FOCUS Plant City 11-09

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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CONTENTS | September 2012 | Volume 11 Issue 9

12 Talk Of The Town 16-38 Local

43 Did You Know?

44 Plant City Chamber Of Commerce

49 Spotlight:

veriMED Health Group Plant City

53 Business FOCUS 80 Sports

82 Athlete Of The Month

84 Baseball Team Of The Month

88 Enduring Friendships 99 Recipe Of The Month

101 Dining Profile

108 Event Calendar 6

109 Crossword

SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

ONTHECOVER Photo by Anthony Sassano

VeriMed Health Group Plant City Dr. Alejandro Diaz, Dr. Sumita Chandran, Pamela Ruesch, Nellie Parham, Rovena Fernandez, Victoria Moreno, Christina Lee, Amanda Lugo, Tammy Kelly, Brandi Kirkpatrick, Wendi Anderson

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Our youngest son Zy started kindergarten this month. How can that be?

Seems just yesterday DeDe was pregnant with him - and now he’s wearing a backpack.

Like most of you, we took photos of Zane and Zy together on that first day of school. And like most of you, we couldn’t wait to pick them up and hear how things went - you know the questions: “Did you like your teacher?” “How was lunch?” “Did you make some new friends or see any of your old ones?” “What did you like best?” “Were you nervous?”

ALLCARE

REHABILITATION Dan Manfre, PT ~ President

OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER SINCE 1990

INDOOR AQUATIC THERAPY AVAILABLE www.facebook.com/allcareplantcity

Things went well for our boys. In fact, Zy l-o-v-e-s his new teacher at Cork Elementary, Mrs. Becky Cross. Each Sunday, he says, “I’m ready for it to be school time again.”

Can you hear our sigh of relief?

Zy is off to a great start.

The homework has already begun, too, which is a good thing. Now we’re into the school routine earlier bedtimes, earlier breakfast, packing healthy lunches and helping with the studies. It’s exciting to think about all they will learn this year.

Just like our kids, we grownups have to keep growing our minds, increasing our awareness and getting involved in community efforts. In other words, we’ll never stop “going to the school of life.”

This month we hope you’ll enjoy reading the annual business feature. The common denominator, other than long hours and hard work, is the commitment to providing great products, great service and helping the local economy and our community. You’ll be encouraged, we promise.

A big thanks goes out this month to everyone involved in the fundraising efforts for teenager Jacob Meachum, who suffered traumatic brain injuries in an accident recently. Local businesses have really jumped on board. Extensive rehabilitation and mounting medical bills confront the family, but their faith and your community spirit has been a tremendous encouragement.

Once again, as school has resumed, we’re reminded about what’s important - helping each other. We’re proud to be a part of a community that does this so well.

Thanks once again for reading and thanks for focusing local. There’s will always be plenty to learn and plenty to put our hands to, right here where we live.

Warmest Regards, Mike Floyd Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.

Plant City, FL 33563

Office Manager Dede Floyd dede@floydpublications.com

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

Copy Editor Cheryl Johnston cjohnston@floydpublications.com

www.focusplantcity.com Credit Manager Angel Carter acarter@floydpublications.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

Sales Kelleigh Klein | Aldo Trevino | Susan Nieves Cindy Cutting | Joseph Roberts Art Director Anthony Sassano

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

Production Tony Cartagena FOCUSTV Shana Mitchell | Victoria Garren Distribution Belva DeVane

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects.

Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

Photographers NamPhan Photography Staff Writers Cheryl Johnston Brian West | Joe Bowles Derek Maul | Kelleigh Klein Heather Davis | Deana Garrison Contributors Al Ruechel | Gil Gott Bruce Rodwell | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis

floyd publications, inc.

WE CARE - WE LISTEN W E G E T R E S U LT S When you need Physical Therapy consider choosing Allcare Rehabilitation. Allcare has been providing the Plant City Community with excellent care for over 21 years.

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*Medicare and Most Insurances Accepted

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Rev. Marie Myers, Director

Dr. Jack Myers & Rev. Marie Myers

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Talk of the Town

We lco m e t o t h e S o cia l Join the conversation! Submit your info to: editorial@floydpublications.com

PCHS Students take part in the NRC Convention Plant City High School students took part in the National Republican Convention Academic Seminar.

Pictured left to right front: Sara Brummer, Taylor Adams, Maddy Keene, Molly Coovert, Morgan Moody, Katelyn Sykes, Stephanie Taylor, Leann Farkas, Cierra Craft, Sarah Winter.

Back row: Jackson Hardee, Casey Hamilton, Nick Rodriguez, William Hanks, Robby Knox, Kelsey Fry, Lindsey Farkas

Homecoming Celebration!

Sunday, September 30th Pastor Carlos Ramirez invites you to join Mount Zion Assembly of God for their 82nd Homecoming at 3005 Thonotosassa Rd in Plant City Services begin at 10:30A.M. with special Music Guest, “The Lefevre Quartet,” A love offering will be taken.

Good Luck to our Mission Slimpossible Teams Anytime Fitness YMCA Tabata Bootcamp (Team Artistry) South Florida Baptist Hospital (Tampa Electric) Two months down one month to go!

Who is going to be winner?

Be sure to catch our next issue to find out!

“Magic Moments” Musical show in concert fashion “Magic Moments” a Star Production will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 12 and 13th, at 8:00 p.m. at the Life Improvement Center 102 N. Collins St. Music arrangements will run from the 1940s, ‘50s and up.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at Hardee’s Fashions.

For more information please call Al Cohen 707.0788

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Plant City Elks Collect Money for FL’s Children Ron Bergman and Sharon Hammersla, ER Plant City Elks. Ron exceeded all expectations with his fundraising efforts on behalf of FL’s children. He is presenting a check which represents monies collected from both the PC Elks Powder Puff golf tournament and numerous community grants for which he has applied.

Do you have an interesting local story about something or someone? Submit your info to: editorial@floydpublications.com

Make This Year’s Tailgating Experience The Best One Ever!

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www.feltonsmarket.com FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Talk of the Town

We lco m e t o t h e S o cia l Join the conversation! Submit your info to: editorial@floydpublications.com

Relay For Life Kickoff - A Sweet Event Way to go Team Lowes A team of volunteers from the local Lowe’s helped paint the Pregnancy Care Center recently. The Center is set to reopen September 21, with a Grand Opening Celebration being held at 6:00 p.m.

Plant City’s Relay for Life Kickoff will be held Ocotber 1st from 6-7 P.M. at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 North Plamer Street. All Team Captains, Team Members, Survivors, and Sponsors are welcome to attend.

They will be celebrating last year’s success and getting pumped for the 2013 Relay. This year’s theme is “Curing Cancer Is Sweet!” If you would like to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Joanie Petty at pettyjj2@yahoo.com. If you have a team and you have not registered yet, remember to bring your $100 registration fee and join in with the 53 teams that are already on board. A light dinner will be served. This will prove to be an exciting start to a new quest. Plant City’s Relay For Life goal this year is $270,000. Let’s all work together to make it happen.

Daybreak Rotary Club Our Masterpiece of Fun Florida Strawberry Festival Announces the 2013 Festival Theme “Our Masterpiece of Fun”. This year marks the 78th annual Strawberry Festival. The festival is set to run February 28 - March 10, 2013

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The Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club hosted the local Rotary District Governor and Assistant Governor at a recent club meeting (on 8/13/12). Pictured are Club President Rob Evans, Assistant District Governor Ed Jeffries and his wife Dawn, and Rotary District Governor Tom Wade and his wife Ann. The Daybreak Rotary Club meets on Monday mornings at 7A.M. in the Community Conference Room at South Florida Baptist Hospital. The club’s annual Cracker County Feast will be held within Walden Lake on Friday, October 19th at 6P.M. The club’s website is http://www. plantcitydaybreakrotary.com/

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September 21 will mark our 5 year anniversary since we took a giant “Leap of Faith” and took over Plant City Automotive. Then the economy tanked and if not for the Grace of God, we might not have survived

“Happy are those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.” Psalms 106:3

813-754-7106 2303 James L. Redman Parkway Plant City, FL 33563 Tony and Holly Mendolia, Owners FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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LOCAL » FOCUS

CAMELLIA ROSE PRESENTS ANNUAL

TEA WITH THE QUEEN INTRODUCING “CHELSEA’S CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRY TEA”

L

WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

Best friends Robin Resnor and Jody Liptak celebrated birthdays together at the table by the window.

Longtime friends Cathleen Signer, Dena Queen Chelsea currently attends Bingham and Cynthia Hillsborough Community College and will Collins sat near the eventually major in pediatric or neo-natal fireplace for their nursing. Joining her for the afternoon monthly “Girls’ Day” also were her mother Pam Bowden, great outing. Collins described grandmother Ledgie “Honey” Holloway, the time as “a pleasant, Strawberry Festival Queen Chelsea and two grandmothers, Barbara Alley serendipitous opportunity Bowden and three members of her Court Bowden and Ruby Jean Barker Redman, to enjoy our Girls’ Day Four generations of Bowden family women celebrate added another fun memory to their bond both former Strawberry Festival queens. tea with the lovely, wellQueen Chelsea’s special tea. of friendship when they donned fancy spoken young ladies who ladies hats to coordinate with their lovely Bethany described the family’s joy: Along with Chelsea, First Maid Callie Jo represent Strawberry red satin dresses.

“Having tea with Queen Chelsea was a Parker and court members Erica Kelley Festival so well.” wonderful way to be reunited with the and Chelsea Talavera spoke briefly to Each year the Camellia Rose creates a Camellia Rose. Sharing in this treasured update guests on their year so far.

Rebecca Cook and her three daughters specialty tea to honor the new queen. In pastime made me feel like I am sitting agreed, too. College age twins Alicia and describing “Chelsea’s Chocolate Dipped with southern royalty.”

Saturday’s other enthusiastic guests were Bethany were excited to introduce their Strawberry Tea”, owner Ellen Garrett said, thrilled to enjoy “Lorena’s Afternoon Tea” little sister Mia to the art of “taking tea.”

“This latest creation blends a black tea with with homemade soup and treats served on And indeed, she was! ively chatter and gentle laughter filled the cozy tea room at the Camellia Rose on August 25, 2012 when owner Ellen Garrett and her staff hosted the annual “Tea with the Queen” in historic downtown Plant City.

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strawberry pieces and chocolate chips.”

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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LOCAL » FOCUS The new uniforms are quite a change from the traditional Raider color PCHS cheerleaders have worn since they were freshmen. When asked what they liked most about their new look, 17-year-old Sara Brummer exclaimed, “They’re not orange!”

Coaches of Varsity and Junior Varsity PCHS Cheerleading get together with selected stunt team cheerleaders to go over plans for the new season. From the left, Karen Snapp varsity coach, Randi Jones Junior varsity coach and varsity elite cheer stunt team; Sara Brummer, Ali Grimmel, Tayler Kip and Carly Manfre. Photo by: Cheryl Kuck

PCHS RAIDERS VARSITY CHEERING FOR THE NEW RAIDERS CHEERLEADERS SEASON W

Coach Snapp knows the public has a tendency to discount the athletic ability of cheerleaders and says she is thinking about having a contest. She says, “I would challenge others to see if they can do what these girls can do. They just don’t give up.”

WRITTEN BY: CHERYL KUCK

hile parents were tax-free shopping for school supplies and most students were organizing their schedules and considering what to wear the first day of school, girls wanting to become members of the Plant City High School (PCHS) Junior and Senior Varsity Cheerleading Squads were well into their first month of practice and learning new routines for upcoming Raiders cheerleading tryouts.

Most had spent hours during the summer months at the Plant City YMCA and other area gymnasiums practicing tumbling, running and other forms of exercise geared to keeping athletes physically fit.

“Our cheerleaders jump, execute gymnastic tumbling and cheering and are dance students. I consider them all-

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around athletes as much as any of those competing in the recent Olympics. They are tremendously talented athletes with an outstanding code of personal conduct, very focused and able to maintain a good grade average,” said Karen Snapp, this year’s new PCHS varsity cheering coach and a former coach at Bloomingdale High School in Brandon.

Sixty-two girls competed for a spot on the varsity squad during the several days of August tryouts in blistering 93-degree weather, with only 20 making the ‘cut’. “I am excited about the level of talent in both the new faces as well as in the previous cheerleaders. They stepped-it-up in the first round of selections and raised the bar, so I know we will have an exceptional squad this year,” said Coach Snapp.

Twenty-two girls also competed for junior varsity. Randi Jones the JV coach selected

12 finalists as squad members.

The varsity elite cheer stunt team, comprised of Sara Brummer, Ali Grimmel, Tayler Kip in the base positions, Tayler Kip, as a spotter and Carly Manfre, the flyer, posed with their new uniforms and executed a stunt for the camera.

Within each stunt are four positions. The flyer is the person thrown or pushed up in the air. Flyers must remain very focused and aware of the surroundings. Three team members support the flyer - two bases and a spotter. The bases are the most responsible for getting a flyer into the air, as well as for guarding her safety.

The stunt cheerleaders admit to having had some serious sports injuries including one in which flyer Manfre slipped, causing her elbow to make contact with Ali Grimmel’s mouth and resulting in three root canals.

PCHS Raiders Stunt team Photo by: Cheryl Kuck

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2303 James Redman Pkwy., Suite G • Plant City, FL 33563 Phone: (813)-752-0405 • onealandsons@verizon.net www.onealandsons.net FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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LOCAL » FOCUS gumbo that would feed 800 people. He is a true Southern Gentleman.”

Gary and Tina Pike added humor to the event with their prepared video. They described Miller as a “man of many words.” Gary donned his blue feather hair while Tina put on an LSU cap as they proclaimed that Miller was a true “Go Tigers” kind of guy.

David Miller, a Louisiana native, moved to Plant City in 1982. He and his wife Emma have been married for 28 years.

Two grandchildren attended the event, Amanda Kinderman and LJ Meng.

Amanda described her grandfather as “the most influential person in my life” and LJ called him “ my role model.”

David Miller is congratulated by his family. Left to right: Jason and Amanda Kinderman (granddaughter); David Miller with wife Emma; and L.J. Meng (grandson).

Photo by: Sherrie Mueller

DAVID MILLER M ore than 250 people braved the rainy weather to come celebrate Plant City’s 2012 YMCA Strong Leader, David Miller. Family, friends and community supporters lauded Miller, who was recognized as being an outstanding Rotarian and capital campaign fund raiser for the YMCA, Chamber of Commerce and Hillsborough Community College.

The Trinkle Center at HCC was transformed into a tastefully decorated dining room with black tablecloths and chair covers and tall centerpieces designed

by All-A-Bloom Florist. Large picture posters of all the previous winners lined the entrance.

Eric Poe, Executive Director of the Plant City Family YMCA, welcomed the large group and described the virtues of a strong leader. Dr. David Delph, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church gave the invocation and Pianist Jonathan Davis entertained with dinner music.

Throughout the evening, friends and colleagues spoke at the event in person and

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

RECOGNIZED AS THE 2012 YMCA STRONG LEADER WRITTEN BY: SHERRIE MUELLER

on video. Miller was credited with helping launch the Daybreak Rotary Club while he was the President of the Noon Rotary Club. He has served on the United Food Bank board for several years.

This year’s event was the 10th anniversary of the award. Former winners in attendance included: Mike Sparkman, Randy Larson, Rick and Di Lott, Sherrie Mueller, Fred Johnson and Mac Smith.

CFIndustries was the Presenting Sponsor and more than 20 community businesses sponsored tables. Proceeds from this event help to sponsor Plant City YMCA programs.

Congratulations and appreciation go to David Miller for the positive impact he has made on the Plant City community.

Miller’s biggest accomplishment in the Plant City community was his ability to raise capital funds for the Plant City YMCA building, The Trinkle Center building at HCC and the renovation of the Chamber of Commerce. Mike Sparkman, friend and speaker at the event, credited Miller with raising $400,000 for the Chamber of Commerce, 1.5 million for the YMCA building and 2.5 million for HCC. Mayor Sparkman presented a City Proclamation to Miller. He quoted Miller as saying, “Plant City is a community with deep roots and not just another city.”

Ron Gainey, President of the Strawberry Festival, told how Miller grew the Rotary Club Wild Game Cookout. “While David was the Rotary President our Wild Game Cookout grew from 100 people to 300 people to 1,000 people.” He went on to say that “Miller had a recipe for Louisiana

David Miller is congratulated by long time friends, Mike Sparkman and Janet Sears.

Photo by: Sherrie Mueller

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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LOCAL » FOCUS Maze.” This event proves to be an exciting fall fair that everyone will want to attend.

It doesn’t stop there. Additional attractions include duck races, a corn box, horseshoes, cornhole game, a Pumpkin Patch where you can pick out your great pumpkin for Halloween, and a Hay Wagon to take a tour of the family farm of 200-plus acres of Florida’s finest flatlands, palmettos and wildlife. The siblings say you might even spot a few turkeys on your journey.

The venue will also host a mini Haunted House (not included in admission) from October 13-28 during regular hours of operation.

Another area to visit on the property is “Squirrely’s General Store” where you can wind down and enjoy great food, crafts, canned goods and preserves. Be sure to try one of their seafood baskets, BBQ sandwiches, key lime pie on a stick or some tasty fried Oreos.

The Futch Family have worked all year in preparing a cornmaze that will prove to be lots of fun for your entire family.

FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE “CAN YOU OUT FOX OUR SQUIRRELY MAZE?” L WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

Janet says the family wanted to hold this ooking for a new weekend adventure for event because it is something different that your family to enjoy? Look no further. Plant City has never experienced and they truly believe it is something everyone will Carson, Janet and Wayne Futch came up enjoy. It took lots of planning for the past with an inspiring idea that is unique and year to create such a masterpiece. exciting for Plant City. The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, located at 3002 Charlie Taylor Looking at the layout of the maze, one can Road North, will be the very first one in see how the owners came up with their Hillsborough County. catchy slogan, “Can You Out Fox Our Squirrely Maze?”

On the website you will find the layout of the maze…it doesn’t look easy and you will study the screen for a time just to figure it out… Just imagine how much fun it will be to visit in person and give it a try. A real live human maze…fun in the sun and the corn.

The many twists and turns will keep you on your toes. But once you solve the maze and make it to the exit you will receive a t-shirt that says, “I Out Foxed Your Squirrely

This family fun event will be open to the public on Saturdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sundays, 12 noon - 6 p.m., from October 13th through November 12th.

Group events and school field trips can be scheduled on Fridays and group discount rates are applicable. Admission price is $7.50 for kids and $8.50 for adults.

Come on out and have yourself a great Squirrely good time. Your family deserves a new adventure and the setting makes for great photo ops, too.

For more information visit twww. foxsquirrelcornmaze.com or call 770-8620655.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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LOCAL » FOCUS

FIVE GENERATIONS CELEBRATE100TH BIRTHDAY OF

LILLIAN GERTRUDE LEATH GRAHAM WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

Tony Diamond of Inverness; Cheryl Barwick of Waycross, GA; and Keith Diamond, deceased.

She also has 6 great-grandchildren and 13 great-greatgrandchildren. All five generations celebrated with her on her special 100th birthday.

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O

One of those great nieces, Tonya Mejri, sees Gerty as “the most unique person I know.”

Mejri said, “She always told everyone that she ‘kept me straight all these years.’ And if you don’t believe me, just ask her.”

Photo courtesy of Barbara Leath Hutto

n August 12, 2012, Lilliam Gertrude (Leath) Graham celebrated her 100th birthday at the home of Chuck and Faye Hall with about 40 family members and friends.

Two special friends helped Gerty celebrate as well: Nelson Caldwell, 94, and Pastor Gertrude (or “Gerty” as she’s called by Jay Polson, 86. The men can attest to her loved ones) is the last surviving sibling of faith, as did niece Barbara Leath, who the Plant City Leath family. Throughout said: “Aunt Gertrude is a woman who her life she always said, “I will live to be loves the Lord and has always tried to live 100 years old” and that she has done. a Christian life. She attended church in Plant City at Four Square Assembly of Her niece Faye Hall credits that long life God, Gordon Street Assembly of God and to joy and laughter, explaining, “I’ve never Forest Park Church of God.” met anyone who was able to find humor in any situation like my Aunt Gertrude.”

Gerty’s favorite things to eat are watermelon, bananas, and strawberry The Plant City resident was born August milk. Pink is her favorite color, which she 12, 1912, in Woodburn, Kentucky and donned for her birthday celebration. In her moved here at age three with her parents. younger years, she enjoyed crocheting and She completed through the fifth grade at fishing.

Jackson Elementary School. Married to Charlie Graham for 50 years, together they Apparently she was a great baker, too. had a daughter, Linda Graham Bradbury Her niece Audrey Douglas offered a high of Inverness, Florida. compliment, saying: “Aunt Gerty would pick blackberries and then make the best Bradbury explained that her mother “loves blackberry cobbler I’ve ever tasted - then Plant City with all her heart.” Gerty and now!” always told her, “The only place I want to live is Plant City!” And to that command, For most of her life, Lillian was a Bradbury responds, “And I am going to homemaker. grant her wish.”

And she’s spent a lifetime loving her Gerty has 4 grandchildren: Ricky and family - very, very much.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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LOCAL » FOCUS “Plant City has the feel of a smaller town that has retained its charm. We needed to capture a certain look from a certain era, not a modernized one. The historic district was perfect.”

O’Nan agreed. “The people here have been wonderful and an enormous amount of help. From the local actors to the ‘small town America’ backdrop itself, everything’s been great.”

The 1914 High School became the middle school theater and an accident scene.

Other scenes were filmed inside Bruton Memorial Library, at the Trinkle Redman building crosswalk on Collins Street, and at the Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee & Eatery’s red phone booth.

Charles Chu (as Joon Chu), Director Gavin Kelly, and Ryan O’Nan (as Butch Blossom) caught a cool moment’s break in “The Elizabeth” golf cart, a prop used recently in the filming of Chu and Blossom on Collins Street in Plant City.

Photo by: Cheryl Johnston

PLANT CITY OPENS FILM SITES TO

CHU AND BLOSSOM F WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

ilming in the Tampa Bay area wrapped up earlier this month for “Chu and Blossom,” described by Variety as an independent coming-of-age comedy.

And Gasparilla International Film Festival President Joe Restaino, who is also one of the film’s co-producers, couldn’t be more thrilled.

Actor/writer/director Charles Chu plays a 6’8” Korean foreign exchange student, Joon Chu, who forms a friendship with Butch Blossom, a performance artist

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

“Plant City’s Assistant City Manager Mike Karr and City Attorney Ken Buchman couldn’t have been easier to work with,” Wells explained, adding, “and Jerry Lofstrom of the Whistle Stop was amazing.”

Chu and O’Nan co-wrote the “Chu and Blossom” script and appeared together also in “Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best” (set for release September 21). Mercedes Ruehl and Caitlin Stasey are also starring played by Ryan O’Nan, winner of the 2012 Gasparilla Film Festival’s “rising star” with Melanie Lynskey, Alan Cummin and Annie Potts as the supporting cast. award. The two meet in a small town and face cultural adjustments.

Jason Michael Berman, Caroline Connor, Thomas B. Fore, and O’Nan are project Earlier this summer, Restaino toured producers and Ruth Mutch, George numerous cities with O’Nan, Chu, and Loucas, and Jeff Rice serve as executive co-director Gavin Kelly to scout sites for the film’s setting. They settled on locations producers. PJ Leonard and Restaino coin Tampa, Plant City, Lakeland, Largo and produce.

Ocala.

According to Restaino, the film received a Florida tax incentive, which is a winShellee Wells of We Scout Locations arranged permissions with city authorities win for the filmmakers and the state. A and business owners for the needed scenes. Louisiana Film Commission economic

impact study indicates that for every $1 of tax credits issued, film production generates a $5.71 return.

Among others, additional familiar sites included Tampa’s Hillsborough High School and Union Station, Largo’s Eagle Lake Park (for the symbolic dead tree scene), and the Cleveland Heights Golf Course in Lakeland.

Independent Casting by Kathie Laughlin, C.S.A. provided the talent. About half the cast of 40 is comprised of local actors.

From Plant City High School’s Drama Troupe #1449, historian Holly Turcich, 16, and “unofficial director” Sarah Winter, 17, were involved for three days in the local filming.

Turcich has played roles at PCHS in Best of Broadway, Grease and will soon appear in Jesus Christ Superstar. She learned an important difference between theater and film production.

“This was nothing like I expected because there’s no glitz and glam. The crew was very nice and everybody worked long hours. I learned how the camera is so critical in film, but unlike live theater,” she said, “the actors have a chance to reshoot a scene when necessary.”

Winter, who directed Grease and performed in Wizard of Oz at PCHS, prefers directing and behind-the-camera work. She described the “friendly crew and cast” as “kind. They gave us food and water and told us what was happening, which made the waiting easier.”

(Note: Character Brigade, Taggart Productions, Fore Entertainment, Soaring Flight Productions and Baked Industries also partnered to produce “Chu and Blossom.”)

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Dr. Brenda Dukes Chiropractic Physician

BE ALL YOU CAN BE WITH CHIROPRACTIC BECkY HALsTEAd – BRIgAdIER gENERAL (RET.)

Becky Halstead shares with the public her positive experiences with chiropractic care.

Halstead served 27 years with the United States Army. She is also the first female in U.S. history to command in combat at the strategic level and is a recipient of the 2007 National Women’s History Project Generations of Women Moving History Forward. She was the first female graduate of West Point to be promoted to Brigadier General.

“The year I was deployed to Iraq I missed my friends and family – and my chiropractor!” asserts Halstead. She notes that chiropractic care is available through the U.S. armed forces healthcare delivery system at 25 percent of U.S. military treatment facilities and just a little more than half of active duty troops actually have access to a chiropractor. Halstead continues, “Personally, I hope someday chiropractic

care becomes a standard component of our military’s healthcare program so that all those serving, and their dependents, can have the opportunity to benefit from the care that only a Doctor of Chiropractic can provide.”

Halstead says that “the hands – on, active care of doctors of chiropractic and their advice on a healthy lifestyle are essential to our military men and women.”

“My new MISSION is to share this fact with others!”

Special Note: Becky Halstead is a spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress and film director Jeff Hays will feature her in the upcoming documentary film “Doctored.”

God Bless You Dr. Dukes and staff

Dr. Brenda Dukes • Chiropractic Physician 752-2524 • 2401 Walden Woods Dr. • Plant City, FL 33566

Dr. Dukes encourages you to write her with any questions concerning chiropractic care.

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LOCAL » FOCUS

The season has just begun, but the Durant High School cheerleading squad already has its sights set on a Western Conference championship.

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING F WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

riday night lights. It’s one of the most treasured traditions in the nation, something anticipate all year long— the crisp fall air, the incredible touchdown passes, the impressive halftime shows, the inspiring fight songs, the energetic crowd. And no high school football scene is complete without the cheerleaders shouting passionately for their team on the sidelines.

Not many people are more excited about the 2012-13 football season than Durant High School cheerleading coach Jessica Brower. Her squad has already played a part in some exciting Cougar wins, a 57-7 trouncing of the Freedom Patriots and a 29-0 home-opener victory over the Alonso Ravens.

“We have started off with a great football season and look forward to a challenging and fun competition season,” said Brower.

Tryouts for this year’s Cougar cheer

squad took place on August 6-8. Over 40 girls competed for just 28 spots, showing off their stunting, tumbling, and cheering techniques after participating in conditioning drills and skill seminars.

Eight cheerleaders made the junior varsity team, while 20 secured a spot on the varsity squad led by captains Madison Astin and Sydney Robinson.

Brower hopes the Cougar cheerleaders will face minimal obstacles this year. Along with rehearsing team cheers and stunts four times a week, the talented group also practices spotting techniques, emergency plans, and safety procedures to prevent injuries. Furthermore, the Cougars gained further experience during a four-day summer cheer camp which featured private coaching sessions and an opportunity to unite as a team.

“We have a set of goals that we created at camp, some of those include staying academically focused, keeping safety first, being positive and encouraging, being

consistent, and then the major goal of winning Western Conference,” said Brower.

Serving her fifth year as cheer coach, Brower believes the bond the Durant cheerleaders have formed is stronger than team she’s coached in the past, which makes her even more committed to her purpose—being a positive role model.

“I really enjoy the opportunity to be a mentor for my cheerleaders,” said Brower. “It allows me to set high expectations for them which I believe will ultimately help them grow into strong and successful young adults.”

Good luck to the Durant High School cheerleading squad as they aim to be safe, stay sharp, and win the championship.

Payton Astin leads a cheer during a recent football game.

Photo by: Buffy Astin FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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SAVE the Date 11/9/12 Come out and support your favorite DWTL Couples Tommy & Jennifer O’Neal Mike & Angela Sessa Karen Fuentes & Eric Randall Lori Rogers & Michael Johnson Dr. Derek & Katie Busciglio Heather Coats & Alan Figga Maribel Lorenzo & William Lasseter Clay & Caitlin Rollyson Victoria Garren & Kyle Garren Gail Lyons & Larry Roth

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Visit us on Facebook and look at last years couples FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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LOCAL » FOCUS

BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY HOSTS RECEPTION FOR

FOLK ARTIST RUBY C. WILLIAMS A WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

n internationally famous artist lives and works among us, and her success story is a joy to know.

Renowned folk artist Ruby C. Williams grew up in Bealsville and spent happy years with her six siblings picking strawberries on the family farm

During the month of September, paintings

by Ruby C. Williams are on display at the Bruton Memorial Library at 302 N. McClendon Street in Plant City. On Sunday, September 16, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. folks will have opportunity to meet her in person at a reception hosted there.

Williams grew up in Bealsville and spent happy years with her six siblings picking strawberries on the family farm. Her greatgreat grandmother Mary Reddick was the only woman among the 12 freed slaves who established the local gem of Bealsville in 1865.

That entrepreneurial spirit motivated Williams to open her own fruit and vegetable stand on Highway 60 in the mid-‘80s, where local farmers could also sell their produce.

The brightly colored signs she painted and planted along the road to attract customers driving by in their cars did the trick.

Business picked up - for both the produce and for the artwork. Today her original works sell at prices from $40 to $8,000.

Local photographer Bud Lee encouraged Ruby and her confidence and influence has grown ever since. Today the self-taught artist is considered one of Florida’s premier folk art painters.

To this day, the humble and faithful community-minded woman still has a heart for farming and growing her own beans and veggies.

Among other awards, Williams received the Award of Distinction from the Folk Art Society of America in 2009 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Plant City Black Heritage Celebration in 2012.

Her work hangs in galleries throughout the U.S. and from Argentina to France.

In 2005 the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum and Center for African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., hosted a show: “On Their Own: Selected Works by Self-Taught African American Artists.” Williams’ work was featured on the catalog’s cover, on the city banner announcing the show and of course, in the gallery itself.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be charmed by a local legend, who is still a hometown girl at heart.

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Honoree, David Miller

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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HAYDE POT

LOCAL » FOCUS

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2012 4-H WILL HAVE FOOD AND DRINKS AVAILABLE. DAC, WAHNA WIN AND MANY MORE ONSIGHT VENDORS.

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American Heritage Girls Troop Fl 1107 received the President’s Volunteer Gold Service Award and a letter of appreciation signed by President Obama for contributing over 1,000 hours of community service. The award recipients, from the left, are: Aria Bell, Hailey Caylor, Dominique Cook, Brooke Hammack, Autumn Hames, Megan Herring, Bentley Roberts, Katie Scott, Grace Sharpe, Molly Sharpe, Elizabeth Watson. The Plant City troop (non-denominational) is sponsored by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd

AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRL TROUP I WRITTEN BY: CHERYL KUCK

n the history of American Scouting, The American Heritage Girls (AHG) are a relatively new organization established in 1995 with a Judeo-Christian focus dedicated to building young women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. They follow a scouting program that includes earning badges, service projects, leadership training and outdoor experience.

Last Dec. the troop raised money to buy wreaths for participation in the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Fl. National Cemetery in Bushnell.

“It was very touching to learn about our country. I felt honored to lay the wreaths on the graves of our heroes,” said Brooke Hammack.

Katie Scott loves reading to children every Fri. at Bryan Elementary in Plant City, Molly Sharpe enjoyed working with kid’s Within the past 12 months the Heritage church in Lakeland, and Megan Herring Girls Troop Fl 1107 of 11 girls up to14 has enjoyed teaching people about our years-of-age, have diligently committed state history at Cracker Country. themselves to community service giving Elizabeth Watson’s favorite thing about more than 1,000 hours of their time AHG is service work. “I really love going and effort for the betterment of the and trying new things, especially working community. They have received recognition in nursing homes and talking to the people for their endeavors as recipients of The who live there.”

President’s Volunteer Gold Service Award, an initiative of the Corporation “What great achievement for our troop for National and Community Service this year, said Ann Doak troop leader. “We administered by the Points of Light have a total of 24 girls in our troop who Foundation. The troop, as a whole, also provided 1057 hours of service, earned earned gold medal recognition for their 159 badges, 13 Spiritual Patches, 47 hours of service in a single scouting year. participation patches, 5 Joining Awards, 15 Level Awards and 11 Presidential A 1989 initiative of President H. W. Service Awards. These acts service are not Bush, Points of Light has become the only a gift for those receiving the help largest volunteer management and civic but rewarding for the volunteers as well. engagement organization in the U.S., The life-lessons they learn of compassion, embracing other coalitions and visions of patience, appreciation, and graciousness are service under five presidents; H. W. Bush, ones they will never forget.”

Carter, Clinton, G.W. Bush and Obama to further a bipartisan effort to engage the collective power of voluntary action in solving our national challenges.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Hometown Banking at its best!

LOCAL » FOCUS

Come and bank with your friends and neighbors Kyle Wynne, senior at Plant City High School, played piano for the patients at Lakeland’s Center for Cancer Care and Research, fulfilling his school’s 75-hour community service requirement necessary for graduation.

KYLE WYNNE K WRITTEN BY: AMANDA FURMAGE

509 West Alexander Street • Plant City

yle Wynne appears to be a typical teenage guy. The 17-year-old Plant City High School senior enjoys playing drums, strumming his bass guitar, and throwing fastballs for the Raiders varsity baseball team. He is a highly involved member of his church’s praise band and favors sports marketing above all other school subjects.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

visit. As a result, he not only completed 81 hours of community service, but he also became a popular performer among the patients and care center staff.

“One of the patients requested to schedule his appointments when I would be there,” said Wynne. “I liked being able to offer the patients something positive during their treatments.”

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Yet what sets Wynne apart from his peers is that he was blessed with a special musical gift. He taught himself piano, and this year he took that talent to the Center for Cancer Care and Research in Lakeland.

In order to earn a Bright Futures Scholarship, each student must complete 75 hours of community service. While the requirement may seem a burden to some, Wynne saw it as an opportunity for a head start on his career goals.

“I wanted to volunteer with the radiation therapists [at the Center of Cancer Care and Research], but I wasn’t 18 yet,” said Wynne. “My mom saw on the website for the center that they had an Arts in Medicine program. In that program, you can volunteer to play music for the patients.”

Wynne traveled to the center three days a week, playing piano for three hours each

Wynne’s experience at the Center for Cancer Care and Research only increased his desire to become a radiation therapist.

“My experience has motivated me even more to get started on my education upon graduation. I look forward to a career that will help so many people,” said Wynne.

“God has opened so many doors for me so far in this experience. I pray that He will continue to guide me and help me achieve my goals.”

To learn more about using your talents in art and music to benefit the patients, families and staff members of Lakeland’s Center for Cancer Care and Research, contact Caron Radachy, director of the Arts in Medicine Program, at (863) 603-4718. The center is always looking for volunteer musicians, artists, writers, performers and educators to help make a difference in the patients’ healing process.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Personalized Care

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LOCAL » DID YOU KNOW

Outstanding Citizen Richard D. (Dick) Elston 1986 Photo courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives

MEET THE MAYOR

DICK ELSTON O

SUBMITTED BY: PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES & HISTORY CENTER

ver the years many Plant Citians have had the honor to serve the community as Mayor. One of them came to mind the other day when he stopped in and brought his little book called The Life and Times of Plant City in the 1940s. Richard “Dick” Elston penned this little tome and has recollections that bring to mind what Plant City was like in those early years.

In his book Elston talks about rationing during World War II, the USO opening in the Wells Building at Evers and North Drane, about time spent at the Planteen on Mahoney Street, and about the downtown stores closing Wednesday afternoons.

Dick Elston was born in 1932 and attended Wilson Elementary, Tomlin Junior High, and Plant City High School, graduating in 1951. As most of the students did then, he walked to school – over a mile each way he said. At Tomlin Junior High, which was then located between Wheeler and Thomas at Mahoney, he was named “Best All Round.”

At Plant City High School, which was in the old 1914 Plant City High School building, he was very active and was President of the Key Club, the recipient of

the D.A.R. Award, was the Editor of The Spokesman, the high school newspaper, and was named “Best All Round”.

Elston was a worker and at age ten began working at the Miller Candy Company. At 13 he worked for The Courier, riding his bicycle there after school. The Courier was then located at 106 South Evers Street, where the Photo Archives is currently located. Elston remembers his time with the newspaper and setting type, and the many different operations involved in a newspaper over 60 years ago. He also lost a finger in one of the printing presses but continued to work for The Courier.

He remembers the professionalism of the publisher, A.P. Cooke, and how he built the newspaper into a state-wide awardwinning publication. He helped move the paper into the new headquarters at Thomas and North Drane in 1950 and tells of the difficulties of moving some of the large and heavy equipment across the double tracks and checking the train schedules carefully.

Cooke and Sam Sampson, who ran the print operations at The Courier, recommended Elston when he moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida and he got a job quickly at The Gainesville Sun. With the Korean War underway, Elston joined the United

States Air Force in 1953 and served in the Security Service in Alaska, returning to Plant City in 1956. He then joined his father, George Elston, in the insurance industry.

Dick Elston became very active locally and served with Sertoma, with the Masonic Lodge, and was President of the local Shriners. He joined the Junior Chamber of Commerce, known as the Jaycees, serving as President of the local organization, and became a Director with the State and National level organizations.

Gaining a stronger interest in community affairs, Elston served as the Chairman of the Planning Board. He decided to run for Plant City Commission and was elected in 1966. Mayor-Commissioner was an office elected by the voters at-large at that time, and he ran for and was elected Mayor in 1967 and 1968. His main objectives included the treatment of industrial waste water and bringing a Hillsborough Community College campus to Plant City.

Both were accomplished. He received the Jaycees’ Good Government Award in 1968.

When Elston was about to preside over his last meeting as Mayor, an editorial in The Courier ( January 1969) had this to say: “he had become an effective force – a thinker whose opinions reflected study and a sincere dedication.” He was”one of the most active executives to serve as Mayor.”

Elston was part of the East Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce (forerunner of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce) Education Committee and was appointed by Governor Claude Kirk to the Board of Trustees of Hillsborough Junior College. When the name was changed to Hillsborough Community

College, Elston was named a charter member of the Board of Trustees. When Ken Hardcastle’s term as Chairman of the HCC Board of Trustees expired, Elston was nominated and elected as Chairman.

The probability of Plant City getting a campus was now greatly enhanced.

Elston continued to work with the Chamber’s Education Committee members, including Frank Moody, Hilman Bowden, Jim Redman, Carl Carpenter, Alex Hull, Horace Hancock and others to insure that Plant City would have a Hillsborough Community College campus.

This is a long and detailed story, which we will save for another time, but the result was that in 1976 the ground was broken for the first permanent building on the Plant City campus and Dick Elston was there with his shovel in hand.

Elston also served on the East Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and also as President.

He was named by the governor to the Hillsborough County Bicentennial Celebration Committee and served as local chairman, and, with his beard, was a loyal member of the Brothers of the Brush.

In 1986, the civic clubs of the greater Plant City area named Dick Elston as Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Since then, in addition to his insurance business, Elston has participated in civic affairs and although now retired, he recently served as a docent for the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center’s Smithsonian exhibition. He is a walking history story about Plant City and is an eloquent storyteller; we look forward to more insight to the Plant City of years past.

Dick Elston, Mayor of Plant City-swearing-in (1967) Photo courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be held Saturday, September 15th from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. in downtown Plant City. The car show features cars at least 25 years old, with many classics on hand from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. This is a great family event if you’re looking for a relaxing evening.

Several downtown merchants are open longer hours to accommodate the crowds.

You’ll probably run into many of your friends and neighbors. There are several food vendors, and the atmosphere is great.

• Lyntrux - ribbon cutting scheduled for Tuesday, September 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Come join everyone to learn a little about each business, wish them luck and participate in the ribbon cutting.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will hold the group’s monthly Business After-Hours on Thursday, September 20th from 5:15 – 7:00 p.m. at The new Chamber members this month the Bing Rooming House, located at 205 include: S. Allen St. The Business After-Hours is held the third Thursday each month, • Big Dog’s Patio, who held their ribbon hosted by a current Chamber member, and cutting September 5th at allows Chamber members an opportunity 103 N. Palmer St. to network and just spend time with each other in a casual environment. If you’ve • Focus 4 Beauty Career Center, who held never attended a Business After-Hours their ribbon cutting September 6th at event, come out to the Bing Rooming 1805 James L. Redman Parkway, House and spend some time with Suite 201 everyone.

• Oh My! Consignments and Boutique, who held their ribbon cutting September 7th at 116 W. Reynolds St. • Inspire! Quilting and Sewing, who held their ribbon cutting September 7th at 116 W. Reynolds St. • Brandon Regional Hospital Emergency Center at Plant City, will hold their ribbon cutting Wednesday, September 19th at 6:45 p.m. at 3065 James L. Redman Parkway • Pregnancy Care Center - Grand ReOpening on Friday, September 21st from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at 304 N. Collins St.

The next Bike Show is scheduled for Saturday, October 6th in Historic Downtown Plant City from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. The show features hundreds of bikes from all over, with owners riding in for a relaxing afternoon downtown. For the enthusiast, there are bikes of all styles, makes and models and both new and old. The show is always a little different, but there are often antique bikes on which owners have spent countless hours restoring them to their former glory.

And like the Car Show, many downtown merchants are open longer hours to accommodate the crowds.

The 2012 Business of the Year Awards will take place in November.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations. It is an honor just to be nominated by your peers. Chamber members, please take a moment to complete the form sent with your last newsletter. You can fax it to the Chamber at 813752-8793. If you need a form, feel free to call the Chamber at 813-754-3707.

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ABOUT PAM

As the daughter of an army colonel, Pam Tebow lived all over the world until she was seventeen, when she entered the University of Florida. She graduated with honors from the College of Journalism and Communications at UF. While in college, Pam met Bob, and they were married upon graduation in 1971.

The Tebows have five children, two sons-in-law, three granddaughters, and one grandson. Each of the children and their spouses are active in various ministries!

Keynote Speaker

PAM TEBOW Pro-Life and Women’s Speaker

The Tebows lived for a number of years as missionaries in the Philippines, where Bob continues to have an ongoing ministry, the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association. BTEA supports 50 nationals, who preach the gospel throughout the Philippines and stimulate church planting. Through the preaching of the national evangelists and the Americans who accompany Bob on numerous mission trips, over one million people a year are professing their faith in Jesus Christ. Bob and Pam also run an orphanage (Uncle Dick’s Home) in the Philippines, which has been home to scores of orphans since 1992. Pam is very involved in her husband’s ministry and coordinates numerous projects and personnel.

Pam enjoys speaking for women’s groups, nonprofit fundraisers, and various events in many cities across the country, and is currently writing a book on parenting.

The notoriety of the Tebow family increased when their youngest son won the Heisman Trophy following his sophomore football season with the Florida Gators.

Because ESPN aired the portion of the interview with Pam that focused on her refusal to abort “Timmy” when she was advised to do so, she has been given a national platform to encourage the pro-life message. In 2010, Pam and Tim were in a Super Bowl commercial that celebrated family and life, which, according to a Barna survey, resulted in 5.5 million people “having cause to rethink their stand on abortion.” Pam is also passionate about encouraging women to trust the Lord with all their hearts for all their lives and to use the incredible influence God has given them to eternally impact their world.

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

By Amanda Furmage | Photos by Anthony Sassano, Sophia Hyde & Kelleigh Klein

If you’re searching for a primary health care provider that treats you as an individual, greeting you by name with a handshake, a “good morning,” and a smile right as you walk through the front door, then veriMED Health Group Plant City is ready to welcome you as their next patient.

Previously known as PrimeCare Plant City, the practice recently changed its name in order to join together with other veriMED Health Group clinics located throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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“W

e still offer the same great service with the same great physicians,” said Pamela Ruesch, veriMED Health Group Plant City Administrator.

The Plant City office opened its doors on August 3, 2009 with only three staff members. In just three years, it has transformed into a thriving practice with 11 employees, including two highly trained and Board Certified physicians.

Dr. Alejandro Diaz, who attended medical school at the Instituto Superior de Ciencias Medicas in Havana, Cuba, is Board Certified in Family Medicine.

He also completed residencies in Cuba at “Hermanos Ameijeiras” General Hospital Program of Nephrology and the Educational Policlinic Institute, as well as at Chicago’s St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center. Dr. Diaz is fluent in English and Spanish, which allows veriMED Health Group Plant City to serve more patients effectively.

Dr. Sumita Chandran, Board Certified in Internal Medicine, attended medical school at Stanley Medical College in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, New York where she received the professional service award of compassion. Dr. Chandran is also a multilingual physician, speaking English, Tamil, and Hindi.

It’s evident Dr. Diaz and Dr. Chandran possess the educational background and versatile skills necessary to help prevent and treat chronic illnesses. However, providing exceptional and professional patient care is their specialty service.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and we have some of the most caring and personable physicians I’ve ever worked with,” said Nellie Parham, veriMED Health Group Plant City Office Manager. “They are very thorough, and that’s what sets them apart from other doctors I’ve worked with. They spend quality time with each patient; they don’t rush people in and out of the exam room.”

Highly qualified and compassionate physicians aren’t the only features that make this practice one of the best in the area. Each staff member is dedicated to the veriMED Health Group Plant City mission of quality patient care.

“Unfortunately, the medical field is so materialistic that you rarely find doctors who are focused on help-

ing humankind,” said Billing Supervisor Rovena Fernandez. “Yet everyone here is focused on patient care.

Patient care is what makes us excel and veriMED Health Group Plant City will do whatever it takes to continue putting the patient experience first.”

A unique service that the Plant City practice provides to prospective patients is the opportunity to take an unscheduled tour of the office. This behind-the-scenes experience allows them to interview staff members on why they should change to or consider veriMED Health Center Plant City as their primary care provider. The practice also offers 24/7 on-call physician service, laboratory services, and same day appointments.

“We will go to a patient’s home and knock on the door if we feel something is wrong,” said Ruesch. “We will do whatever it takes to make sure our patients are taken care of…We will fight for the rights of the patient.”

The veriMED Health Care Plant City staff also displays exceptional patient care outside of the exam room by providing Thanksgiving dinners to those in need and sending birthday and Christmas cards to patients. In addition, the practice has been known to hand out cookies, donuts, and cups of hot chocolate during the winter season to patients waiting in the welcoming lobby.

“We treat [the patients] as family members,” said Victoria Moreno, Medical Assistant Supervisor. “They aren’t just a number. We get on a personal level and know them completely.”

The employees of veriMED Health Center Plant City have created such a loving and accepting family atmosphere that they have a hard time leaving the workplace each day. Every staff member loves their job!

“I love coming to work every day,” said Ruesch. “We are a family.”

“For us, it’s never ‘Thank God it’s Friday.’ On Fridays, we don’t’ want to leave and go home,” said Parham.

“We love what we do and we love our patients. I truly love my job.”

“I love it here,” said Fernandez. “There’s not a day that goes by that I have to question why I am here.”

“This is the very first job I’ve had where I enjoy getting up and going to work in the morning,” said

Referral Supervisor Wendi Anderson.

The veriMED Health Group Plant City staff is also committed to the greater community, sponsoring area cheerleading teams and Daddy-Daughter Date Nights. Additionally, the practice is a huge supporter of the Senior Fun Fest, always assembling a festive, interactive exhibit where residents can learn more about health care issues.

“We believe in the community,” said Ruesch.

From listening and reading patient testimonials, it appears the practice is making a difference and headed down the right track.

“The ladies who work here are very cooperative,” said one patient. “If I have any concerns they are ready to listen immediately. They are so nice and friendly.

“Everyone working here is very nice,” said another patient. “Dr. Chandran is very caring and takes her time. She doesn’t look at her watch every two minutes; she doesn’t rush you. After my appointment today, I am bringing her card to my two daughters. I want them to come and see Dr. Chandran. I’m very glad I found this place.”

“The atmosphere in the office makes a patient feel totally comfortable,” said Carol and Gene W. “The staff are all happy and have smiles on their faces.”

One patient described how a simple checkup on a persistent backache and Dr. Diaz’s immediate call to action altered her husband’s future. Because the trusted physician ordered a CT Scan right away, the patient’s life was saved. The examination revealed a large aneurysm—ready to burst—and a mass on his left kidney. Excellent patient care resulted in a complete recovery after an emergency surgery and no need for chemotherapy.

“Dr. Diaz in his vigilance saved my husband’s life,” said Beverly W. “Anyone would be well advised to have Dr. Diaz and his staff as not only a physician, but as friends. I cannot rave enough about them.”

As veriMED Health Group Plant City continues to grow, the staff will still be committed to its vision of perfect patient care.

Since the day they opened three years ago, veriMED Health Group Plant City has been faithfully devoted to its patients and their well being and will continue to do so through the years to come.

1706 S. Alexander Street | Plant City, Florida 33563 Phone: (813) 717-9000 | Fax: (813) 717-9005 Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-5p.m.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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BUSINESS FOCUS

SHOWCASING OUR NEIGHTBORHOOD BUSINESSES Animal Wellness - Page 54 -

James W. Hays, CFP速 - Page 61 -

Turkey Creek

JSA Healthcare

- Page 55 -

- Page 62 -

Bethany Baptist

Planet Beach

- Page 56 -

- Page 64 -

Inspire Quilting

Textures Hair Studio

- Page 57 -

- Page 65 -

CenterState Bank

Tony D Garage

- Page 58 -

- Page 65 -

The Face Place

Walden Lake Early Learning

- Page 60 -

- Page 67 (This is a paid advertising section)

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Business Focus

Animal Wellness Center - Plant City Caring for Your Family’s Pets is What We Do Best

AnimAl Wellness Center PlAnt City 3109 stAte roAd 574 PlAnt City, Fl 33563-4519 (813) 752- 2869 Website: AWC-PC.Com Hours: mondAy-FridAy - 8Am-6Pm oPen every otHer sAturdAy beginning in november to the best possible care and treatment approach for your pet.

The new owners of Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and the Animal Wellness Center - Plant City, Jim and Dr. Jennifer Nash, recently moved from Colorado to be nearer to family and friends.

T

he happy new logo for the Turkey Creek Animal Hospital has a companion - and that’s the complementary design the new owners Jim and Dr. Jennifer Nash created for their recently acquired Animal Wellness Center - Plant City.

“We love animals and we’re here to help them enjoy long and healthy lives with their families,” said Jim Nash, who oversees business operations at both locations.

The Nashes are excited to have two great animal care centers located in the community they have grown to love in a little more than a year. They’re looking forward to more community involvement and a Halloween Party for your pets in October.

AWC-PC employees operate by the same core values of quality, teamwork, family, respect and fun, as their counterparts at TCAH.

owners who built a solid business supported by faithful clients. Folks trusted founder, Dr. McFarland, and subsequently his successor Dr. Jennifer Conner, who is now in process of moving and developing a new practice in another state. The legacy they established lives on here with the help of McFarland’s daughter Liz, who will remain a part of the AWC family.

As University of Florida graduates, both earned their advanced degrees in 2003 - Jim a Master’s in Health Care Administration and Jennifer her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine the same year.

The AWC-PC team is proud to announce their newest veterinarian, Dr. Donna Capps, who graduated in 1983 from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been practicing at an ER animal clinic in Lakeland and also has general veterinary medicine experience. She shares life on a farm with her “family of dogs, cats, goats, horses, six children and two grandbabies.”

Two priceless assets greatly influenced the Nashes’ decision to own AWC-PC: Reputation and Quality Care.

AWC-PC provides a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through inAnimal Wellness Center - Plant City house testing and the use of external is a well-established, full-service, small laboratories. The staff also works animal veterinary hospital providing closely with local specialty practices comprehensive medical, surgical and when special procedures are required. dental care thanks to the first two

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SEPTEMBER august 2012 2012 focusplantcity.com focusplantcity.com

Dr. Donna Capps

The facility itself includes a wellstocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, and a closely supervised hospitalization area.

“Pets relax just like people do and through Acupuncture and electrical stimulation (ESTIM) therapies, we can speed up the healing process. We can also reduce their pain and work to help body tissue heal itself,” she continued.

Dr. Jenn and Jim are thrilled to have accomplished the 900 requirements to earn American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation Clients can also shop here for their pet at TCAH this past year. Now they’ve care supplies, too, from a fine selection begun the certification process for Animal Wellness Center, too. of nutritional dietary products and supplements along with grooming “Once accomplished,” adds Jim, products. Online pharmacy service is “the AAHA accreditation sets those also available. recipient animal health care facilities apart from the ordinary.”

The “Animal Wellness” name says it all. As part of the practice’s natural and holistic approach to maintaining or restoring a pet’s health, Dr. Jenn encourages clients to schedule a wellness appointment for their furry friends, and the younger the age of the animal, the better. With a baseline established, the veterinarians can track changes and be proactive in developing plans for great care.

“Seeing them as puppies or kittens allows us to help you plan for proper nutrition, grooming, inoculations and behavior management,” explains Dr. Jenn.

Dr. Jenn likes to manage pet health through natural methods, whenever possible. Because she’s also certified as a Certified Medical Acupuncturist (CMA), she brings another perspective

“Most importantly,” said Dr. Jenn, “we care about your pets, and at Animal Wellness Center we hope to enhance their quality of life through great care.

Our job is not only to treat your pet when he or she isn’t feeling well, but also to help you learn how to keep your best friend happy and healthy for a very, very long time.”

turkey Creek AnimAl HosPitAl 4645 us HigHWAy 92 West PlAnt City, Fl 33563 813-752-1010 WWW.turkeyCreekvets.Com Hours: mondAy-FridAy, 8Am-6Pm every otHer sAturdAy, 8Am-1Pm

Business Focus

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital

Caring for Your Family, from Nose to Tail

delivery option for pet prescription medications, heartworm prevention, flea/tick control and nutritional products.

Veterinarians Jennifer Nash, Joanie DeHaven and Michael Marks look forward to seeing your pets dressed in costume for the Turkey Creek Animal Hospital Halloween Party.

T

ake one look at the happy new logo for the Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and you’ll want to bring your pet in for a wellness check-up. And that’s exactly what the hospital’s new owners, Jim and Dr. Jennifer Nash, hope you will do.

In addition to traditional veterinary medical treatments, TCAH places important emphasis on wellness and natural, holistic approaches to animal care. The same emphasis holds true at the couple’s other facility, the Animal Wellness Center - Plant City.

With the core values of quality, teamwork, family, respect and fun at the heart of their efforts, the Nashes will continue and even improve upon the excellent reputation the practice has enjoyed since 1954.

“Our focus since coming here,” said Jim, “is to raise the standard of care even more, increase the health and wellness of our animal patients and work to extend their lives.”

The University of Florida graduates, Dr. Jennifer Nash, DVM, CVA and her husband Jim Nash, MHA, CVPM returned to Florida recently with their three children and four dogs, moving from Colorado where they owned/ operated several practices. Jim remains involved nationally in the Veterinary

Hospital Managers Association.

“We wanted more balance between career and family life,” he explained.

“We’re reconnecting with family and many we love and admire.”

The spouses acquired TCAH in June 2011 from its second owner, Michael Marks, DVM, who remains on staff.

Marks had purchased the hospital where he started his career from its founder Dr. Harold May in 1982.

As new owners, Jim and Dr. Jenn value the relationships Dr. Marks has worked so long to maintain here.

After 34 years the Cornell University graduate and veterinary veteran is still passionate about his work. He and his family have eight dogs, nine cats and five horses. “I love what I do, and especially like internal medicine, cytology and soft tissue surgery,” said Dr. Marks. “I just didn’t want to own the hospital anymore.”

UF graduate Dr. Joanie DeHaven, DVM, joined the TCAH team in April after working the past two years in Lakeland. Her enthusiasm for veterinary medicine is infectious.

Accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association provides TCAH unique recognition in the industry. In only one year, the team met or exceeded 900 specifications for standards of care, medical

As an integral and important part of TCAH, the caring and compassionate client and patient care teams continue that long tradition of service that exceeds expectations. Jessica, Michelle, recordkeeping, business processes, Stephanie, Jonathan, Jessica B., and variety of services offered, employee Shawna support the veterinarians relations, staffing, safety, cleanliness to ensure sure each animal is well and aseptic environment. According cared for and comfortable, while to Nash, only 17% achieve AAHA accreditation. “We are so pleased,“ said the client care team of Suzie, Allison and Jeannetta efficiently Jim. “It’s a huge deal to us, as there handle appointments, phones, and is only one other AAHA accredited recordkeeping. practice in town.”

Dr. Jenn is also a Certified Medical Acupuncturist (CMA). “Acupuncture can be particularly effective for pain management in animals,” she explained. “Some clients drive 30-plus miles for treatments for their pets.”

In conjunction with acupuncture points, she can also use therapeutic laser treatments and electrical stimulation (ESTIM) to expedite healing, reduce pain, help tissue heal and relax the animal.

Dr. Jenn encourages clients to schedule wellness appointments for their pets.

“The assessment provides a baseline for your pet’s health,” she explained.

“The earlier we see them, the better the protocol we can develop for proper nutrition, timely inoculations and behavior management.”

The philosophy of “balance and quality of life” extends to the TCAH team as well. “We want to honor our employees in the same way,” said Jim Nash. “They also need time to be with their families and to have some flexibility in work schedules. Balance helps everyone.”

The TCAH staff desires that clients and pets experience the best possible care at every level. Literally, from nose to tail, at TCAH every creature matters.

For convenience, the hospital offers a variety of nutritional dietary products, supplements and grooming products. Clients especially enjoy the TCAH online pharmacy with home FOCUS foCUS MAGAZINE Magazine PLANT Plant CITYCity SEPTEMBER august 2012

55 45

Bethany Baptist ChurCh 813-752-920 iBelongatBethany.org.

Business Focus

Bethany Baptist Church

Rural church offers something for all ages

2000 when he was ordained at Webster Memorial Baptist Church in Lakeland. While still living in Plant City, Mashburn served as a Pastor at Webster Memorial for eight years before he began his ministry at Bethany.

“I love studying the Word of God and preaching the Word of God,” said Mashburn. “That’s my passion. I count that as a great honor.”

Besides sharing the Word of God Mashburn enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years, April, his two sons, Taylor, 19, and Matthew, 13, coaching sports and furthering his Biblical education at seminary.

B

ethany Baptist Church has been situated off Cork Road almost as long as Plant City has existed. For the past five years Reverend Marc Mashburn has filled the role as senior pastor in the congregation of around 200 people.

people who do that really sacrifice and put their heart into it.”

Some of the ministries that also reach out to the community include a food pantry twice a month and First Place for Health Christian weight loss ministry that meets once a week on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m.

“We sit out in the country in a rural area and the people who come here are “We as a church are striving to be hardworking, compassionate people,” faithful to our Lord, obedient to His said Mashburn. word, and to apply His word daily to our lives and to live it,” said Mashburn.

In a church where everybody knows “We’re not there, but that’s what we your name it’s easy for new members are striving to do.” to feel hesitant to break into the Mashburn recalls the progression fellowship, but part of Bethany’s to him becoming a Pastor at 34 mission is to make everyone feel years-old, noting that God has used welcome. different people in his path to make an impression on him and open his “The mission statement of our church heart. Not growing up in a Christian is to love Jesus, to love each other, to home, the first time Mashburn was serve the community and to impact exposed to a very Christian man was at the world,” said Mashburn. age 25 after leaving the Marine Corps while working at a tropical fish farm The church has many ministries to in Litha where he would soon be led offer its congregation. Bethany has to salvation. Mashburn mentions the a children’s ministry, youth ministry, Pastor from Shiloh Baptist Church a brand new youth worship team, in Plant City where Mashburn first Sonshine Circle senior ministry, attended after moving there, as well as Sunday school and Vacation Bible many other church members, as having School. a positive influence on his decision to become a pastor.

“Our vacation bible school is exceptional,” said Mashburn. “The

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

“When my wife and I got married we wanted to be part of a community, we wanted to have roots,” said Mashburn.

“I’m taking classes at Evangelical University and Seminary and I’m really enjoying that,” said Mashburn. “I’m using it as my spiritual growth as a pastor, husband, man and father.”

“When we got married we just felt like God brought us to Plant City and we’ve been here the whole time.”

Mashburn has been a Pastor since

For more information about Bethany Baptist Church call 813-752-9209 or visit their website at: ibelongatbethany.org.

Business Focus

Inspire! Quilting & Sewing Inspiring Others to Create

InspIre! QuIltIng & sewIng 101 n. CollIns st. (the former paso fIno buIldIng). hours wIll be 10am-5pm on mon., wed., frI; 10am-6pm tues. and thurs; and 10 am-6pm on saturdays.

(813) 704-4867

www.InspIreQuIltIngandsewIng.Com faCebook.Com/InspIreQuIltIngsewIng 10AM-6PM Tues. and Thurs; and 10 AM-6PM on Saturdays.

A children’s play area will be available as well as an adult sitting area. Classes scheduled to begin in January will be announced online.

For more information, contact them at (813) 704-4867, or visit them online at www.inspirequiltingandsewing.com or facebook.com/inspirequiltingsewing.

Lisa La-Pointe and Lynn Haberl

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ynn Haberl recalls growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and having her mother take her and her sister, Lisa, to the local fabric store. It was because of this, and their mother’s encouragement, that both girls began sewing.

Quilting & Sewing, which opens soon in downtown Plant City.

“We felt the Lord led us here, we truly did,” said Lynn, who came across the location with her husband, Fred, on a Sunday afternoon this past year.

The 4600 sq. ft. area will be dedicated to doing just what its name says “inspiring” others to sew. Lynn and Lisa seek to encourage and educate others in making their own projects.

“We are excited to be a part of Plant City and to meet the people in this area. There is a lot going on here,” said Lynn. The two sisters look forward to Inspire! Quilting & Sewing will open sharing with others something that has August 15th at 101 N. Collins St. (the been such a joy for them. “We want to former Paso Fino building). Hours will inspire you to create, and we are here be 10AM-5PM on Mon., Wed., Fri; to help you do that.” patterns, books and a full line of notions.

“We used to walk up and down the aisles, looking up at the miles and miles of fabric,” she said. “We both took to it naturally. By the time we were in high school, we had sewn so Lynn and Lisa will be offering classes much clothing we didn’t wear anything from beginner to advanced level, twice!” teaching sewing and quilting. The classroom area will be located in the The sisters continued to develop their back and the offices upstairs. When skills, making many different things; customers first walk into the area, they Lisa sewed prom dresses for their will discover 3,000 feet of high quality, friends in high school and Lynn, modern cotton prints and solid fabrics President of Future Homemakers of available for retail purchase.

America (FHA) at the time, created homemade purses and handbags.

“We will start with about 1500 bolts Around the ‘80s, Lisa began quilting of fabric and will have more coming and went on to become a long-arm in weekly,” said Lynn.“ There will be quilter. Soon after reading a book by a large selection of batiks, patterns, Kaffe Fassett, Lynn was inspired to solids, children’s fabrics…just come in, take up the art as well. see, and feel them all,” she encourages This launched the next step in their sewing careers, and led them to where they are today: founders of Inspire!

the public.

The shop will also stock Creative Grid rulers, pre-cuts, jellyrolls, layer-cakes, Amber Cantler cutting fabric for FOCUS an Inspired quilt MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

57

Business Focus

CenterState Bank

Where Customers Experience Extraordinary Service

CenterState Bank’s Micheal Gottesman, VP of Commercial Loans, and Maribel Lorenzo, Branch Manager, enjoy serving the Plant City community through organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Lions club, and the Downtown Plant City Business and Merchants Association, among others.

F

ive years ago, the CenterState Bank of Florida’s holding company acquired Valrico State Bank’s locations in Valrico, Brandon, Plant City, Riverview and FishHawk, bringing the corporation’s number of premier locations to 59 throughout the state. According to Jerry Ball, CenterState’s Community President, the strength has already proven to be a “wonderful advantage for its customers.”

“We are still your neighborhood bank,” he explained, “but our resources are significantly multiplied and we can offer even more products to benefit our account holders.

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“What is really great about our banks joining forces is that we are able to maintain that community bank flavor while expanding the scope of customer services,” he added. These, he noted, include trust services, wealth management and treasury products.

For its success, CenterState Bank’s Community President Jerry Ball credits the “deeply-rooted community connectedness” and the “sincere desire of the banks’ employees to serve their neighbors well.”

and in all categories compared favorably to their institutional peers.

CenterState’s acquisition of Valrico State Bank was a win-win for both organizations. With assets of 2.5 billion, CenterState is a Florida financial powerhouse.

What Ball appreciated about CenterState was its local marketdriven approach and its business structure, which values the unique characters of the individual communities it serves. CenterState’s published philosophy encourages decision-making “by the banker closest to the action,” a critical element in retaining long-term relationships.

What CenterState appreciated about the eastern Hillsborough local banks was that they were well capitalized, had loyal customer bases, were staffed by like-minded professionals,

For its success, Ball credits the “deeply-rooted community connectedness” and the “sincere desire of the banks’ employees to serve their neighbors well.”

“We elected to initiate the selling of Valrico State Bank in 2007,” explained Ball, who has served as president for the past 15 years. “We were pleased to discover that John Corbett, President of CenterState Bank of Florida, holds the identical philosophy regarding business approach and operations.

“What long-term customers and employees have always appreciated are the core values that guide CenterState’s business practices. In brief, these emphasize local decisionmaking for each unique community’s needs, long-term growth, world-class service, relationship banking, and the fundamental foundations of faith and family. The details expounding

centerstate bank 305 s. Wheeler street Plant city, Fl 813-759-2265

responsibility to do the right thing for its clients.

With the merger finalization last month, soon will come new signage at each location. For several years now the CenterState Bank logo and name have been a part of the Valrico State Bank documentation, so folks are already accustomed to the branding.

on these high ideals are definitely worth the read at centerstatebank. com.”

CenterState’s optimistic approach contributes to its growth and to customer satisfaction levels. “We believe the positive economic trends we’re seeing now are here to stay,” observed Ball. “We want to acknowledge our customers’ pride of ownership and lend so they can grow businesses, purchase or remodel homes, upgrade their vehicles, take vacations or help their children with educational expenses. Lending is one of our primary goals,” he stressed.

Center State in Plant City Maribel Lorenzo, Manager of the bank’s Plant City office, and Michael Gottesman, Vice President of Commercial Loans, agree wholeheartedly. Lorenzo offered, “We’re here to serve you and to help you accomplish the goals you have for your success.”

Both are active in the Plant City Chamber of Commerce with Gottesman serving as Board Director and Lorenzo as a Chamber Ambassador. She is also a director of the Lions Club and an officer

in Plant City’s BNI group. On a fun fundraising note, Lorenzo and CenterState employee Will Lassiter will team up to represent CenterState Bank in the upcoming “Dancing with the Locals” competition to benefit community projects of the Plant City Rotary Club.

Gottesman is active also in the Plant City noontime Rotary and in the new 501(c) 6 organization, the Downtown Plant City Business and Merchant’s Association.

Having worked with Ball since 2001 and as a former business owner himself, Gottesman knows full well the importance of helping customers to meet their financial needs & desires.

He explained, “We try to go the extra mile to help, to make the best decisions for both parties.

Our customers trust us, and I so appreciate the capability of interfacing with our bank president.

They appreciate that we make them feel like family, that our staff knows their name, and that we believe in them and their dreams for success.”

Lorenzo, who has been in the banking business since 1985, worked

her way up to branch manager from teller, which uniquely equips her to serve on a personal level. “What I’ve enjoyed here with this caring company is getting to know my CEO and realizing that CenterState Bank values its customers, our community and my own family.

There are no hoops to jump through.

I can pick up the phone and get answers or help quickly.”

As to what that means for Plant City customers, Lorenzo says, “It is so nice working in a close-knit community, where everyone knows everyone and their families, too. We work together in civic organizations and charitable outreaches. We become friends for life.”

CuStomer Care Customer service accomplished with a sense of urgency that exceeds expectations is a CenterState priority. Employees are proud of the fact that when customers call during normal business hours, they will speak with a bank representative, not a machine.

Additionally, as a foundation of its company culture, the parent organization allows local branches the freedom, authority and

“But,” Ball said, “there will still be those who are unaware they’ve been doing business with a much larger institution for the past five years.

We’re excited that they will learn how much more we have to offer now.”

He also wants to hear from customers and to learn of their experiences. “First, thank you for your business,” he emphasized. “Our corporate policy is ‘open door’ and I want to know how you were treated, what you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy.

Hold us accountable. I can’t fix what I don’t know,” he explained.

Corbett, Ball, Lorenzo, Gottesman and all the people of CenterState Bank’s organization invite Plant City customers to discover their philosophy of “We Believe in You.” Their core values expressed online for all to see read, “Our bank is built on life-long friendships. We communicate with candor and transparency. We believe that the relationship is more valuable than the transaction.”

Ultimately, CenterState hopes never to lose that hometown feel. They encourage folks to stop in at 305 S. Wheeler Street and experience the difference between just simply banking and instead, knowing your banker.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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The Face Place Traci Walding, esTheTician 110 e. reynolds sTreeT, suiTe 601 PlanT ciTy, Fl 33563 (813) 763-6166 TdWalding@aol.com

Business Focus

The Face Place

SERVICE MENU The Face Place Signature Facial ($50.00)

This facial is customized to each client’s individual needs. Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or acne prone, I will customize the products just for you. This treatment includes cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, massage, mask, moisturizer, and sunscreen application.

The Face Place Dermafile Facial ($60.00)

E

massage can cost between $75 and $150. Yet by serving as her company’s esthetician, owner, secretary, and office manager, Walding is able to offer high quality treatments at affordable prices.

For example, The Face Place Signature Facial is just $50, and includes cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, extraction, massage, mask, moisturizer, and sunscreen. And for only $10 more, Walding will perform a dermafile When not teaching fitness classes, treatment or chemical peel along with running 5K races, experiencing the a Signature Facial to treat even the great outdoors, and watching her two most damaged skin. In other words, sons, Kaid (12) and Keaton (11), battle at The Face Place, you’ll get more for it out on the football field and in your money. the pool, Walding helps people of all ages feel beautiful by customizing her Not only does she offer competitive services to fit her customers’ specific pricing, but Walding is always needs—and their skin types. educating herself on the latest, most veryone strives to put their best face forward. However, most over-the-counter ointments and mail-order miracle masks aren’t powerful enough to cure unwanted skin conditions. When your skin is at its worst, it’s time to visit licensed esthetician Traci Walding at The Face Place.

“Professionally speaking, I’m proud to be driven by perfection,” said Walding.

“I want my clients to look their best and feel better than ever. I love seeing my clients with beautiful skin and big smiles on their faces and think to myself, ‘That’s my client. That’s my work.’”

According to Discovery Health, a typical facial at a luxury spa consisting of a simple cleanse, steam, and

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effective skin products on the market, which proves she is committed to giving her clients the best possible experience.

“I look forward to continuing education courses and seminars so that I can stay on top of the newest treatments and products,” said Walding. “I would love to expand The Face Places’s service menu by offering laser treatments, permanent makeup, and eventually a ‘botox day’ once

or twice a month [conducted] by a licensed physician.”

To schedule an appointment contact esthetician Traci Walding at The Face Place. She’ll be sure to help you look good—and feel good, too.

This is the Signature Facial with a dermafile treatment. The dermafile treatment includes removal of dead skin cells using a dermafile made of finely crushed cosmetic diamonds.

Dermafile is effective in treating appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyper pigmentation, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and sun damaged skin.

The Face Place Facial and Peel ($60.00)

This is the Signature Facial with either a glycolic or salicylic peel.

Glycolic Peel- Most commonly used peel for most skin types. Removes damaged skin cells and stimulates collagen production. This peel leaves your skin feeling smoother, brighter, tighter, and radiant.

Salicylic Peel- Also known as the acne peel.

This is the #1 choice for oily/acne prone skin.

It decongests clogged pores, reduces blemishes and prevents breakouts and excessive oil production.

Pevonia Teen Facial ($40.00)

A teen facial using Pevonia Acne Teen products. This 40-minute treatment is a pore cleansing facial that will leave your teen’s skin clean and fresh while counteracting acne breakouts.

Dermafile Treatment or Chemical Peel ($40.00)

Choose either the dermafile treatment, glycolic peel, or salicylic peel. Does not include a Signature facial.

Facial Waxing

Brows ($10.00-$15.00) Lip ($10.00) Chin ($10.00)

James W. Hays, CFP® 607 s. alexander street suite 205 Plant City, Fl 33563

Business Focus

James W. Hays, CFP

®

A Renaissance man in our midst

140 W. Bay st. davenPort, Fl 33837 for IBM and as the president of an investment company founded to develop townhouse communities.

James Hays works on a client’s financials.

I

n high school, some people wore pocket protectors and some of us (if we were lucky) dated the captain of the cheerleading squad.

While James W. Hays always fell in the latter of the groups, he never imagined that when he entered the world of adulthood and responsibility, he would be the one sitting behind a desk crunching numbers just like the math-obsessed bookworms that once puzzled Hays and his fun-loving existence. He couldn’t however, be happier with where his random decisions in life have led him to at this very moment, as a distinguished certified public accountant (CPA) in a town he has grown to hold near and dear.

To say that a man such as Hays is multifaceted would be an extreme understatement. While Jim has been a CPA since 1985 he has experienced many other career choices before, after and during his time as an accountant. Hays began his journey with a football

scholarship to a junior college and planned to become a journalist. He soon realized he had a strong love for math (uncommon for any writer, let me tell you) and changed course once more, but wasn’t about to stop there.

might as well get credit for it,” Hays says with a grin.

While Hays has lived in Plant City for the past twelve years, he spent all of his working days in the city of Davenport, where hi chain of convenience stores was located.

During his time in the city, he Hays started in chemical engineering which he later changed became the president of the Greater Davenport chamber of Commerce to a concentration in industrial and was thoroughly involved withengineering, the field in which he in the area due to the amount of later graduated with a bachelor’s time he spent within the business degree. While at UF, Hays also served as the Kappa Sigma fraternity community. Even though he spent a great deal of time at the convenience president and was a Sigma Tau stores, Hays continued to cater to Engineering Scholastic Honorary. individual clients and businesses that Later in life, he decided to attend came to his store offices to utilize his the University of South Florida CPA services. after he had been doing computer management for more than 250 Hays has been involved in many CPA’s and wanted to explore it entrepreneurial ventures, including as a career choice. From USF, he serving as proprietor of a full-service earned a Master of Engineering gourmet restaurant and as chief Administration as well as a financial officer and president of bachelor’s degree in accounting. “I 12-15 convenience stores. He has am a firm believer that one should also worked as a systems engineer always keep learning, and if so, you

Due to Hay’s extensive and versatile background it has made him a much more experienced individual and a well-rounded CPA who has actually been immersed in many of the businesses in which his clients work.

Hays is currently focused solely on his CPA business, providing consulting, financial planning, and tax services to local business owners and individuals. He also provides monthly, quarterly, and yearly financial statements for his clients, including but not limited to payroll, bank reconciliation, federal unemployment reports, and W-2 statements.

Presently, Hays serves as a member of the Plant City Kiwanis Club. He is also a member of the American Society of Professional Consultants and the American Institute of Industrial Engineers. He previously served on the President’s Council at the University of South Florida and was a charter member of the Tampa Bay Kiwanis.

“I have great friends here and the city is ideally situated,” Hays says of his current immersion into the community. “I love the small-town atmosphere, but also the fact that you can still get all the benefits of a big city.”

Hays office is conveniently located at 607 S. Alexander Street, Suite, 205.

To reach Hays regarding services rendered, feel free to call his office at 813-759-9400 fax at 813-7499403 or email him at jameswhays@ hotmail.com.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Business Focus

JSA Medical Group

Providing High Quality Healthcare

Sara Munoz, LPN Nurse Administrator, and Cynthia Lorenzo and Danielle Hurtt, Medical Assistants, are three of the four staff members at JSA. “I’m really going to miss it,” said Hurtt, who will be transferring to another clinic in two weeks. “I love the people and my patients here.”

P

“We always check to make sure all that lant City can claim to be home needs to be done for a patient is done. of one of the top 100 best We are very thorough, and up-to-date places to work, according to with diagnostic testing and treatment.” the list created by Modern Healthcare.

JSA Medical Group has held its place in this ranking for the fifth year in a row. Located throughout the Central and South Florida regions, with its corporate office in St. Petersburg, JSA expanded to Plant City in November of 2011, and has been providing quality care and service to patients ever since.

“JSA strives to provide high quality care,” states Ruben Perez, M.D., the primary care physician at the facility.

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Dr. Perez is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX. He has been working in Plant City, a location he enjoys very much, since October of last year, and volunteers his time at free health clinics sponsored by local churches. He is also bi-lingual, fluent in both English and Spanish.

JSA Medical Group is the area’s largest provider of primary health care services to the Medicare population.

The clinic performs their own labs and EKGs in-house, works directly with specialists in the patient’s network when needed, and is the only medical clinic in the area that accepts most major insurances including Medicare, Humana, and CarePlus. The facility currently employs four: Danielle Hurt, Receptionist, Cynthia Lorenzo, Medical Assistant, Sara Munoz, LPN Nurse Administrator, and Dr. Ruben Perez, Physician. They look forward to growing more in the future with the arrival of new patients.

“We’re really lucky here,” said Munoz, whose medical experience led her to JSA six months ago. “The patients who come here are wonderful to work with.

Everyone is so nice. They’re really a joy to work with.”

Recently Dr. Perez and the staff of JSA hosted an open-invitation Pizza Party, the first of many themed monthly community events to come. These free events are open to current and non-JSA members and are created in an effort to show the practice’s care for the community of Plant City and to make connections with others. Held at

the Suite 400 office at 1001 E. Baker Street, the next event is an “Ice Cream Social,” scheduled for August 29th at 11:30 a.m. RSVPs are requested at (813) 708-0164.

JSA Medical Group offers many in-office services, including same day appointments for urgent care, 24-hour

“We always check to make sure all that needs to be done for a patient is done.”

jsa medical group 1001 e. Baker street, suite 400 plant city, Fl (813) 708-0164 physician on-call availability, joint injections, respiratory services, on-site laboratory and EKG services, and diabetic and COPD education. They can be contacted at (813) 708-0164, or visited online at www.jsamedicalgroup. com.

“I want people to feel welcome, happy, and comfortable coming to us with their problems,” said Dr. Perez. “We like to have a friendly relationship with our patients, and treat every patient with respect. We want patients to feel like family, and many patients do.”

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Planet Beach 2909 James l. Redman Pkwy Plant city, Fl 33566 813-754-0212

Business Focus

Planet Beach Contempo Spa

houRs: m-F, 9am-8Pm satuRday 10am-5Pm sunday 12-4Pm

From L to R, Samantha “Sam” Kirby, Angela Brooks, Nancy Kretz, Owner Mary Rose Anderson, Debbie Nykun, Owner

I

f you are looking for great skin beautification experiences and hoping for a healthier, stress-free you …. look no further.

Planet Beach Contempo Spa, located at 2909 James L. Redman Parkway, is your place. With a unique and innovative spin on traditional day spas, Planet Beach offers fully automated spa services in a private room, without the need for an attendant.

“We are more than just a tanning salon. We have other options here, explained owners Nancy Kretz and Deb Nykun. “We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and cleanliness, and offer superior products and services.”

The company works diligently to maintain an environment of the highest quality at the spa. The team also works within the community to assist local schools, groups and fellow businesses.

With the many services available, every client can feel and look their best at Planet Beach Contempo Spa. The recommended services available include: Hydration Station - Here you will experience the combination of radiant heat and steam that opens pores to improve absorption of nutrients, which

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hydrate the skin to leave it soft and supple.

Spray Tanning and Tanning Beds Both can help you keep that summer glow all year long. With the tanning Luminous Facial - LED light therapy beds, clients now have the option of will help to improve skin tone using the stand-up booth. For your and texture and will minimize the relaxation and comfort, music and appearance of those fine lines and cooling fans accompany every tanning wrinkles we would all love to diminish. session.

Teeth Whitening - This advanced technology with unique “color correct function” is safe, fast and convenient.

In three simple sessions your teeth will have that special shine you’ve always wanted.

Hydro Massage - This combination of water, heat and massage will decrease muscle tension and chronic pain, increase circulation and range of motion, and remove muscle knots.

Red Light Therapy - This therapy helps diminish recent scarring and is an alternative, more natural method for rejuvenating your skin, as opposed to surgery.

The Saunatox - This system surrounds the body and penetrates deeply into the joints, muscles and tissues, which speeds oxygen flow, increases circulation and rids the body of toxins.

In the process, you will burn 500600 calories. People who suffer from fibromyalgia and fatigue could benefit greatly from the Saunatox.

The Planet Beach Contempo Spa loves to host customer appreciation days. Their latest was “Wine Down Wednesday” and clients enjoyed a glass of wine before or after their session.

Come in today for a consultation and discover your best treatment regime for weight management, full body skincare, relaxation, detoxification and overall health. A wide range of “at home” holistic skincare and nutrition products are always available.

Business Focus

Textures Hair Studio

“Thank You” From the owners of Textures

N

ew owners Debbie Zaccaro and Theresa Valeriani of Textures Hair Studio want to give a special thanks to their talented staff for welcoming them so kindly.

Although the pair has worked together at Textures for a few years with part of the staff, they both admitted to being a little worried about the change.

TexTures Hair sTudio 1701 souTH alexander sTreeT #109 PlanT CiTy, Fl 33566 (813) 754-2300

well as the environment at Textures is friendly and family-oriented catering to each and every individual that walks in their door; whether a new client or a regular everyone will feel welcomed.

Textures staffs ten talented hair stylist Dixie Mason, Kookai Jones, Lea Massey, Stacie Hughes, Patti Ramey, Lisa Edwards, Doug Dickson and Christine Leiss along with Zaccaro However, both Zaccaro and Valeriani and Valeriani. The salon also has say they cannot be more pleased, three nail techs Christal Maxwell, “both the staff and the community as Carla Youmans and Cuong Tran a whole have been supportive, without each offering their own unique talent them and the loyal clients we wouldn’t and different design techniques that be here” said Zaccaro. Valeriani and will fit each client’s originality and Zaccaro believe passion and dedication personality. for what you do is key in any work place, and they know their staff In addition to basic hair services such embodies just that. as color, cut, perm and style Textures Valeriani and Zaccaro have always wanted to open a salon in Plant City and say they found the perfect location along with the perfect staff, “everyone here gets along so well, it’s like our second family when we’re at work” says Valeriani.

Textures Hair Salon is a full service salon offering services in skin care, hair, nails and massage. The staff as

offers chemical straightening, hair extensions and a wide variety of colored feathers and tinsels.

While Textures remains in the same location, some of the interior has changed. Zaccaro and Valeriani plan on continuing to remodel in order to brighten up the salon. Both say they are look forward to the finished product and say they plan on having a grand re opening in the near future.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Tony D. Garage Doors

A Doors.

few years ago, Scott and Lisa Perry were offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Tony DeFrancesco was considering selling his business, Tony D’s Garage

TONY D. GARAGE DOORS OFFICE PHONE 813-754-9552 VISIT WWW.TONYGDS.COM HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8 A.M.-5P.M SATURDAY, 9 A.M.-12 P.M. SUNDAY, EMERGENCIES ONLY

day-to-day operations. DeFrancesco is still highly involved in service calls, and the company is still dedicated to the vision he created years ago—to provide excellent service with fair and After spending a few days participating on service honest prices. In addition, Tony D’s Garage Doors continues to make a calls and observing what DeFrancesco did on difference in the greater community, a daily basis, the Perry’s decided the garage donating time and monetary donations door business was perfect for their family, purchasing Tony D’s Garage Doors in February to St. Clement Catholic Church, the Florida Boxer Rescue, and the 2011.

National Breast Cancer Foundation. In fact, throughout October, the business “It’s been the best decision we’ve ever made,” will honor Breast Cancer Awareness said Lisa, Tony D’s Garage Doors owner and month. office manager.

“Scott was working in a corporate job and wanted to spend more time with the family,” said Lisa. “We knew the only way that was possible was if we had our own business.”

Today, Tony D’s Garage Doors still offers countless garage-related services, from opener and door repair, to the installation of new springs, doors, and openers. The business also sells new and gently used remotes and gives free estimates on sales and repairs. However, the most significant service this family owned and operated company offers is loyalty to the customer.

“The best part of my job is helping people in their time of need,” said Scott, owner and serviceman.

“Sometimes I’ve had to go out late at night or early in the morning to help someone get out of their garage, but I go because it’s important to me that our customers are well taken care of.”

Lisa also believes it’s her company’s duty to provide exceptional, personal service: “In some situations, I’m able to troubleshoot with the customer over the phone. This saves them time and money. If I’m still not able to help, then I try to get them in the schedule that day or as early as possible.”

It’s this commitment to customer service that sets Tony D’s Garage Doors apart from the competition.

“With other companies, you’ll get a different service tech every time you need a repair,” said Lisa. “With us, it’s always Scott or Tony, which makes it nice for us and our customers because we get to know them.”

It’s apparent not much has changed at Tony D’s Garage Doors since Lisa and Scott took over the

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“We will be donating 15 percent of our profits for the entire month to the National Breast Cancer Foundation,” said Lisa. “So if you are in need of a new door or opener, October would be a great month to get it.”

Also, if you would like to discover more about Tony DeFrancesco’s new business venture, Papa Tony’s Catering, please call the Tony D’s Garage Door office and Lisa will put you in contact with him.

“We will be donating 15 percent of our profits for the entire month [October] to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.”

Business Focus

Walden Lake Early Learning Center Not your typical preschool

Walden lake early learning Center 2730 turkey Creek rd.

Plant City, Florida 33566 Phone: (813) 752-7008 hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.M. to 6 P.M. Visit WWW.WlelC.CoM or WWW.FaCebook.CoM/WlelC For More inForMation The surrounding community also supports Walden Lake, bringing field trips directly to the preschool’s doors.

For example, each year the facility hosts local firefighters and physicians who teach students about their careers and instruct them on the importance of education.

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lant City’s Walden Lake Early Learning Center isn’t a day care facility, and it sure isn’t your typical preschool. In fact, several factors set it apart from other pre-kindergarten educational environments. The dedicated Walden Lake staff believes all children should be enrolled in a program that encourages them to be lifelong learners.

to students using a variety of creative, hands-on teaching methods derived from proven curriculum materials.

Another aspect of Walden Lake’s philosophy is to allow each child to develop a positive self-image. From the moment they walk through the front door, students are individually greeted by their teachers, immediately exposing them to a loving, nurturing atmosphere and boosting their confidence.

“Even our 1 year olds are doing circle time,” said Annisa Peterson, director of “We try to make every child feel Walden Lake. important,” said Peterson.

Apart from age-appropriate classes targeted at 1-3 year olds, Walden Lake is one of the largest providers of the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program in Plant City with over 60 students registered for the 2012-13 school year. The center also offers before and after school care for Walden Lake Elementary School students.

The mission of Walden Lake is to provide meaningful educational activities that aid in the developmental growth of each student. During each school day, children participate in circle time lessons based on the week’s theme. Through circle time, instructors introduce math, language arts, science, social studies, art, and music topics

Peterson agrees: “A lot of our previous full time preschool students are now in their elementary school’s gifted programs.”

Walden Lake owes much of its success to its low teacher turnover rate. In fact, several devoted instructors have been teaching at the preschool for over 10 years. Furthermore, a dedicated group of parents has been an integral part of the center.

Many people might consider being surrounded by young children on Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. extremely frightening. Yet according to the staff at Walden Lake, it’s a rewarding experience.

“The kids are amazing, and it’s fun to just see them grow,” said Peterson.

If you want to see your little ones blossom, Walden Lake Early Learning Center still has openings in their 1, 2, and 3 year old classes as well as their “We are like a big family,” said Eason. after school program. Stop by or call to “We have a great group of parents who enroll your child today. are very supportive of what we do.”

Each child also gets the opportunity to be the “Very Important Person of the Week,” or head of the classroom, during the school year. This special student wears a crown, decorates a personal bulletin board, and enjoys other exclusive privileges over a weeklong span.

Because the Walden Lake staff is committed to its mission, owner Cindy Eason believes her students have a much higher success rate when they enter kindergarten compared to other children: “Many of our students are at grade level, and if they aren’t, they are above it.”

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Shiloh Baptist Church

Discover Something Different!!

COME JOIN US Sunday Schedule: Sunday School for all ages - 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship Services - 10:15 a.m.

Night Service/Small Groups - 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Schedule: Children’s Music & Bible - 6:00 p.m.

Youth Service -6:00 p.m.

Adult Services - 6:15 p.m.

We are different at Shiloh…

Come and see!

For more information call us at 813-752-8345.

905 W.Terrace Drive, Plant City, FL 33563 DiscoverSomethingDifferent.com

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

For tickets, visit DiscoverSomethingDifferent.com.

BUSINESS » EDWARD JONES

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Instead of trying to decide which investment to take income from, Advisory Solutions makes this process easy. We will automatically withdraw from the most Obviously, your retirement income strategy overweight asset classes in your portfolio.

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Edward Jones Advisory Solutions. This advisory program can help simplify taking For example, if your portfolio has withdrawals from your portfolio while become over weighted in international providing a comprehensive approach to investments, we’ll sell some of these managing your investments. investments to provide income. The next time you’re scheduled for a withdrawal, if your portfolio has become overweight in fixed income, we’ll take income from that portion of your portfolio.

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BUSINESS » SUCCESS

WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!

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Insuring your life helps protect their future.

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JIMBO SPARKS

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I like to see the joy my food brings to the people at the restaurant and the weddings and catered events that we provide.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS?

To get to know the people and get to become part of this family-friendly community

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST SUCCESSES?

After Hurricane Katrina, we fed over 6,000 people a day in Mississippi and New Orleans and helped them rebuild their lives.

NICK’S PIZZERIA & WINGS

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR FUTURE?

Expand our business at our previous location to include seating for up to 60 people and eventually franchise the concept throughout Florida.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO BUSINESS?

We have been buying restaurants, building up the business and making them successful for 20 years.Our last venture was a catering company.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Team Wainoris

Multi-Million Dollar Producers

...Selling Hillsborough and Polk

sellmyhome@tampabay.rr.com | www.teamwainoris.com Randall Wainoris 813-997-3000

REALTOR®/Attorney at Law

Kathleen Wainoris 863-608-1557

Cheri Aumond McLean

REALTOR® Notary

813-967-1285 REALTOR®

ATTENTION: COUNTRY HILLS AND ROYAL HILLS HOME OWNERS! Do you own a home in Country Hills or Royal Hills? Do you want to sell your home? Team Wainoris has buyers! Were you afraid you may owe more than your home is worth? Were you wondering how you will ever be able to sell your home in today’s market? Don’t worry! Here at Team Wainoris, we have helped many of your neighbors with short sales, and more importantly, we have buyers!!! Thinking of selling your home? Considering moving up to a larger home? Thinking about moving closer to family? No matter your reasons for selling, the folks at Team Wainoris would enjoy the opportunity to help you! Please call Team Wainoris today.

SHORT SALE TOWN HOME

Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 1771 square feet of living area. Bank Approved at $79,900.00 Call today!

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

LAND!

Nice building lot on Dove Meadow Trail in Lakeland. Build your dream today. Asking just $19,900.

SHORT SALE

Three bedroom, two bath home with two car garage and inside utility, screened porch and nice view of a pond. Built in 2008 and waiting for you. Asking just 109,900.

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REAL ESTATE » JO-ANN LUSK

OUR CHANGING MARKET A SUBMITTED BY: JO-AN LUSK

s we near the end of the 3rd Quarter, the activity in Real Estate is exciting and interesting, to say the least.

It is a good thing to finally see positive change in the market over the last 6 months.

Owned and Operated by Steve and Kathy Paul

Time and time again, you have heard that one of the main factors in an economic recovery is Real Estate. Before you get too excited though, Real Estate is local, and some markets are recovering faster than others.

Roaches • Ants • Spiders Carpenter Ants (inside & outside)

In Plant City, the future is looking brighter, but we have more work to do.

Here’s a snapshot of the last 6 months:

Fleas and Ticks (inside and outside) Service tubes in the wall We’ll get the bugs moving in the right direction.

Steve with Walter Warren and Bud O’ Callaghan

www.homeprotectionpc.com • email: homepropc@gmail.com

3909 N. Keene Rd. • Plant City, FL 33565 Office: 813.757.6752 • Cell: 813.716.0623 74

SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

Positive change in several areas: Home Sales, Homes under Contract, and Sales Price.

With an increase of 34.9% in Sales and a 21.1% increase in Pendings, it’s not hard to figure out that we are in a recovering market. The number of homes on the market has seen a 20% decline since February. If you are currently in the market to buy, you can attest to the fact that there is a shortage of saleable homes.

Buyers are participating in multiple offers in which sellers are able to demand “highest and best”; in many cases getting higher than list price. That creates energy in the market! For the motivated Seller who is able to price competitively, they are getting their home sold in less than 70 days.

Short Sales are still a challenge, but buyers are not left with much else to see in terms of available inventory, so one can hope that perhaps the banks will get the message to work a little faster.

Homes Active on the Market: I have heard it said that when a home is Feb – 263 | July – 210 sold, approximately 20 jobs are created.

Homes Under Contract: The politicians can put their own “spin” Feb – 57 | July – 69 to the economy and what is needed, but Homes Sold: Realtors know what it takes to get things Feb – 43 | July – 58 (Aug – 50) going. Real Estate moves America!

Average Sale Price: Feb –$117,000 | July - $158,000

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This 2576 sq’ 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath home welcomes you with it’s stately presence. Featuring formal living & dining rooms, a large kitchen and huge family room w/fireplace. Enjoys the outdoors in the oversized pool, outdoor kitche and large fenced lot in a cul-de-sac. $250,000

This home features 2467 sq’ of living area, a Gourmet Kitchen w/ wood cabinets, double pantry, center island & breakfast bar. Enormous master bedroom w/retreat area. Three way split bedroom floor plan, great for in-laws or teens, or guest suite. $175,000

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2514 Sq’ of light bright & airy living arear w/4 bedrooms & 3 baths.

Recently updated kitchen w/granite & center island, newer AC, NEW roof. Newly screened salt water system pool, large lanai, & huge fenced yard makes this the perfect home. $249,900

2654 Sq’ Living area w/4 bedrooms, formal living & dining rooms plus family room and 400 sq’ Florida Room. Kitchen has solid wood cabinets, walk in pantry. Newer roof, AC & windows. 31X48 workshop w/heat & air gives plenty of space for all your toys. Set on beautifully maintained 2 Acres. $325,000 FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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Plant City’s

best kePt

REAL ESTATE » WALDEN LAKE

seCret new Home Community at Park PlaCe

WALDEN LAKE T he Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are the third Monday of each month at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meeting will be September 17th and will begin at 5:30 to allow time for the President’s Meeting at 5:30 PM. The meetings are open to all Walden Lake residents.

• 71 Home Sites on large, oversized lots • Private, gated community located 3 minutes from I-4 • Natural gas, Double-paned thermal windows, and icynene foam insulation.

• Custom gourmet brick kitchens • 2, 3, and 4 car garages • No lot premiums and No CDDs fees • Prices start in the $190s • Energy Star Certified

1809 N. Gordon Street, Plant City, FL 33563

Call Model Center at 813-767-5175 76

SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

With the vacancy from Jon Courson’s resignation last month, Bruce Rodwell was presented to the Board to finish Jon’s term.

The Board voted unanimously to accept Bruce, and Bruce accepted the nomination.

Bruce and his wife Margaret are long time Walden Lake residents living in Aston Woods. Bruce served on the Board in the past and is excited for the opportunity to once again serve our beautiful community.

At the August meeting John Keaton, the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club general manager, came to ask the Board to reconsider a prior proposal that had been brought before the Board last year

by Steve Mercer. John asked the Board to consider increasing the HOA fees to include a membership for all Walden Lake residents. The Board declined the plan after consulting with their attorney last year, as they would have to obtain votes from two-thirds of the HOA members favoring the increase. The Board once again declined this proposal stating that someone would have to go door to door to get the votes and there would be no guarantee that it would pass. The other option discussed was for the Club to directly offer a reasonably priced Social Membership of $299 per year to the Walden Lake residents.

SAVE THE DATE! October 27th will be the Howl-O-Ween Party for Kids and Kanines at the Dog Park. This has been

REVIEW SUBMITTED BY: NATALIE SWEET

a fun event the last three years for the kids and our four legged family members.

There are lots of games, crafts, food and prizes. You don’t want to miss this event! Non-food vendors are invited to participate at the event for a $10 fee. For more information contact Bette Guarino at 754-8999 or betteg@waldenlake.org.

Hammocks residents, Rod and Ima Storts came before the Board to ask them to change the rules governing how a path, deeded to WLCA in the early 1990s, is used. The deed shows the path is to be used for bikers and walkers only. Golf carts have been using the path for many years without issue. New homeowners now live on the properties bordering the path and golf carts are no longer able to gain access to the path. The Board stated they would look into this matter and report back to them with their findings.

The food drive continues for the United Food Bank of Plant City. The need to feed the truly hungry in our community continues throughout the year not just during the holidays. The Food Bank is offering a children’s program for which donations would be greatly appreciated to sustain this program. Next time you see a Buy One Get One, keep one and donate the other to the Food Bank. Any nonperishable food donations can be dropped off at the HOA office Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. You may be wondering what is going on at the Club with all the digging and the pipes alongside the road. The City is bringing reclaimed water to the Club for their watering needs.

If you would like me to cover a particular topic or would like information on a particular property, please do not hesitate to call me. I can be reached at 813-7589586.

Lorraine Ben Bennett

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EXECUTIVE HOME! 5/3/3, 3300+ SQ FT HOME ON 1 ACRE. DOUBLE ENTRY GLASS DOORS, 18” CERAMIC TILE, GRANITE / STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, SECOND FLOOR BONUS ROOM. ESTIMATED DATE OF COMPLETION IS SEPTEMBER 2012. $315,000

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2369 SQ FT 3/2/2 SF HOME LOCATED IN NORTH PC JUST MINUTES FROM I-4. HUGE 3200 SQ FT WORKSHOP. PRIVATE DRIVE. REMODELED KITCHEN W/ STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, CEDAR FLORIDA ROOM WITH PANAROMIC VIEW OF ACREAGE. $297,500

(813) 716-3997 FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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REAL ESTATE » MORTGAGE

(Formally Known as Plant City Cancer Treatment Center)

THE ELUSIVE 20- AND 25-YEAR MORTGAGES A SUBMITTED BY: NATE DAVIS

nyone who has shopped for a home has most likely heard of 15- and 30-year mortgages, but it’s important to understand that mortgages aren’t a one-size-fits-all product. There are multiple programs available, and they are also offered for 20 and 25 years.

Randy V. Heysek, MD FACRO

Kathryn L. Kepes, MD FACRO

Achieving Results through Innovative Technology.

If you are considering surgery for cancer treatment, there may be a conservative therapy alternative available right here in Plant City. Call for more details!

813-719-7705

303 North Alexander Street, Plant City, FL (still located with South Florida Baptist Hospital)

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The great thing about this is it means people have options. Which term length is best for them depends on their situation and needs.

also lower the monthly payment some more.

If they just want to decrease their monthly bills, then they would have succeeded.

But if they would rather pay the home off early, all they would have to do is continue making the same payment as before the refinance, and then each month they would be paying off a sizable chunk of the principal.

Examine the following scenario.

This approach also gives wiggle room for people who fear being laid off, as they could revert to the lower payment.

Take homeowners who are eight years into a 30-year mortgage (22 years remaining on loan). Does it make sense for them to refinance to a lower rate for another 25 to 30 years? Most likely.

Keep in mind that the shorter the term of the loan, the lower the interest rates. So it might make sense to refinance to a 15- or 20-year mortgage if someone wants to pay the home off earlier.

Right now, mortgage interest rates are at historic lows, so refinancing would lower their monthly payment. Extending the length of the loan to 25 or 30 years will

With a plethora of options, it pays to have an expert mortgage lender available for free consultation.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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SPORTS » SOFTBALL

NATIONAL CHAMPION KENDALL DAWSON HELPS ALABAMA TO WORLD SERIES TITLE

WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES

W

hen Kendall Dawson left Plant City High School to play softball for the Alabama Crimson Tide, she did so with the dream of winning the College World Series.

Sometimes our dreams do come true.

On June 6, following the strikeout of Oklahoma’s final batter, Dawson ran out from behind the plate and lifted pitcher Jackie Traina into the air and then fell beneath a pile of mobbing teammates who were celebrating Alabama’s first national softball championship.

“It was hard leaving my hometown and especially my family, but looking up and seeing them in the stands with tears in their eyes filled me with so much more joy than the distance (separating us) could have ever taken away.”

Dawson tallied two of the seven hits for the Tide and scored the game’s second run as Alabama took the final game of the best two-of-three series over Oklahoma 5-4 and ended the season with a record of 60-8.

Alabama, a perennial powerhouse of women’s college softball, was an attractive choice for Dawson. The Crimson Tide has won four SEC championships, five SEC Tournament championships, and has made eight trips to the Women’s College World Series. Alabama reached the semifinal round in Dawson’s freshman and junior seasons before heartbreaking losses shattered Kendall’s dreams. This year the story was different.

“I can’t really put into words exactly how it feels to finally accomplish the goals that you’ve set for yourself,” Dawson reflected. “All of the time and dedication my teammates and I have put into winning the national championship, along with the many sacrifices we made, finally paid off.”

Alabama’s Record Setting Catcher Kendall Dawson

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Dawson, the daughter of Ben and Diane Dawson, and the sibling of an older sister Mackenzie and a younger brother Sawyer played at Plant City High School from 2005-8 and garnered just about every athletic accolade available. She was an All County and All State selection, as well as a recipient of the school’s Athletic Academic Award as a senior.

As an Alabama freshman, Dawson saw plenty of playing time, getting into 22 games as the coaching staff prepared her for the starting role the following season.

Over the next three years, Dawson played in nearly 180 games and quickly developed into one of the team’s leaders. As a junior, Kendall set a season record by throwing out 17 base runners and was selected to the All SEC Defensive Team.

As one of six seniors, Dawson helped Alabama win their third consecutive regular season SEC championship. In the SEC tournament final against the Florida Gators, Kendall slugged a two-run homer over the leftfield fence securing the win for the Tide. In addition to her heroics in the World Series final, mentioned previously, Dawson also drove in the winning run against top-seeded California in the semifinals to help the Tide reach the finals.

In the classroom, Dawson, an Exercise Sports Science major, earned SEC Academic Honor Roll honors as a junior and senior. On the field, Dawson was named to the All-SEC second team and the SEC All-Defensive team. She set an Alabama career record for assists as a catcher and established a school career record by throwing out 43 potential base stealers.

“She’s been one of the greatest catchers we’ve ever had,” said head coach Patrick Murphy. “Obviously she has a great arm.

She set a school record for assists behind the plate. She is one player that we’re really going to miss next year.”

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

81

SPORTS » ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES

LANDON GALLOWAY W

hen Landon Galloway, at age seven, came to live with his uncle and aunt, Rick and Chris Galloway, he was a little overweight and out of shape. Because his two older cousins, Rick, Jr. and Rob excelled athletically, it was expected that the second-grader would be a natural athlete as well.

So, they signed him up for youth football. As a Plant City Dolphin, Landon was assigned to the offensive line, not because he was a gifted blocker but where else do you put a kid that is bigger than his peers and is the team’s slowest runner?

Every year, however, Galloway improved. With each season, he got stronger and faster. Over the next few years, the Dolphins played him at linebacker and even at fullback. By the time he reached middle school, he was a receiver and a quarterback. At Plant City High School, Landon wanted to touch the football more, so he tried out and won the junior varsity quarterback position. He had such a solid season under center that they moved him to varsity at the end of the year, and he got his feet wet as a member of the special teams as a long-snapper.

Last year, as a sophomore, Landon, at 6’2” and 185 lbs. was now one of the fastest players on the team (4.6- 40-yard dash) and exhibited some of the best hands on the team, as well, as he became the Raiders’ long-snapper, back-up quarterback, and starting slot receiver. Galloway is an athlete, a gifted athlete, who helped lead the Raiders to a 7-3 record as the team’s leading receiver with 566 yards on 32 catches, accounting for four of the Raiders’ touchdowns.

“He doesn’t play any other sports,” his uncle remarked. “He used to play baseball and basketball and he did well at both of them, but Landon wants to be a football player.”

That is exactly what he is. In January, Landon attended Football University at Jefferson High School with a horde of other talented players. He did so well at the quarterback position that one of the coaches told him he could excel there at the next level. As a Raider, however, Plant City’s Head Coach Wayne Ward, felt Galloway could help the team more if he focused on the receiver position. Therefore, Landon plays on special teams, long-snaps, and he even lines up occasionally at fullback, but he is primarily a receiver.

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“He used to play baseball and basketball and he did well at both of them, but Landon wants to be a football player.”

“It doesn’t matter to me where I play,” said Galloway. “I’m going to play hard every down. I’m just excited to be able to help the team wherever I play.”

In fact, Galloway doesn’t want to be labeled at a certain position. He wants people to think of him as an athlete… something that he wasn’t when he first came to Plant City. For someone who couldn’t run to the tree and back at end of the Dolphins practice, now he is one of the best athletes on the team.

Entering his junior year, Galloway, has a 3.4 GPA and is active in the Best Buddies program. He also spent time this summer as a volunteer at the community food bank. He is undecided about college but has started to receive interest from some schools. It’s still early.

“Landon has been such a blessing to our home,” Rick commented. “He is a people pleaser and takes to heart what he has heard from the pulpit… he always tries to do the right thing.”

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SPORTS » BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH

Players are: Benji Hidalgo # 7, Christian Laird #51, Tate Whatley #4, Will Johnson #9, Austin Eldridge #13, C.J. Kirkland #55, Cody Ginther #3, Matt Byars #12, T.J. Gayner #2, Emilio Rivera #5, Cody Cribbs #27, Zack Ford #8.

Coaches are: Head Coach Tate Whatley, Coach Cory Kirkland, Coach Chad Eldridge, Coach gary Graham, Coach Hap Johnson

BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH PLANT CITY’S LITTLE LEAGUE ALL-STARS P WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES | PHOTO COURTESY OF: TATE WHATLEY

lant City’s Little League All-Stars advanced farther than any previous Plant City team, or for that matter, farther than any other team from their district in history. If not for losing a couple of late inning leads, they might have qualified for a spot on national television and a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

A week later, Plant City was off to the Florida State Championships in DeBary.

After falling to Bayshore 9-5, they rebounded with wins over West Boynton Beach 15-2 and South Fort Myers 18-3.

In the semifinal, they manhandled Merritt Island 17-2 and in the championship game, they prevailed in a nail-biter over Windermere American 5-3.

With little time to celebrate, they Plant City’s unbelievable journey began as headed north to the Southeast Regional the 11-12 year-olds captured the District 4 Tournament in Warner Robbins, Georgia title on July 13 rumbling over Lake Wales to play on a much bigger stage. In their 19-0, Polk City 24-0, Haines City10-2, first contest held August 3, T.J. Gayner and North Lakeland 17-0. Whatley’s team pitched a two-hitter into the fifth inning then captured the Section 4 championship and Cody Ginther relieved to preserve at the Land O’ Lakes Complex on July the shutout as Plant City rocked Alabama 20-22 taking the round-robin affair with 13-0. Benji Hildago went 4-5 at the plate. victories over Lakewood Ranch 6-2, South Robert (Will) Johnson contributed with Brandon, 5-3, and Land O’ Lakes 18-9. two hits and Christian Laird had three RBI’s.

The following day, Plant City jumped out to a four-run lead in the first with the aid of a three-run homer from Tate Whatley, Jr. An inning later, Christian Laird singled and Whatley doubled him home giving Plant City a 5-0 lead. Georgia scored one in the second and three more in the third, but Plant City countered with a run in the fourth for a 6-4 lead. Unfortunately, Georgia scored three times in the bottom of the fourth to take back the lead 7-6.

Plant City’s bid ended as Hildago laced a double to left-center but was stranded on second as the game ended.

Against North Carolina, Plant City once again took a 4-0 lead as Austin Eldridge doubled home two runs in the first and Whatley homered with a man aboard in the third. The opponents struck back with three runs in the third and three more in the fifth. For the second consecutive

game, Plant City lost a chance to advance to Williamsport as North Carolina rallied from behind to take the 6-4 win.

In the consolation game, Plant City routed West Virginia 14-6. Plant City pounded out 22 hits and utilized six pitchers. Emilio Rivera was credited with the win, and Zack Ford, fanned two of the three batters he faced. Matthew Byars and C.J. Kirkland had two hits each. Cody Ginther and Christian Laird each collected three hits.

Whatley went 4-5 with two homeruns and Cody Cribbs hit a three-run homer.

Head Coach Tate Whatley reflected on the experience, “To be honest… it stung… it hurt knowing that we were that close… but baseball is a game where one play here or there can make a difference. On the other hand, it was also a life changing experience for me… not only as a coach, but also as a Christian, and as a person…

I think most of the boys and the other coaches feel the same way.”

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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EXTRA » SENIOR OF THE MONTH

SARA BRUMMER SENIOR OF THE MONTH

WRITTEN BY: CHELSEA TALAVERA Brandon All stars competitive cheerleading team. Additionally, Sara has played flag football for the high school and was the Junior Varsity team’s captain.

Sara is also a strong leader. She was elected to attend the 2012 American Legion Girls State in Tallahassee, Florida and was chosen to attend the Republican National Convention last month.

B

eauty and brains are the perfect combination. Senior Sara Brummer exemplifies both.

Sara works diligently at her academics.

With a 5.7 GPA, she is currently ranked 11th in her senior class. She has taken many honors, dual enrollment and a total of 9 Advanced Placement Courses. Her composite score of 27 on the ACT is evidence of a great mind.

She holds many officer positions in clubs as well.

She is the National Honor Society secretary, Executive Council secretary, Student Council secretary, World Language Vice President and a dedicated member of Civinettes and Raider Buddies. In the 2011 PCHS Calendar Girl competition, Sara was selected as Miss August in the 2011.

Sara does all of these things while holding down a part-time job at Sweetbay Supermarkets, where she has worked since last June. In that short time, she has received already been recognized with two different awards.

Now, Sara continues making her senior year unforgettable. She has begun the college application process for Florida State University and the University of Florida. But let’s not let her fool you, Sara is a Seminole at heart and hopes to be Sara is also a young woman who believes there next fall! Her plans are to major in in serving our community. For the past three summers she has volunteered to lead Communication Science and Disorders in and coach a youth cheerleading program at order to become a speech pathologist.

Plant City’s First Baptist Church. She has To meet this accomplished young woman, also dedicated time to “Operation About Face” which is a program for youth at risk make a stop by Sweetbay or watch her cheering for the Raiders under the “Friday of dropping out of high school. She helps night lights.” In January she will enter these students with academics and also the competition for the coveted title and with different life skills. Sara continually serves at the Plant City United Food bank position of Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. and Metropolitan Ministries as well.

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Athletics also come naturally for Sara.

She is a returning four-year cheerleader at PCHS. This year she was elected the prestigious position of Varsity Captain.

She is also a new cheerleader on the SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

Obviously, Sara is a capable young leader for our youth and a great representative for our city. Her future is very bright indeed.

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CUSTOMWINDOWS

EXTRA » SENIOR OF THE MONTH

CASEY HAMILTON SENIOR OF THE MONTH WRITTEN BY: CHELSEA TALAVERA

Attendees at any of the school’s theater programs within the last three years have seen Casey’s personas gracing the stage. He has worked in all aspects of Theater Arts, including roles as stage manager, director, choreographer, vocalist and technical equipment operator. He has also played numerous lead roles in plays such as SeuissicalThe Musical, The Wizard of Oz (as the Cowardly Lion), Grease (as ‘Sonny’), and many, many more. In this year’s play, The Little Shop of Horrors, Casey hopes to land two lead roles - as Seymour and the singing plant, Audrey 2. Last year, Casey won the school’s award for best overall actor, and he was inducted into the International Thespian Society in his freshman year, an organization that also claims the pop star Madonna among its members.

W

ord around campus is, “Casey Hamilton is the one guy you must meet.” And let’s just say that when you do, the descriptor of “entertaining” is a complete understatement. Casey is talented, brilliant and passionate.

With a 4.97 GPA, Casey currently ranks in the top 10% of his senior class. Every semester since his freshman year, his grade reports have earned high honor roll status and this with a very rigorous schedule that will include six Advanced Placement classes.

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Casey is an Eagle Scout member of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 5, in Plant City. He has been a part of this program for the last 11 years. Since his freshman year, he’s volunteered with the Scouts at the United Food Bank. There he was able to organize and create a project called Phase One. The goal was to reach out to many local citizens and ask for donations of food to help the homeless. The results were a total of 1.7 tons (1,377.5 pounds) of nonperishable goods. His Phase One project allowed Casey to accomplish the Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievable as a Boy Scout. Yet even though he has reached his goal, Casey will continue with the work. He hopes to bring in two tons of food this year.

Casey is a natural born leader. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Executive Council and Cinophiles and serves PCHS as Thespian Club President and Director and Raider Television as Editor-in-Chief. He was also chosen to be the school’s representative at the prestigious 2012 American Legion Boys State Conference in Tallahassee, Florida. Just last month he was selected to attend the Republican National Convention.

The first day Casey walked into AP Psychology with Gabe Heidt, he knew the subject was his passion. Next fall Hamilton hopes to enter the University of Florida to major in Psychology, with a goal to teach at the college level.

When I asked Casey Hamilton if there was anything he would like to say, he pulled out his binder and asked me to read the paper on the outside cover: “Real winners don’t make mistakes... They step one step closer to victory.” These words are from Alan Schism, one of his favorite teachers at PCHS. After I read it, Casey explained, “This is the quote I chose to live my life by.”

And indeed, I thought, “We all should.”

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EXTRA » AL REUCHEL Wasserman Schultz called them window dressing. I disagree. I don’t call a black woman who grew up in the Deep South that remembers being asked to leave because she was black, “window dressing.”

This same black woman is an accomplished classical pianist who graduated from college at age 19, and who is a national security advisor. Definitely not “window dressing.”

5. Bill Clinton wants a third term. Okay, maybe he doesn’t. Wow, what a speaker.

Sadly, it’s still hard for some to say his name without thinking of a certain intern.

He supports the President but begged for everyone to come together on budget matters. Good Luck!

6. Get ready for more negative ads.

Even as the President joked he disliked seeing so many “I approved this message” commercials, his campaign announced plans to blanket, or carpet bomb swing states with ads two weeks before the general election if they think the President could lose the election. You think Romney’s folks won’t fight back! Think again.

WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE CONVENTIONS T WRITTEN BY: AL RUECHEL

he conventions are over and it’s about time. Having covered both the RNC in Tampa and the DNC in Charlotte, I am prepared to make several observations about America.

1. We are a very divided people. Coming together is very hard because we have ideas that have been ingrained in us for decades.

These are not simple “I like red and you like blue” issues. These are core values that we defend so strongly because we feel they are at the very fiber of our existence.

And when we feel threatened, we all fight back, to our detriment at times. We

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can’t come together because we think if we compromise, the other guy won’t stop taking until there is nothing left to give.

2. Everyone stretches the truth. It’s not enough that we disagree. We selectively use the part of truth that defends our position. We crucify by implication not by exact meaning. Then we pass it off as simply politics as usual. To make it even more complicated, politicians use only the stats that support their argument. Facts don’t lie but they way they are used might.

3. Voters, as usual, are very uninformed.

Just listen to the sound bites from the

conventions. They all sound like talkingpoints memos. Get much deeper than the ads you see on TV and you find very little substance. People are not voting their convictions because it seems at times they have none or are waiting for someone to tell them how and what to believe.

4. Minorities are well represented in leadership. The Democrats certainly have the edge with minorities, according to the polls, but did you see how many Hispanics and Asians and African-Americans the Republicans had on their roster. Of the 61 speakers, 28 were minorities and the list included women as minorities. Debbie

7. The debt is a big, big, big deal. The socalled fiscal cliff could be mere child’s play if lawmakers don’t put together some kind of plan to start paying down our debt... in bigger chunks than just 4-trillion over the next ten years. Whoever wins... will get the blame for our next recession, if solid economic reform isn’t etched in stone.

Finally, despite all the gloom and doom and promises of a chicken in every pot, sounds like a depression-era rerun, we will survive as a nation. The pendulum keeps on swinging to balance our left and right.

Incremental change can always be reversed.

Voters can always change their minds.

But mark my words, I’m waging my finger now, you better get out there and vote.

You better get ready to roll up your sleeves for whomever is our next president. You better be ready to lay down your arms in the name this country, our children, and our future. Despite what you may have heard, we are still the people. This is still our country.

And remember the words of Winston Churchill, “Democracy is the worst form of government---except for everything else!”

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EXTRA » DEREK MAUL the kind of fire you’re starting when you go down that road.

GOOD NEWS:

But there still is – and I’m convinced of this – some good news that we can share. There are enough hard-working Americans, there is enough available money, there are enough resources, and we have enough creativity and imagination to restore economic stability to this economy.

All that needs to happen is for enough good people to believe.

Let me repeat that. All that needs to happen is for enough good people to believe.

And so, Ms. (and Mr.) Politician, instead of trying to suck the life out of this wonderful country by moaning and complaining and sabotaging all the time, how about putting your heads together and acting in a way that will stoke our confidence instead of fueling the fire?

WINSOMENESS:

IT’S TIME TO REPLACE CRITICISM WITH BELIEF OR, “YOU DON’T HAVE A HOSE BIG ENOUGH!” L WRITTEN BY: DEREK MAUL

ast month I interviewed a realtor for a story in a Tampa area news outlet.

We talked about property values, what makes East Hillsborough County a great place to live, the future of the housing market, consumer confidence, and the economy in general.

Then, when I asked what single factor has the greatest potential to positively impact our regional economy in general, and the housing market in particular. She didn’t miss a beat: “I can’t wait for this election to be over,” she said. “Once the campaign started in earnest the negative energy just spiraled

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down. Both parties are guilty. We had the beginnings of a strong recovery in 2011, but then the politicians sucked all the confidence out of the market. I don’t really care who wins, so long as it’s over soon….”

SABOTAGE:

It seems to me, as a fairly objective observer, that far too many people who play the politics game want things not only to look bad but to actually be bad.

It’s getting to look a lot like the firefighter who sneaks out at night as an arsonist.

That way he can sound the alarm, jump in his fire truck, put the fires out and come off looking like a hero.

Then I heard a Tampa-based conservative commentator admit he’s actually happy when he hears bad news on the economy.

In fact, he went on to explain, he’d like to see even more stress on the consumer, including higher gas prices. Why? Because that would increase the likelihood that Romney will win in November.

Really? Come on, people. Have we come to the place now where some of us are comfortable with the idea of sabotage because it might, ultimately, lead to the opportunity for their ideology to play fireman and show up with a hose?

Newsflash, Mr. (and Ms.) Politician. You don’t have a hose big enough to put out

We all have so much to learn from one another! Our responsibility is not to criticize others so much as it is to live our faith out loud, and to interact with the world as if the Good News really is true.

The best way to win anyone over to our way of thinking is not to intimidate, or to judge their way, or to demolish their point of view, or to assassinate their character; but, quite humbly, to demonstrate the value of what we believe in such a positive way that people are won over. Won over by proactive love.

Try it. Stow the negative attitude, and practice a month or two of winsomeness.

I dare you. Just a thought.

“We had the beginnings of a strong recovery in 2011, but then the politicians sucked all the confidence out of the market. I don’t really care who wins, so long as it’s over soon….”

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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EXTRA » ENDURING FRIENDSHIPS After eight weeks at Tampa General Hospital and Brooks Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, Jacob returned to the Plant City home of grandparents Stan and Brenda Hobby, who had added a large room to accommodate therapy and medical care.

While his mother Joie and her husband Joe Shell, along with Jacob’s dad Richard Meachum and his wife Sue, were busy tending to rehab needs, Joie’s sister Carrie Floyd-Baker updated Facebook posts concerning her much-loved nephew, “Jakey.” Even though Carrie, a teacher of special needs children, and her husband Senior Chief Steve Baker, USN, live near Annapolis, Maryland, they’ve been very involved in Jacob’s recovery.

Of Carrie’s efforts, Joie said, “She’s been an angel and her help an amazing gift.

She’s even joined a support group to share Jacob’s story. Then she teaches us what she’s learned.”

Shell continued, “We’ve always been a really close-knit family, so everyone’s life revolves around Jacob right now. My parents have been incredible. After he’s recovered, we want to promote public awareness of TBI.”

FAITH, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY = TEAM JACOB A WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

rainy deluge didn’t deter hundreds of dedicated Team Jacob fans, including American Idol talent Jeremy Rosado, from attending an Aquali Salon & Spa fundraiser September 9, 2012 in Valrico.

To date, the Team Jacob supporters have raised $10,825 for Jacob Meachum’s recovery process. And they’re not finished yet.

The lives of 15-year-old Jacob and his family changed instantly June 3, 2012 when an inebriated, speeding, uninsured driver (with suspended license) slammed into the Kawasaki Mule in which Meachum, his brother Bailey Meachum, 16, and Trent Tulloh, 15, were riding across Wiggins Road.

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The family refuses to question God. Instead and together, they’re building a “new normal” since Jacob’s traumatic brain injury (TBI) and expecting the handsome teen to regain full functionality, begin his freshman year, and try out for basketball at Plant City High School.

The promise of Jesus in Matthew 21:22 is the family’s strength: “In all things whatsoever you shall ask in prayer in faith believing, you shall receive.”

Both Bailey Meachum and Tulloh have fully recovered, however, Jacob (whose TBI is categorized as “severe diffused axonal injury with shearing”) will require 24-hour care, constant medical attention and extensive rehabilitation for months to come.

Thankfully, with help from an exceptionally supportive family circle, Jacob’s mother Joie Shell is on top of the situation. She hopes to work again one day at The Neuro Center in Brandon and continue education for registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP) certifications.

For the time being, she knows that “healing will come one day at a time.”

“I don’t have adequate words to express enough gratitude for this caring community’s outpouring of love, support and prayers,” said Shell. “Our family has been profoundly impacted and we know God has a plan in all of this.”

Jacob’s oldest brother Josh, 20, called this experience “a wake-up call.” He explained, “I was headed away from belief in God, but this accident has turned me around.”

Dressed in his “Born to Win” ballcap, green Team Jacob shirt and purple sneakers for the Aquali Salon & Spa event (where friend Michelle Stall and his aunt Brandi Hobby work), Jacob was all smiles, enjoying Rosado’s up-close-and-personal song. Encouraged by so many well-wishers, the next day Jacob amazed his physical therapists at his best sessions yet.

“To express our thanks for the contributions of every individual, organization and company would be almost impossible,” said Shell, “but our family has definitely felt blanketed in prayer and appreciates their overwhelming and life-changing generosity.”

Prayers and encouragement by many, even strangers, continue on the www.facebook. com/groups/TEAMJACOBMEACHUM page. To help financially, please visit http://www.giveforward.com/ teamjacobmeachum.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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EXTRA » AUTO REVIEW

A2012LITTLE HYBRID IN A LARGE PACKAGE GMC YUKON DENALI HYBRID – A SMALL STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION G SUBMITTED BY: BRIAN WEST

eneral Motors Co. (GMC) has recovered well from their government bailout a few years ago. Their vehicles are known for comfort and quality, so I decided it was time to take a look at their latest offering and top-of-the-line model – the Yukon Denali Hybrid. First, prepare yourself. The base price for this moving land mass is just over $61K. Yes, believe it or not, at that price, there are still many more options to be selected – for a price. Don’t get me wrong. There is a host of standard equipment; a power lift gate, power and heated seats, GMC offers several different models, and several of them are available in the Denali format. The Denali basically provides a

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few different exterior trim features; most to move over to allow others to enter. noticeable is the front grill, and the interior gets wood-grained enhancements.

Let’s talk fuel economy. This hybrid is rated at 20mpg city and 23mpg highway.

The Denali’s exterior is beautiful. This When we think of hybrids delivering Denali comes standard with 22” 8-spoke well above 30mpg an several delivering wheels. You might think “gangsta,” 40 and 50 plus, how can this be a big but that’s not the case. They’re not improvement. Well, considering the overpowering at all and seem to fit quite standard Yukon is rated at 15/21mpg and well. I will tell you that there aren’t many the standard Yukon Denali is rated at manufacturers making tires for this rim, 14/18mpg, this hybrid has improved the so don’t think you’ll be able to swap those efficiency for city driving by at least 33%. tires for a set a Michelins. You’ll also That’s huge. However, you’ll pay at least notice a hybrid badge above the rear wheel $6K more for the hybrid over the standard on the side pillar. Under the hood, you’ll Denali. If my math is correct (at today’s find a 332hp 6.0L V-8. It has plenty of fuel prices), you’ll have to put 85K miles oomph to get you in and out of tight traffic on this hybrid to recoup your $6k hybrid situations and merging into the interstate investment. traffic where people forget that they need

Manufacturers are trying to develop ways to improve fuel economy, and they’re seeing some success. But they’ve got to get the price down to be more appealing.

All in all, this Denali is a sweet ride. It screams comfort, and about the only thing that felt intimidating while driving this massive beast was a dump truck driven by what appeared to be a texting, sleep deprived young man. Even then, I was more worried about the paint getting scratched than for my own personal safety.

If you’re interested in the Yukon Denali Hybrid, visit the folks at Regal Lakeland.

Tell them you read the review in Focus Magazine. They have great customer service and will be happy to help you.

FINDING PERSONAL IN LIFE AND IN ART FULFILLMENT W WRITTEN BY: HEATHER DAVIS

hat are the things in life that bring you the greatest joy and satisfaction? A few things that of course come to mind may be spending time with family and loved ones, or perhaps reaching a goal, or helping out a friend or someone in need. Most artists will tell you that what brings them tremendous satisfaction is the creation and sharing with others their art. Local artist Joyce Owens has led an immensely fulfilling and satisfying life. Joyce spent twenty six years as a Personal Sergeant in the United States Army, which allowed her the opportunity to travel and live in over ten different states. Upon retirement, Joyce and her family returned to Florida where she was originally from. Not being one to sit still, Joyce went back to work for the

Florida Department of Financial Services.

As a little girl, Joyce knew she loved making art because she enjoyed drawing the characters from the funnies in the paper. Throughout her busy life Joyce was only able to dabble in art a little here and there, so it was not until recently that she has really been able to paint.

Previously Joyce was a member of an art gallery in Dade City until it closed. She is now a member of the Plant City Art Lounge Gallery as well as a member of the Zephyrhills Art Club. Recognized by other fellow artists Joyce has won two first place ribbons in art shows held by the Zephyrhills Art Club.

Joyce’s choices of mediums are oils and acrylics and she is drawn to painting still

EXTRA » ARTIST OF THE MONTH

life and structures.

“I always notice lighting and shadows in everything I look at,” Joyce states about her art.

Once again looking forward to retirement this coming spring, Joyce is excited to have the opportunity to really pursue her love of art by putting more effort into her painting, as well as into the gallery and her studio.

When asked about the gallery she states that “People need to support the Gallery, as artists we love to show our work.” The Art Lounge Gallery located at 119 East Reynolds St. will be hosting an Art After Dark on the evening of September 15th giving you the chance to view Joyce Owen’s art work along with the art work of other local artists, music, and refreshments.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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GOOD MORNINGS T WRITTEN BY: GAIL JONES

he only thing I’ve ever liked about mornings is coffee. And maybe, if I have to wake up really early, a sunrise might have a certain kind of charm. But around this time every year, the list of things I hate about mornings doubles. And the top three reasons are: 1) Surly, sleep-deprived teenagers---I currently cohabitate with two.

2) High school classes that start at 7:30 A.M. and require a half-hour commute. And… 3) Breakfast!

I mean really, even if you’re just pouring cereal into a bowl, what is there to like about a force-fed, weekday meal, slapped together at six in the morning when your brain is still longing to go back and finish that nice dream about George Clooney and a foot massage….

But I digress.

I love the idea of feeding my kids a nutritious home-cooked breakfast every morning before they dash out the door. I just wish someone else would get up and

cook it for them…and then come back to bed and give me a foot massage…

But wait, we were talking about food--right?

Anyway, yesterday my daughter showed me a picture that she’d found of a beautiful, bronzed, breakfast biscuit. The description explained that, when cracked open, the fluffy flour bomb exposed a filling of creamy scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and bacon. And best of all, these biscuits of perfection could be made ahead and reheated as needed. I wept with joy.

she had a crazy neighbor who cured meats in his garage.

“Rick’s Custom Meats over on Route 39,” she clarified.

“He’s been in business for years and everything he sells is great!”

Now my sister is the best home cook I know so I was sure she knew what she was talking about.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

Rick’s is located in the middle of nowhere (10252 C.R. 39 South in I have an unlimited supply of free-range Lithia) but what awaits organic eggs from my sister Didi’s flock at the destination is well worth the of mismatched, but extremely fertile hens drive. When I arrived, I watched as the that run around her little farmette in gentleman in line in front of me picked Riverview. So with a great family biscuit out four beautifully marbled rib-eyes and a recipe (it is the South after all), and some family sitting at one of the inside tables feasted on grocery store cheddar that’s affordable some great looking Cuban sandwiches. Rick himself and delicious (Cabot Seriously Sharp waited on me and explained that the apple wood bacon Cheddar…yum!), all I needed was a good source for breakfast meat. Didi came to the I was buying was delicious. He also mentioned that in a month or two he would start smoking his own, and I rescue again. should come back and give it a try.

“Go to Rick’s,” she said.

“Who is Rick?” I asked warily, assuming

I wonder if he gives foot rubs…But wait, we were talking about food, right?

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

99

6 :30am to :0 10 0am

Cubearn Be s t W inn RC A

d Gift Cards an Part y Tr ay s Available

NEW EXTENDED HOURS!

COME ENJOY SUMMER WITH US!

Terrific Breakfast at Terrific Price!

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits Meat, Egg and Cheese breakfast Cuban Premium Coffee 12oz. 70¢ plus tax 2 ns to the 10 For Lunch....Large sandwich menu Congratulatio received Authentic Cuban Sandwiches (pressed on request) at th rs ne in W lads, Extreme Fresh Salads s, Shakes, Sa Sandwiche th 19 Homemade Spanish Bean Soup c. in our Gift Cards et Look Hand made Shakes celebr ation.

A nniver sary xt year ! forwar d to ne

Busy? Pick up your Cuban Sandwich ANYTIME!

LPR

WORLDLY TASTES, MODERN TWISTS At La Porta Rossa, we showcase Italian Cuisine with modern twists bringing you tastes from all over the world, our Executive Chef is skilled in multi-ethnic cuisine and is prepared to surprise and delight your senses over and over again.

YOU ASKED FOR IT, YOU GOT IT, NEW EXTENDED HOURS

1505 N. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL 33563 We are open from 6:30a.m - 6:30p.m Mon - Sat. except Wed. we close at 5p.m.

813-752-3779

You can View our Menu online at www.Thestrawberryhut.com

Notice portions shrinking while prices increase?

NOT HERE.

We’re still making it like we always have since 1993

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

WE WON’T ASK YOU TO SUPER SIZE YOUR COMBO CAUSE IT ALREADY IS.

LUNCH HAPPY HOUR BIRTHDAY SPECIALS

SPECIAL EVENT MEETINGS WINE’D DOWN WEDNESDAYS

COOKING CLASSES CATERING WEDDINGS

1833 EAST EDGEWOOD DRIVE, LAKELAND • 863.688.9616 MON-THUR 5-10, FRI AND SAT 5-11, LUNCH MON-FRI 11-2

ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE This explains why the food at Hong Kong Buffet always tastes so fresh. It isn’t just sitting in the steamed pan for long periods of time.

The buffet is not the only way to order.

The restaurant has an extensive menu offering a huge selection of tasty food. I witnessed many people coming in for take out. You can walk in, they will give you a container and you fill it up. Or, you can call ahead to order individual items that will be prepared and ready for pick up at the time you designate. My advice would be to pick up one of their menus and keep it handy at home or work.

The next time you are ready for a family meal, take your family to the Hong Kong Restaurant where the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is perfect. Make sure to try the Black Pepper Chicken, and don’t forget your fortune cookie on the way out!

INFORMATION The bountiful buffet’s selections can satisfy every appetite.

Photo by: Deana Garrison

HONG KONG BUFFET CHINESE BUFFET RESTAURANT I WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

have often been told I really should try the Hong Kong Buffet located at 213 West Alexander Street next to Sweetbay.

“Great Chinese food,” my friends always say. So, I decided to give this restaurant a visit.

As soon as I opened the door and was greeted by a friendly face, I noticed the clean and relaxed environment. When it was time to feast, I had to walk around the two buffet tables a couple of times before deciding what to put on my plate. With so many choices, I had a difficult time choosing.

Eventually I piled on the Pork Fried Rice, General Tso’s Chicken, Butter Potatoes, Sesame Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken, Sautéed String Beans, and Vegetable Lo Mein. With my plate completely covered, I was ready to enjoy.

And that I did. Everything was delicious.

The General Tso’s Chicken was very tasty and tender. If you love spicy food, spiced to perfection, then the Black Pepper

Chicken is a must have. I have to say this one is my favorite. I even noticed other customers going back for more.

Hong Kong Buffet 213 West Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563 813-764-8255 Hours of Operation: Sunday 11:30am- 9:30 pm Monday-Thursday 11:00 am- 9:30 pm Friday and Saturday 11:00 am- 10:00 pm

Eating alone, I decided to make a few friends while I was there. Allan Moon was enjoying his meal…that is… until I interrupted him. “I come here about once a month,” he stated. His plate had a little taste of just about everything I had. And of course, he too had the Black Pepper Chicken. When I pointed it out, he agreed it was delicious.

I also struck up a conversation with a nice couple who frequent this fine establishment regularly. Wendell and Shirley Cowder of Plant City visit a couple times a week. They love it. When I asked about their favorite dish, they replied without hesitation, “The coconut shrimp.” Of course I was expecting them to say my favorite…but we all have our own opinions. To hear them tell it, the coconut shrimp is the best. “The vegetables are always fresh and they put out a certain amount of food in the containers to refill only when needed,” said Shirley.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

ASIAN CHEN CHINESE BUFFET

F

resh specialties, top chefs, and great prices are what you can expect at The Asian Chen Restaurant located in the Thonotosassa Publix shopping area. Find out why customers are raving about this new fine dining establishment. Monday-Thursday 10:30am-10pm. FridaySaturday 10:30am-11pm: Sunday 11:30am-10pm. Seniors receive a complimentary beverage with their meal and party trays are available.

2609 THONOTOSASSA RD. PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813-757-9888

LUNCH $ 5.75 • DINNER $6.95 • SENIORS GET FREE DRINK DINNING ORDER FROM MENU SALAD BAR FOR FREE.

CHILI’S

C

hili’s has been spicing things up since 1975. There is something for everyones taste. From sizzling chicken or beef fajitas, fired grilled classic burgers or the new honey chipotle baby back ribs that are slow smoked over pecan wood so they’re “fall-off-the-bone” tender with a bold new honey-chipotle flavor that’s impossible to resist.

Call in or come in, your always welcome at Chili’s.

3001 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33566 813-764-8548 • WWW.CHILIS.COM

ENDS OF THE EARTH CAFÉ

I

f you are looking for a neighborly environment with prices from the past, Ends of the Earth Cafe is the place. Located in the heart of Plant City, this coffee house fosters an environment suitable to all ages with free wi-fi and a monitored children’s play place or use the drive thru window. They offer a variety of coffee and teas, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries at prices long past. Banquet space and catering available on the 2nd floor. Located near the train station and McCall Park along the East/West tracks.

101 E. J. ARDEN MAYS BLVD PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813.754.2400 CAFE 813.713.8547 CATERING

LINDA’S CRAB SHACK

“G

et Your Crabs and Beer!” If you are looking for a place where seafood or southern cuisine in a casual dining atmosphere come together, LInda’s Crab Shack is the place.

Linda’s offers a variety of options at a decent price. Choose from deviled crab, crab cakes, steamed or fried shrimp and clams, fried grouper, crawfish or one of their un-fish alternatives -- chicken, BBQ pork, ribs, and steak. There are a wide variety of sides and enjoy a slice of homemade cake. Lunch is served until 3 p.m.

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DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY 0200 E. REYNOLDS ST. PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813-754-0492

» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

MI CASA

M

i Casa Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant dedicated to serving the finest foods and atmosphere of Mexico and the Southwest.

We serve lunch and dinner, and proudly feature Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Chiles Rellenos and Chimichangas, as well as other specialties of the house. In addition, we offer a wide variety of margaritas, beer and drinks to accompany your favorite meal. And best of all, at prices that are affordable to almost anyone. We’ve been voted Best Mexican by the Focus RCA awards five years in a row!

2613 THONOTOSASSA RD PLANT CITY, FL 813-752-0057• WWW.MICASAMEX.COM

OLDE TOWN PIZZERIA

I

f you love deep-dish pizza, Olde Town Pizzeria is the only place around to find it. The cheesy Chicago-style pizza is a popular item on the menu, as well as the Award Winning Strawberry Walnut Salad and thin crust pizzas. In addition, they have an array of delicious pastas, salads and sandwiches to satisfy all taste buds. This family owned and operated restaurant is a Plant City favorite for those who love high quality food and friendly service.

3011 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33566 (813) 752-5800 • WWW.OLDETOWNPIZZERIA.COM

PLANT CITY HOMETOWN BUFFET

P

lant City Hometown Buffet is a family owned and operated business started by Elaine Vo, a resident of Plant City for the last 24 years.

They offer a wide variety of items spanning the five buffet bars, including seafood and steak. There is certainly something to fit every taste preference, especially if you’re looking for seafood with their catfish, stuffed crab, buttered shrimp and much, much, more.

1914 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813-754-4488

ZAXBY’S

Z

axby’s offers its guests indescribably good prepared-at-order Chicken Fingerz, Jumbo Buffalo Wings, sandwiches, Zalads, Zappetizers and milkshakes along with a variety of sauces.

Zaxby’s also offers Party Platterz and catering which are perfect for any size event. Visit Zaxby’s location in Plant City at 2901 1/2 James Redman Pkwy. to find out for yourself how delicious and flavorful Zaxby’s is.

2901 1/2 JAMES REDMAN PKWY. PLANT CITY, FL 33564 (813) 752-1971 • WWW.ZAXBYS.COM FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

103

ENTERTAINMENT » UNCORKED FRIDAY

Bobby G. Summers gave a great performance that everyone enjoyed.

Photo by: Deana Garrison

AAT KEELGREAT PLACE TO WIND DOWN & CURLEY UNCORKED FRIDAY O WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

n Friday, September 7, 2012 I arrived at Keel and Curley to find an especially fun-filled environment.

The “Uncorked Friday” routine had already started.

I met a group of people ready to wind down and have a great time. Sitting with them at their table I learned they’ve only missed two Fridays since January.

Now that is certainly a testimony to customer satisfaction. They love it here.

Ike Digman stated proudly, “This is my CHEERS, where everyone knows my name.” And he’s right - they did! As all of the waitresses passed by, Digman was definitely one who was well known.

Not only did Digman’s group enjoy themselves, but many others did as well.

The music filled the area as Bobby G. Summers offered up a great show. His performance was outstanding and enjoyed by all. It wasn’t long until the dance floor was filled with many moving to the beat.

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

As I walked around, I noticed many were celebrating life’s milestones while still others came for a “girl’s night out” or a “wind down night.” Whatever the case, it was all about fun and relaxation.

Keel and Curley now invites food trucks onsite so guests can order unique eats to enjoy with the music. On this particular night, the Mobile Munchiez truck served up happy Italian-Mexican fare. Among the menu choices were Chorizo Rice Ball, Italian Quesadilla, Chicken Alfredo Chimichanga, Stuffed Potato, and Yuca Fries.

bartender at the Winery who lost her battle to cancer this past May. The display and wine was dedicated in her honor last December for the simple reason that she asked management to bring the Ice Wine back because she knew customers wanted it. For every bottle sold of Monica’s Florida Frost Ice Wine, Keel and Curley donates one dollar to the American

Cancer Society in loving memory of her life. Monica’s customers knew her as the “taste icon.” She had a way about her that everyone loved.

As for the Ice Wine, the grapes are the last of the season from Canada and iced over to seal the taste. This is what makes Ice Wine so sweet and different from the rest.

Come soon to a Keel and Curley’s Uncorked Friday and give Monica’s Florida Frost Ice Wine a try. Here’s a promise - you’ll find a taste that’s worth the trip.

Each weekend a new vendor will be onsite.

And Keel and Curley doesn’t mind if you bring your own specialties either. The Uncorked Friday nights always prove to be a great time as you sit and enjoy your food, music, and good friends.

Inside, I noticed a wine display full of an Ice Wine called Monica’s Florida Frost.

When I inquired, I was told Monica Eastman Naugle was a beloved, dedicated

Couples dance together as Bobby G. Summers performs.

Photo by: Deana Garrison

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Offers are available for a limited time only and may be cancelled without notice. Existing MIDFLORIDA loans and credit cards do not qualify for the incentive or the special advertised Annual Percentage Rates (APR). Checking incentive is deposited to new checking account. Loan and credit card incentives will be applied to a MIDFLORIDA Visa Platinum credit card. Other rates and terms are available and are based on credit. Visit midflorida.com or see an associate for details.

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1. Anyone who has held a checking account with MIDFLORIDA in the past will not qualify for the $77 incentive. In addition to opening a new checking account, you must accept and open online banking, online bill payment, eStatement, eNotice, direct deposit ($500 minimum which must post within 30 days of account opening) and a debit card. For RT4T checking accounts, you must make 5 debit card transactions in the first 30 days in lieu of the direct deposit requirement. Freedom accounts do not qualify for this incentive.

Federally Minimum to open is $50. 2. To qualify for the incentive, you must refinance a loan of $15,000 or more from another financial institution. Loans of $5,000 to $14,999 will receive a $100 credit. 3. Incentive is insured by offered on new credit card accounts only. The introductory Annual Percentage Rate available on balance NCUA. transfers is valid for the first 12 months on new accounts only. A 1% balance transfer fee will apply.

2903 JAMES L. REDMAN PARKWAY

•

PLANT CITY

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

ATTN: ALDO TREVINO FOCUS MAGAZINE Runs: August 2012 Size: Full Page w/bleed (trim: 9.5"x10.75"; live: 9"x10"; bleed: 10"x11.25", Full Color File name: “MIDFL_PowerPlay_Focus.pdf”

with your refinanced loan

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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ENTERTAINMENT » EVENT CALENDAR

PLANT CITY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to: editorial@floydpublications.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 » Strawberry Classic Car Show

4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Plant City McCall Park For more information: Call the Chamber of Commerce 813.754.3707 » Annual Rib Fest

Sponsored by the Plant City Elk’s Lodge 1727 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Pick up or eat in For more information: 813.752.2822 or Frank at 813.716.3800

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 » Business After Hours

Improvement League of Plant City 5:15 p.m.

Bing Rooming House Museum 205 S. Allen Street, Plant City For more information: Call the Chamber of Commerce 813.754.3707

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 » Grand Re-Opening Pregnancy

Care Center of Plant City 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

304 N Collins Street For more information: 759.0886 Pregnancy Care Center

Strawberry Crest High School: Home game vs Hillsborough High School 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 » Blueberry Stomp Mud Run

Sponsored by: Keel and Curley Winery 8:30 a.m.

5202 W. Thonotosassa Rd For more information: 750.5474 » Garden Fest

Plant City Garden Club and Downtown Merchants 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Depot and McCall Park For more information: Call the Chamber of Commerce 813.754.3707

Durant High School: Away Game at Wharton High School 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Strawberry Crest High School: Away game at King High School 7:30 p.m.

» Fox Squirrel Corn Maze

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 » CareFest 2012 “Bee Caretagious” 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

McCall Park Downtown Plant City www.carefestusa.com For more information: 727.536.2273

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 » Friday Nigh High School Football

Plant City High School: Away Game at Durant High School 7:30 p.m.

Durant High School: Home Game vs Plant City High School 7:30 p.m.

Strawberry Crest High School: No Game this week » Community Open House-Brandon 7:30 p.m.

Regional Hospital Emergency Center 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

3065 James L Redman Parkway in front of Aldi » Friday Night High School Football

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 » Diamonds and Denim

Sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Building For ticket information: 813.757.8478

Plant City High School: Away Game at Alonso High School 7:30 p.m.

Durant High School: Home game vs Chamberlin High School 7:30 p.m.

3002 Charlie Taylor Road Plant City, FL Friday- by Reservation for Groups Saturday-10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sunday-12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If you arrive after 5:00 p.m. please bring a flashlight Call 770.862.0655 or email futchentertainment@comcast.net for more information

OCTOBER 17-21 » Hillsborough County Fair

Gates open 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday Noon on Friday 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday For more information: www. hillsboroughcountyfair.com

ONGOING EVENTS Duplicate Bridge, a low key bridge game for beginners as well as skilled players, meets on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at St Peters Episcopal church. You must have a partner. For more information call Walt Arnold at 752-1602.

The Republican Club of Plant City meets the 4th Tuesday of every month, 7:30-9:00A.M., at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive, Plant City. The next meeting is March 27th. Cost of breakfast is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Come network with your neighbors in the conservative group.

Strawberry Crest High School: Home Strawberry Square, game vs Armwood High School 4401 Promenade Blvd., 7:30 p.m.

Plant City Plant City High School- Home Game A full schedule of Square and Round vs Riverview High School Dancing is happening every day at 7:30 p.m. » Friday Night High School Football Strawberry Square. We have many callers and cuers on the schedule.

Durant High School: Away game at Plant City High School: No Game Visit our website: Brandon High School this week www.strawberrysquaredancing.com or 7:30 p.m. call the office: 813-752-0491 » Friday Night High School Football

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

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ENTERTAINMENT » CROSSWORD

TIT 4 TAT

CREATED BY: CALVIN R. AND JACKIE MATHEWS TIT ACROSS 1. Uplifting piece of apparel 4. Martha __ 8. Sound barrier breaker, once: abbr.

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© Puzzle Features Syndicate FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY SEPTEMBER 2012

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SEPTEMBER 2012 focusplantcity.com

M inimally Invasive Spine Surgery Relieves Pain and Speeds Recovery

Improve the quality of your life, be more active and live pain free.

South Florida Baptist Hospital has been caring for our Plant City community for more than 50 years. We’ve created a warm, patient centered environment that combines technology with expertise in one hospital that’s right in your neighborhood.

The Spine and Neck Surgery Services at South Florida are designed to get you to a pain-free life and include: • Surgical and non-surgical treatments for bulging discs, pinched nerves, Degenerative Disc Disease, Facet Joint Disease, Sciatica, herniated discs, Spinal Stenosis, spine fractures, Scoliosis, Coccydynia (tailbone pain), disc tears, slipped discs and carpal tunnel syndrome.

• A highly-skilled team of orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons performing advanced, minimally invasive procedures, to alleviate back and neck pain.

• Minimally invasive spine and neck procedures offer less scarring, quicker return to normal activities and pain alleviation.

• Coordination of pre- and post surgical needs including, insurance benefits, home health care and rehabilitation.

At South Florida Baptist Hospital, it’s also painless to request a physician referral with one of our Spine Surgery physicians: • Philip Henkin, MD Neurosurgery • Chukwuka Okafor, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgery • Donald Sachs, MD Neurosurgery

• Modern surgical suites and recovery units staffed by teams of caring, patient-focused experts in imaging, surgery and recovery.

For more information: (813) 644-6796 or visit SouthFloridaBaptist.com BC1203464-0812

301 N. Alexander St. | Plant City

SouthFloridaBaptist.com

Life is better in the Quick Lane.

Auto service just got better!

Quick Lane® at Jarrett-Scott Ford provides all the services your car or truck needs most. All our services are performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. No appointment necessary and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends.

We’ll take care of any make or model, using quality parts from trusted brands like Motorcraft® and name-brand tires from Goodyear, Continental, Michelin and more.

FREE

ALIGNMENT CHECK with a purchase of 4 tires, Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Shop supplies and installation extra

813-757-6429 2000 East Baker Street Plant City, FL 33563 Service Hours Mon-Fri 7am-7pm Sat 7am-3pm

99.95

THE WORKS PACKAGE

BG BRAKE FLUSH SERVICE

Includes up to 7 quarts of synthetic blend oil, 31 point VCU inspection, Check and top off all fluids, Tire presure check, Balance check, Four Tire rotation

Cleans harmful deposits and varnish build up resulting from worn-out oxidized brake fluid

$

29.95

Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special.

Shop supplies and tax extra. Most cars and light trucks excludes diesels. Expires 10/15/12

$

Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Shop supplies and installation extra

ALL MAKES AND MODELS! WE’LL BEAT YOUR BEST TIRE PRICE GUARANTEED!