent of the Super Bowl earlier this year, when they sold Zeno Office Solutions, the office equipment supply firm they founded in 1996. Document management giant Xerox bought Zeno, with $65 million in annual sales, for an undisclosed sum in April. The firm still exists today, now under the name Zeno Office Solutions, a Xerox company. It has about 280 employees and nine offices across Florida, from its Tampa headquarters to Fort Myers, Sarasota, Jacksonville and Orlando locations. Longtime business partners Lott and Frederick, however, didn’t spend too much time on the celebration. In fact, their next go-big mission is already under way: to attack another business-to-business service oriented industry, IT support. “We know how to deliver a very high end service,” said Lott, who is also a Plant City commissioner and former mayor. “Now we want to do it in the IT world.” They aim to do that through Tampa-based Zymphony Technology Services. The 10-year-old firm, previously Zeno Technology Services, and before that, Infinity Technology Solutions, is one of the larger managed IT services and cloud-computing firms in the region. Lott and Frederick acquired Infinity last year and turned it into a Zeno division. Terry Hedden, a Business Observer 40 Under 40 winner in 2012, founded Infinity but left about a year after the sale. The firm now has about $5 million in annual sales, 50 employees and offices in Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando and Atlanta. It has more than 350 clients. Zymphony, which recently formally announced its name change, from Zeno, hopes to grab an even bigger portion of market share by targeting two segments. One part is small businesses that don’t have an IT services provider. The other piece is companies that have a provider, but could use a new or upgraded service.
A pair of flourishing executives bring their history of business success to an IT services firm. They have big plans in 2014.
Mark Wemple
Rick Lott, right, runs Tampa-based Zymphony Technology Services with Tom Frederick. The firm has around $5 million in annual sales and about 50 employees, with offices in Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando and Atlanta. The sales pitch, regardless of segment, Frederick said, is to provide clients with a help desk that does more than fix an Internet outage or help transfer documents to the cloud. Frederick said the firm’s “expertise is in making complex technology easy and cost efficient.” That goes from Microsoft Office 365 training to IT contracting. Zymphony also intends to differentiate itself in a competitiveyet-fragmented industry through expanding services. The firm, for instance, now has a software development division that creates mobile applications for clients. It also expanded its creative services division, which works on social media
and digital marketing for clients. Said Lott: “We want to look out for what our customers pain points are.” Lott and Frederick met in 1990, when both were executives at Danka Business Systems, once one of the largest office equipment firms in Florida. A fourthgeneration Plant City native, Lott began his career with Danka in 1980, when he was a copier tank cleaner. He worked his way up and, at one point, ran mergers and acquisitions. Frederick, meanwhile, worked in sales at Harris 3M before Danka. The duo left Danka in 1996 to form Zeno Office Solutions. They
started with a $2 million acquisition of another firm and grew with acquisitions and signing up customers. The firm managed to double annual revenues four separate times, Lott said, to reach $65 million by 2013 — despite an inconsistent economy. “Each downturn was an obstacle and an opportunity,” Lott said. The pair takes the same approach to Zymphony. It currently seeks companies to acquire, though it’s focused on doing more for current customers. “We want to dominate this market first,” Frederick said. “We want to be a competitive force in this industry.”
FURRY FRIENDS by Sydney Johnson | Plant City High School
Organizations work to end shelter overpopulation
A technique called Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release is helping control Hillsborough County’s cat population.
Editor’s note: Sydney Johnson is a senior at Plant City High School and enrolled in a journalism class through Florida Virtual School. Because of a rise in the number of homeless animals on the Tampa Bay Area streets, local shelters and non-profit organizations promote the use of an alternative solution to euthanasia, Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release. In Hillsborough County alone, almost 7,000 cats were euthanized in 2012, because of overpopulation. There are an estimated 200,000 cats living outside in colonies, whether feral, strays or abandoned pets, in the Tampa Bay area. Shelters do not have enough space to accommodate all these cats, and are forced to euthanize. However, a few local animal shelters are taking a stand to overcome this issue. An alternative solution to euthanasia is in the works, and it is working. Terese Locash, the foster coordinator for Cat Crusaders, can’t stress enough the benefits of TNVR. “In May 2013, Hillsborough County Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return to better control community cat populations,” she said. “If this doesn’t encourage the use of TNVR, I don’t know what will.” TNVR, is the method of humanely trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and then returning them to their colony to live out their lives. Thanks to local non-profit organizations such
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We want to hear from you. Let us know about your community events, celebrations and family member achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563
as Cat Crusaders, as well as the Humane Society of Tampa, the number of kittens born to feral colonies is being reduced. Shelters will let them live the remainder of their lives on the street now that they are unable to reproduce. But, shelters and organizations aren’t the only ones who can push forward this cause and stop euthanasia. Pet owners have the power to prevent more stray cats from being born. It is crucial for pet owners to recognize the importance of having their pet spayed/ neutered as soon as receiving it and before letting it go outside. This will ensure breeding will not occur, increasing populations of cats living on the streets. “The entire reason we have a pet overpopulation problem is because of irresponsible pet owners who do not, or did not spay/ neuter their pets and then let them outside.” Locash said. Together, though, with the help of individuals and organizations alike, TNVR can prevail, halting the use of euthanasia forever.” If not for the local pet rescue organizations and their volunteers, TNVR would never have reached the wide scale it has today. There have been more than 40,000 cats serviced by the Humane Society and ACT, the two biggest, low-cost spay/neuter clinics in Tampa. Locash is a member of Cat Crusaders a nonprofit, all-volunteer rescue dedicated to helping re-home cats and assist with the spay/
CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. 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, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
Courtesy photo
Sydney Johnson is a Plant City High senior and Cat Crusaders volunteer.
neuter awareness and education. “CC is the largest rescue, behind the Humane Society, that pulls cats/kittens off of death row in HCAS (Hillsborough County Animal Services),” Locash said. In addition, the group supports the TNVR community with much-needed funds while also educating the community about TNVR through social-media outlets. Cat Crusaders plays a major role not only in rescuing adoptable cats from “death row” in local kill shelters, but also finding homes for rescues and administering TNVR to local feral colonies. The organization also helps relocate some strays as well as animals that have been surrendered or are housed at any Bay Area shelter. On average, Locash said about 500 cats per year are placed in permanent homes, because of the organization’s efforts.
Plant City Times &
Observer General Manager/Editorial / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com
General Manager/Advertising / Tony Del Castillo, tdelcastillo@tampabay.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Joanna Verga, jverga@tampabay.com Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
Neighborhood R E A L E S TAT E | P L A N T C I T Y L I F E | O B I T U A R I E S | G A M E S | FA I T H | S P O RT S
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
CLUB HUBBUB
If your club would like to post announcements, email them to Associate Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajur gensen@plantcityobserver. com.
+ Plant City High Gentlemen’s Quest
The Gentlemen’s Quest Club of Plant City High School donated a Christmas dinner for 20 people. Even dessert was included. The dinner went to a local family of five. GQ is fairly new at Plant City High School and encourages male students to focus on good grades, good behavior and serving their community. This is the club’s first community service project. The club also will participate in parades while representing Plant City High School and the community. Front, from left: Damion Springfield, Korey King, Steven Ogletree, Ms. Julina Dolce (social worker), Steven Moore (handing the gift to Ms. Dolce), Dexter Hutchinson, Roberto Patino. Second row, from left: Gabriel Botkin, Kijafi Coney, Jacary Stevenson, Darius Saunders, Kencari Chancey, Kevin Hunter and Dr. O’Brien, club sponsor.
+ P.C. Daybreak Rotary Club
At the Daybreak Rotary Club’s annual Christmas party, the club presented a $10,000 check to Christine Miller, of the United Food Bank of Plant City. Miller is also a club member. The Christmas part was held at the home of club member Carole Wright.
+ Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce
The winners of the annual Christmas Tree Contest have been announced. Focus 4 Beauty took home first place. The Animal Wellness Center got its paws on second place. Dinosaur World nabbed third place. To vote, participants had to visit 65% of the businesses competing. Those who visited all 25 businesses were entered in a drawing for a $200 gift card. The winners of the drawing were Gary and Shirley Lange.
Luis Hernandez, David Reyes and Jorge Nieves-Dejesus had plenty of time to climb and explore.
Brenda Lopez-Hernandez, Skylar Kingsley and Arely Andrade showed off their best dance moves.
Fernando Aparicio tried on some goggles at the dinosaur exhibit.
Allana St. Amand learned about water and weather patterns.
TRAVELIN’ TRAPPERS
The outing was the kindergartners’ first field trip of their school careers.
Kindergartners from Trapnell Elementary School embarked on the first field trip of their school careers Dec. 11, with a visit to the Glazer Children’s Museum, in Tampa. The students enjoyed a variety of “edutainment”-style activities, including special stations for weather, mathematics, home economics, dinosaurs and much more. Following the field trip, the students enjoyed a picnic lunch at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Bryan Villegas-Nolasco enjoyed a plethora of hands-on activities. Left: Atalia Medina-Montesdeoc had a blast “shopping” at the Publix area of the museum.
FIELD TRIP! by Michael Eng | Editor Brenda Lopez-Hernandez learned all about water and weather patterns.
Guissel Cedilla loved trying out all the activities at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Left: Milagros Guiterrez loved the dinosaur exhibit.
The fire truck simulator was a hit.
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o come all ye faithful by Michael Eng | Editor
Hopewell singers share season’s sounds
The adult and children’s choirs of Hopewell Baptist Church presented a spirit-filled production, “Home for Christmas,” Dec. 22, at the church. The production featured solo singers, both choirs, a cast of actors and much more.
The children’s choir brought smiles to the audience.
Robby Beauchamp portrayed Johnny, who returned home from war in time for Christmas.
The production featured Hopewell’s adult choir. Right: Kodi Melton portrayed Joey, one of two sons in the production.
Randy Shirley performed a moving tribute to war veterans, “Letters From War.”
The production featured a faux radio broadcast.
LIFE LESSONS FROM THE FIELD
Fill an empty heart this Christmas season One-two-three, one-twoof Chicago for the interview. three, step, heel, together, step, Bare halls and bare walls, heel, together. no furniture, no rugs, nothLast month, my wife and I ing but a kitchen table and a had the wonderful opportuhandful of rice in the cupnity to dance in the Plant City boards. He learned during Noon Rotary Club fundraiser, the interview that Jenny and “Dancing with the Locals.” We Lydia only had one shortworked on a waltz, because sleeved dress apiece, plus a we enjoyed the flow thin gray sweater that of the music and also they shared. On cold the fact that I cannot days, when the girls do the gyrations that walked the half-mile to the rest of the great school, one of the girls dancers could do — would start with the no somersaults or sweater and then give cartwheels from me! it to the other at the The music was gentle halfway mark. It was all and slow, and it seems CHAPLAIN RET. they had. that we all like those Perfecta wanted MAJ. DANIEL moments when our MIDDLEBROOKS more for her grandlife flows effortlessly daughters and gladly through the days and nights. would have worked, but her Since December, it seems severe arthritis and age made that my gentle waltz of life work too difficult and painful. has become a jitterbug of Because it was a slow news activities. With the list of day, Lee decided to check out events, such as the Plant City a car and drive to Chicago’s Christmas Parade, social and West Side to check up on holiday events, shopping the Delgados. When Jenny and our church’s Christmas opened the door, he couldn’t program, the magical month believe what he saw! His of December has disappeared article on the Delgados had too quickly. touched the hearts of many Through my years of subscribers who responded military service and time with furniture and appliances, away from home during rugs, dozens of coats, scarves the holidays, I came across and gloves. The girls wouldn’t this wonderful story to help have to share a sweater any during these last days before longer. There were cartons Christmas. It begins with Lee, and boxes of food everya reporter for the Chicago where. They had so much Tribune. He was sitting at his food that the cupboards and desk on Christmas Eve, and, closets couldn’t contain it. during a slow news day, he Someone had even donated a found himself reminiscing Christmas tree, and under it about the Delgado family were mounds of presents and he had featured while writthousands of dollars in cash. ing a series of articles about Lee was astonished. But Chicago’s neediest people a what astonished him the few days earlier. The Delgados most was what he found Percomprised a grandmother fecta and her granddaughters named Perfecta and her two doing. They were preparing to granddaughters, Jenny, 13, give most of it away. and Lydia. Why would you give so He remembered how much of this away? Lee asked. unprepared he was when he Perfecta responded: Our walked into their two-room neighbors are still in need. We apartment on the West Side cannot have plenty, while they
have nothing. This is what Jesus would want us to do. Lee was dumbfounded. After regaining his composure, he asked Perfecta another question. He wanted to know what she and the girls thought about the generosity shown to them. Again, Lee was not prepared for the answer. This is wonderful; this is very good, she said. We did nothing to deserve this; it’s all a gift from God. But, she added: It is not his greatest gift, Lee. No, we celebrate that tomorrow. Jesus. Lee was speechless as he drove back to the office. In the quiet of his car, he noted a couple of observations. He had plenty and, along with it, plenty of anxiety, while the Delgados, despite their poverty had peace. Lee had everything and yet wanted more, but the Delgados had nothing and yet knew generosity. Lee had everything, and yet his life was as bare as the Delgados’ apartment prior to the article running. And, yet, the Delgados, who had nothing, were filled with hope, contentment and had a spiritual certainty. Even though Lee had so much more than the Delgados, he longed for what they had in their poverty. As we complete the wonderful and miraculous month of December, it is my prayer that we will become the very conduits of God’s grace and care as we “Bring the Hope of CHRISTmas to our Community.” It is also my prayer that there will be many “Lees” who will find this great gift to fill an empty heart. Do you know any? Chaplain Ret. Maj. Daniel Middlebrooks is pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church. For more information, call (813) 767-2082 or email to chaplainmiddlebrooks@hotmail. com.
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season in song by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
First Presbyterian hosts Tampa Oratorio Singers
Heavenly voices radiated from the First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, Dec. 14, for “Carols of the Season.” The Tampa Oratorio Singers performed Christmas favorites
in honor of the holiday season — much to the delight of the audience. The group is the oldest, continually performing music organization in the Tampa Bay area.
The group consists of a 60-plus voice community concert chorus. The group formed in 1967, to provide Tampa Bay-area music lovers with the opportunity to perform and hear the mu-
sic of the great choral masters. The group’s first performance was the Christmas portion of “Handel’s Messiah,” directed by Robert Landers, a former U.S. Air Force band director.
The singers brought much joy to the congregation.
The choir performed a variety of Christmas classics.
LET HEAVEN AND NATURE SING by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Church of God choirs combine for Christmas For the first time at Plant City Church of God, the children's choir and adult choir combined Dec. 13 to 15, for the church’s
annual Christmas production, “Meet Me at the Manger.” There were plenty of laughs. The production followed the
church's children's choir, which wanted to perform at a busy department store on the last shopping day of Christmas.
The adult choir performed alongside their younger counterparts in the children’s choir.
The younger performers even added some swing into the production.
“Meet Me at the Manger” featured plenty of cuteness. Right: No Christmas production is complete without a nativity scene.
breakfastwith the big guy by Michael Eng | Editor
Jolly Old St. Nicholas joins kids at Plant City YMCA Plant City children got a little one-on-one time with Jolly Old St. Nick Dec. 14, at the Plant City Family YMCA’s Breakfast with Santa event. Volunteers served up delicious pancakes Children made special reinand sausage, and deer candy canes. guests also we able to create a few holiday-themed crafts. Then, kids lined up to meet with Santa to share their wish lists.
Bob Wagner served up his famous Mickey Mouse-shaped flapjacks.
Jezabel and Juymayli Guido, both 4, attended the breakfast in matching outfits.
Abby Rhodes, left, Miranda Felker and Karla Deaquino had a blast coloring in their elf projects.
Emily Colburn helped children at the craft station.
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OBSERVEROBITUARIES Ida Marguerite Bender
Ida Marguerite Bender, 96, died Dec. 16, 2013. She was born Dec. 21, 1916, in Gem, W. Va., on to Walter and Carrie (Bull) Moyers. She married William H. Bender, who is deceased. Mrs. Bender was a graduate of Glenville State College, Glenville, W. Va. She began her teaching career in her native West Virginia. She has been a resident of Plant City since 1946. Mrs. Bender taught the first class for special education in East Hillsborough County. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Plant City, Woman’s Club of Plant City, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Kappa Delta Pi, an Honorary Educational Fraternity and a life member of Florida Retired Educators Association. Mrs. Bender loved children, was an avid reader, loved gardening, crossword puzzles, watching TV football and playing bridge. She is survived by a daughter, Ann Sharon Baker, of Plant City; two grandchildren, Michael Baker and Gretchen Baker; a niece, Radetta Nemcosky, of Burlington, Vt.; nephews, Robert Groves and Dr. Greg Groves, both of Romney, W. Va. She was preceded in death by her husband, William; a brother, Paul S. Moyers; and two sisters, Audra Taylor and Anna Groves. Funeral services were held Dec. 23, at Wells Memorial & Event Center, Plant City. Burial took place at Florida National Cemetery. Memorial may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, Florida Children’s Home, Life Path Hospice or the charity of choice.
Joe Berry Brock
Joe Berry Brock, 84, of Plant City, died Dec. 20, 2013, at Health Center of Plant City. Born Feb. 25, 1929, in Bainbridge, Ga., he was the son of the late Abram Brock and Nicey Park Brock. Mr. Brock was a member of Plant City’s First Baptist Church, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a produce buyer for Harkla Produce and Patterson Produce. Survivors include a son, Duane (Brooke) Brock; daughter, Lisa (Tommy) Pursley; brothers, Casper (Sue) Brock, Evans Brock; sisters, Lucille Faircloth and Ila Mae Phillips; grandchildren, Edna,
Carla; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by sisters, Evelyn Wetherington and Emily. A funeral service will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013 at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plant City. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Wanda Glenn
Wanda Glenn, 89, of Plant City, died Dec. 20, 2013. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, in Lakeland. She owned Wanda’s Beauty Shop, where she made beautiful people more beautiful. She was preceded in death by her, husband Bryan Turner Glenn; daughter-inlaw, Belen Glenn; and uncle, Chris Mize. She is survived by her children, Ann Chandler (Bob), of Lakeland, Bryan Glenn (Diocel), of Plant City, and Betty Gambrell (Johnny), of Lakeland; “adopted-daughter,” Shirley Hobbs (Julius); siblings, Dr. Bob Mize (Wanda Lee), Glenda Mae Glenn and Norma Justus; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life was held Dec. 23, at Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City. Private interment at Mt. Enon Cemetery, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LifePath Hospice, Development Dept., 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300, Temple Terrace, FL. 33637. Online condolences may be made to the family at wecare.io.
Reginald “Grampy” Mayo
Reginald “Reggie” “Grampy” Mayo, 75, of Plant City, died Dec. 20, 2013. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, served in Korea and a member of the Masonic Order. He was a generous man who always put more “water in the soup,” sharing with an open heart. He loved his family, and he enjoyed hanging out with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nola; children, Andrea, Chad (Shannon), Brian (Susan) and Dennis (Carol); grandchildren, Heather, Lauren, Jake, Luke, Ashton, Levi, Dustin, Jenna, Patrick and Danielle; siblings, Pat, Shirley, John, Tricia, Alice, Joyce, Darrell, Ruby, Pam and Ramona; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father,
Raymond; mother, Angeline; and brother, Greg. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 C.R. 39 S., Plant City. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Hopewell. Come as Mr. Mayo knew you. Interment to follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LifePath Hospice, Development Dept., 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300, Temple Terrace, FL. 33637. Online condolences may be made to the family at wecare.io.
James Devon “Bubba” Sheffield
James Devon “Bubba” Sheffield, 47, died Dec. 20, 2013. He was a lifelong resident of Plant City. Born on Jan. 24, 1966, to Roy and Betty (Blanton) Sheffield, he was a volunteer and then became captain of the Midway Fire Department for the last 12 years. He is survived by his parents, Roy and Betty Sheffield; wife, Paula Lemley; brother, Keith Sheffield (Tabatha Harper); aunt, Sandy Easters (Tony); two special nieces, Kandice Sheffield (Travis Horn) and Brittany Sanders (Luther), and many cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at noon, Dec. 26, at Mt. Enon Primitive Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.
Bobby Gene Waters
Bobby Gene Waters, 80, of Plant City, died Dec. 21, 2013, at South Florida Baptist Hospital, in Plant City. Born Jan. 24, 1933, in Nocatee, he was the son of the late Euell and Ola Hill Waters. He was the husband of Karen Horne Waters, who survives. Bobby served 1951 to 1954 as a PVT-2 in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, was a manager at Felton’s and Wyndle’s groceries, and loved to fish. Survivors also include sons, Dustin and Thomas Waters; daughters, Kendra Harrell, Debbie Rauh and Marie Richardson; brother, Jerry Johnson; sisters, Edwina McMillan, Jackie Shenefield; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by siblings, Barbara Nolen and Charles Waters. Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY | TENNIS
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Stephanie Galloway a behind-the-scenes star for Lady Raiders. 12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
SIDELINES YOUTH FOOTBALL
+ Dolphins, Trojans represent at Ray Jay
Three Plant City teams closed out the 2013 season with an appearance at the Game Day of Champions and, for the most part, found success. Two Plant City Dolphins teams – Pee Wee and Varsity – made the trek to Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 21, as well as the undefeated Turkey Creek Trojans Junior Varsity squad. Competition was tight for the Dolphins teams, and it was only the Pee Wees that managed to walk away with a win. In the closest game of the day, the little guys pulled out a 7-6 win over the Nuccio Jaguars — all thanks to a missed PAT on Nuccio’s part. The Varsity team, on the other hand, found itself on the losing end of a 15-12 final score in their matchup with the Brandon Ravens. A lastminute rally fell through after an onside kick with 1:32 to go was unsuccessful. And then, there were the Trojans. Their day was far less stressful, as they played the West Chase Colts and won, 20-7. This win, their second at Raymond James in as many years, was a great way to cap their perfect season.
golf by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Plant City 13-year-old wins U.S. Kids Golf Tour Fall Series
With a fifth-place finish in the Dec. 14 championship tournament, Lee locked up first-place honors on the tour and the Player of the Year award. Andrew Lee’s golf résumé got a little more impressive Dec. 14, when he won the U.S. Kids Golf Tour Fall Series. He now has that, a Player of theYear award, a mentoring job and a hole-in-one to his name. Not bad at all, especially for someone who only has been playing golf seriously for two years. Oh, and he’s also 13 years old. Lee, an eighth-grader at Tomlin Middle School, took a vested interest golf
in December 2011, after playing just for fun with his father, Duane Hall. “I played baseball for a while, but I got bored of it,” Lee says. “I had played golf before with my dad, so I tried it again and I loved it.” He ran track for the school this season, normally competing in the 800-meter race, but golf was always the top priority. He cites the golf culture as his favorite thing about the sport, the reason he de-
cided to stick with it without thinking of a return to baseball. “People aren’t rude,” he says. “It’s a calm sport. You’re only playing against the course and yourself.”
QUICK START
When Lee became interested in playing golf full-time, his family gave him
SEE LEE / PAGE 12
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
‘Tis also the season for sports
“Plant City: Its Origin and History,” he first arrived here in 1901, on a pit stop on
I know I mentioned in a previous column that Thanksgiving is my favorite federal holiday. But, that doesn’t mean I’m a Grinch. It’s just that all the enjoyment I’ve gotten out of Christmas, especially as I got older, has come from playing sports. For my family, Thanksgiving is the time when we all try to get together in one place and hang out with extended family members all day. Christmas doesn’t really fly under the radar, but we just like to open up JUSTIN our presents KLINE and go about our day until it’s time for supper. This has worked out pretty well for me, because I’ve almost always lived in neighborhoods with a lot of kids around my age. Growing up in Buffalo, N.Y., there was often way too much snow and ice on the ground to play in the yard, so that limited us to playing hockey. I lived across the street from one of my best friends, whose house had a big pond right in the backyard that froze over every year, and that served as a makeshift rink. A neighbor once erected a couple of spotlights, so we could play at night, and just thinking about that makes me want to give up a year’s worth of Christmas presents just to play pond hockey right now. As a side note: I don’t like to do New Year’s resolutions. But, if I had to make one for 2014, it would be to work on my hockey game again. When I moved in 2004 to Florida, hockey went out the window for a long time. I didn’t live close enough to Brandon to play there often, so I’d probably look pretty
SEE HISTORY / PAGE 12
SEE KLINE / PAGE 12
BASKETBALL
+ Crest set for holiday play
While Durant and Plant City still have plenty of vacation time left, Strawberry Crest’s teams will stay busy this holiday season. The boys and girls are both set to play in holiday tournaments this week, with the boys having just come out of the Bright House Shootout. They lost early in that one, 47-44, to a solid Nature Coast Tech team. They travel Dec. 27, to Lemon Bay High School, in Englewood, for the Adidas Slam Holiday Shootout. Their opponents already have been determined: the Chargers will get a 6-1 Port Charlotte squad at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 27, and Charlotte High School at noon, Dec. 28. Meanwhile, the Lady Chargers will play in the Willie Clemons Holiday Classic Dec. 26, at Southeast High School. They face Gibbs High School at 3:30 p.m. Should they win, their next game will be played Dec. 27, and another win would have them playing Dec. 28, in the final. Both teams return to normal action Jan. 7, when theyl host Steinbrenner. On the girls side, that’s not a matchup Chargers fans want to miss.
Courtesy photo
Although Andrew Lee hasn’t been golfing seriously for long, he’s made the most out of his brief career so far.
Photos courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives & History Center
The Indianapolis Indians Baseball Club was the first team to make its home in the Winter Strawberry Capital.
BLAST FROM THE PAST Plant City used to be a hotbed for professional baseball. Hosting a range of teams, from the Buffalo Bisons to the Miami Marlins, the site formerly known as Adelson Field used to be very busy at this time of year. Let’s say that, to get to work, you had to walk from the Wesley Centre downtown to the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. Could you do it? That’s precisely what baseball players in Plant City had to do, many years ago. The festival grounds used to be home to Adelson Field, and the downtown church used to be a hotel. On top of that, readers may not know much about the history of baseball in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World before the Reds came and left. Several professional and semi-pro teams made their winter homes here. Some names, such as the Buffalo Bisons, Indianapolis Indians and Miami Marlins, should sound familiar to baseball fans — they still exist to this day. There were also a lot of high school sports, youth leagues, rodeos and other events held at Adelson Field, but the bigger leagues got the most attention.
THE PLAYING FIELD
Looking back in time, we can thank
James Redman was a good ballplayer in his day. Samuel Delmar Adelson for shaping Plant City’s sports scene. Adelson, who lived here for 52 years, was an interesting guy. According to
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MEET THE ROBINSONS
The Robinson family is one of Plant City’s oldest, and at one point, it had enough boys to field its own baseball team (one pitcher threw all nine innings in those days). In fact, that was a goal that Dan Robinson had when he started his family with wife, Martha. Tobe was the catcher, Lucian played first base, Jim played second, Joe was shortstop, Henry played third, Kie played left field, Dan played in center, Fred was out in right, and Hugh took the pitching mound. They borrowed uniforms from the Coronet Mines team on July 4, 1912, to play the Plant City Regulars and lost, 2-1.
HISTORY / PAGE 11 his way to Cuba. He fell in love with the town, moved here and made his money in the fruit and vegetable trade. He always had a hand in the town’s civic affairs. He also was interested in sports and made sure that they were played in Plant City. Adelson was a major contributor to the construction of the football and baseball field, which was named for him. He also was largely responsible for bringing Plant City its first spring training team with the Indians. Other than the professional teams, the biggest user of Adelson Field was Plant City High School. Before they were the Raiders, they were the Planters, and the football and base-
ball teams played their home games at the field. It was split three ways for its three functions. On the far left, there was the football field, with bleachers, a press box, a fieldhouse and a house for the caretaker. Sandwiched in the middle was the baseball field, the grandstands and the scoreboard. On the far right was the softball field, which is where youth and adult leagues played and fans packed the stands. It was where local businesses, many of which had their own softball teams, met to play some friendly games. It was where Plant City notables, such as James Redman and the Robinson family, played their favorite sports. It was also where Plant City’s first big-time athlete began his second bigleague comeback.
REMEMBERING RIP
Truett “Rip” Sewell was not born here. But, in 1936, he was acquired by the Bisons — Plant City’s winter team at the time — and made his way to the area. Buffalo was the best triple-A team in the country, and Sewell was steadily working his way up to Major League Baseball. After meeting his second wife, Margaret, at an ice cream parlor in the Hotel Plant, he decided to stay in town. Although he was a good pitcher to begin with, his stardom took off in 1941, following a hunting accident in Ocala that permanently damaged his foot. This forced him to change his pitching motion, and led to the birth of a new pitch: the “blooper.” Baseball fans of today know this pitch as the “eephus.”
Plant City was a good place for major league teams to play winter ball. It’s really more of a lob than a pitch: Sewell would grip the ball along the seam with three fingers, flipping it hard enough to launch it high in the air with a lot of backspin. It’s tough to hit because it arcs so high and travels extremely slow. Batters are used to seeing pitches in the 75- to 95-mph range, but the eephus is usually in the 40s. He quickly went from “good” to “unhittable” and made some All-Star teams. It was at the 1946 All-Star Game in Boston that he etched his place in baseball history, thanks to the big bat of Ted Williams. “I went there to see him play, because he was from Plant City,” former Mayor Dick Elston said. “Ted Williams came up to bat and (Sewell) threw that pitch, and Williams hit it out of the park. The whole place went silent at first — we didn’t expect anyone to hit that pitch, let alone hit it out of the park.” And then, the crowd went nuts. Williams was the first — and only — player in baseball history to take Sewell yard on an eephus. The pitch became Sewell’s claim to fame, and
KLINE / PAGE 11 rusty on the ice today. Our group of seven neighborhood kids instead just went with whatever fad was in at the time. We took up skateboarding one year, not knowing how difficult it actually was, on my first Christmas in the state — everyone got a board at the same time. Because someone got a mini-rail, and my cousin got a couple of small ramps, we all played a game of HORSE as soon as we had everything set up. It was painful, yet fun. Once the skateboarding fad died down, we took up football in the yard with other kids from around the neighborhood. My favorite game was played on a Christmas
STEPHANIE GALLOWAY As the Lady Raiders’ assists leader, Stephanie Galloway’s behind-the-scenes work is crucial to the offense’s success. On Plant City’s Senior Night, however, there was a role reversal: This time, it was Galloway putting the ball in the net, and that goal was the go-ahead game-winner. Not a bad way to close out her final home game in the orange and teal. How were you feeling this week, going into the game? A little bit exhausted, based on getting ready for exams and all that. But I think I’ve been doing fine, and I’m proud of the way I’m playing.
What are your personal goals for this season? Just to play my best every single game. I don’t want to walk off the field thinking that I didn’t give it my best effort. What are some of your hobbies outside of soccer? This year, I’ve been doing mostly school and soccer. I also played flag football. I like to go out with my friends, but I don’t consider that a hobby. What do you and your friends do for fun? The mall. I love the mall — I go to the mall way too much. When it’s warm, I love to go to the beach. Favorite place to shop? Not really, I used to when I was younger. I just bounce around from store to store. Favorite beach? St. Pete Beach. It’s close, and it’s nice. I’ve stayed at some of the hotels there, and it’s really nice.
he was OK with that. He even named his cocker spaniel “Blooper.” After baseball, Sewell retired and returned to Plant City. He spent his final 40 years here and died after his health conditions — which had cost him both legs — got the better of him. He stayed active for many years, with and without his legs. “Even with his wooden legs, he liked to play golf,” Elston says. “He didn’t let that stop him. I was playing golf with him and a few friends one day. … He was putting, and this guy said to him, ‘If you miss this putt, I’m going to throw termites on your leg!’ We were all dying laughing, and so was he.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
when two of the kids got new footballs, and something possessed me to line up at running back for the first time in my life. I stiff-armed two kids, both bigger than me, on one draw play and scored a touchdown. I felt like Marshawn Lynch. And, anyone who knows me — or has seen me in person — immediately knows why football never really worked out for me when I was growing up. When we stopped playing football, someone got a basketball hoop. We played a lot of 2-on-2 games, but there was one Christmas, when my cousin and I teamed up and ran the tables on everybody all night. We had a great scheme. He was the fastest kid in the neighborhood, so he
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
How would you say the season’s going? Good, definitely. We’ve lost a couple seniors, but I definitely think that the new girls have filled their spots well. We’re improving from game to game.
Photos courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives & History Center
Adelson Field was situated right next to the old Plant City High School, and hosted all of the school’s sporting events.
could get open at the drop of a hat. All I had to do was draw one defender next to the other and set a screen. They’d bump into each other, my cousin would cut to the basket, and we’d get a bucket — all within about 15 seconds. If that didn’t work, he could create a shot for himself off of the dribble, and I just had to be ready to rebound. We should have gambled on ourselves that day. Although Christmas will have passed by the time you read this, I hope you will have made some great memories outside the house, tossing the pigskin around the yard or playing some pickup games in your favorite sport with friends and family.
LEE / PAGE 11 their full support. Although he only plays for fun, Hall ended up coaching his son — a role he still fills to this day. They’ve frequented the YMCA Par 3, in Lakeland, and Lee normally plays all around the city. “Grasslands is my favorite course,” he says. “It’s really nice — not too easy. It gives you a challenge.” Lee began attending and volunteering at a number of golf tournaments and has met several celebrities along the way. He got to meet Rickie Fowler, his favorite player, and Fred Couples at one tournament, and even got to putt for NBA legend Charles Barkley at another. “His swing has gotten better, but it’s still weird,” Lee says. Lee’s first tournament win came in December 2012, at the Par 3 in Lakeland. He remembers that the weather was particularly rough that day, but everything worked out in his favor. “It was cold, windy — really hard to play,” he says. “It was a par 3 course. I’m not normally great at putting, but my short game was good that day.” His favorite memory, though, happened in 2012, when he did something that many golfers spend decades trying or hoping to do: He hit a hole-in-one on his home course. “It was the day of my birthday party, Feb. 9,” Lee remembers. “Hole 4 at the Par 3 in Lakeland. I hit a 105-yard hole-in-one, and then I had my birthday party.” Fast-forward to 2013. Lee competed in the Tampa Local Tour over the past four months, starting Sept. 23, with a win at Crescent Oaks. After two second-place finishes, behind Brandon’s James Morotti II, Lee jumped back into first place overall on Oct. 28, shooting an 86 for a second-place finish at Summerfield Crossings.
THE FUTURE
Some of the teams that made their home in Plant City, such as the Syracuse Chiefs, are still around to this day.
Lee is taking the winter season off to work on his game, saying he needs to work on his putting and chipping. What
ABOUT ANDREW
AGE: 13 SCHOOL: Tomlin Middle School, eighth grade LOWEST ROUND IN 2013: 86 FAVORITE CLUBS: Irons FAVORITE COURSE: Grasslands, Lakeland BIGGEST SHOT: Hole-inone, Feb. 9, 2012 OTHER OCCUPATION: Golf mentor, the First Tee of Lakeland was once his strong suit became the weakest part of his game, after he decided to get better with the irons and driver and somewhat neglected the short game. Taking the winter season off also will let him focus more on his activities at Tomlin, where he’s quite involved. Lee is a member of the National Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders of America, and is also an eighth-grade representative in student government. He also plans on enjoying the vacation from school. Outside of golf, he enjoys fishing around Walden Lake and playing pickup football with his buddies. Lee’s goal is to start competing again in May — presumably back on the U.S. Kids Golf Tour for one last time, as 14 is the cutoff age for eligibility. He’ll also continue his side gig, mentoring other golfers at the First Tee of Lakeland. Since last fall, Lee has volunteered his time and knowledge once a week at the course. “The manager just asked me, one day, if I wanted to help the kids” Lee says. “Plus, it would give me some practice.” Lee ends up coaching anyone who comes to him and asks for help, even if it’s just quick tips. He has no regular mentees, so he hasn’t been able to track any kid’s progress over a certain amount of time. But, he and his parents love what he does. “It’s great that he serves the community, that he gives back,” mother Nikki Hall, says. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
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PLANT CITY
RAIN
(INCHES)
WEATHER
WED.
Dec. 18
0.00
THURS.
TEMPERATURES
Dec. 19
0.00
FRI.
Thurs., Dec. 26 Fri., Dec. 27 Sat., Dec. 28 Sun., Dec. 29 Mon., Dec. 30 Tues., Dec. 31 Wed., Jan. 1
Dec. 20
0.00
SAT.
Dec. 21
0.15
SUN.
Dec. 22
0.00
MON.
Dec. 23
N/A
TUES.
Dec. 24
N/A
DEC.
TO DATE
0.45 (2012: 1.30)
HIGH 74 70 75 75 70 64 75
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Thurs., Dec. 26 Fri., Dec. 27 Sat., Dec. 28 Sun., Dec. 29 Mon., Dec. 30 Tues., Dec. 31 Wed., Jan. 1
SUNRISE 7:18 a.m. 7:18 a.m. 7:19 a.m. 7:19 a.m. 7:19 a.m. 7:20 a.m. 7:20 a.m.
SUNSET 5:40 p.m. 5:41 p.m. 5:41 p.m. 5:42 p.m. 5:42 p.m. 5:43 p.m. 5:44 p.m.
LOW 58 55 55 52 46 45 50
MOON PHASES
Jan. 7
Jan. 15
STRAWBERRY PRICES CENTRAL FLORIDA
YEAR
Jan. 23
PRODUCT LOW HIGH 8 1-pound containers $18.90 $20.90
TO DATE 38.96 (2012: 42.35)
Statistics courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
Jan. 1
, 3&
Walden Lake resident Cheryl Biernat snapped this amazing shot of a cotton-candy sunset. She calls it, “Dusk at Dinner.” The Plant City Times & Observer, State Farm Insurance agent Tony Lee and The Corner Store have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $10 gift certificate to The Corner Store! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at The Corner Store.
TEAM PLAYERS
By Tim Burr | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Salary limit 4 First X or O, say 7 Describe concisely 12 Feudal slave 17 Spaghetti sauce ingredient 19 Join the student body 20 It’s blue, in song 21 Act of saving a life, e.g. 22 Highly esteemed guy, e.g. 24 Tasting of wood, as some spirits 25 Not all the way 27 Nerd 28 Power-drill accessory 29 Many bricks shy of a full load 32 It might be wild 33 Bulky phone-book section 34 They know the angles 40 Roaring Twenties, e.g. 41 Letters on an ambulance 42 Scot’s “not” 43 “___ 18” (Uris book) 44 Pleasure trip, e.g. 47 Apostate 49 On a clipper 52 Reagan or Wilson 53 Vacuum’s target 54 Bar mitzvah site (var.) 56 Some kitchen utensils 59 Diamond or ruby 60 Smooth and shiny 62 Dig find 64 Yawn inducer 66 James Cagney classic 71 Act, in Acts? 72 Concerto instrument 73 Twilight, poetically 76 Attorney’s org.
79 82 84 85 87 89 91 93 94 95 96 97 103 104 105 106 107 108 111 115 118 121 122 123 124 125 126 127
Provides party provisions Shows one’s teeth, in a way Cogito ___ sum Precipice part Ecclesiastical jurisdiction Certain dress code Touch tenderly and lightly “How unfortunate!” Cooped-up female? Nod at Christie’s Formal accessory Agatha Christie mystery Barley bristle Departments with slicers Of greatest age “On the other hand ...” It once meant “once” Kansas city Buddy Huxley classic Covered with foam ___ Pie (ice cream treat) Foot in a line Most in need of a dye job? Cherries’ leftovers Plait of hair “___ the ramparts ...” “Well, ___-di-dah!”
DOWN 1 Kind of salmon 2 Math calculation 3 Employment enticement 4 Tiki bar drink: mai ___ 5 Shoo-___ (sure things) 6 Seek similarities
SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 23 26 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 45 46 48 49 50 51 55 57 58 61 63
Pique River through Russia Half a Billy Idol hit Maximum degree (Abbr.) One of 10 in Exodus Tom of Hollywood Chang’s twin Moving laboriously Bow or curtsy, e.g. Campers’ residences Other nations, to Israelites “Snowy” bird Childish rebuttal Nobel physicist Simon van der ___ “___ other questions?” Hawaiian state bird Walk of Fame symbols British Gold Coast, today Neuters a colt Message sent by computer Fish-eating hawk Estevez of Hollywood Be in a bad way Cinema snippet Airport stat. Without praise, as a hero High school class Word after home or bed Rained buckets Word sung early in the year Certain amphetamine High point of a flood ___ a good note “Messenger” compound Bad-mouths Beat walker
© 2013 Universal Uclick
65 67 68 69 70 74 75 76 77 78 80 81 83
Runs at a red light Hawaii’s Mauna ___ Reader’s ___ (magazine) Ullrich of Metallica Certain Nigerian native “Come ___?” (“Huh?”) Jell-O shapers “Dancing With the Stars” network Small pork sausage Opening of a fuelburning engine Iranian cash Songs for one What a director directs
86
Michelle Obama, ___ Robinson 88 Garfield, for one 90 Added conditions 92 Heater for tailgate parties, often 94 2004 Viggo Mortensen horse film 98 “If all ___ fails ...” 99 Knucklehead 100 City of northern England 101 Yellowstone beast 102 In need of calamine lotion
103 French clerics 104 Judges 108 Large and scholarly book 109 Royal symbols 110 Opposite of minus 112 Weak spot for Achilles 113 “Major” constellation 114 The stuff of legends 116 ___ and vigor 117 Part of POW 119 “Who ___ you kidding?” 120 Street material
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