4.12.18 PLCO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY

Observer

Learn about the field of athletic training. PAGE 7

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 5, NO. 41

FREE

FOOD WAR ON I-4

•

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

YOUR TOWN

A food truck battle partnered with Discovery Quest for a fun-filled weekend. See Page 4.

Generations of

triumph Courtesy of Emily Hurlburt

Day 4: Emily Hurlburt with Juana and her family in Pasakquim.

Using Smart Snacks to change lives Students at Bryan Elementary raised money for familes in Guatemala.

Courtsey Photo

Dancing in the Dark Prom season is upon us and we want to add some extra pizzazz to your memorable night! We’re partnering with Krazy Kup for a prom night photo contest for Strawberry Crest, Plant City and Durant High Schools. We know you’ve danced yourself into exhaustion so submit some photos of your big night and you can win Plant City’s award winning coffee. Snap a photo of you and your friends at the dance, eating dinner in your fanciest outfits or even getting ready and you could win a gift card to Krazy Kup. Tag your photo on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #pcoprom to enter. The winner will be announced in the newspaper and gift cards can be picked up at the Plant City Observer.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A group of fifth graders at Bryan Elementary are reshaping lives across the globe. Students in Karen Beck’s gifted class created a Smart Snack that they sell at school each Friday. The snack mix is comprised of corn flakes, banana chips, pretzels, dark chocolate chips and a sourced “interesting fact” for $1.25. It helped provide families in Guatemala with a life-altering gift. Emily Hurlburt, a former student of Beck, went on a trip to Guatemala with her global leadership class from Hillsborough Community College to build stoves among different villages with Masons on a Mission. Each stove costs $150 to build and she reached out to her former teachers for assistance prior to going. Beck said when her students found out about Hurlburt’s goal they decided to adopt her as their project and donated the proceeds from their Smart Snack to buy a stove. “The purpose of this project was to teach us how to run a business, use social skills and handle money,” Madison Roney, one SEE SNACKS PAGE 5

Breanne Williams

Railfest Month

Breanne Williams

The cloggers range from 4 years old to 47 years old and constantly dominate at competitions.

Plant City’s Clogging Connection has been making waves across the nation for nearly 32 years.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

For nearly 32 years a hidden gem in Plant City has been drawing participants from across the state as it quietly and consistently brought home hundreds of awards and recognition. Clogging Connection was started in August 1986 by Deborah Conn and her son Jamie Conn. As the years passed several generations of the Conns have practiced their moves on the studio floor along with talented dancers from across the state of Florida. “We call ourselves the ‘Island of Misfit Toys,’” Jamie Conn, direc-

tor of Clogging Connection, said. “Anyone is welcome to join us. We have fun and that’s what I’ve always told them, if you are passionate and having a good time you will be successful. If you’re not enjoying it, don’t do it.” The competition team is free for anyone to join, all they need to do is pay for the costume and competition fees. It has built its foundation on being the place to call home for those who otherwise may never have found their niche. All ages can participate and currently there are approximately 30 team members ranging from SEE CLOGGING PAGE 5

The Railfest committee received one of the highest honors around Monday evening at the Plant City City Commission Meeting when Mayor Rick Lott proclaimed April 2018 will officially be known as Railfest Month. Lott said the railroad has been a part of Plant City life since the 1880s and played a key role in shaping the town. The Union Station Depot became an active passenger train stop in 1909 and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Because of all of the work the museum does for the community and due to the magnitude of the annual event he encouraged all citizens and visitors to attend Railfest and stop by the depot and viewing platform.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

BRIEFS

Spring Market Day headed to Plant City Local vendors are being invited to show off their goods at the Plant City Tractor Supply’s Spring Market Day. The event will be held May 12 and vendors need to register by May 9. Vendors who specialize in everything from crafts, candles, soaps, honey, eggs, produce, baked goods, gardening, furniture and more are encouraged to sign up. To register, vendors should go to TSCEventPartners.com or the Plant City store located at 1803 James L Redman Pkwy. Nonprofit organizations and food trucks are also invited to register for the event. During the market, vendors will have tents set up in front of the store for free to sell their goods.

Planters Reunite early registration deadline approaches

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When the first Planters Reunite reunion was held five years ago for all of the classes that attended Plant City High School at its old location, the planners were shocked to see more than 600 people attend the event. Due to the high demand they have decided to host a second event on May 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Charlie Grimes Agricultural Center. The event is for classes of 1956 to 1972 in one large combined class reunion. Tickets are $45 per person and will include a buffet menu featuring chicken, roast beef, salads, desserts and more.

The early registration form is due April 15. For more information contact Patsy Ballard at 813-659-1240 or pgballard@tampabay.rr.com and visit the event’s Facebook page. If you miss the deadline the cost of the tickets will increase to $50 per person. Checks should be made payable and male to “Planters Reunite” P.O. Box 93 Dover, FL 33527.

Railfest returns The annual Railfest event is back and bigger than ever. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. There will be free goody bags for children, food like barbecue and hot dogs, which will be free for children, and musical entertainment. One of the highlights of the event will be the silent auction featuring railroad memorabilia, which raises money for the museum and also helps promote awareness about the history of the railroad. There will also be a symposium on train viewing during the event around noon. “We’re still going to have the auction and the live music that day and it’s partnering very well with Praise in the Park that afternoon,” Eric Barber, president of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum’s board, said. During the event, the fourth annual Golden Spike Award, which is awarded to an individual who has promoted the community and museum, and the Little Golden Spike, which is awarded to an energetic young fan of the railroad, will be given out.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

Preserving scouting A Scouting Heritage Luncheon hopes to unite the community in an effort to preserve scouting in Plant City for decades to come. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America is holding a free Scouting Heritage Luncheon next week to help ensure scouting will be engrained in the Plant City community for decades to come. Christopher “Beau” Giles, a district executive for the Boy Scouts of America, said Plant City is an important part of his district and he wanted to create an event that would celebrate the heritage of the group, which has been in the area for more than 100 years. He hopes the luncheon will be a fun event that can unite businesses and members of the community toward a common cause: preserving local scouting. “Communities need a program like scouting, there’s so much value in it,” Giles said. “An event like this is really the jumping off point in reestablishing the prominence of scouting in Plant City. It gives us something to look back on and makes sure the young men and women in the community are good citizens and have a great program to get involved with.” The luncheon will be held on April 18 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

at Keel & Curley Winery. Fred’s Market, a long time supporter of Boy Scouts, is catering the event and the winery will have drinks available. While the event is free to attend it will also work as a fundraiser via donations for local troops. There will be a speaker talking about the importance of Boy Scouts in a community, corn hole, music and mingling among attendees and some of the Scout leaders. Giles said in the future he hopes to do a month long campaign throughout March that will culminate in one large celebratory party at the end of the event. His goal would be for the community to take the reins on an event of that caliber and show their continued support for the group. Giles said over the past five to seven years scouting and fundraising in Plant City has dwindled. There are several areas in the community that he said desires to start a troop but may not have the funds to do so, hence hosting a fundraiser to give directly back to the local community. One of his goals as district executive is to help create at least one more unit in an underserved community here in Plant City. Once created, each troop operates relatively autonomously and does its own fundrais-

ing duties. However, if they are in need or coming up short the council will do their best to step in and make up the difference. “I can’t ever think of a time in the six months that I’ve been involved with scouting that a kid has wanted to join but hasn’t been able to do so because his parents weren’t able to afford it,” Giles said. “This is truly one of the most affordable programs out there and it teaches so many values to the scouts.” Giles said one of the best qualities of scouting is it is “imperative” for the entire family to participate in what the scout does. Whether it is getting out in the woods with their parents or learning about things like reverence, Giles said it helps families create memories that will last a lifetime.

“The most valuable skill in life you could learn is how to work hard and achieve your goals,” Giles said. “If I’m hiring somebody and I see someone that has a lot of natural talent or someone who works hard I’ll always choose someone who works hard. Scouting builds values that last throughout a kid’s entire life.” Having a healthy scouting program also directly benefits local communities. According to Sharrod McCree, field director for the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America, a large part of what the scouts do is give back to others. Whether a troop is working on a project or a scout is doing his Eagle Project, the community is being served by the young civic-minded scouts. “In 2017, our Scouts provided more than 80,000 hours of ser-

vice to our communities and the Eagle rank was earned by 334 boys,” McCree said. “All of these efforts are possible because our local businesses and community leaders recognize the substantial impact Scouting has in our community.” Due to some policy changes at national and some “really great efforts” in the local district, Giles said they have already raised more funds in two months than they did in the entirety of last year for his district. He said he hopes by kickstarting community partnered events like the upcoming luncheon we will be able to see scouting flourish in Plant City for another 100 years. To RSVP to the event email Giles at christopher.giles@scouting.org or call 813-872-2691 ext. 114.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

Plant City victorious in War on I-4 food truck battle

PLANT CITY

Observer “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

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major CMajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

Courtesy of Patricia Roberts

Patricia Roberts, a board member with Plant City Main Street, with Top Truck winner Devin Davis.

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Chandler Workman CWorkman@PlantCityObserver.com

Food trucks from Orlando to Tampa gathered at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds Saturday morning as they competed in a highly contested battle for the title of Top Truck. BREANNE WILLIAMS

Advertising / Al Berry Al@InTheFieldMagazine.com

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

Attendees were allowed one vote in the Top Truck competition.

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STAFF WRITER

Early Saturday morning nearly 1,500 people gathered at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center to take part in the War on I-4 Food Truck Battle and Discovery Quest. The two events were paired together for a day of opportunity and delicious food. The inaugural Discovery Quest brought more than 80 service and program providers, churches, schools, local government offices and more together to get Plant City residents connected for free. Whether it was a healthcare opportunity, a career option or something someone may not have known they needed until then, Discovery Quest’s purpose was to bring services to the people all in one place, without anyone having to drive out of town. Outside, trucks representing Tampa, Lakeland, Plant City and Orlando showed off their unique menus in an attempt to walk away with the title of Top Truck. Local organizations and artists also demonstrated their dance skills and talents in scheduled performances throughout the day. “People come out because of the activities here,” Noah Pittman, operator of the Mobile DJ Truck said. “You don’t get to see things like this a lot. There’s every kind of food you could think of here and so many things to do inside. It makes for a full day.” Only one truck, The Kitchen by Devin Davis, was from Plant City. This was his first official food truck competition and he found himself up against local legends like Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Express and I Wanna Wok. Jimmy’s crab cake has been featured on the Food Network, Davis won Chopped during his senior year of high school, the Rolling Gourmet offers unique burgers and I Wanna Wok has lines wrap-

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Plant City Black Heritage Celebration Inc. promoted its Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Camp, which has moved to Hope Lutheran Church, by giving away free children’s books, shirts and more.

ping down the block when he comes to the Tampa rallies. All of the 11 trucks competing brought their A game to the competition. Each attendee was allowed to cast one vote for their favorite truck. As the 2 p.m. deadline drew near the tickets began to slow down as everyone finalized their choice. After a brief tally Plant City came out victorious as The Kitchen by Devin Davis won the people’s choice award. “I had a few people coming up throughout the day saying they had voted for me and they told me that my jar was really full,” Davis said. “By the end of the day, I was getting more and more confident that I had a chance at actually winning. I was definitely overjoyed because it’s my first food truck competition.” Davis said he knew he would have his work cut out for him due to the caliber of talent compiled at the rally. He relied on heavy marketing among the community to help rally his home turf to the event. He said without the support of his local community there was no way his truck would be as successful as its been since opening in August. After months of cultivating a perfect menu, he drafted some of

the crowd favorites like his burger sliders and chicken po boys to give him the top advantage during the event. Davis cut his teeth on competition and said he is looking forward to being able to try his hand at future challenges. Though this was the first event of its kind in the area, Davis said he is certain we will see more as time passes. He believes that the food truck industry will only continue to grow throughout the next several years, which will increase competition and leave only the best of the best as viable options. He said they are gaining in popularity and offer a fun and unique atmosphere the public is strongly getting behind in support. “For those of us who want to stay on top we’re really going to have to work hard over these next few years,” Davis said. “That’s why it’s so important to do events like this. It helps keep you on your toes and lets the community get a feel for who you are and what you’re bringing to the table. It’s the same as the restaurant industry. You have to put out great food every single time.” Justin Kline contributed to this report.

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Top: Free entertainment was featured outside the expo hall. Above: Lisa Hall and her grandchildren scored some firefighter hats and learned about disaster preparation.

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FROM PAGE 1

age 4 years old to 47 years old. Those who wish to learn more about clogging can pay for classes via the Clogging Connection studio, 507 N.Wheeler Street. The team meets every other Sunday afternoon and several of its current members drive from Gainesville, Sarasota and Riverview to participate. Whether they are an adult that has recently returned to the craft or a child

just learning how to compete as a team, one theme remained consistent throughout the group: Clogging Connection cares about its dancers. “I like that we’re just a big family,” Summer Hanson, a 10-yearold who has been clogging for six years, said. “We travel all over together. A few of us actually even had a sleepover last night.” The Conns led the team to victory in February at the 11th Florida Clogging Festival. In just a few weeks they will be participating in the Dollywood Clogging Classic held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Kaley Conn, director and choreographer, has been clogging “pretty much since birth.” The daughter of Becky Conn and niece of Jamie Conn, she quickly became one of the best cloggers in the state and by 13 she was teaching her own students. Currently, Kaley Conn is the reigning Miss Southeastern Clogger and Summer Hanson is the Junior Miss Southeastern Clogger. Often, if team members see someone struggling to grasp a step or a routine they will pull them aside and work with them

Snacks FROM PAGE 1

Breanne Williams

Teacher Karen Beck with Valerie Serratos, Kevin Flores and Madison Roney.

Eventually, they broke even and soon they were regularly making a profit. This allowed them to donate to Hurlburt before she left for the trip on her Spring Break. “We’re not keeping the money, we want to help others,” Valerie

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Serratos, one of the students, said. “We’re a nonprofit and it’s important to us that we help someone else.” Hurlburt said she was thrilled to see students from her former class support her trip. Several

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one on one to help them get in sync with the rest of the group. The skill levels range from amateurs to the experts and they said regardless of talent everyone is welcome to join the team. “When you love your teammates you want to do good and not let them down,” Kaley Conn said. “We’re all a family here and we support each other and help each other any way we can. That translates during competitions because we really are giving it everything we can.” Amber Phillips began dancing with Clogging Connection when

she was 7 years old. When she went to Plant City High School she became involved with several other groups like All Star cheerleading and had to leave clogging. Now 20 years old she is back clogging with the people she holds close to her heart. “I know everyone is saying this but being a part of a family like this really helps us all perform better,” Phillips said. “When people normally hear about clogging they don’t recognize what it really is. It’s not wooden shoes, it’s a really unique form of dance. I love being a part of it.”

teachers and administrators also sponsored ovens. “Though they weren’t physically there for the trip, they were definitely there with me because they built that stove, they were the reason it was happening,” Hurlburt said. “I thought it would be a great reminder to them that anything is possible and there’s nothing they can’t do.” One thing that both Hurlburt and the students loved about the Masons on a Mission project is it partners with the local families for the build. Families interested in having a stove of their own pay 10% of the total cost so they have a claim to the item. “It’s not like we’re going into people’s countries and giving them what they don’t want,” Hurlburt said. “We’re not pushing American things on these families. They let us know if they want a stove and we help them build one. Every day we went to a family, a different home and built a stove.” Hurlburt grew up surrounded

by construction as her father is a carpenter. Using the rudimentary knowledge she possessed she said she had no difficulty building the “pizza oven” style appliances on the trip. Upon returning she tried to convey her appreciation to the students and wrote them a letter explaining how the stoves were changing lives an ocean away. She said she tried to talk a lot about the families she worked with so the students would hopefully understand that people aren’t really different from each other. At everyone’s core they simply “crave love and friendship.” She said regardless of our upbringing the best language one can ever speak is love and by serving others they were slowly making the world a better place. The students poured over her letter and are already talking about ways to improve their sales so they can give more next time around. “It’s pretty amazing that fifth graders can change the world,” Beck said.

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of the students, said. “It’s cool because it’s not just one family that uses the stove. It can help lots of people.” Kevin Flores, another student, said cooking over open fires was causing health problems in some of the women in Guatemala. The stove was safer and helped them breathe in less smoke. After learning what one stove could do for a village Flores said they immediately started to get to work on selling the healthy snacks to their classmates and teachers. They created 10 posters, which were hung throughout the school and an announcement was made each Friday that the snacks would be coming around. At first, the students had to learn how to balance a budget and how much they needed to charge for each bag to make a profit off the supplies they bought.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

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Clogging

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

Rumor has it

Your Family Jeweler

Plant City Entertainment presents Neil Simon’s ‘Rumors.’

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BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Get your mother the gift she deserves this

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1701 S. Alexander Street • Suite 102 • Plant City, FL (813) 752-0585 • YFJ0801@yahoo.com

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one single item coupon must be presented exp 5/30/18

Plant City Entertainment is holding an open invitation to the funniest party of the year. Neil Simon once again proves his prowess as a comedian with his often-overlooked play “Rumors.” The show will follow the story of four couples attending the 10th wedding anniversary of the Deputy Mayor of New York. Moments prior to their arrival, the Deputy Mayor shoots himself, leaving his

SING OUT LOUD! May 5 Regional Vocal Talent Show Elementary, Middle School and High School Talent Show Contestants to Compete by Age Group 101 N Thomas St, Plant City, FL 33563 GRAND PRIZE Music Video Shoot

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ORM PE R F

lawyer and his lawyer’s wife to “get the story straight” on how the flesh wound occurred. Confusion, miscommunication and rumors lead to a comical evening as everyone attempts to uncover the truth. Director Steven Bucko said the play is one of the funniest he’s ever seen, “head and shoulders” above much of what is often presented. “That’s why it was chosen,” Bucko said. “An audience laughing together, that’s one of the reasons why I do theater… The show is fast paced. You’ll be at the edge of your seat. There’s something always happening because the show is based on a lie that has to keep being edited and changed.” Because it is one of Simon’s lesser known works, Bucko said he is confident the majority of the audience will have never seen or read the plot before. The show features nine characters who Bucko said everyone in the audience will relate to. It is a mix of physical humor and witty back and forth banter. Watching all four couples trying and “miserably failing” to get on the same page has been one of Bucko’s favorite parts of directing the show. Darryl Parish, who plays Ernie, said one of his favorite aspects of the play is its odd ending. While you get a minor resolution, he said you still leave with questions. “One thing that I think is really amazing is that there are no weak

Operation Spring Awakening

IF YOU GO When: 8 p.m. April 20-22 and April 27-29. April 22 and April 29 also have a 2 p.m. matinee. Where: Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. Tickets: Opening Night Special: Two tickets for $25. Normal tickets: $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, $12 for members. Groups of 10 or more: $12

spots on this show,” Parish said. “These actors are all so talented and I don’t feel like I’m in competition with them. We’re all just playing off of each other and keeping everyone on their toes.” The show does feature adult language and Bucko said he would safely put the rating at PG-13. “Comedies always do well, especially here in Plant City,” Jenny Morgan, who plays Cassie, said. “I think it makes it all that much more authentic when you have good actors. The comedic timing is second to none.” She said different characters are gossips, uptight, cynical and quirky, which make for a perfect environment for rumors to fester. Fans of the movie Clue should pay close attention to the banter and see if they can identify the subtle homages to the film. In true Neil Simon fashion, the play flies by despite being approximately two hours long. The humor and ridiculous situations make it a perfect momentary escape from reality. “I really think the audience is going to just love this show,” Bucko said. “They’ll be on the edge of their seats. We’ll sell them the whole chair but they’ll only really need the front of it.”

If you HAVE a pool, this is definitely the time to come by! EVERYTHING will be on sale! Pumps, filters, automatic pool cleaners, equipment, parts, chlorine, tablets, noodles, floats, you name it! If you DON’T have a pool … but support America, and the men, women, and families of the U.S. Special Operations Community, then this is the time to come by and show your support!!! Percentage of sales on April 14th will be going directly to the Task Force Dagger Foundation. The foundation will also be accepting private donations as well.

HUGE SALE & VETERAN’S CHARITY EVENT SATURDAY, APRIL 14th 2018 8AM-5PM

The Task Force Dagger Foundation will be at the store from 8am till 5pm on Saturday April 14th, and will be represented by Ret. Special Forces Mark Stephens. Mark will be available all day to answer questions regarding the foundation, his experience, and veteran’s outreach.

“YOU TRUSTED US WITH YOUR FREEDOM, NOW TRUST US WITH YOUR POOLS”

The Task Force Dagger Foundation is the only Special Operations Forces specific charity that provides rapid response and immediate needs support to active and veteran SOF operators and support personnel. They support immediate needs with an average response time of 2 hours, assist in the treatment of PTSD, look for alternatives to medication, and provide recreational therapy to promote rehabilitation and recovery. There will also be cooking demonstrations, with free food, on the Kamado Joe Ceramic Smokers and Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, from Tampa, will be on hand serving fresh cold brew coffee and iced tea all day long. GUSU Stand-Up Paddleboards from Destin, FL., represented by a former U.S. Army Green Beret, will be at the event as well to share his experiences and to discuss the fitness benefits of stand-up paddleboarding.

“Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of A Perfect Pool” PINCH A PENNY PLANT CITY, FL. FAMILY AND VETERAN OWNED

Come out and show your support for the Task Force Dagger Foundation, our U.S. Special Operations Community and their families this Saturday! “DE OPPRESSO LIBER”

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APRIL 12, 2018

SPORTS

Strawberry Crest’s senior captain is one of the top players in Class 8A-District 4. SEE PAGE 9

HIGH

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Tampa Dynamo FC is promoting two soccer events this summer. The first is a six-week 5v5 summer soccer league for boys and girls in grades 9-12, where campers play two games every Monday night for six weeks beginning June 11. Cost is $50 per player. The second event is a youth camp for kids age 5-14 that includes speed training, agility drills and technical skills, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in three periods of June 25-28, July 9-12 and July 23-26. The cost is $150 per camper with a $125 sibling discount. Strawberry Crest coach Ebony Robinson will be one of the camp coaches. To register and get more information, visit TampaDynamoFC.com.

Let’s learn W about sports careers Not everyone can go pro, but anyone can still work in sports after playing.

JUSTIN KLINE

hen I talk to high school athletes for Athlete of the Week, at practices or in general, one thing I always like to talk about is college. Specifically, I want to know what they plan to major in wherever they go. More often than not, it ties back to athletics. A lot of kids in the area want to break into the sports world any way they can. Physical therapy, kinesiology, sports medicine, sports management and athletic training are brought up a lot. I’m glad they understand the need to have a plan for when — not “if” — their playing days come to an end during or after college. It’s extremely hard to go pro in sports. For many people, just being around the games they love is enough. Trust me, I know from experience. When you’re in college, you have access to a wealth of resources. Even if you don’t

attend a traditional university, you still have options. There will be internship and networking opportunities available to those who hustle for them. The best thing you can do, short of actually interning, is link up with someone who works in the field you’re interested in and ask questions. That’s why I’m introducing the Plant City Observer’s newest series, Learning the Ropes, this week. I want to explore various career paths in the sports world that our readers may be interested in. I want to find people in these fields and ask questions with answers that will help anyone get a jump start on their path (or, if they had the wrong idea about a profession, know to start looking at other careers). Not only do I want this to be an interesting educational series we all can learn something from,

I want it to be a useful resource for people who need something like this — whether you’re a high school student or an adult looking for a career change. We started this week with a look at the world of athletic training, which is totally different from being a personal trainer. Once a month, we’ll look at careers across the spectrum: everything ranging from healthcare to management to even alternative athletic careers with paths that aren’t immediately obvious. If you’re interested in a specific profession and want to see it explored in this series, please drop me a line at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com. Let’s learn together! Justin Kline is the Plant City Observer Associate Editor. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

LEARNING THE ROPES

Fourteen young anglers caught 12 fish in the Spring 2018 Youth Fishing Derby, held behind Plant City Stadium Saturday morning. The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department’s semi-annual fishing derby gave out six awards to winners in two age groups, but everyone who participated got to take home some tackle. See PlantCityObserver.com for the list of winners.

Several baseball and softball games scheduled for Tuesday night were moved back to Wednesday, including Durant’s home games against East Bay and Plant City’s home games against Bloomingdale. Results from the Wednesday games were not available at press time. Check out next week’s Plant City Observer for softball district tournament previews.

Strawberry Crest’s boys tennis team picked up a clean sweep win over Wharton, 7-0, on Monday. The win improved the Chargers’ overall record to 11-1 on the season. They’ll look to stay hot in today’s regular-season finale at Bloomingdale.

Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools are getting ready for next week’s 4A-District 7 track and field district tournament, which will be held at 9 a.m. April 17 at Spoto High School. The 4A-Region 2 tournament will be held April 26 at George Jenkins High School and the state championships will take place from May 4-5 at the University of North Florida.

Athletic training: fix athletes up Athletic trainers perform “I was sitting on the table looking around at all the entirely different tasks posters, and there was the skeletal system and the than personal trainers do. muscular system...I was like, ‘I love it. What do I do?’” JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

When many people hear the term “athletic trainer,” they think of someone in the gym coaching clients through workouts. As trainers like Jasmine Griffin will tell you, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The athletic trainer is a valuable resource for any sports team in the world — a medicallytrained professional whose duties are closer in theory to a field medic than a P90X guru. Griffin, a trainer with Select Physi-

cal Therapy in Plant City, started working with Plant City High School’s athletes this school year. Learning the Ropes is an educational series for high school students, college students or adults who wish to work in the sports world. Not everyone can be an all-star pro athlete, but there are plenty of ways to work in the sports you love. People often get your job confused with that of a personal trainer. What do you do?

— Jasmine Griffin

One of them is a medical professional. The other, you can get your certification online. I’m a medical professional, I went to school for it. What athletic trainers do, we specialize in emergency response. Acute care ranging from something as simple as an ankle sprain to an open tibial fracture, and we know how to respond to that. Basically emergency response, evaluations, diagnoses, therapeutic intervention and exercise SEE TRAINER PAGE 8

Justin Kline

Jasmine Griffin has worked as an athletic trainer since graduating college in 2016.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

FENCE INSTALLERS NEEDED

Trainer

• Experienced Fence—Erectors • Subcontractor w/ Own Truck and Tools • Residential and Commercial Experience Necessary • All Types of Fencing— Work in Surrounding Counties

FROM PAGE 8

prescription. I do know how to give a particular athlete or patient a regimen that they can utilize… but I’m more on the “OK, this is what happened to you and this is how we’re gonna go about fixing you and getting you back to good health.”

272096

ALLIED FENCE OF TAMPA BAY (813) 886-5097

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of Plant City is seeking: Part Time Director of Children’s Ministries

For more information contact the church at (813) 754-3519

or PastorStephen@tampabay.rr.com

272695

Part Time Director of Youth Ministries

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “It takes a lot of time to be a genius. You have to sit around so much doing nothing, really doing nothing.” – Gertrude Stein Puzzle Two Solution: “The farther you go... the harder it is to return. The world has many edges and it’s easy to fall off.” – Anderson Cooper

This week’s Sudoku answers

How did you get your start? It actually started in high school. I was playing basketball. I used to play four sports. I sprained my ankle in basketball practice. I was going up for a layup, driving to the basket and I went up and came down, literally, on my ankle. I was wincing in pain. I opened my eyes and saw the athletic trainer running with his arms open. He picked me up and brought me to the athletic training room. I was sitting on the table looking around at all the posters, and there was the skeletal system and the muscular system, all these words I could not pronounce, but I was like, “I love it. What do I do?” I looked at the best athletic training programs in Florida… and I saw USF was the best program, and I put all my eggs in one basket. How long did you stay in USF’s program? How long do students typically spend in these college programs? Typically, athletic training programs across the country are about three years. USF’s was a little bit accelerated, so it was two. Did you have to complete any internships while in college? Technically the clinical rotations are like your internship. The dif-

ferent rotations range from working in the physical therapy clinics to working in professional settings. What’s something you wish you knew ahead of time when you first got into the field? Probably a little bit more experience with time management, I suppose. Once you get into the program, they recommend that you don’t have a job. You go to classes and clinicals every day. It’s really important to make sure you section away that time to study because you’re learning about the human body, so you have to really focus on what you’re learning and practice that…I think in high school, if I would have managed my time a little bit better I probably would have had a little bit easier time in college. The program is very hard. What does your schedule typically look like? Working in the secondary setting, I usually get here (PCHS) around 1 to 2 o’clock in the afternoon, before the last periods of the day. That’s technically my treatment hours. If any of the kids had any injuries or anything like that and questions, they can come and see me before school ends. Typically from about 1 o’clock to, on game days, to whenever the games end around 9:30…on normal practice days, from 1 o’clock to maybe 6:30. You’re the only athletic trainer at PCHS, so you cover a lot of ground with all of the sports. How do you balance your work when you can sometimes have multiple sports playing games at the same time, like softball and baseball? We typically break it down to

which sport is the most “catastrophic,” in a sense. So, the higher incidents of injury. Typically I stay out with soccer, just because of the nature of it. There’s a little bit more contact allowed in the sport. But how I do it, I just kind of separate my time so I’ll stay out there for a half for soccer, then come in for the latter half in basketball just to make sure the coaches know I’m here. If they need anything, if anything happens that I need to respond to, they always know where to find me. What’s the experience of being called to action like? I’ve heard trainers say they get “tunnel vision” for the task at hand. It’s kind of like a split-brain moment for me, at least. One half, I’m like “Oh my God, I hope they’re OK.” The other half, I have to be completely calm. I don’t want to say “blank out,” but I have to keep an open mind for what I’m about to see. I don’t know if I’m going to see someone that’s unconscious on the field or if it’s someone that just caught a cramp. What are three personality traits someone should have for your line of work? Open-mindedness, discipline and tenacity, for sure. You have to just go after it with everything that you do. What’s been the most rewarding experience for you? The relationships that I form with everybody. I value the pictures (students) draw for me, things they say, even just a “thank you for being here.”

PC Special Olympics basketball going back to nationals The team will host a fundraiser April 21 to help with traveling costs. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

This week’s Crossword answers

2018

Plant City High School’s Unified Florida Basketball Team made a splash in 2014, winning gold at the Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey. This year, the team is trying to do it again in Seattle. To get there, though, they’re looking for help. The team is hosting a fundraiser on April 21 with the goal of raising enough money to cover the costs to get to and stay in Seattle for the games, which run from July 1-6. The team’s getting ready to host a steak dinner and auction fundraiser at Countryside Baptist Church, 13422 Sydney Road, Dover. Attendees at the “dressy casual” event can participate in silent and live auctions for items such as a pair of Tampa Bay Buccaneers suite tickets for a game to be determined in the upcoming 2018-19 season. Tickets can be purchased for $50 per person and purchases of eight or more tickets for one party will guarantee a reserved table for the group. The team hopes to sell as many tickets as possible for the event, even if it means a packed fellowship hall. “If 300 people buy tickets, we

Justin Kline

Plant City High School's Special Olympics basketball team is going for gold again in July.

meet our goal of $20,000,” player Holly Eddins said. The team has already raised some money for the trip and also recently received a $2,500 donation from Unity in the Community. The silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m. that evening. The team is also accepting donations of money, auction items or services and individual athlete sponsorships, which can be purchased for $2,000 and include a customized “swag bag” for the athlete with the sponsor’s logo printed on its main items. This confident squad, which features boys and girls, prides itself on team chemistry and

working together to get the job done every time the players set foot on the court. “Everyone knows their job and we all have one part,” player John Davis said. “We all put our parts together and we do good together.” The 2018 basketball team is the first Plant City-area team in any sport to qualify for the USA Games since the 2014 basketball team did it. Their goal is to win gold, just like their predecessors did. “We’re gonna play good and win at nationals,” player Kyle Hall said. To buy fundraiser tickets or get more information, call Cindy Givens at 813-856-6155.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

You’re playing some pretty good ball in your last season. What’s been the biggest difference from last year to this year that’s made you a better player? Batting-wise, I stopped being afraid of getting out and realized it’s my last season, it’s kind of bittersweet, so I’m trying to make the best of it. Which is your favorite position to play? Second base. It’s just my home. I’m really comfortable there. I’m really close with my right fielder and we talk a lot out there.

What advice would you give to anyone joining the team next year? I would definitely say you don’t have to be a senior to be a leader. You don’t have to be a captain to be a leader. Be your own person. What makes a great leader? Somebody that shows by example. Not by being loud and being aggressive. Mainly by example, proving yourself.

Plant City Entertainment, Inc. Presents

An Evening Of Elegant Farce

What will you miss most about high school? Coach Mindy (Miltner), definitely. She’s my second mom. I love her on and off the field. She’s a great person and a good person to look up to.

APRIL 20TH, 21ST, 27TH, AND 28TH - 8PM 22ND AND 29TH - 2PM Advance tickets may be purchased at Hardee’s Fashions 1501 N. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 or at the door while available 101 N. Thomas St. Plant City, FL 33563

TICKETS:

Adults ................................................................ $18.00/ea. Seniors 60+/Students .................................. $14.00/ea. Members & Groups of 10+ ........................... $12.00/ea.

What’s some advice you’ve gotten that’s really helped you become a better softball player? Just never give up. You never know what you can accomplish so, if a ball’s close, always lay out. You never know what’s going to happen.

only available in advance at Hardee’s Fashions & at the door

ONLINE:

to purchase tickets online and for additional info: www.pceshows.com Ticket prices do not include $1 service fee per ticket for online orders

Presented by Special Arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. *some adult language and content may not be suitable for children*

CD SPECIAL! Limited-Time Only

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Taylor Finney has taken a more fearless approach to her softball game in her senior season, and she’s getting results. Finney, a team captain, leads all Class 8A-District 4 players with a .471 batting average, 32 hits and three triples this season. Finney will attend St. Johns River State College in the fall and play on the softball team.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Taylor Finney

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

Opening Night Special