12.30.16 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

2016: The year in photos

SEE PAGES 3-15

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 25

YOUR TOWN

CareFest seeking volunteers

FREE

•

FRIDAY,DECEMBER 30, 2016

The Plant City MLK Festival will take place from Friday, Jan. 6, through Saturday, Jan. 21.

#PlantCityMLK Courtesy Photo

CareFest Plant City is seeking volunteers for a day of community service. CareFest unites churches, businesses, organizations and cities every year to serve the community. The event is normally held in Plant City in September, but this year will be held in conjunction with the Plant City MLK Festival from Monday, Jan. 16, to Saturday, Jan. 21. CareFest Plant City is currently seeking financial sponsors, supply donors and project volunteers. Projects this year include a homeowner in need of a new sliding door, homes needing landscape work and homes needing new carpet. Further projects can be found online at CareFestUSA. com. Those wishing to help with CareFest Plant City can email Coordinator@CareFest.com, or can call (813) 326-0749.

Far Left: Allysen Kerr and Vicky Saunders took a selfie at the Bing Rooming House Museum. Emily Topper

Left: William Thomas Jr., Improvement League president, hopes the festival will raise $42,000 for the Bing Rooming House Museum.

EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

For William Thomas Jr., it’s all about purpose. Thomas serves as the president of the Improvement League of Plant City, which will be hosting the 31st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Festival in Plant City from Friday, Jan. 6, through Saturday, Jan. 21. This year, the organization is inviting Plant City residents to celebrate history in an interactive way. The MLK Festival will include the Plant City African-American Selfie Tour, which incorporates historical African-American landmarks around town. “It centers around the Bing House,” Thomas said. “That museum highlights the African-American history of Plant City and it helps bring more attention to what we’re trying to do. We’re doing the sites and the selfie tour to draw more attention to what we’re doing and what our purpose is.” The selfie tour will kick off Monday, Jan. 2, and includes 25 sites of historical significance. In addition to the Bing Rooming House Museum, other sites of significance include the Glover School, Bealsville Park, Antioch Church and Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Thomas hopes that younger people will be encouraged to actively learn about history through the area. Selfies can be posted to Instagram with the hashtag, #PlantCityMLK.

ABWA to host Plant City-themed race The first annual Amazing Race in Plant City will take place Saturday, Jan. 7. Plant City’s American Business Women’s Association chapter is bringing something “amazing” to town. The organization announced plans to host its first annual Amazing Race from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Hillsborough Title, 1605 S. Alexander St. The race will see teams of two conquer a course full of obstacles, challenges and road blocks, incorporating Plant City’s landmarks and businesses. Prizes up to $500 will be awarded to the top three teams, as well as a $100 team spirit award to the team with the most creative props, accessories and team name. The cost to register is $125 per team, and registration must be completed by Saturday, Dec. 31. For more information, visit ABWAAmazingRace.com, or visit Facebook.com/ABWAPlantCity.

SEE TOUR PAGE 2

Mimmy’s Makes Moves Mimmy’s Dog House, which regularly caters parties and events in the Plant City area, will be making a permanent home at the University Mall in Tampa.

Starting the first week of 2017, the daily dog hunt will come to a close. The Aviretts will host a soft opening of Mimmy’s Dog House in Tampa’s University Mall food court on Wednesday, Jan. 4. It’s a dream come true for the couple, who has seen their business grow rapidly since first opening Mimmy’s with the desire to put family first.

EMILY TOPPER

DOG-GONE GOOD DECISIONS

MANAGING EDITOR

Emily Topper

Richard and Kimberly Avirett frequently serve hot dogs from Mimmy’s Dog House to Plant City residents. In January, they’ll take on Tampa Bay.

It’s not unusual for Richard and Kimberly Avirett to get calls from their regulars after hours. The Mimmy’s Dog House owners have a loyal following of customers who seek out their roaming hot dog cart multiple times per week.

Before there was Mimmy’s, there was mail. Lots of it. Kimberly Avirett was working for the post office as a mail carrier, a job that took her away from seeing her family as much as she would like. “I have two small kids,” Kimberly SEE MIMMY PAGE 2

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

SELFIE TOUR SITES

FROM TOUR PAGE 1

“A lot of young people are descendants of these business owners and families and they don’t even know it,” Thomas said. “We also want to draw in the inclusion of downtown. It’s about starting that conversation.” The first three people to submit the most photos from the selfie tour will each receive a Visa gift card, as well as recognition at the festival’s annual MLK Leadership Breakfast on Sunday, Jan. 15. The selfie tour ends Tuesday, Jan. 10. But the tour isn’t the only addition made to the festival this year. The Improvement League also has teamed up with Norm Blanton and CareFest Plant City, which uses volunteers to help those in need. “CareFest moved their dates to take place during cooler weather,” Thomas said. “We combined it. It’s a project we can’t get done in a day, so we’ll be having two days of service.” Volunteers will team up to assist with CareFest Plant City on Monday, Jan. 16, and Saturday, Jan. 21. The highlight of the festival will be the Saturday Street Fest on Saturday, Jan. 14, which includes the festival’s annual drumline battle and MLK Parade at the MLK Recreation Center and Sports Complex, with the parade kicking off in Historic Downtown Plant City. The festival will continue Sunday, Jan. 15, with the MLK Leadership Breakfast at Hillsborough Community College. This year’s keynote speaker is Hillsborough Chief of Schools Harrison Peters. Channel 10

FROM MIMMY PAGE 1

Avirett said. “I didn’t get to see them much.” The Aviretts, fans of hot dogs themselves, were avid attendees of local festivals. Seeing the food vendors and the fun that came along with it encouraged them to take their dreams to a cart. “I was at work one day, and I went to my boss and put my two weeks in,” Kimberly Avirett said. “I said, ‘This idea better work now,’ and we went and bought the cart.” It didn’t take long for the Aviretts to hit their sweet spot. After debuting the cart on street corner in Lithia and another spot in Ft. Lonesome,

KEY DATES

A full list of selfie tour sites are available at the Bing Rooming House Museum. Key sites include: n Allen Chapel n Plant City Photo Archives n Snowden Park n Sam Cooper Park n Reaves Barbershop n Marie B. Ellis Park n MLK Rec Center n Marshall Middle School n Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist

Church Extra Credit: Find a surviving former principal of Marshall High School and a former Negro League Baseball Player (major or minor league) FEATURED PLANT CITY MLK FESTIVAL SPONSORS n Spectrum n Mosaic Company n Suncoast Credit Union n TECO n Publix n City of Plant City n Mayor Rick Lott n Jarrett-Scott Ford n Florida Strawberry Festival n John Dicks Foundation

Emily Topper

The Bing Rooming House Museum is part of this year’s selfie tour. Funds raised from the tour will go toward finishing the museum’s kitchen.

News Anchor Tammy Fields will serve as the mistress of ceremony. While the goal of the festival is to give back while celebrating history, the festival also serves as the primary fundraiser for the Bing Rooming House Museum. This year, festi-

val organizers hope to raise the final $42,000 needed to complete the back portion of the museum. “That’s one of our main goals,” Thomas said. “It will include a kitchen and an exhibit of family and soul food recipes.” The purpose of the finished kitchen is to support plans for an upcoming Taste of Laura Street Soul Food Festival, which is slated for March 2017. “That will include a cook-off contest and include wings, greens, corn-

bread and mac and cheese,” Thomas said. “Ten participants will compete and the public will judge.” The Plant City MLK Festival will kick off at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, with the Forever Young Old School Jam at the Historic Glover School, 5110 Horton Road. Tickets are $10 and can be picked up at the Bing Rooming House Musuem, 205 S. Allen St.

the couple finally found their hot dog haven at the corner of Lithia and Pinecrest. The Aviretts sold Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Georgia-smoked sausage, later adding in fresh-squeezed lemonade. Soon, they saw their business turn into a community hangout. “We made a killing,” Kimberly Avirett said. Plant City residents are likely familiar with the hot dog stand, as the couple frequently caters parties and events throughout the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. “We’ve catered at CityPointe Church,” Richard Avirett said. “They’ve probably been our biggest cheerleaders.” Now, the couple has plans to help

Mimmy’s reach all of Tampa Bay. After the soft opening at University Mall on Jan. 4, Mimmy’s Dog House will officially be open in the food court on Friday, Jan. 6. As they reach more customers, the couple plans to hire a few, part-time employees, enabling them to spend more time with their families. They’ll still use the hot dog cart for parties and events, and on the weekends. They hope to attract many of their customers from the nearby University of South Florida campus. “It’s college kid food,” Richard Avirett said.”We’re wanting to serve young people. We’ll be closed on Sundays. We want to model the com-

pany off of Chick-fil-A standards. We spend time with our family and go to church on Sundays.” “We definitely would like to get some help,” Kimberly Avirett said. “Our goal is family time.” In addition to hot dogs — which are served steamed — and sausages, the food court station will also offer wraps and salads to customers. But even after selling hot dogs day in and day out, the party food is still a favorite for the Aviretts. “We still eat them about every day,” Richard Avirett said.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

Forever Young Old School Jam: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at the Glover School, 5110 Horton Road. $10 admission. Black Gospel Experience: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 8 Bing Rooming House Museum Tour: All day, Monday, Jan. 9 Glover School Campus Tour: All day, Tuesday, Jan. 10 Downtown Tour: All day, Wednesday, Jan. 11 Spoken Word: 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at the Bing Rooming House, 205 S. Allen St. Street Fest and Parade: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the MLK Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Sunday Leadership Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Hillsborough Community College, 1201 N. Park Road. $30 admission. Sunday MLK Gospel Fest: 4:00 p.m. at the MLK Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

BUY TICKETS Where: Bing Rooming House Museum, 205 S. Allen St. When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday Cost: Forever Young Old School Jam, $10; Sunday Leadership Breakfast, $30

IF YOU GO MIMMY’S DOG HOUSE Where: University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; in the food court Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays Serves: Nathan’s Hot Dogs, fresh-squeezed lemonade, sausages, wraps, salads, pulled pork hot dogs, taco dogs Call: For events and parties or other catering, call: (813) 928-3575.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

EMILY TOPPER | MANAGING EDITOR

OUR PHOTOS

hen I accepted a job as a staff writer

YOUR STORIES

with the Plant City Times & Observer back in 2015, a friend of mine asked

me if I’d be okay with having a ‘desk job.’ I still can’t answer her. I’ve never had a desk job. Every day, our staff picks up our cameras and our notepads and ventures out into the community. You invite us with open arms into your homes, your churches, your businesses and your events. In 2016, we’ve stood in the fields with farmers as they weathered a difficult strawberry season. We’ve attended football and basketball games, seen the passing of the torch at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and the United Food Bank of Plant City and witnessed live surgeries. We’ve covered talent shows and concerts, dinners and fundraisers, meetings and ceremonies. We’ve celebrated with you and we’ve grieved with you, from parties in makeshift ballrooms to recounting a loved one’s life. Week after week, we are able to fill our pages with the stories of your world. To do this every day is an honor and a responsibility, one we hold to the highest standard. Looking back, we feel immense gratitude for the stories we were able to share with you in 2016. We hope you enjoy these favorite and most memorable moments from throughout this last year. We wish you a happy and safe new year, and look forward to continuing to share your stories every Friday in 2017. Thank you for allowing us to do what we love.

2016: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

At the age of 90, Dr. William Midyette retired after 62 years of dentistry in Plant City.

ONLINE

File Photos

Top: Plant City hosted its first ever InstaMeet in local strawberry fields. Above: Mayor Rick Lott and wife Di Lott participated in the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Fashion Show.

See all the stories and photos from the year at PlantCityObserver.com

Above: Residents participated in the annual Plant City MLK Festival. Left: Haley Riley was crowned the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. Bruton Memorial Library celebrated the dedication of the Marion Cook “Cookie” Smith Reading/Conference Room.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

2016: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Above:: 2015 Citizen of the Year Dub McGinnes congratulated Sharon Moody. Right: Sharon Moody was named the 2016 Citizen of the Year for her many community involvements. File Photos

Top: Fancy Farms grower Carl Grooms and other local growers faced a strawberry season full of â&#x20AC;&#x153;nibblerâ&#x20AC;? berries. Above: Dodie White and her sister, Marsha Passmore, collected the crowns of Florida Strawberry Festival queens past for an exhibit at the 2016 festival.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

2016: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Top: Publix Supermarkets Inc. launched a video of the Plant City harvest. Above: Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Haley Riley found a fashion twin at the 2016 Baby Parade. Right: Sarah Palin visited the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival. Far Right: Helen Parke was the grand marshal of the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival.

File Photos

Top: Over 6,000 people attended the 2016 Planes, Trains and Automobiles festival. Left: Plant City residents celebrated Easter. Above: Karlea Lynné Boswell-Edwards shared the story of her acceptance to Berklee College of Music.

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

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CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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

SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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PLANT CITY TIMES &

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

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

2016: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

File Photos

Top: New Hope Worship Center purchased the Cornerstone Building in Historic Downtown. Far Above: Carlie Braglin was crowned the 2016 Little Miss Plant City. Above: Marion Smith celebrated her retirement from the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Left: Durant High School hosted a talent show.

Far Above: First Baptist Church Plant City hosted a groundbreaking for its new campus. Above: Plant City girls competed in the 2016 Blueberry Pageant. Right: The 2016 Blueberry Festival was a hit.

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A 131-YEAR LEGACY Founded in 1884 by Francis Merrin, the Plant City Courier closed operations on May 3, after the Tampa Tribune was purchased by the Tampa Bay Times.

Tim Lovett, Ellany Johnson and Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis attended the 2016 Strawberry Ball.

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File Photos

Top: Residents celebrated the Fourth of July at Plant City Stadium. Above: A ribbon cutting was held for the unveiling of the new police substation. Right: Photographers DeeDee Davidson Wheeler and Deanna Hurley offered portraits to police families.

James W. Hays, CPA, CPF® Business & Personal Taxes As tax time is approaching, it is a NO BRAINER to use Hays and Associates for your tax purposes. With over 25 years of experience and at a fraction of the cost of other tax filing services, Mr. Hays will give you peace of mind when filing your taxes and save you money in fees and taxes.

IN REMEMBERANCE Photo Illustration by C.J. Major

The historic Alsobrook home, located on Whitehall Street, underwent a renovation and was put on the market for $550,000.

Terry Ballard, a former Plant City mayor and Florida Strawberry Festival president, died June 22.

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Are you living with Type 2 Diabetes? If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for a clinical research study of an investigational medication. You may qualify for this 6-year study if you:

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Top: Area high schools celebrated graduation in early June. Above: Students celebrated the start of summer at Camp Invention. Right: Alyssa Cerrito joined the team of the Plant City Economic Development Corp.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

2016: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Left: Sen. Marco Rubio made a campaign stop in Plant City Aug. 26. Below: Sen. Marco Rubio greeted supporters at Veteran’s Monument Park.

File Photos

Top: Hopewell Baptist Church held a banquet for first responders on Sept. 11. Above: Food truck rallies returned to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

Mary Heysek took over as the director for the United Food Bank of Plant City.

Timberlane Pet Hospital and Resort hosted Fashion, Feathers and Fur.

Bailey Elementary School teacher Aviva Baker prepared to run the New York City Marathon for those fighting cancer.

The Plant City Times & Observer went on a police ride-along with Plant City Police Officer Eric Cruz.

Evangelical College & Seminary

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

Classes Begin:

Evangelical College & Seminary (ECS) was established to provide biblical teaching and training of the highest quality to the Plant City community. The focus is on teaching “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9), “teaching others to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2), and teaching “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). The school is rooted in the biblically based principle that God’s plan for every believer is spiritual maturity. Christ clearly indicated in John 17:17 that such maturity (sanctification) is based on the work of God through the Word of God. It is not a result of man-made programs, “religious” entertainment, extravagant buildings, big budgets or body counts, but rather with the purpose of giving glory to God.

Monday, January 9 @ 6:30pm Located @ Liberty Baptist Church 2505 W. Granfield Ave. Plant City, FL 33563

813 365-1105

YOU ARE INVITED! January 9 - 12, 2017

During that week, all classes will be open to the general public with no charge or obligation. There is no need to preregister. Simply come to ECS at the date and time indicated on the course listing. Psalms 1 encourages believers to immerse themselves in God’s Word and experience the blessings of growth in their faith and spiritual stability in their day-to-day living. It is our purpose to help believers develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word and experience its transforming power in their lives. While we have students that are in degree or certificate programs, we have many that take classes to just have a better understanding of God’s Word.

During the week of January 9th, you are invited to sample the courses that will be offered this spring. Some Course Recommendations For New Students Christian Evidences, 2: Beginning Monday, January 9 at 6:30 pm ................. Professor Robert Westlake - Also referred to as “A Reasonable Faith.” Because of its popularity, this course has been taught every semester for the last several years. It focuses on the rational evidence for the Christian faith. While the evidence is overwhelming, tragically, most people, including Christians, have never been exposed to it. The course also includes an evaluation of the arguments typically used against Christianity and is structured such that parents and their high school-aged children can take the course together. Old Testament Survey: Beginning Tuesday, January 10 at 6:30 pm ................. Dr. Jack Weitzel - Share with Dr. Jack Weitzel an understanding of the origin of all things and the devastation caused by rebellion against God. Witness God’s faithfulness in the restoration of the nation of Israel and the preparations for the coming redemption of all things.

Spring 2017 Courses:

Graduate level courses are available. Contact Dr. Wallace Lont at wallacelont@msn.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

We asked: What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?

2016: THE YEAR IN PICTURES “I’m going to work out.”

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

— Emily Colburn, 19

“I’m going on a road trip to Branson, Missouri.” — Andrea Combrink, 24

File Photos

“I’m pretty lowkey. Spending time with my wife and a few friends.”

Top: Walden Lake hosted a fall festival. Above: Families had fun at the Hillsborough County Fair. Right: Abby Tennessen jumped around at the Hillsborough County Fair.

Above: Natalia Cuebas was crowned the 2017 Durant Cover Girl at the school’s calendar girl competition.

— Tim Hanlon, 30

“I’m going to church. I go to Free Life Chapel in Lakeland ... we do a big Christmas celebration event from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.” — Lillie Brown, 62

Far Left: Honorary Relay for Life Survivor Jodi Smith celebrated life with an ‘I Kicked Cancer’ party. Left:Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Jeremy Davis gave a guitar to Angel Garcia, an aspiring guitar player at Durant High School. Above: Artist Jules Burt opened a pop-up gallery in The Villages off of James L. Redman Parkway.

“Go to church, then go home and have a family gathering after that.” — Ja’Vae Ingraham, 27

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

2016: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Top: The sixth annual Empty Bowls fundraiser was Nov. 12. Above: Plant City Times & Observer Managing Editor Emily Topper participated in the 2016 Dancing with the Locals competition with Paul Kittelstad. Left: Plant City High School students Ashlyn Yarbrough and Bryson Keel won the 2016 Dancing with the Locals competition and raised over $30,000.

File Photos

Christmas Lane opened to the public in November at the Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

2016: THE YEAR IN PICTURES

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

File Photos

Area churches, including First Baptist Church of Plant City, hosted Christmas programs.

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Top: The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum held its annual Santa and the Red Caboose event. Above Left: Over 80 floats participated in the 2016 Plant City Christmas Parade. Above: Santa Claus rounded out the Christmas Parade on Dec. 2. Below Left: SparkleSkirts announced an 8,000-square-foot expansion at the County Line Commerce Center.

DECEMBER 30, 2016

SPORTS

he end of 2016 is near, and the year left Plant City with plenty of sports memories to look back on.

Every year, the Plant City Times & Observer

does a deep dive into its photo archives to bring readers the best pictures of the year and the stories behind them. Here, readers will find some of 2016’s most compelling visuals and read Sports/Associate Editor Justin Kline’s takes on what happened and who stood out from the pack. Readers are encouraged to make their voices heard, too. Whether the top athlete and team of the year are right or wrong, whether the lists are great or missing something, anyone can let us know on the Observer’s Facebook page or the @PCTOSports Twitter.

File Photos

From Left to Right: The Plant City Dolphins put four teams in the Superbowl; Durant and Crest’s wrestling teams thrived; Area basketball teams battled in the district; Plant City flag football played hard; Plant City fans paid tribute to Harambe; Durant football went to the playoffs; Crest softball won the district title; the Turkey Creek Trojans put up points; the USFTL tournament came to town; Crest sent several swimmers to states; Eric Denson shined in the boxing ring.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

TOP 5: ATHLETES OF THE YEAR 1

ASHLEY BLESSIN, PLANT CITY SOFTBALL Plant City’s softball team cut through its schedule like a buzzsaw in 2016, finishing with a 24-3 overall record. Although the team was full of talented, seasoned players, it got a nice surprise on the mound. Opponents were simply not ready for freshman Ashley Blessin, who was credited with 18 of the team’s 24 wins. Through 136 innings, Blessin pitched her way to a 1.13 ERA, seven shutouts and a whopping 204 strikeouts. She also started all of the Lady Raiders’ playoff games, helping the team make it as far as the regional semifinals. Although the Lady Raiders lost some key players to graduation, consistency from Blessin could help the 2017 Raiders get back in the playoffs and, possibly, go even further.

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CULLEN TELFER, STRAWBERRY CREST WRESTLING Strawberry Crest’s first-ever state wrestling champion kept up the good work in 2016. Cullen Telfer once again grappled his way into the state tournament in the grueling 126-pound bracket, arguably the toughest in the county at any class. On the heels of his fourth consecutive regional championship (dating back to his middle school days), Telfer made it as far as the semifinals before losing to Jordan Marshall, who went on to win the state championship. Telfer placed third in the state competition, and has since bulked up to 138 pounds. He’s started the 2016-17 season on a good note, taking home a “Most Outstanding Wrestler” award at the Weeki Wachee Duals after going undefeated through that bracket.

2016 The year 2016 has come to a close, and it was a good one for Plant City-area sports.

hat a year it’s been. As 2016 comes to a close, we at the Plant City Times & Observer are looking back fondly at what went on in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. From the Florida Strawberry Festival to local elections, there was no shortage of exciting things happening in Plant City. Of course, that includes the sports scene. Many of the best sports programs around kept doing their thing, whether it was Durant baseball, Plant City girls golf, Strawberry Crest girls basketball and others who have long been on top of their sports’ scenes. Crest’s cheerleading squad turned in another fantastic season, and I think it’s about time to start calling it a dynasty. Plant City

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gars to the district championship game against Plant City, then struck out 12 in a two-hit, 2-1 win over Plant in regionals. In his last appearance, a 1-0 loss to Steinbrenner in regionals, Scolaro struck out 13. He has signed with Florida State University and will join the baseball team after his senior year of high school.

TRESHAUN WARD, PLANT CITY FOOTBALL Replacing a guy like Markese Hargrove is no easy task, but sophomore Treshaun Ward showed that he

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can get the job done. Ward, in his first full year with the varsity team, proved to be the deadliest weapon on the Raider offense. He ran for 1,082 yards — 135.3 per game — and 13 touchdowns in a weathershortened season, perhaps most impressively torching the Armwood Hawks for 169 yards and two scores in the season opener at 1 Raider Place. The Plant City offense will lose many key players to graduation in this offseason, but Raider fans can rest easier knowing the team won’t have to worry about replacing its workhorse running back.

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vigilant under new coach Ron Hawn and focused on rebuilding with what it had left. Should the 2017 offseason be kinder to the Chargers than 2016 was, they just might break their losing streak next season. Beyond high school sports, we got to see Plant City’s bigger sports parks put to good use. We saw the UYFL National Championships, College Club Sports’s annual spring baseball and softball showcase, an international slow-pitch softball tournament and more — the parks are used 42 weeks out of 52 in the year. Snowden Park’s renovations were completed earlier in the year, and Ellis-Methvin Park was just completed two weeks ago, shortly after hosting the UYFL tourney for the first time. It sounds as though Plant City is being styled as a go-to destination for amateur sporting events both in the United States and internationally. I have really high hopes for what 2017 will bring to the area, and 2016 helped lay the foundation for that optimism. I think many of us can look back on this year in sports and say that, even with some craziness mixed in, it was a fun ride.

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softball, playing with a second-year coach for the first time since its seniors started high school, made a big leap back to the top of the district. Durant football also clawed its way back to the playoffs in a tough district, also taking back the Redman Cup. No matter which sport you’re looking for around town, you can find a high school program that truly excels in that area. We’ve also seen how many of these programs can adapt to changes. Several programs got new leadership this year and, in some cases, whether the new coaches were familiar faces or totally new, succeeded. Plant City’s golf teams continued to reach the playoffs with new coaches Todd Martin and Mark Kummelman, and the girls team once again put a golfer in the state championship tournament. Robert Paxia nearly led the Raiders back to the playoffs in the face of several key injuries. Paul Bonanno kept Crest’s swimming teams up to speed in the pool, sending five swimmers to states. Not all the new coaches were able to reach or come close to the playoffs, but it’s sometimes good to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. There was also the fallout from the “Choice in Sports” bill, which created a free-for-all transfer situation that many area athletes took advantage of. Perhaps no team was hit harder by transfers than Strawberry Crest football, which remained

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Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com. 2016

168342-1

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JONAH SCOLARO, DURANT BASEBALL Durant baseball’s ace pitcher once again proved he’s a force to be reckoned with on the mound. Jonah Scolaro’s junior campaign saw the pitcher lead the staff with eight wins in 13 appearances, posting a 1.23 ERA and striking out 127 batters. Scolaro was a valuable asset to a Cougars squad that had lost many key seniors to graduation in the offseason, and stepped up when needed most. He threw a no-hitter in a 1-0 win over Riverview to send the Cou-

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TAYLOR DEDMEN, PLANT CITY GOLF Plant City’s top golfer in 2016 was also a total newcomer to the team. Junior Taylor Dedmen, who transferred from Seminole High School in the offseason, only needed this past season to make school history: in the final regular-season match of 2016, she entered the record books with a 33 — the lowest round in program history, breaking a record that had stood for decades and been matched several times. After that, her hot streak continued. Dedmen won the FHSAA regional championship tournament in October with a 72, and became the only member of her team to advance to states. In that tournament, she tied for 10th place overall.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

TOP 5 TEAMS OF THE YEAR In 2016, nobody dominated their sport quite like the Strawberry Crest cheerleaders did. Crest’s cheer team has developed into one of the top programs in the state, and was near-untouchable this year. The Chargers went undefeated in the season and won the district, regional and state competitions, and its score of 91.4 in the state’s Small Co-Ed division competition became a new record. The average margin of victory was 17.6 points, and the biggest lead it had was 26.25 points over the Western Conference district runner-up. In the UCA National Championships, Crest became the first Hillsborough County school to ever win a medal, and the team’s third-place finish was the best of any program from the state of Florida.

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PLANT CITY SOFTBALL

Plant City’s softball team finally seems to have what it’s spent several years looking for. In head coach Ashley Bullion’s second year with the Lady Raiders — words that haven’t been written in about half a decade — the team made a huge leap forward, finishing with a 24-3 overall record (7-1 district). It was the only 8A-6 team to score at least 200 runs, finishing with exactly 200, and its 58 runs allowed were the lowest of any 8A-6 team, edging out the Riverview Lady Sharks by 30. Bullion trusted freshman Ashley Blessin to carry most of the pitching load, and Blessin responded with 18 wins and over 200 strikeouts on the season. It also helped that the roster had 10 players who batted over .330, led by catcher Edmilly Molina’s .443 average, 35 hits, 32 RBI, seven doubles, four triples and two home runs.

The 2016 season was just about perfect for the Strawberry Crest Lady Chargers. In fact, the regular season was perfect. For the first time in program history, the Crest girls ran the table and didn’t lose a game until the postseason. That includes district wins over a talented Durant program and Tampa Bay Tech’s potent offense. On the strength of players such as Terra Brooks, Ayanna and Briana Trigg, Crest outscored opponents, 1,595 to 815, and even held one foe — Hillsborough — to nine points in one game. Crest made it to the regional semifinals, where it finally met its match: Palm Harbor University brought the Lady Chargers’ good times to an end with a 66-56 win. Crest seems to be picking up where it left off, starting the 2016-17 season with a 7-0 record.

DURANT FOOTBALL

Despite losing key seniors Jaden Garrett and Steven Witchoskey to injury, Durant football got back on track in 2016. Pitted against tough district competition in Tampa Bay Tech and Plant City, the Cougars went 8-2 (5-1 district) in the regular season, losing the district championship to Tampa Bay Tech but returning to the playoffs as 7A-9 runner-up. The team relied on a stout rushing attack, smart quarterback play, a defense that wouldn’t quit and strong chemistry to get the job done. Junior Carlton Potter did a fine job commanding the offense, completing 62% of his pass attempts and throwing for 18 touchdowns in 10 games played. The running backs platoon, led by Cameron Myers and Jake Harris, combined for 1,877 total yards and 23 touchdowns. The defense was bolstered by the pass rushing unit, which generated 21 sacks and 35 hurries.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

I LOVE PLANT CITY Blake Bennett took this photo of a sunset from Alexander Road near Plant City High School and wins this week’s I Love Plant City Contest. Blake wins a free car wash from Octopus Car Wash, which can be claimed with an ID at 1503 S. Collins St. Do you have a photo that speaks to the personality of Plant City? Submit it to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com

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1 Avian yapper 6 Crow’s home of old 11 “___ in Toyland” 16 Breakfast bowlful, sometimes 17 Land shaped like a boot 18 Reply 20 Bible’s first book 21 False appearance 22 Expressive villain, at times 24 They fall off plates 25 Robotic 28 Where one has a betting chance 29 Prickly, hitchhiking sticker 30 Touch against 31 Surefooted, long-horned goat 32 Part of a tennis court 33 “That’s ___ excuse” (“That alibi stinks”) 36 Any thing on a list 38 State of agitation 39 Alpha’s counterpart 41 Make drinkable, as seawater 43 Made short, quick cuts 45 Gawks 46 Attired 48 Waved cavalry weapon 49 In high, current style 50 Things an accountant must know 54 This puzzle’s bud 55 Most recently baked 59 Creative brain production 60 Universal computer character set 62 Piggish places 64 Suffix with gland or cell 65 Quad building 66 Common pet 67 Chop down with an ax 68 What you might smell in Maine 69 Not Superior, Huron, Michigan or Ontario 70 Corkwood relative 72 Lip-___ (fakes singing) 74 “Mm-hmm” 75 Floating swab 77 This puzzle’s bud coming back? 79 Landscaping dirt mover 81 Where eggs are delivered 82 Purplish shade 84 Necklace that is open-ended at the front 85 People in plays 88 Neither animal nor vegetable, in a game 90 Round third base 94 Thin knife cuts 95 Performed in an opera 96 Certain horse race pace 98 Sudden outburst of protest 99 Shem, to Noah 100 Class or type 101 Sound rebound 103 Thing a pilot knows 104 Volcano in 17-Across 106 Some waterproof raincoats 110 Long, long time periods 111 Feature of Denver 113 Brings home, as pay 114 Set apart from others 116 Dotty 117 Nutmeg or cinnamon, e.g.

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DOWN

1 Repetitive chants 2 Greek god of war 3 “___ for cat” (grade school lesson part) 4 Jungian principle 5 Sushi condiment 6 Uses a wrench 7 Decorative sewing kit 8 Reason to take Tylenol 9 “... or ___!” (threat) 10 Bit of makeup 11 Accessory for Little Red Riding Hood 12 Building afterthought 13 Aka mad cow disease 14 Pitcher in old paintings 15 More placid and calm 16 Schoolmarm’s stick 19 Fail to follow suit 20 Rot 23 Duty lists with names 26 Hurtful things at auditions 27 Bibliographical abbr. 34 Thing made by the “crafty”

35 Fitzgerald the jazz legend 37 City in Florida 38 Bifocals, old-style 39 Elevator man 40 Fortress city in Peru 42 “See you later” 44 Org. of many alleys 45 Aunts, nieces and daughters 47 Comment in detail 49 Military hairstyle 50 ___ over (assisted through a hardship) 51 Love to bits 52 Deficient in moisture 53 Burn with steam 55 Evil, wicked person 56 “I Still See ___” (“Paint Your Wagon” tune) 57 Not quite as crazy 58 Canned meat product similar to Spam 61 FWIW word 63 Your, to King James 70 “Largemouth” fish 71 Mastering, as a test 72 Brainy 73 Bad air 76 Half of a commonly matched set 78 British “beer” 80 College campus fig.

82 Like a dryer screen most in need of cleaning 83 Touched affectionately 85 Plus possession 86 Cleaning rags 87 Having less timbre 88 Cleopatra’s love Antony 89 ___ Ness in Scotland 91 Pizza sauce herb 92 Choral compositions with sacred lyrics 93 Remove graphite from paper 95 Eagle on the rise, e.g. 97 Belief in the existence of God 100 Show happiness, in a way 102 Alternate passage, in music 105 “___ Christie” (O’Neill play) 107 Valley of many grapes 108 Decorate, as a Christmas tree 109 “___ bitten, twice shy” 110 Avoiding the ocean wind 112 One mode of travel 115 Dinner crumb

223998

d Unlimite

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016

FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!

Felton’s Market

Prices Valid Dec 28 - Jan 3

Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm Sundays 7am - 8pm Follow us on

Felton’s Market From Our

Smokehouse Call us at 813-752-1548 to place your order today.

3.99

6.99

4.59

1.99

St.

PORK PAN SAUSAGE

1.19

$2.29

SMOKED HOG JOWLS

1.69

SALT PORK

2.69

SMOKED TURKEY PARTS (WINGS,NECKS,TAILS,DRUMS) ....................$1.69 LB

CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS (10 LB BAG .49cLB ), 40 LB BOX ............ $13.99 EA

DIAMOND REEF COOKED SHRIMP (100/200ct), 2 LB BAG................ $12.59 EA

BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS, FAMILY PAK ........................$1.49 LB

UNCLE JOHN’S SMOKED SAUSAGE, 5 LB BAG ................................. $18.99 EA

FRESH BUFFALO WINGS, FAMILY PAK ...................................................$2.99 LB

INDIANA RHINLESS MARKET STYLE BACON ........................................$3.69 LB

FRESH CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS, FAMILY PAK........................................... .69c LB

Cold Deli

COOKED SALAMI .................................................................................................................................... $4.49 LB GARLIC BOLOGNA.................................................................................................................................. $4.19 LB LEAN DELI HAM ...................................................................................................................................... $1.99 LB TURKEY BREAST ...................................................................................................................................... $4.95 LB

Hot Deli

PLANT CITY STRAWBERRIES

YUKON GOLD & RUSSET POTATOES

1 LB PACKAGE

5 LB BAG

3 LB BAG

RUSSET POTATOES

BANANAS

10 LB BAG

BUNCH

1.49 EA

YELLOW ONIONS

2.99 EA

1.49 EA

2.89 EA

.49¢LB

CANILLA RICE, 20 LB BAG ......................................................................................................................................................................................................$8.99 EA ESSENTIAL FLOUR, 5 LB BAG .................................................................................................................................................................................................$1.59 EA CARMELA CORNED BEEF, 12 OZ CAN ..................................................................................................................................................................................$3.99 EA POLAR TUNA FISH, 5 OZ .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... .69c EA HELLMAN’S MAYONAISE, 30 OZ ...........................................................................................................................................................................................$3.99 EA DIAMOND CRYSTAL SUGAR, 4 LB BAG ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2 for $4.00 GOYA SAZON, BIG PACK ........................................................................................................................................................................................................$3.99 EA LAFE BLACK & PINTO BEANS, 15.5 OZ CAN .......................................................................................................................................................................... .89c EA PEPSI-MT DEW-DR PEPPER, 18 PACKS ..................................................................................................................................................................................$3.99 EA SNAPPLE BLUE & RED TEA (16OZ ), 6 PACK ........................................................................................................................................................................$2.99 EA County Line Rd.

1.49 EA

COLLARD, MUSTARD & TURNIP GREENS

Lakeland

• Food Stamps, EBT, WIC • Corporate & Organizational Charge Accounts • Postage Stamps

• Service Meat Case • Full Service Deli • Major Credit Cards Accepted

• TECO Payments Accepted • Western Union • Orlandi Valuta

211827 225842

olds

Reyn

FRESH GROUND

CUT FREE

PULLED PORK ..........................................................................................................................................$6.99 LB SLABS OF RIBS...................................................................................................................................... $15.99 EA SMOKED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS, 6 PACK ....................................................................................... $5.19 EA FRIED CHICKEN – DARK MEAT, 8 PIECES ............................................................................................. $4.99 EA

Park Rd.

Maryland Ave.

Baker St.

1.69

PICNICS

WHOLE LEG OF LAMB

4.39

“9 SLABS” BOX WEIGHT

WHOLE

2 PACK

SPARERIBS

ANY SIZE PACK LB

I.B.P

GROUND BEEF

BOSTON BUTTS

1.49

3.29

FRESH

FRESH WHOLE

LONDON BROIL

PRODUCT OF USA

RIBEYE STEAK

HEAVY WESTERN

NEW YORK STRIP

HEAVY WESTERN

PLANT CITY

www.feltonsmarket.com

Having a large gathering and need an entire pig roasted to tasty perfection? We can handle any size order you might have. Our smokehouse is the best in Plant City and the surrounding area.

FRESH WHOLE

CUT FREE

Sam Allen Rd.

(813) 752-1548

At Felton’s we offer a complete line of fresh meat and produce. You’ll ﬁnd only the best quality meats at bargain prices. Whether it be that special occasion dinner, or you are planning a large party, call or stop by today. No matter what your needs, Felton’s is sure to have the ﬁnest, most tender meat and tasty produce anywhere.

T-BONES & PORTERHOUSE

617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City

CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

FRESH WHOLE SHORT LOIN

Felton’s offers our customers the very best produce at the best prices. Most of the produce is purchased from local growers. We offer every day the best in produce available plus any seasonal or ethnic produce. We buy daily from the local markets. Come in and compare price and quality against any other store. We guarantee you will enjoy the experience of shopping at Felton’s

WALKER PLAZA