01.27.17 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 29

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Local boxing scene grows

SEE PAGE 19 •

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

A ROYAL

YOUR TOWN

TRADITION 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Drew Knotts’ childhood dream came true Saturday, Jan. 21, when she became the third person in her family to become a Florida Strawberry Festival royal.

Emily Topper

Last year’s Strawberry Distance Challenge included fruit for all attendees.

Strawberry Distance Challenge set for Feb. 11 Ready, set, race. The 2017 Strawberry Distance Challenge will kick off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at 3035 Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. Sponsored by Astin Farms, the Strawberry Distance Challenge was created to bring runners, joggers and walkers of all levels together. While the event has 5K and 10K options, people of all fitness levels are encouraged to participate. The race also includes a Youth 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, as well as the annual Strawberry DASH race. Those interested in participating are encouraged to call (813) 466-0064, or visit SDC5K.com.

EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

hen Drew K n o t ts wa s growing up, most of her babysitters were former Florida Strawberry Festival queens. Her earliest memories of wanting to serve on the royal court started around age three, when the former queens — including Katie Buxon (Sharer), Alison Archbell and her cousin, Chelsea Bowden — would bring their jeweled crowns over for Knotts to play with. “I would be the strawberry queen for the day,” Knotts said. “We would play dress up. Ever since then, I’ve really just looked up to the strawberry queen. I’ve wanted to be her, I’ve wanted the title, I’ve wanted to represent Plant City.” On Saturday, Jan. 21, Knotts stood as a member of the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s court, waiting on stage with baited breath before the winner was called. Newly sashed First Maid Marlee Arn was beside her. Knotts had a onein-four shot. Beyond the bright lights of the stage, her family was waiting. Knotts’ grandmother, 1953 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Ruby Jean Redman, was in the audience. “Your 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen is ... Contestant Number Four, Drew Knotts!” The crowd cheered and jumped to their feet. As 2016 Queen Haley Riley placed the new crown on Knotts’ head, she whispered to her to take her first walk as queen. Knotts did as she was told, walking down the runway in a gold gown and a crown on her head, waving to the crowd. Her childhood dream come true. Only she wasn’t dreaming, and she wasn’t playing dress up. She was part of something much bigger.

Emily Topper

The Legion distributed 847 wreaths this year.

American Legion seeking shed for Christmas wreaths This past holiday season, Plant City’s American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26 placed 847 wreaths on the graves of veterans to honor local heroes during the holiday season, more than double the number of wreaths that veterans received in 2015. Eventually, the legion would like to be able to put wreaths on the graves of all area veterans. In the meantime, legion members’ immediate priority is to find a storage shed for the wreaths during the rest of the year. The unit has outgrown its existing shed, and is seeking help for a place to store the storebought wreaths. Those interested in helping can contact the Legion at (813) 752-8608.

SENIOR OF THE MONTH

SEE PAGES 10 - 15 Emily Topper

United Food Bank goes ‘retro rad’ for Celebrity Chef fundraiser Emily Ellyn, a Food Network Star alumna and winner of ‘Cutthroat Kitchen,’ will be this year’s celebrity chef. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

Meet William ‘Bill’ Sr. and Gwen Thomas

SEE PAGE 8

There are three key ingredients to creating a signature Emily Ellyn dish: a garnish of farmhouse foodie flair, a touch of exotic spices and a heaping portion of retro-rad style. Plant City residents will get all that and more Saturday, Feb. 4, when Ellyn serves up some of her favorite dishes at the Ninth Annual Celebrity Chef Dinner, a fundraiser for the United

Food Bank of Plant City. “It’s going to be a fun and entertaining evening,” Leigh Scott, spokesperson for the United Food Bank, said. “This is our largest fundraiser, and we would love to raise $70,000 this year. It sets the precedent for the rest of the year.” Funds will go toward educating food bank clients, including efforts to continue the food bank’s existing Money Smart class and encouraging residents to look at the labels on their

food. “So much of our money is earmarked,” United Food Bank Director Mary Heysek said. “This is for general support.” Ellyn, a native of rural Ohio, is happy to help with the efforts. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she later worked as a teaching assistant for the school. She also has two master’s degrees, including one from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality and SEE CHEF PAGE 4

WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

WEEK OF JANUARY 27, 2017

“All that emotion came rushing to me on stage when they announced it because I knew that I was myself on stage, and that I gave it everything I could. The work finally paid off. I couldn’t even imagine a better moment than that. ” — Drew Knotts, 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen SEE PAGE 10

Annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan celebration set for Jan. 29 The 19th annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan celebration will take place at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 404 W. Reynolds St. The annual event celebrates the church’s Scottish heritage. The St. Andrews Pipes and Drums of Tampa Bay will be a big part of the celebration. The celebration has since spread to other churches across the country. All are welcome to attend the Jan. 29 event.

Emily Topper

The City Commission presented Plant City High School senior Ashlyn Yarbrough, the grand marshal for the 2017 Strawberry Youth Parade, with a proclamation Monday, Jan. 23.

Patsy Cline Tribute Show to be held The sounds of Patsy Cline will come to life once more at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. At the Florida Opry in the historic auditorium of the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, Barbara VanEycken will perform a Patsy Cline tribute. VanEycken has been dubbed “the best Patsy since Patsy.” Reservations are recommended for the performance, which is expected to sell out. The cost is $15 in advance for adults, and $8 in advance for students. If available, tickets at the door will be sold for $18 for adults and $10 for students. To reserve tickets, contact the East Hillsborough Historical Society at (813) 757-9226.

LEADERS IN YOUTH

lant City High School senior Ashlyn Yarbrough was honored with a proclamation meeting at the City Commission meeting Monday, Jan. 23. Yarbrough is the 2017 Strawberry Youth Parade Grand Marshal. She is a four-year varsity cheerleader and serves as senior class president. She is the current Miss January 2016 for the Plant City High School Calendar Girls, and served as a court member on the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court. She is the vice president for the Girls Interact Club, a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City and has completed over 500 community service hours. In November 2016, Yarbrough

was responsible for organizing Plant City High School’s first annual Raider Color Run. That same month, she also won the 2016 Dancing with the Locals competition, where she helped raise over $30,000 for the Noon Rotary Club. She plans to attend the University of Florida upon graduation, where

she will major in business marketing. Her family, including her parents Mark and Lori Yarbrough and sister Katelyn Yarbrough, were present at the proclamation ceremony. The 2017 Strawberry Youth Parade will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

PREGNANCY CARE CENTER expanding with help from the community

The local nonprofit has received more than $40,000 in donations for its 1,346-square-foot expansion. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

The Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City will soon have 1,346 square feet of new office and classroom space thanks largely to the generosity of its surrounding community — especially one man in particular. Clayton Jenkins, owner of T. Jenkins Construction in Historic Downtown, admits that he didn’t exactly know what the Pregnancy Care Center did, despite driving by the Collins Street office every day on his way to work. But when Jenkins was approached about bidding on the expansion of the center, he learned. And then, he said, he got to work. “They save lives,” Jenkins said. “They are a community-based, lifesaving operation and the community has come together to help (them) do that.” The Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City is a privately funded, nonprofit,

pro-life organization that, according to its website, provides abstinence education, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, pre-natal and parenting classes, material assistance, and other services to current and expecting mothers and fathers. Executive Director Darlene Davis said most of the funding for the center comes from grants, fundraisers, local churches and individual donations. Now, Jenkins and the T. Clayton Jenkins Construction team, are spearheading the project. Jenkins said that once he learned about the services provided by the center, he was inspired to take it on as a charitable project with no profit for his company. All of the company’s work is being done at the cost of labor and materials, while many other area businesses have also donated time and materials to the project. The original price tag of the expansion was $138,000. With the help of Jenkins, Davis said, the price is now

at $98,000 and dropping. Jenkins was able to secure a $5,000 donation from the Plant City Noon Rotary Club, of which he is a member. Other labor, material and monetary donations have come from various businesses, including concrete labor from RB Concrete Services in Plant City and concrete blocks and rebar from Quality Precast in Seffner. “It’s been a whole community effort,” Jenkins said. Davis, who came to the center as executive director in 2009, said the expansion is necessary to continue providing services to the community. According to Davis, the center saw 600 client visits in 2009. Last year, it saw 6,000. “We were outgrowing in every classroom,” she said. “We were functioning well, but there was no room for growth.” Davis said she hopes the expansion will improve the coziness of the center. For the first time, there will be a men-only classroom to give men a place to feel comfortable while taking parenting classes. Originally slated to be completed in two phases, the project is now being

done concurrently with new sections being added to either side of the building. The project marks the second expansion for the center in the last decade, as a 1,200-square-foot expansion was completed in 2012. Work on the project began in December 2016, and is expected to be completed by March of this year. Upon completion, Davis said there will be a joint grand re-opening and anniversary celebration for the center, which turns 25 on Friday, Jan. 27. The center is slated to remain open during construction. Davis said the center has had to adjust operating hours and the parking plan to accommodate the ongoing work, but will continue to service clients. “There are women who come here and depend on us,” Davis said. “We’re going to have some rough days, but we’re going to do our best so our clients have their needs met.”

Daniel Figueroa IV

Darlene Davis and Clayton Jenkins looked over expansion plans.

Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.

Tomlin Middle hosts ‘Saving Our Kids’ community forum Members of the Plant City community gathered to discuss planning for life after middle school Saturday, Jan. 21. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

ast month, Abeba SalterWoods, assistant principal at Tomlin Middle School, noticed something odd and alarming when speaking with eighth grade students from minority backgrounds. “I started to have some conversations with them in regard to what they wanted to do when they finished high school,” Salter-Woods said. “The majority of the children told me they had not even thought about finishing eighth grade. They didn’t have any plan for the future.” According to the Florida Department of Education, there were 137,917 minority students in Hillsborough County from pre-kindergarten through high school during the 20152016 school year. That same year, graduation rates among students were 86.2% for white students, 75% for Hispanic students, 69.5% for black students; 91.5% for Asian students, 71.4% for students of Pacific Island descent and 81.3% for students with more than two races. The overall graduation rate for the state was 80.7%. Salter-Woods became concerned. She knew their position — she’d been there before herself, and said she knew the dangers not having a plan for life. She knew she needed to change the students’ narrative. On Saturday, Feb. 21, Salter-Woods helped organize Saving Our Kids, a

community forum at Tomlin that brought together students, parents, educators and community members to discuss the importance of planning for life beyond school and options that might exist outside of traditional scholastic education. Salter-Woods moderated the panel. Forum speakers included Hewitt Grant, a Tomlin alum and driver for the City of Plant City, Carlisle Shepard, a guidance counselor at Riverview High School, Tomlin educator Doncelyn Chaney, Tony Moore, a realtor and employee of the Hillsborough County School District and Michael Anderson, a Plant City native and business owner. “There was a fine line between students who had a plan and those who didn’t,” Anderson said. Anderson now lives in Orlando and owns Spice Crafters. He was raised in Plant City and is a product of its middle schools. He was one of the students with a plan, he said, and it was that plan that made all the difference. But not all of his fellow students shared his same sentiments at the time. Though they had shared interests, including football, Anderson said many of his peers weren’t motivated to succeed. In the end, it was football that helped Anderson succeed. Knowing that he needed to do well in school to keep playing, he used that as motivation to earn a football scholarship to Florida A&M University, and later a career in software development.

Anderson said his sense of planning also helped him set a second career in motion. An avid watcher of the Food Network and a fan of all things foodrelated, Anderson told forum attendees that he turned his passion into the specialty-spice business he runs today. It was a non-linear path, but it’s one that contributes to Anderson’s ultimate message: look beyond traditional academics. The other forum speakers echoed Anderson’s sentiment. While anyone can go to college, they said, not everyone will and emphasized alternative options including trade schools. “Trade is important, too,” Shepard said. “If college isn’t for you, have a plan. We’re dropping the ball when it comes to trade schools.” Moore agreed. “Our world runs on trades,” he said. In fact, there’s a need for it. According to Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, the United States faces a shortage of two million skilled workers over the next 10 years. Many on the panel, including Chaney, spent time focusing on the contributions from parents and guardians. Education, she said, takes a holistic approach. To her, teaching is a calling and her students become her children. She pushed the importance of communication between parents and students as well as parents and teachers or administration. “Through that involvement and communication, we can save our kids,” she said. The forum ended with questions from the audience. Salter-Woods encouraged students to participate. Asonya Shabazz, an 11-year-old

sixth grader and one of Chaney’s students, raised her hand. “How long does it take to get your master’s degree?” she asked the panel. Salter-Woods said another forum is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Tomlin Middle School auditorium, 501 N. Woodrow Wilson St. All are encouraged to join. Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.

Daniel Figueroa IV

Doncelyn Chaney embraces her student, ASonya Shabazz, while holding her 9-month-old son, Zion, after the Saving Our Kids forum at Tomlin Middle School

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Winter Haven man arrested after shooting Isaac Macher Thomas, 24, was arrested Monday, Jan. 23. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

One man has been arrested following a police-involved shooting on Friday, Jan. 20. The Plant City Police Department received a call at 9:35 p.m. Jan. 20, in reference to a large and hostile group of subjects at the McDonald’s restaurant at 2001 James L. Redman Parkway in Plant City. Upon arrival, a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Isaac Macher Thomas, of Winter Haven, allegedly fired at least one round from a firearm toward the immediate direction of a uniformed police officer in a patrol unit. According to police reports, Thomas then fled the scene in a white, fourdoor sedan. The officer, after seeing the weapon fired in his direction, initiated a vehicle pursuit of the sedan

onto Alexander Street. The pursuit continued southbound on Alexander Street to the intersection of Reynolds Street, where Thomas attempted to turn eastbound onto Reynolds. Unable to make the turn, Thomas traveled beyond the roadway and into a business plaza where the sedan crashed into a dental office suite. The sedan was rendered inoperable, and police reports say that Thomas attempted to flee the area westbound on foot. A second police officer, Sgt. James Burchett, arrived on scene and observed Thomas attempting to flee. According to police reports, Thomas pointed a firearm at Burchett in a threatening manner. Burchett, fearful that his life was in imminent danger, discharged his service weapon on Thomas, striking him. Thomas was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries. On Monday, Jan. 23, Thomas was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer

and felon in possession of a firearm. The arrest warrant was executed by the Lakeland Police Department, and Thomas will be taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Central County Jail. Per standard Plant City Police Department protocol, Burchett has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of several simultaneous investigations by the Plant City Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office. According to police, “(Burchett’s) prompt response and actions swiftly concluded a potentially dangerous situation.” Burchett is a seven-year veteran with the Plant City Police Department. He served previously with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office in Chatham, Virginia, where he served for seven years. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

FROM CHEF PAGE 1

Courtesy photos

Emily Ellyn will be the celebrity chef Saturday, Feb. 4.

Management. “I grew up on a farm,” Ellyn said. “I grew up loving fresh food. I didn’t see packaged chicken until culinary school.” Ellyn, a winner of ‘Cutthroat Kitchen’ and a Food Network Star alumna was recruited for Celebrity Chef by her friend, Whitney Miller Humphrey. Humphrey connected Ellyn with Brian West, a committee member for the food bank. The rest, Ellyn said, is history. “Last year, I worked with Feeding America Tampa Bay,” Ellyn said. “I have a good relationship with both Wish Farms and Publix.” Known for her cat-eye glasses, Ellyn jokes that she was born retro rad. “I grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s,” Ellyn said. “But I have an affinity for the ‘50s and ‘60s.” To fit in with her theme, the United Food Bank of Plant City will deck out the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College the night of the event.

Justin Kline

The officers were initially called in response to a rowdy and hostile group of subjects

IF YOU GO

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“We’ll have tidbits of a retro theme,” Scott said. “She’s bubbly and fun. We’ll have centerpieces with cateye glasses.” As for the meal, Ellyn said that she hopes to take attendees on a food journey. “There’s something magical about bringing people around the table and breaking bread with them,” she said. “I want to take them from farmhouse to school house to your house. I love stir fry and curry, but I also love tuna noodle casserole and comfort dishes. I want to tell a story and entertain.” This year’s menu includes spinach salad and roasted chicken. Berry

cocktails — and other tasty surprises — will also be in store for attendees. A cooking demonstration will take place after the meal, and the night will include auction items for attendees to bid on. “I’m just looking forward to it,” Ellyn said. The ninth annual Celebrity Chef Dinner will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College, 1206 N. Park Road. Tickets are $100 per person. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

JAN. 18

JAN. 13

TARGET PRACTICE Woodrow Wilson Street/Ritter Street. Armed robbery: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) threw an unidentified object at her while she was riding her bicycle. The impact knocked the complainant to the ground, where $2 and a pack of cigarettes were taken from her.

PIZZA PARTY 1700 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Fraud: Officers met with complainant who stated one of his delivery drivers had been paid with a counterfeit $100 bill, which was not noticed until the driver had returned to the restaurant.

COPS CORNER

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Headed on a great trip? Make sure to take your Observer along! Snap a photo of you holding your Observer on vacation and send your pictures to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

ONE STEP AT A TIME 1110 block of North Wheeler Street. Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) had cut the lock off of a business gate during the weekend. GUN SHOW 3410 block of Berry Blossom Drive. Residential burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) has broken into his home and stolen several guns.

NICE TRY 2510 block of Thonotosassa Road. Uttering forged instruments: Officer arrested a subject for attempting to use counterfeit money to purchase gift cards at a supermarket.

MIAMI VICE 2800 block of Forest Club Drive. Fraud: Officers met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) used his credit card information at an ATM machine in Miami.

JAN. 16

LIGHT READING 3700 block of Trapnell Ridge Drive. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) entered their unlocked Hyundai Sonata between 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, and 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13. Complainant stated the only thing missing from the vehicle was the owner’s manual.

TECH JUNKIE 900 block of West McLendon Street. Grand theft: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen his iPhone 5S and a pair of wireless Beats headphones. The items were valued together at $900.

JAN. 17

IN THE DOGHOUSE 300 block of North Wilder Road. Criminal mischief: Officers met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) cut valve stems and damaged the windshield of his Nissan Maxima. Complainant believed his wife may have done the damage, but wasn’t sure. A waiver of prosecution was signed and the complainant declined to investigate further.

SNEAKING FOR SNEAKERS 2890 block of Hammock Drive. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) stole a pair of Reebok tennis shoes, valued at $50, from his unlocked Ford F-150 truck. Complainant signed a waiver of prosecution. BLING BANDIT 2300 block of Clubhouse Drive. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) entered his unlocked Ford Expedition SUV and stole a men’s bracelet, which was valued at $7,000.

WALLET WOES West Ball Street/South Gibbs Street. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked minivan and stole two wallets.

FACIAL HAIR FIEND 800 block of North Collins Street. Theft: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen a package of beard oil that was supposed to be delivered to the residence.

JAN. 14

JAN. 19

JUST WANTED TO CHAT 100 block of South Howard Street. Misuse of 911: Plant City Police received multiple 911 calls from a woman who did not require police assistance. The subject was arrested and taken to jail without incident.

OBSERVING HISTORY: Plant City Mayor Rick Lott and wife Di Lott brought a copy of the Observer with them to President Donald Trump’s inauguration Friday, Jan. 20, in Washington, D.C. “Plant City is always with me,” Rick Lott said. “We took the picture right after the inauguration ceremony.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

SENIOR OF THE MONTH: BILL AND GWEN THOMAS

Giving Back and Looking Forward Plant City residents William “Bill” Sr. and Gwen Thomas are heavily involved in preserving African-American history in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

For William “Bill” Sr. and Gwen Thomas, community involvement is centered around the greater good, not individual benefit. “We volunteer not for ourselves or for monetary gain,” Gwen Thomas said. “It’s not about you all the time. You work for the better good, not for yourself.” The couple grew up in Plant City and today have extensive involvements in the community they call home. Whether they serve individually or jointly, their current contributions include serving with the Improvement League of Plant City, the United Food Bank of Plant City, the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation board, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center and more. Much of their desire to support the community comes from Bill Thomas’ service in the United States Army. While today he is in charge of the forensic science identification program for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, he spent 24 years in the military and worked as a military police officer in Vietnam. He later retired as a commissioned officer. “I think the military taught us a lot about sharing and giving back to the community,” Gwen Thomas said. “There was a camaraderie with others who lived in the housing areas. That stuck. We became ingrained in that community, and there’s nothing like working with other people.” The couple met in 1964, when they were students learning how to skate. “I saw her,” Bill Thomas said. “I waited until the next week to find out who she was.” The couple married in 1969 and has now been together for 53 years. They have two children, William Jr. and Chad. When the couple first met in school, high schools in Plant City were still segregated. “The black kids went to Marshall primarily,” Bill Thomas said. “That changed in 1970. The downside was that there was the loss of the black business commercial district. That happened across the country, because businesses were intertwined with residential areas. Laura Street used to be a commercial district wit ha fish

CURRENT AND PAST INVOLVEMENTS n Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Board n United Food Bank of Plant City n Photo Archives and History Center Board and Advisory Council n Forensic Science Youth Mentorship n Bealsville Inc. n Bealsville Eagles Athletic Program n Co-Captain, Florida Strawberry Festival Ambassador First Friday Team n Hillsborough County Community Action Board

market, bars and clubs.” After service in the military, the couple returned to Plant City where their families still lived. “Our families and parents were here,” Bill Thomas said. “We were raised by the community. And if you were going to make a difference, why not do it at home? Because of the things we had seen and been exposed to, we had something to share. We wanted to share our experiences to ensure that the organizations were administratively sound.” While the community ties have changed as society becomes more mobile, Bill Thomas said, the couple still finds it important to give back in any way they can. They hope businesses will grow and new ones will continue to come to town so that the next generations can continue to reside in Plant City. “That retention is important to me,” Gwen Thomas said. “That, and the importance of preservation of African-American history. By educating the next generation, our history is well-established in Plant City and the unincorporated area. I feel that our history is important for the younger generations to know who they are, where they came from and really, a road map on what they need to do to keep going.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

Emily Topper

We asked: Now that Donald J. Trump is officially the 45th president of the United States of America, what do you hope to see from him in the next 100 days?

“I want to see him be nice, because he uses curse words too much.” — Lawrence Jimenez, 7.

“I want to see him be kind. He’s mean to people sometimes.” — Angie Jimenez, 8.

“I’m interested in seeing him remove regulations from domestic businesses to streamline economic growth, but I worry about his protectionist approach sparking a trade war.” — Nathan Carson, 24.

“To see him do something to uplift the world as human beings and not just point the finger at nationalities. And, I want to see people move forward and give him a chance.”

“That the name of God won’t be used as a placeholder, but actually used to implement policy and make us, truly, one nation under God.”

“I’d love, as a small business owner, to see if he enacts a better tax code.” — Hannah Benton, 28.

— Ricky Lindsey, 37.

“I’d like to see him bring more jobs to this country like he has to other countries, and I want to see him try to change himself and become a better person.” — Jajuan Moye, 22

— Lillie Brown, 62.

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Durant High School students have recently taken top honors at district and statewide competitions — including bringing a long sought-after title back to Hillsborough County. The school took top honors at the statewide FFA citrus competition Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. The five-person high school team comprised of students Abby Davis, Jordan Blount, Cole Hanson, Tyler Trussell and alternate Jacob Ross began working for the title a few weeks after the school year began. “We started preparing the second week of school,” Trussell, the only senior on the school’s team, said. “We practiced pretty much every day. It’s the first time Durant won, ever. We’ve wanted this for a while and I’ve been doing this for four years. It was my senior year, so it was my final year to get that last push.” Trussell added that he believed the team’s success this year was due to added dedication. To win the contest, the team had to identify citrus varieties, insects, weeds, diseases and disorders and complete a written portion. Participants completed tests with over 100 questions individually, and the combined scores made up the team’s total. “There were about 40 high schools and middle schools that competed,” Hanson, a sophomore, said. “We figured we were in the top two or three. There was a lot of anxiety and anticipation. When we found we won, we went crazy. We blew up pumpkins.” Hanson added that he originally joined the team because, he said, citrus was dying out in Hillsborough County. With plans to pursue agribusiness management, he wanted to learn about the industry. Thomas Sturgis, the team’s advisor, was pleased with the results. While the school has ranked in the competition before, the winning title had never been achieved. On top of the honor, bringing the title to Durant is the first time the statewide title has been back in Hillsborough County in over 30 years. “It’s just a real accomplishment,” Sturgis said. “We’ve been second twice, third three times and we’ve been fourth, fifth and sixth before.” Individually, the students also placed well. Blount placed second, followed by Davis in fourth, Hanson in seventh and Trussell in ninth. In the future, the team recommends that students interested in pursuing citrus give it their all. “Do it,” Hanson said. “Study and do it because it’s worth it. We studied together and individually.” In 2017, the Durant FFA team is continuing the standard of success. Earlier this month, Madison Smith, a freshman at Durant, won the district Creed contest and will go on to participate at the state level.

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Madison Smith won the district creed competition earlier this year, and also made the 2017 Durant FFA Sweetheart Court.

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“There were about 40 high schools and middle schools that competed. We figured we were in the top two or three. There was a lot of anxiety and anticipation. When we found we won, we went crazy. We blew up pumpkins.” — Cole Hanson, Durant Citrus team member

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“I was nervous, but I felt confident going in,” Smith said. “I’ve been practicing since October and November, and I did public speaking in middle school. I definitely practiced a lot.” Smith, who wants to pursue a career in politics or ag communications after graduation, received help from fellow freshman Emma Poole, who won the state creed contest last year. To win the contest, Smith had to recite the Creed and answer questions related to it and agriculture as a whole. “This is just a launching pad for students,” Sturgis said. “This is what makes teaching worthwhile.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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The Science of Choices: Ag conference set for Feb. 9 Jack Payne, the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, discusses the platform of the upcoming conference.

2017 CONFERENCE TOPICS n Innovation Economy n Agricultural Labor n Water Quality and

Management n Food and Nutrition Policy n Agricultural Production Policy and Trade

here’s science that guides your agricultural choices – when to water, how to fight pests, and what to give your

IF YOU GO SECOND ANNUAL FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL POLICY OUTLOOK CONFERENCE When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. Where: UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 County Road 672, Wimauma Register: Fred.IFAS.UFL. edu/FlagPolicyOutlookConference

Plant City resident Arley Smude analyzes free trade in the United States and abroad, and encourages residents to make educated consumer choices.

JACK PAYNE UF/IFAS

soil. Then, there’s the science of consumer choices. The study of those pocketbook choices is economics, something that can be seen in action at a social science field day on Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma as part of the second annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference. The event is sponsored by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. While attendees will consist of a “Who’s Who” of policy makers, anyone who can benefit from knowing more about how customers make decisions is encouraged to join. The Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference is an example of UF/IFAS as your go-to source for solutions, no matter what the scientific challenge. Mostly, people know of UF/IFAS for solutions to growers’ production problems. There are, of course, consumer challenges too, which have their own sciences focused on solutions. That’s why UF/IFAS deploys such a variety of expertise in biological, physical, and social sciences. Many of us in agriculture are familiar with the benefits of a farmto-school program – fresher, more nutritious food for kids, public spending staying local and fewer food miles burning fuel and putting wear and tear on our infrastructure. None of that is on a kid’s mind, though, when choosing between pizza and the salad bar in the school cafeteria. Dr. Jaclyn Kropp, of our Food and Resource Economics Department, is trying to figure out through economics what every parent tries to figure out through kitchen table negotiations: how to get kids to eat

On trade: When big-box meets buy local

veggies. She's been researching whether kids will make different lunch choices if they pre-order their meals, for example, or if seeing on a computer screen that their meal misses a wedge on the ChooseMyPlate.gov diagram prompts them to remedy that. She has also looked at the influence of peers’ lunch choices. At the conference, Kropp will share what she’s seen when she peers inside kids’ brains. Dr. Brandon McFadden, also of the Food and Resource Economics Department, focuses on adults. We know that people get spooked by genetically modified organisms — especially the letters “GMO” — even though there’s scientific consensus that such foods are as safe to eat as conventionally produced food. McFadden is interested in using science to bridge the disconnect. He has drilled deeper and found different levels of acceptance for agricultural biotechnology depending on how it’s presented. Telling folks that genetic engineering creates plants that tolerate weed killer gets you a whole other response from what you get when you lead with a message that genetic engineering can help keep food production in the United States. To see these conclusions presented, register for the conference on the UF/IFAS website. What we hope to do is give you a day of science that nourishes like broccoli but tastes like pizza. Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

here has been a lot of talk on free trade recently, mostly in the form of it being bashed by politicians and defended by economists. International trade deals, from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, are based on complex, multi-country negotiations. While the general aim is to reduce barriers to selling in foreign markets, the impacts reach every pocket of America. That includes Plant City and longterm consequences on the types of jobs, businesses and products available to communities like ours. None of us were at the negotiating table to decide these multi-trillion dollar government deals. However, we do have a direct influence on these same consequences every day. Consumers decide where they will buy their coffee, have their taxes done and where to get groceries. Like free-trade deals, the purchasing decisions we make as local individuals impact the market products available to us right here in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The difference between NAFTA and where we buy lunch is that the former dominates the news and politics, yet we don’t control it, while the latter is often an afterthought, yet fully in our control. This consumer power is one of the most basic principles of capitalism. Let’s apply this idea to the subject of big box, chain stores versus local, family businesses. Imagine if everyone in Plant City only shopped at Wal-Mart, Lowe’s Home Improvement and similar chains. The likely outcome would be consumers saving a few dollars, mom-and-pop shops going under and the skills and jobs available in our community would be limited to those tied to chain stores. On the other extreme, if everyone only shopped at local, family businesses, consumers would pay a bit more for many products, lose the convenience of chain stores and the demand for specialty jobs and skills would drastically increase.

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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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Neither of these scenarios sound ideal, but there are real trade-offs beyond the immediate sticker price that impact our community. A 2012 Civic Economics study by the American Independent Business Alliance found that half the revenue from local, independent businesses was recirculated locally, compared to just 14% from chain stores. Buying locally cultivates skilled jobs and attracts skilled talent, such as carpenters, welders, web designers, chefs and artists. Properly harnessed, this grows into an upward spiral of more local businesses, expanded product offerings and ripples of positive economic impact throughout the community. Nationally, we can’t buy everything from China to save a buck and then complain when U.S.-based factories close. Locally, we can’t make all our purchases at big box chains selling non-local goods and expect an abundance of skilled jobs or unique businesses and products. Plant City has no shortage of fantastic local businesses co-existing alongside big box chain stores. Both have distinct offerings to the community, but by supporting local businesses, we’re investing in our neighbors. We’re creating more skilled jobs for our youth. We’re sending a signal to the market that we value unique businesses, which are a foundation to Plant City’s charm. Ultimately, we’re empowering ourselves to define the unique character of our town. And, unlike trade deals, these are fully our decisions to make.

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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 Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@ 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

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Reclaiming the land for future generations is

Ashlee Harrison, Reclamation Ecologist South Pasture Mine, Hardee County

As an ecologist, I am part of a dedicated team that oversees the reclamation of Mosaic’s mined lands. Before phosphate operations begin, I work with scientists, engineers and environmental specialists to carefully plan for reclaimed land uses. Last year, those plans included planting more than 2 million trees — and reclaiming land for wildlife habitats, parks, agriculture and other productive uses. There’s a reason Mosaic is so passionate about reclamation: we know our kids and grandkids will enjoy these lands for generations to come.

We help the world grow the food it needs.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

ALL IN THE

(ROYAL) FAMILY FROM PAGE 1

The Florida Strawberry Festival runs in Knotts’ family, from volunteer involvements to the queen’s royal history. Her cousin, Chelsea Bowden, was crowned in 2012. Her grandmother, Ruby Jean Redman, was crowned in 1953. “My grandmother has a hallway full of old pictures of my mom and her sisters from when they were growing up,” Knotts said. “And her Strawberry Queen photos are on the wall. It’s so cool because she was in the same pageant. Every time we see it, we ask her about it. She’s been able to tell us all these stories from how it changed over time.” Growing up around royals, Knotts knew the importance of both the queen’s pageant and the queen’s role in the community. The Plant City High School senior and fifth generation Plant Citian wasn’t able to participate in the pageant last year due to soccer recruiting — she serves as captain of the varsity team and has plans to play at Georgia Southern University in the fall — so she wanted to make her senior year special. But this year, she faced similar challenges. After suffering a knee injury on her 18th birthday in November 2016, Knotts had to have knee surgery in December. “Three weeks before the pageant I was on crutches,” she said. “I wasn’t sure that I was going to be able to compete. But I set goals, we got into physical therapy and I worked really hard.” Though it was her first time in the queen’s pageant, it wasn’t her first crown. In the past, she’s served as the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Junior Royalty Duchess, Princess and Queen. But this particular pageant continued a longstanding legacy. With her hard-earned crown, Knotts had broken a record: three Florida Strawberry Festival queens from one family. “It’s never been three times in a family before,” Knotts said. “I couldn’t be happier. I think that’s honestly a once in a lifetime thing. I’m just so thankful my grandmother (Ruby Jean Redman) was able to come. It’s something our family has looked forward to me doing, and it’s another thing we can bond over. I’m very family-oriented.” In a way, Knotts said, she has the best of both worlds. “I cheer,” she said. “I play competitive and high school soccer, and I’ve played varsity flag football for the past three years. I think it adds a little edge for the Strawberry Queen to be an athlete, but also to be a queen and be able to represent the town.” Knotts said she hopes that, through her new role, she’ll be able to encourage other girls to do the same — even ones who don’t think they’re cut out for the pageant circuit. “You can do anything you put your mind to,” Knotts said. “We’re perfect examples on the court. Every single one of us is an athlete or a singer. I didn’t pretend to be the perfect pageant girl, because I’m not. I mess up. I have bruises and scars on my legs, I don’t have perfect skin. But I think that’s what makes me beautiful, that I’m comfortable in my own skin.” When she won, Knotts said, she was grateful to be able to share the moment with her family, including her parents, Andy Knotts and Jeanne Redman Knotts, and her siblings, Regan and Jackson. “My sister left me all kinds of positive quotes around the house,” Knotts said. “All that emotion came rushing to me on stage when they announced it because I knew that I was myself on stage, and that I gave it everything I could. The work finally paid off. I couldn’t even imagine a better moment than that.” She was also grateful for the support from her hometown community. “I’m just so thankful we have a loving community,” Knotts said. “Truly being supported by the community is something you don’t get everywhere, and I think that’s something that makes Plant City special. I’m going to try to do the best I can to fulfill the duties of the queen. I want Plant City to know wouldn’t have gone out for this pageant if I wasn’t 100% sure I could be that ambassador for this town. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

MORE PAGEANT COVERAGE 12-15

“I didn’t pretend to be the perfect pageant girl, because I’m not. I mess up. I have bruises and scars on my legs, I don’t have perfect skin. But I think that’s what makes me beautiful, that I’m comfortable in my own skin. You can do anything you put your mind to .” — Drew Knotts, 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen

Photos by Jose Lozoya

RUBY JEAN REDMAN Ruby Jean Redman, wife of the late James Redman, was crowned the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen in 1953 when she was a 17-year-old senior at Plant City High School. Ruby Jean Redman graduated from Florida State University in 1957, and later married Jim Redman in August of that same year. A Plant City native, Ruby Jean Redman brought the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to Plant City while her husband battled cancer for 28 years. Drew Knotts is Ruby Jean Redman’s second granddaughter to win the crown. Another one of her granddaughters, Chelsea Bowden, was crowned in 2012.

File Photos

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Proud Sponsor of

Drew Knotts

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Photos by Jose Lozoya

MARLEE ARN, FIRST MAID

CAROLINE BRUMMER, COURT MEMBER

COURTNEY COTON, COURT MEMBER

ARIEL NAVARRETE, COURT MEMBER

What’s it like serving on the court with your fellow Plant City High School Raiders? I just think it’s really cool to have a court that have all been able to go to the same school. But really, I think it’s an honor. I’ve been friends with these girls for as long as I can remember. It just gives us the opportunity to grow with each other.

What’s it like serving on the court with your fellow Plant City High School Raiders? It’s pretty great. I’m the only junior on the court. It’s good because we’re already so comfortable together, which makes it easier to work together.

What’s it like serving on the court with your fellow Plant City High School Raiders? It’s really exciting. Me and Caroline (Brummer) are together all year on the cheer squad, and Drew (Knotts) and I are together for football season. And I’m friends with Marlee (Arn) and Ariel (Navarrete). It’s exciting to share it with the girls I go to school with and that I’m also friends with.

What’s it like serving on the court with your fellow Plant City High School Raiders? It feels great. I grew up with Drew (Knotts), Courtney (Coton) and Marlee (Arn). It’s just awesome. We’ve all known each other for a long time. I’m excited to serve the community with friends, and this is just the cherry on top.

What was your reaction when you found out you made the court? I was completely speechless. I just thought court would be so great and then I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, First Maid!’ I was completely at a loss for words. I was thinking, ‘This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of.’ Especially growing up in Plant City, because you look forward to that. What are you most looking forward to about the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival? I’m really looking forward to seeing how our palace turns out. I think it’ll be really cool for us to get ready there and then go out as a group. I’m really looking forward to seeing the community. I know we’re all really excited to meet different people. We’ll be feeding off each other’s energy the whole time. What was your family’s reaction when they found out you were First Maid? Last year I didn’t get Top 10. But then this year, I was watching my dad the whole time they were calling just Top 10. When they said ‘Contestant Number 19,’ my dad has this big sigh of relief. When I got First Maid, I could just see my parents crying in the audience. What is your favorite thing about Plant City? I would say just the community in general. We have such a family atmosphere, and it’s really cool because everywhere you go in town, you see somebody you’re friends with or that you grew up with. To me, that means so much. I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else.

What are you most looking forward to about the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival? I’m most excited for Midway Day, and to ride on all the rides. Mostly though, I’m excited to meet people from Plant City and people of all ages who come to the festival. I’m also looking forward to seeing Patti LaBelle, who I saw on Dancing with the Stars. She has so much spunk and sass and grace. She’s truly the Godmother of Soul. What was your reaction when you found out you were in the Top 10, and then when you made the court? This has been my dream for so long, all the way back to when I was on the Little Miss Plant City court in 2009. I was excited when I made the top 10 because it was one step closer to my dream. When I was called for court, I didn’t believe it at first. What’s your favorite thing about Plant City? Definitely the support I get from so many different people in the community. This is a great place for kids to grow up. We really have such a loving and supportive community here. What was your family’s reaction when you made the court? My dad was relieved. He is not a dress person or anything like that, and he was really happy. My mom was so happy. She worked the closest with me and we went shopping together. She was happy our hard work paid off.

What are you most looking forward to about the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival? I’m just excited to spend all 11 days with four of my really good friends. I’m also excited to represent the festival and the city with these girls, and watch concerts and meet entertainers. I’m most excited to see Rascal Flatts. How did you feel when you were called for the Top 10, and then when you made the court? I was really excited when I was called for the top 10, and relieved. When I got called for the court, I got so excited. We were all smiling at each other. It was a really cool moment. What would you recommend to any girl who is thinking about going out for the pageant in the future? Go for it. It’s a lot of fun and you’re able to learn a lot about yourself and just have confidence. I’d recommend anyone to go out for it. What was your family’s reaction when you made the court? My family was super excited. My dad has been waiting for me to do this pageant. It was a proud parent moment, for sure. What’s your favorite thing about Plant City? The Florida Strawberry Festival, definitely. It’s 11 days of food and entertainment. It’s like Christmastime in Plant City, it’s the best time of the year here.

You were Miss Congeniality last year, and this year you made it on the court. How does that feel? It was great. The first year was a very positive competition for me. Getting Miss Congeniality for me was so important because it showed that girls who knew me for a certain period of time thought I was a nice person. That was a very important award for me. That kind of motivated me to do it again. I told my mom, ‘We’re doing it again this year.’ What was going through your mind when you find out you made it on the court? The first thing I did was look at my parents because they were the ones who motivated me the whole time to just be myself. One of the past queens also said, ‘If you love yourself, everybody else will love you.’ So that actually always stuck with me. What would you recommend to any girl who is thinking about going out for the pageant in the future? I would tell them to do it. It’s such a great feeling to know that you get to serve the community and that you have this opportunity. I would definitely tell them to not miss the chance. Just being in the pageant is a great experience. You become friends with the girls. What was your family’s reaction when you made it on the court? They were so excited. I saw them all screaming and jumping. The first thing I yelled to them was ‘Migente!’ and that means ‘my people’ in Spanish. They were excited for me.

EMILY TOPPER | MANAGING EDITOR

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Congratulations Courtney Coton, member of the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court, Morrow Steel is proud to be your sponsor

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Morrow Steel 3620 Copeland Drive Zepheryhills, FL 33542 813-715-0404 www.morrowsteel.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

RAIDERS

REIGN A

childhood dream came true for Plant City High School senior Drew Knotts on Saturday, Jan. 21, when she was crowned the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. Twenty-one girls competed in the scholarship pageant in the commercial, casual wear and formal wear categories. Besides Knotts, the court for 2017 includes First Maid Marlee Arn and court members Caroline Brummer, Courtney Coton and Ariel Navarrete. All attend Plant City High School. Knotts, who is captain of the varsity soccer team at Plant City High School, is no stranger to the pageant circuit. She was crowned Junior Royalty Queen in 2014, and is a former Junior Royalty Princess and Duchess. Her grandmother, Ruby Jean Redman, was queen in 1953. Her cousin, Chelsea Bowden, was crowned in 2012.

TOP 10

Marlee Arn Ariel Navarrete Drew Knotts Ashley Hamel Zoe Rasmussen Mary Beth Stewart Taylor Tew Courtney Coton Caroline Brummer Julia Strickland Miss Congeniality: Bentley Roberts

QUEEN AND COURT Queen: Drew Knotts First Maid: Marlee Arn Court members: Caroline Brummer, Courtney Coton, Ariel Navarrete

—EMILY TOPPER AND JOSE LOZOYA

Top: The court includes court member Courtney Coton, First Maid Marlee Arn, Queen Drew Knotts and court members Caroline Brummer and Ariel Navarrete. Above: 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Drew Knotts Right: Court member Ariel Navarrete

Congratulations Caroline Brummer to to

Member of the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court

Hopewell Funeral Home is proud to be Caroline’s sponsor.

Our Promise at

www.HopewellFuneral.com

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 229584

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Above: Julia Strickland, Top 10 Right:Courtney Coton, court member, in formal wear Far Right: Courtney Coton decked out in black and white for casual wear.

Bentley Roberts was named Miss Congeniality.

Above: Tiffany Wilson Left: First Maid Marlee Arn Above: Court member Caroline Brummer Megan Todd wore stripes in the casual wear portion of the evening.

Congrat

ulations As a carer, you’ll receive, 24/7 support and ongoing training opportunities.

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You need to have a spare room and experience or understanding of disabilities. If you are interested in helping a child or young person with a disability reach their full potential we’d love to talk to you.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ariel N

avarrete

The Cardiology Practice of Dr. Devarakonda is announcing his retirement from February 28, 2017. Dr. P. Rajendran, his associate is taking over this practice and will accept all established patients. Patients needing assistance in locating another cardiologist should contact this office.

is the Proud Sponsor of Ariel, member of the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court.

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With written patient authorization, a copy of the medical record will be available at 1507 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563 or by calling 813-752-1053. 1507 W. Reynolds St. #B Plant City, FL 33563 Phone: 813-752-1053 Fax: 813-754-6739

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Alan’s Air Conditioning

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

SUNDAY, JAN. 29

BEST BET

19TH ANNUAL KIRKIN O’ THE TARTAN Begins at 10:45 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 404 W. Reynolds St. The service celebrates the church’s Scottish heritage. The St. Andrews Pipes and Drums of Tampa Bay will be a big part of the celebration.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27

PLANT CITY MAIN STREET FOOD TRUCK RALLY 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the corner of Drane and Palmer streets in Historic Downtown Plant City. Enjoy food and drinks from trucks including YoYo Juice, Mr. C’s Grilled Cheese, Churroland Tampa, Mac Shack and more. The event is sponsored by the East Hillsborough Art Guild, Mayfair Games and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.

FIFTH SUNDAY SING Begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at First Church of God in Plant City, 601 N. Gordon St. The event will include favorite hymns and special music. Snacks will be provided for a time of fellowship after the event. For more information, call Jean Tufts at (269) 290-4977.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

WALK/BIKE PLANT CITY OPEN HOUSE 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. The City of Plant City and the Hillsborough Metropolitan Organization are working to develop a walk/bike plan for Plant City to connect neighborhoods, schools parks and attractions. Input is welcome. For more information, call Wade Reynolds at (813) 273-3774, ext. 361.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

12TH ANNUAL EVERY BUDDY IS BEAUTIFUL FASHION SHOW Begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in the Plant City High School auditorium, 1 Raider Place. The event is held as a fundraiser by the Skills USA Cosmetology students as a fundraiser for the Raider Buddies program. Tickets are $3 per person.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

CORK ELEMENTARY COLOR RUN Begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Cork Elementary School, 3501 N. Cork Road, Plant City. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and is $35 the day of the event. The funds will go toward extra activities, projects and field trips not covered by the PTA budget. Register at Shop. SchoolAThon.org/184320. PLANT CITY BIKE FEST Begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Union Station Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. The event is organized by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

RISE PLANT CITY LAUNCH PARTY AND MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210

Thonotosassa Road. Learn about Plant City’s new young professionals organization and find out how to get involved. Visit RisePlantCity. com.

been billed as “the best Patsy since Patsy.” Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children. Reservations are recommended. Call (813) 7579226.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE SEMINAR 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at Solaris Healthcare Plant City, 701 N. Wilder Road. This free, public seminar with Dr. Imran T. Ismail, D.O., discusses coronary artery disease in the elderly. To RSVP, call (813) 752-3611.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

THE FLORIDA OPRY PATSY CLINE TRIBUTE SHOW Begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The tribute will be performed by Barbara VanEycke, who has

REVIVAL AT FIRST THONOTOSASSA BAPTIST CHURCH Begins at 7 p.m. nightly from Sunday, Feb. 12, through Friday, Feb. 17, at First Thonotosassa Baptist Church, 10650 McIntosh Road.

ONGOING PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. New members welcome.

ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. BINGO 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, at American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. There is a full kitchen. CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild.

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA 1507 YMCA Place 813 757 6677 tampaymca.org

JOIN US TODAY!

Congratulations Advantage Academy of HillSborough

We care about the people we serve, and we care about the people we employ. We are a vibrant, innovative place to work, where employees are valued for their talents. The Goodwill Plant City store is now hiring the following positions: Sales Associates: Responsible for assisting customers, stocking, displaying and rotating store merchandise, and conducting cash register transactions. Processing Associates: Responsible for greeting donors, accepting donations, preparing donated and new goods for sale in stores through sorting, cleaning, categorizing, sizing and pricing.

engineering club students award

Job Requirements: High school/GED or equivalent preferred. Prefer some experience in retail. Subject to criminal history background checks. Subject to alcohol and drug testing.

“Most Sustainable Design” January 2017 Regional Future City Competition

Apply online at www.goodwill-suncoast.org/careers or in person at our Plant City store, 2802 James Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL 33566

Advantage Academy of Hillsborough 304 West Prosser Drive Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 567-0801 229562

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/ Veterans and a Drug Free Workplace

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JANUARY SPECIAL

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Willis S. Kirkland Jr., 86, of Plant City, died Jan. 18, 2017. He was born Feb. 27, 1930. He was a member of Cork United Methodist Church, a former Plant City Rotarian and a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Bennington. He also was a retired agriculture equipment salesman, citrus grower and caregiver. He is survived by his daughters, Sherry Clenney (Roger) and Lori Der (Dennis), of Plant City; grandchildren, Erica Hall (Jarrett), Brittany Lopez (Michael), Kayla Clenney and Lauren McNair (Andrew), of Plant City and Ryan Clenney (Steph), of Kentucky; great-granddaughter, Gracie Lopez; and brother, Jiles Kirkland, of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Cofer Kirkland; and son, Foy Kirkland. A celebration of life was held Jan. 21, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to James Ranch, c/o MacDonald Training Center at MacDonaldCenter.org Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ELLEN ETHEL CANNON

Ellen Ethel Cannon, 101, of Plant City, died Jan. 20, 2017.

She was born Jan. 15, 1916, in Champaign, Illinois, to Bert and Clarice (Knight) Clendening. Her family moved to Florida when she was 14. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and volunteered in the church nursery for many years. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and loved her dogs. She is survived by her sons, Marvin A. Cannon (Gloria) and Robert T. Cannon; daughters, Virginia Harrison (Jim), Linda Wimberly (Jerry) and Janet Balistreri (Peter); brothers, Roy Clendening (Myrtle) and Marion Clendening; sister, Bertha Stevens; grandchildren, Charles Cannon, Carol Cannon, Sherri Harrison McDonald, April Wimberly Clawson, Alicia Wimberly Houlberg, Andrea Wimberly Noel, Salvatore Balistreri and Jef-

frey Balistreri; and great-grandchildren, Joshua and Christopher Cannon, Cannon McDonald, Luke, Ella, Jack and Caleb Clawson, Trey and Wesley Houlberg, Davyn and Bryce Noel and Brianna Balistreri. She was preceded in death by her husband, S.A. Cannon; granddaughter, Beverly Harrison; and eight siblings. The family thanks the staff at Solaris Healthcare for their care and support. A funeral service was held Jan. 26, at Bethany Baptist Church in Plant City. Burial followed at Memorial Park, Plant City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes at FBCHomes.org. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

JAMES L. COKER James L. Coker, 73, died Jan. 12, 2017. Born and raised in Plant City, he was the son of James A. and Ada Dean Coker. He moved to Riverview in 1983. He left the world with few regrets and said many times that if his life were to end on any day, he “would have lived and loved more in one lifetime than most people would in 10.” In his far reaching circle of friends known as the ‘Too Much Fun Bunch,’ he was affectionately known as ‘Pops.’ He loved his Pomeranian dogs. Friends and bluegrass music were the mainstay of his life during 46 years of marriage to his wife, Josephine. They hosted dozens of parties, celebrations and hoedowns, sharing fabulous food and the fun and spirit of bluegrass music. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Coker, of Riverview; son, James D. “Tater” Coker, of Riverview; daughter, Dreama Lynn Johns (David), of Lithia; and brother, Daniel Coker, of Lakeland. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

JOSEPH ALAN WISE Joseph Alan Wise, 32, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. He was born March 11, 1984, in Tampa. He grew up in Temple Terrace and attended Temple Heights Christian School and church, where he was also baptized. He played on his high school basketball team and enjoyed playing

classical guitar. He graduated high school from Seminole Presbyterian. He went on to attend Liberty University, and later graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biomedical science from the University of South Florida. He was loving and kind. He was tenderhearted, and loved all of God’s creatures great and small. He inherited his dad’s sense of humor and loved joking around and using many different comedic styles to share laughter. He brought a smile to many faces. His dad was one of his best pals and they spent a lot of time together. His greatest hope was in knowing Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. He is survived by his parents, A. Ann Wise and Alan C. Wise, of Temple Terrace; sisters, Heather A. Wise, of Lakeland and Holly A. Moore (Mark), of Temple Terrace; nephews and nieces, Conner Wilson, Isabel Plaza, Ethan Moore, Mia Moore and Evan Moore; grandmothers, Hilda Wise, of Plant City and Wilma L. Hendrick, of Fort Meade; and aunts, Karen Moseley, of St. Petersburg, Susan Hendrick, of North Carolina, Kathy Flentge, of Plant City and Brenda Wise, of Plant City. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Bill Wise, of Plant City and Lunenis C. Hendrick, of Fort Meade; uncle, Charles T. Hendrick, of Fort Meade; and aunt, Patsy Wise Sims, of Plant City. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the First Baptist Church of Fort Meade, 307 E. Broadway in Fort Meade. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Meade. Online condolences may be made at McLeanFuneralHome.net.

ROBERT EARL CORAM SR. Robert Earl Coram Sr., 86, of Valrico, died Jan. 8, 2017. He was born in Tampa on Sept. 15, 1930. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Brandon. He was a Southern Baptist minister for more than 60 years. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia A. Coram; six grandchildren; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends. A celebration of life was held Jan. 12, at First Baptist Church of Brandon.

Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ROBERT “BOB/ BOBBY” GORTMAN Robert “Bob/Bobby: Gortman, 72, of Lithia, died Jan. 10, 2017. He was born in Wewahitchka on Oct. 10, 1944. He loved his family and he enjoyed fishing. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cheryl Gortman; children, Vonda Andrade, of Lithia, Robert “Boogie” Gortman, of Lithia, Michael Belcher, of Lakeland and Scotty Gortman, of Plant City; grandchildren, Derrick Gortman, Travis Bowen, Caira Strickland, Ariel Gortman, Garrett Andrade and Dustin Andrade; and siblings, Carol Bradley (Brad), of Mulberry, Shirley Brantley (Earl), of Pinecrest, Randy Gortman (Kathy), of Pine Island, Diane Wiggins (Charles), of Lithia and Cathy King, of Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Taylor Bowen; and sister, Lucille Mercer. A celebration of life was held Jan. 19, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Interment followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ARDEN MAYS MERCKLE JR. Arden Mays Merckle Jr., 52, of Plant City, died Jan. 6, 2017. He was born Aug. 10, 1964, in Lakeland. He was a passionate artist, photographer, collector, genealogist and community activist. He is survived by his father, Judge Arden Mays Merckle Sr. (Marilynn), of Colorado; sisters,

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Norrine Merckle Martin (Timothy) and Alane Compton Campbell (Berry), of South Carolina; cousins, Punk and LouAnn Watson, of Plant City; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Neva Wilson Merckle; and brother, Arden William Merckle. A graveside service was held Jan. 12, at Mt. Enon Cemetery in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

WILLIAM E. MORRIS Ret. Sgt. Maj. William E. Morris, 92, of Plant City, died Jan. 16, 2017. He was born in Jamestown, Indiana on Aug. 4, 1924. He was veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in World War II and the Vietnam War, and was a citrus farmer. He is survived by his sons, Jack Garrison (Vel) and Dave Garrison (Terry), of Plant City; sister, Peggy Studer (Arnold), of Pennsylvania; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred “Mimi” Morris; and son, Jim Garrison. Interment was held at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at Support.WoundedWarriorProject.org. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ONLINE See more Obituaries online at

PlantCityObserver. com.

Florist 116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

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(352) Spring 597-9689 11186 Hill Drive

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HILLSBOROUGH 320 W. Fletcher Ave, Ste #103

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229137

JANUARY 27, 2017

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

P.C. native named Colonial head coach

“Just keep working every day.” — Trenten Herring has serious skills. SEE PAGE 22

‘FIGHTING OUT

OF PLANT CITY, FLORIDA…’

rlando: Colonial High School named Donny Hodges its newest head football coach on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Hodges, a Plant City native, is an experienced offensive coach, having overseen that side of the ball during stops at Olympia, Freedom and Jones High schools and Lake Highland Prepatory School. While at Olympia, Hodges mentored Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian. Most recently, he coached defensive backs at Boone High School for two years. Hodges will be asked to start turning around a Grenadiers team that finished 2016 with a 2-7 record (1-3 district).

A local boxing gym is now ProBox Management’s Tampa Bay training headquarters for fighters from around the country. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lant City Boxing Gym was always intended to be a training ground for fighters. Until recently, it was a place for local amateurs and hopefuls — as well as anyone who just wanted a good, tough workout — to get the training they needed. Three weeks ago, owner Jose Rodriguez got an unexpected surprise: a professional management team needed a Tampa Bay-area home and wanted to train fighters regularly in his gym. Rodriguez didn’t need much time to think about it. Now, ProBox Management and Plant City Boxing Gym are bringing professional experience to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

P.C. Tennis Center offering lessons

he Plant City Tennis Center is getting ready to begin youth and adult lessons, and there’s still time to sign up. The center, which offers year-round instruction, offers three types of individual lessons: Tots Beginner classes, which cover kids age 4 to 7, Youth Beginner classes, which cover kids from age 8 to 16, and Adult classes for those age 17 and older. Tots lessons cost $25 per child per month, and Youth and Adult classes cost $50 per person per month. There are also team tennis lessons available for intermediate and advanced juniors, which cost $80 per person per month. Prospective students have until Monday, Feb. 6, to register. Classes also begin on that day. For additional information, contact C. Shane Johnson at SJohnson@ PlantCityGov.com, or call (813) 707-7485.

SEE BOXING PAGE 20

Photos by Justin Kline

Aujee “Quick” Tyler, a Washington, D.C., native, will live and train in Plant City.

STRAWBERRY CREST wrestling succeeds against odds

MASCOTS make sports fun

Local rec centers offer new fitness activities

Sports Editor Justin Kline is a sucker for a good sports mascot.

he Planteen and MLK recreation centers are advertising new classes and programs to help Plant City residents young and old stay fit and healthy. Both centers are hosting EDC Diabetes Awareness programs, as well as senior aerobics and line dancing classes. The Planteen center is advertising a Country Line Dancing class, and the MLK Center has a Creative Line Dancing class. The center is promoting group exercise with its Walking With Friends, Hoola-Fit Hoop Fitness and Dance, 3 Cord Personal Fitness, Baton Twirling, Belly Dance, Senior Aerobics, Tae Kwon Do and Yoga for Beginners classes. It also encourages Plant City residents to participate in its “Ask a Friend to Share their Talents” program, where anyone can set up and instruct a course of their choosing at the center and be paid for it. For information on these and other activities, contact supervisor Maggie Morona at MMorona@PlantCityGov.com or at (813) 659-4256. The MLK center is offering a Women’s Self-Defense class, as well as a twiceweekly Cardio Challenge Class. It’s also promoting its After School Program for kids age 5 to 13, which families can sign up for on-site on weekdays. For more information, contact Lillie Brown at LBrown@PlantCityGov.com, Ja’Vae Ingraham at JIngraham@PlantCityGov.com, or call (813) 757-9195.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE

F Photos by Justin Kline

Strawberry Crest’s wrestling team has a small practice space but gets big results.

Strawberry Crest’s wrestling team recently won Western Conference and now has the best record in program history. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

One of the current top wrestling programs in Hillsborough County is used to defying convention. Strawberry Crest’s team, not even one decade old, has already fielded a state champion. It’s currently sitting on a 37-1 team record, the best in program history, and is finding success with a mix of homegrown talent and transfers. It recently won Western Conference and, with a handful of meets left in the regular season, looks primed to make a deep postseason run. This year, the team is dealing with something new: recognition. SEE WRESTLING PAGE 21

Head Coach C.J. Gittens demonstrates headlock technique.

or several years, the staff at the Plant City Times & Observer often talked about getting an “office mascot.” We love when people come to visit us, or when we go teach others about our day-today work, but have long felt that adding a mascot would spice things up a bit. We didn’t end up getting any of the animals we discussed — turtles, guinea pigs, fish, any small animals — but, thanks to In the Field Magaizne Managing Editor Sarah Holt, ended up with one anyway. Karah, Plant City’s sweetest pit bull, keeps our office days interesting and even gets her own visitors from time to time. I don’t think we could have asked for a better mascot. I’m hesitant to pick my favorite local sports mascot, though. Durant’s cougar is the one I most often see, but Strawberry Crest’s horse gets really hyped for football. The Plant City Raider looks like if Zorro were a Miami Dolphins fan. In the interest of staying fair to everyone, I’ll say that I enjoy seeing them all around. But there are college and professional mascots out there that I really like, and I think they could get just about anybody in higher spirits on sight. For my money, the best mascot in sports belongs to the Montgomery Biscuits. They have two, but I don’t want anyone to think I’m praising Big Mo, their weird elephant-anteater thing. Monty the Biscuit is the best thing ever. You can’t look SEE KLINE PAGE 20

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PUTTING IN WORK

Training to survive 12 to 15 rounds of boxing is no easy task. Boxers have to have superb cardio, which they get through running long distances, but they also have to be more proactive in the gym than most people. Coach Tito Vargas and the rest of ProBox Management’s staff put their fighters through the wringer.

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FROM BOXING PAGE 19

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“It’s a good thing. Now the kids get more excited,” Rodriguez says. “It’s a different atmosphere — everything changed … I think it’s going to be great.” PROBOX

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ProBox Management, which has a stable of fighters from all over the country, has a direct tie to Plant City. Garry Jonas, its founder and CEO, is also the owner of White Sands Treatment Center, formerly the Red Rose Inn. In fact, when Jonas purchased the property, he originally wanted to use part of it to develop a boxing facility to be used exclusively by ProBox’s fighters. But things went in a different direction and ProBox soon found itself looking for another home — one that would also allow the group to offer its expertise to the community at large. “It would benefit the community more for us to come here and work out of this gym, and help the community and kids have a place to go,” manager Richard Roman says. When ProBox learned of a gym closer to White Sands than Tampa or Orlando, the group was immediately interested: a five-minute drive from the boxers’ compound on the White Sands property is much more feasible than a two- to three-hour daily commute. The group agreed to use the gym and, along with White Sands, serve as a sponsor. The entities are bringing improvements to Plant City Boxing Gym, such as bags, gloves

and other necessities, and have also donated belts to be given out in the gym’s Saturday, Feb. 18, USA Boxing amateur show. ProBox has six fighters training at Plant City Boxing Gym, and will eventually bring more. They will use the Plant City gym whenever they have to fight in a similar climate, but will be moved to other ProBox gyms when they have to adjust to greater weather or altitude changes. When they fight in Florida, their families will be able to stay in the fighters’ compound for a few days at no cost. Fighters hail from around the country, but on fight nights are billed as fighting out of wherever they’d been training. According to Roman, fighting out of Plant City comes with a big advantage. “We have an advantage here because, in the big cities, there’s so much going on,” he says. “Way more distractions. You come to a place like this, you’ve got peace of mind, you meet new people. It works out for the fighter. They can be more focused in their career, their training and what they’ve got to accomplish.” But Rodriguez’s favorite thing about the partnership is that it will put professional fighters and trainers in direct contact with Plant City’s amateurs and hopefuls. Roman says after ProBox’s daily training sessions, staff will be on hand from 5 to 8 p.m. to lend a helping hand to the general public. The group wants to build a strong amateur culture in Plant City. “A team is as good as its minor

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? FROM KLINE PAGE 19

2017

B: Forward lateral raises, performed with a set of dumbbells, improve fighters’ shoulder strength.

at Monty and not smile. When I owned a PlayStation 3 with the Show games, I always had to play on or create a Biscuits team because the brand was that strong. I never cared much for the Buffalo Sabres’ mascot, Sabretooth, because it was weird for a sabretooth tiger to represent a city where everything else is a buffalo. The Nashville Predators have always used a sabretooth tiger in their branding, too. What gives? One hockey team that’s done well

league stable,” Roman says. “It works that way for every sport. You have to keep the young guys up and coming. We have to support them and be there for them. They are the future.” Both parties believe that having the professional fighters on hand will help local kids become more driven to pursue a career in the sport. Josué Vargas, for example, is just 18 years old — barely older than some of Rodriguez’s amateurs — and doesn’t come from a privileged, established fighting background. But the Puerto Rico native caught the eye of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and was signed to Mayweather Promotions, one of the top three promoters in the United States. Trained by his father, Tito Vargas, Josué Vargas’ background is not unlike that of many Plant City youths. “It’s a big thing, and it helps these kids drive themselves a little bit more,” Roman says. “At the end of the day, there is some outing for them — they’re not doing all of this for nothing.” Rodriguez has always hoped to one day be able to say he trained a World Boxing Council champion in Plant City. This partnership, he says, is a key step in that direction. “It’s like Santa Claus,” Rodriguez says. “It’s great for us and the community … in the time that we’ve (ProBox, White Sands and Plant City Boxing Gym) been together, we’ve fit like a glove on a hand.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

JUSTIN KLINE

in the mascot department is the Los Angeles Kings. Bailey the Lion is not only a quality mascot in real life, but also great on social media — no other mascot can say it has a longrunning feud with former WWE star CM Punk, which is always good for a laugh. There are plenty of great college mascots to choose from, human or otherwise. Most of the human mascots are really creepy — Pistol Pete, I’m looking at you — but the rest can be pretty great. I can support any program that employs a dog for the job, but my favorite is Dubs

the Husky, from the University of Washington. Until a team pulls a leaf from the Trenton Thunder’s book and gets a golden retriever, Dubs is my favorite breed in the game. None of those mascots are as cool as our office dog, but they sure are something. Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FOCUS ON FITNESS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D.

LOWER WEIGHT

AND CHOLESTEROL LEVELS NATURALLY

xercise is a natural way to help manage weight and cholesterol levels. However, additional lifestyle choices play key roles as well, especially for women. Here are some simple tips to consider. Justin Kline

Crest’s wrestling team is made up of boys and girls from all kinds of backgrounds.

FROM WRESTLING PAGE 19

it’s starting to get to where people want to help, even if they’re not part of the program,” head coach C.J. Gittens says. “I think that’s a great thing. The kids are walking around and you can definitely sense and feel the respect.” The coaches do everything in their power to make the wrestlers feel that they’re not just boys and girls, but equals. Gittens and assistant coach William Knighten, who came from Plant City High School to join the Chargers’ program in the offseason, directly practice what they preach: they’re on the mats with the wrestlers at every practice, participating in mat drills and grappling sessions. “This program would not survive if it wasn’t for him, because he brought so many great things to the program,” Gittens says. “Without him, there wouldn’t be the structure and the motivation that we have with the military background, the discipline.” Gittens also credits coaches Will Terry and Abe Fernandez, as well as the team’s network of parents and athletic director Jasmine Tramel, with lending invaluable support. Gittens wants Strawberry Crest to know that this wrestling program is a big, diverse family driven by success. All that matters to the team is the will to work hard, help teammates and win. “We have a quote that says, ‘If you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe, then you’ll win,’ he says. “We instill that in the kids’ minds. It doesn’t matter who you are ... the success that you have, the success that you want, that’s a personal

thing. Once that gets instilled in their minds, they start working better in school and they start working better on the mat.” The message Gittens wants to get across is simple: kids from all walks of life that don’t think they have a place in sports should try wrestling for Crest. In a perfect world, Gittens says, the team would have its own wrestling room. Unlike other area schools, Crest’s wrestlers have to occupy a space in the gymnasium from the front of the home bleachers to the back of the basketball court’s benches. They do not have a full mat to use, due to space constraints, so the wrestlers must make do with several mats held together by tape — which is constantly being knocked off and replaced once it loses its stickiness. The noise from basketball and, sometimes, cheerleading practices make it difficult to hear instruction given by Gittens and his staff, though they do manage to get by with visuals. The team doesn’t blame administration for its practice situation, as the school itself has a huge student population that sometimes forces Gittens and other teachers to share classrooms, or even hold classes in the gymnasium. It is, however, hoping to eventually raise enough money to get out of the gym and into something else on campus where it can hold practices. “With everything we have to go through, we still are prospering,” Gittens says. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

EAT RIGHT Eating right is key for all health-minded individuals. This is especially true if you are trying to lose weight and control your cholesterol. The right food choices bring extra energy as nutrients supply the body’s needs without driving up extra fat and cholesterol levels. Avoid the frozen, prepared and diet meals opting instead for real whole foods. Here are four foods that make a real nutritive difference.

CUT THE ARTIFICIALS

If you want to lose weight, according to internationally-known integrative practitioner Dr. Andrew Weil, a good place to start is by avoiding artificial sweeteners and synthetic fat substitutes. Research shows that artificial sweeteners do not promote weight loss, but that they are more likely to promote weight gain. Dr. Weil encourages the use of small amounts of natural sugar as a better choice. Sugar has just 15 calories per teaspoon, but one should still use it in moderation. NON-TRADITIONAL METHODS

The myth that women naturally put on weight as the birthdays go by seems to be observationally true. Science has long known that this weight gain is actually the result of glycemic stress and cellular inflammation. To combat the glycemic stress, increase low glycemic food selection in your daily diet. A food chart showing glycemic levels for most foods is available online in Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publications. Research at the University of Boston links meditation with a reduction of cellular inflammation. A daily, meditation session, coupled with better food choices, lets the female body reset this cycle of glycemic stress and cellular inflammation. That sounds like a simple New Year’s Resolution to me. SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALTHY CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

osteoarthritis. Bergamot is another natural supplement with proven cholesterollowering results. A six-week clinical trial published by the International Journal of Cardiology showed a reduction in patients’ total cholesterol, dropping from 278 to 191. Study participants used 1,000 milligrams of Bergamot BPF by OrthoMolecular Products. Bergamot is the natural herb product used to flavor Earl Grey tea blends. It has been used for centuries in Italy to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. According to the same study, Bergamot also helps maintain balanced triglyceride levels.

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, has many metabolic roles. Mainly, it lowers harmful (LDL) cholesterol while raising the “good” (HDL) cholesterol. Dr. Weil says B3 can also reduce the risk of heart disease, treating or preventing atherosclerosis, second heart attacks, Alzheimer’s disease and

Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

BLUEBERRIES Considered a low-glycemic fruit, eat blueberries daily to aid the digestive system and relieve oxidative stress. KALE A low-glycemic food that is also low in calories, kale is loaded with fiber, iron and and calcium. WILD ALASKAN SALMON Great for those concerned with weight and cholesterol management, wild salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon helps build muscle and level out insulin sensitivity. LENTILS With no fat and no cholesterol, lentils are high in protein, as well as iron and magnesium.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

WINNERS 8 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Andra’Anna Tillman (50) 2. Marley Mueller (46) 8 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Brendan Smith (152) 2. Joshua Machado (101) 3. Chase Herren (90) 9 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Kiara Vicente (43) 9 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Brayden Keys (103) 2. William Cline (102) 3. Haven Pierce (91)

City, Optimists hold 44th Tri-Star hoops comp

— JUSTIN KLINE

10 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Connor Smith (147) 2. Casey McClain Jr. (109) 3. Dane Smallwood (107) 11 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Angie Torres (45) 2. Carlee Weaver (42) 11 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Tanner Rollyson (151) 2. Colby Brewington (138) 3. Tanner Whealton (126)

At the 44th Plant City Optimist Club Tri-Star Basketball Competition, many local youths got to show friends and family how talented they are. But it was Trenten Herring who was the biggest winner on Saturday, Jan. 21: he not only won in the 12-year-old age group, but also posted the highest overall score with 166 points. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

Basketball.

You had the highest score of everyone in this competition. How do you feel? Happy.

What would you want to do if you could hang out with Kobe for a day? Play him in one-on-one.

Did you think you were going to win? No.

How do you think you would do against him? I’d beat him.

How did you think you were going to do? Bad.

What’s the best advice a coach has ever given you? To be a great teammate, and not to be a ball hog.

Like, not even place? Yep. How long have you been playing basketball? Since I was 3 years old.

12 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Kasey Drapp (135) 2. Jordan Besser (85) 3. Arianna Hazell (80)

Why is that? Because I’m better at it than baseball. Do you play any other sports right now? Football, for the (Plant City) Dolphins. If you could meet any famous basketball player now, who would it be? Kobe.

What would you buy with $1 billion? I’ll buy a new basketball hoop.

What’s the most fun thing about playing basketball? Having a great team and being able to win all my games.

12 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Trenten Herring (166) 2. Andrew Smith (129) 3. Quinton Kahelin (97)

How long have you been playing rec basketball? Since I was 7 years old.

13 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Jayna Romera (67)

What’s your favorite position to play? Point guard.

13 YEAR OLDS (BOYS) 1. Alex Gonzalez (71)

CFC037149

Who’s your favorite basketball player? Kobe (Bryant).

Photos by Justin Kline

Top: Competitors were all smiles. Above Left: Passing drills had kids attempting to hit a target on a board. Left: Colby Brewington dribbles around a cone course.

CFC037149

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a basketball court? Make a deep three for a buzzer-beater. It was a couple years ago, in rec league. We won. I’ve seen you make a few all-star teams in baseball, too. Which sport is your favorite: baseball or basketball?

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omlin Middle School’s gymnasium was packed with young basketball stars on Saturday, Jan. 21. The kids were participating in the 44th Plant City Optimist Club Tri-Star Basketball Competition, which tested their passing, dribbling and shooting skills. Twenty-seven trophies were awarded at the end of the event, and the Junior Girls-Wildcats team won a pizza party for having the most members attend in uniform.

10 YEAR OLDS (GIRLS) 1. Savannah Young (49) 2. Thalia Gonzalez (0)

Trenten Herring

228115

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST FRIDAY, JAN. 27

SATURDAY, JAN. 28 High: 63 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 0%

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This entertainer won a Tony multiple times, including one for their work in A Raisin in the Sun:

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olds

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Sunday, Jan. 29

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Tuesday, Jan. 31

7:16a

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Friday, Jan. 20

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Saturday, Jan. 21

0.19

Sunday, Jan. 22

1.12

Monday, Jan. 23

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2017

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2016 2.83 in.

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RAINFALL

STRAWBERRIES

located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813 - 759 - 2800. NOTICE OF SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy and owner and/or manager’s lien of goods hereinafter described and stored at: Rentlok Self Storage located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-2800. And due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties know to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above stated locations to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 @ 9:30 AM. OR ANY DATE THERE IN AFTER.

Friday, Jan. 27

Jan. 27 New

MONDAY, JAN. 30

Rentlok Self Storage

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, JAN. 29

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Send it to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com for a chance to be featured.

813.757.6752 Cell: 813.716.0623 www.homeprotectionpc.com Hours: 8am-5pm M-F • Sat by appt.

Family Owned & Operated Since 2006 • 19 Years Experience

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1 From whence Eve came 4 Skier’s transport 8 As American as ___ pie 13 Prevent, as danger 18 Space chimp of the 1960s 20 Targeted thing on a golf course 21 More urgent and hazardous 22 Certain distance runner 23 Decision for duel participants 26 Certainly without warmth 27 Certain wearer of dreadlocks 28 Opposite of an angelic child 29 Be a play ham 31 Feature of many a prima donna 32 Some cockpit instruments 34 Yuletide tree choice 35 Debate feature 37 High school freshman, often 38 Doctor of John Wilkes Booth 39 “All ___!” (courtroom command) 40 Auto safety feature 42 Be completely mistaken 43 Triangular sail 44 Finish behind someone else 45 Dirty river part 46 Uses one’s ballot 48 One who doesn’t believe 52 Be oozy 53 Affliction of cereal grasses 56 Insect in an anxious person’s pants? 58 Puppeteer Lewis 60 Colorless mineral 62 Some Pacific salmon 65 Confused 68 Stiff drinks 70 Kitchen gadget used on potatoes 72 Sovereign’s representative 74 Green gem 76 Barber’s sharpening tool 78 Japanese immigrant’s grandchild 79 Test for gold content 80 With what to “cool it,” and this puzzle’s theme 81 Rascal 82 Like a long, sweeping story 85 Table centerpiece with branching holders 89 Duke of TV 92 Annoying gossip 94 Love deity 95 Some undergrad degs. 96 300, to Nero 99 Los Angeles suburb 101 What one might swim in 102 Contractor’s detail, for short 104 Artsy Manhattan spot 105 Sam of Watergate “fame” 106 ___ carte 107 Bad thing to draw? 109 Meadow 110 Those with top ratings 112 Genre or type 113 “The ___ mightier than the sword” 114 Things worn in blustery weather 116 “Way to go!” cause 119 Sports shocker 120 Prefix meaning “extremely” 121 Tool building 122 Mexican affirmatives 123 Scout’s good works 124 Impudently bold 125 Lots and lots and lots

126 Network of several PCs

DOWN

SUNRISE / SUNSET

High: 68 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 0%

Shirley Steele took this photo of the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center just before dusk. Shirley wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

1 Package anew, as peaches 2 Asthmatic’s item 3 Ardent fan 4 Word in many titles 5 Home entertainment feature, in slang 6 Nobel of the Nobel Prizes 7 Trophy or blue ribbon 8 Dentists’ grp. 9 Swimmer with a long, tubular snout 10 Pledge recipient 11 Poe work 12 Once, long ago 13 Start of Cain’s query 14 Position occupied by a second-incommand 15 Like a bachelor 16 Move 17 Make a federal case of? 19 Greensboro protest of 1960 24 Newton of the NFL 25 UFO pilots 30 Pilot’s announcement 33 Spew, as a volcano 36 Human tail? 39 Decay 41 Space between two teeth

43 Quick note takers? 44 Indian police clubs 46 Operated by vocal commands 47 Cul-de-___ 49 Capital attachment 50 Hood’s knife 51 Transports for hire 53 Outward flow, as a tide 54 Tough to get one’s hands on 55 Metric weight unit 57 “... rain ___ sleet ...” 59 Hires different actors 61 Get rid of, as PC files 63 Mo. with colorful foliage 64 World ___ (baseball championship) 66 ___ Major (“The Great Bear” constellation) 67 Rhyming work 69 Hit with an open hand 71 Sinbad’s transportation 73 Itty-bitty bark 75 Turn red, in a way 77 Type of rally 82 Peeper 83 Cruz of movies 84 Go up, as prices 86 Puts in office again 87 Sha Na Na members, e.g. 88 “___ so fast!”

90 City in Scotland 91 Feature of diplomacy 93 “Wheel of Fortune” request, sometimes 96 Maize product 97 ___ meeting (presides with an agenda) 98 One leather source 100 Words with “mission” or “hot streak” 101 Capital of the Philippines 102 Most demure 103 Blanket with an opening 104 Slumgullion and mulligan 107 Biathlete’s runner 108 Coppertone tube abbr. 111 Unpleasant duty 114 Ruminant’s chaw 115 Roads that cross aves. 117 Foot the bill 118 Indulges to the extreme, with drugs

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I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

BayCare Health Events Join Us at South Florida Baptist Hospital

February Is Heart Awareness Month Women at Heart Part of our Ladies Night Out series. Join a clinician-led discussion on heart health and take a tour of the Steve and Krista Howard Heart and Vascular Center. An optional walking tour of our new catheterization lab will begin at 5:30pm. You will be standing and walking for approximately 20-30 minutes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Sponsorsed by

Tuesday, February 21 | 6pm South Florida Baptist Hospital Check in at Main Lobby 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City

Space is limited. Register today: BayCareEvents.org

Community Education

Healthy Lifestyle Screenings

Smoking Cessation Class

Cholesterol Screenings

Two-hour class provides valuable tools to help you quit using tobacco. Includes four free weeks of patches, gum or lozenges.

Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (no fasting required) No appointment is necessary.

Thursday, February 2, 10am Thursday, March 2, 10am Cancer Resource Center 1708 Palmetto Ave., Plant City Cost: Free

Fourth Tuesday of every month, 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3pm South Florida Baptist Hospital 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City Community Health Resource Room Inside Main Lobby Cost: $30

Diabetes Management Course The Journey for Control is a four-class series that teaches healthy lifestyle changes, whether you are diabetic, prediabetic or a caregiver. Thursday, February 9, 5:30pm ER Conference Room Cost: $40

CPR for Health Care Providers This course offers CPR training for health care providers only. Adult, child and infant CPR will be taught, and you will learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). New certifications only. Saturday, February 4, 7:30am Community Conference Room Cost: $55

Blood Pressure Checks No appointment is necessary. Every Tuesday, 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm South Florida Baptist Hospital 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City Community Health Resource Room Inside Main Lobby Cost: Free

To register for a class or for a physician referral:

Volunteers Needed

(855) 314-8352 BayCareEvents.org

If you are a compassionate, energetic person, become a valuable resource and an important part of the South Florida Baptist Hospital family. Volunteering is a wonderful way to support your community. You can use your special skills, learn new ones, meet new people and maintain an active lifestyle.

Persons with hearing and speech disabilities can reach the above number through TDD and other specialized equipment by calling the Florida Relay Service at 711.

Volunteers

For more information: (813) 757-8199

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BC1700509-0117

BayCareEvents.org