04.03.14 Plant City Times & Observer

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH

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INSIDE

PAGE 12

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SEE PAGE 9

Maniacs qualify for international baseball tourney.

OUR TOWN

+ Crest crowns first Mr. Charger

Eight of Strawberry Crest High School’s most muscular young men entered the auditorium Friday night with one goal: to be the first to make history.

At 8:30 p.m., Alejandro Lopez made it happen.

Lopez is the first Mr. Charger in school history, coming out on top in a close battle between fellow top-four finishers Devin Parks (runner-up), Sebastian Fearon and Bradley Benefield.

“It feels great,” Lopez says. “I’ve been training really hard. I’ve wanted this more than anything — I’ve been busting my butt off in the gym. Hard work pays off.”

FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

Plant City High School students party at Prom.

Eastern Hillsborough Community Band to make P.C. debut.

education by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

FARM TO FORK

Students sweeten school with strawberry lesson

by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Disabled students from throughout Hillsborough enjoyed a field trip to Turkey Creek Middle’s strawberry field, where they learned about picking.

Chloe Tew walked two elementary students through the blooming fields of the Turkey Creek Middle School strawberry field. The eighth-grader explained to the students how to look for the best berries to pick.

But, she had to show them a little differently.

Both of the students were color blind. So, Tew had to tell them to pick the bigger berries, instead of telling them to look at the color for ripeness.

“I really liked it,” Tew said of the experience. “I loved teaching the kids about everything.”

Tew was among the Turkey Creek Middle students

who participated in a special field trip March 19. About 40 disabled students from throughout the district came to visit the strawberry field and learn about agriculture.

Most were visually impaired, but some had other disabilities. Even those in wheelchairs made it out to the

New farmers market takes root

sweet rows of the field.

“My favorite part was overhearing our kids teach the kids about the plants,” ag teacher Allison Sparkman said.

It was the Turkey Creek Middle students’ responsibility to teach the visitors about pick-

SEE BERRIES / PAGE 4

Plant City GET FRESH Market aims to make residents aware of fresher foods at affordable prices.

The biggest roadblock to healthy eating, for some, is this question: “I would buy healthier food, but why does it cost so much more than junk food?”

If you ask Karen Elizabeth, that’s a gross misconception — if you know where to look.

Enter Plant City GET FRESH Market, a new farmers market that not only aims to make fresh food affordable but also keep Plant City dollars local.

“People think buying organic is too expensive, but it’s much different when you get it fresh,” Elizabeth, a local wellness coach, said. “When you’re forced to buy at the grocery store, that argument works. But then, it’s not local at that point — it comes from somewhere else.”

So, on Wednesday afternoons, Elizabeth and a slew of vendors make the trek to the corner of Evers and Also-

+ MDA benefit gets extension

There still is time to contribute to Lowe’s Home Improvement’s annual Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraising drive.

Lowe’s has extended its MDA Shamrock program through April 12. Donors can purchase shamrocks for $1, $5 or $20. Businesses also can contribute.

Last year, the Plant City Lowe’s raised more than $15,000 — good enough for No. 1 in Florida.

+ First Baptist to host registration

First Baptist Learning Center and Preschool will host a registration event for 2- and 3-year-old students for the 2014-2015 school year from 9 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, April 5, at the school 503 N. Palmer St. For more information, call (813) 754-1773.

, 3&

FIT FOR A QUEEN Michael Eng

Shelby St. Amant was crowned the 2014 Blueberry Queen at a pageant March 29, at Keel & Curley Winery. St. Amant and the rest of ther 2014 Blueberry Court will make appearances at the upcoming Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival. For more photos see page 7 or visit PlantCityObserver.com.

numbers game by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

TRAGEDY by Dan Sullivan | Tampa Bay Times

U.S. Marine veteran, Nelson Elementary students a Durant High grad, score spot in district MathBowl Dover students competed against other teams in the MathBowl among crash victims The District Championship, held March 25, at Raymond James Stadium.

The March 28 wreck on State Road 60 just east of State Road 39 killed four people.

Joe Vizcarrondo Sr. braced for it every day his son was overseas. He came to expect that the Marines would arrive one day bearing the news he feared most — that his son wasn’t coming home.

For the five years Joe Vizcarrondo Jr. fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, his father waited for that knock at his door. But it never came.

And when his boy came back home, the father’s mind was

This week’s winner is

SEE CRASH / PAGE 4

Deanna Hurley See her photo on PAGE 15.

SEE MARKET / PAGE 4

Courtesy photo

Joe Vizcarrondo Jr., 26, served in Iraq for five years.

Five of Dover Elementary School’s top “mathletes” tested their mental mettle against peers from other district schools in the MathBowl District Championship March 25, at Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa. The competition was special partnership between the Hillsborough County Elementary Math Council and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

All of the math problems were related to Buccaneer history, player stats and community projects. The winning team received a framed certificate

SEE MATHLETES / PAGE 4

Amber Jurgensen

Zander Fisk, Alejandreo Lara, Trevor Valent, Mara Crousset and Gabe Augustine enjoyed competing in the MathBowl.

INDEX Calendar.......................2

Vol.1,No.36 | Onesection Crossword...................15

Obituaries...................11

Sports.........................12

Weather......................15

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR THURSDAY, APRIL 3 Black-and-White Nite — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m.

Thursdays, at Krazy Kup,101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

Vintage sitcoms and sci-fi from the 50s and 60s are played on a large drop-down screen. (813) 7521220.

Born to Run — weekly run takes place at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City.

(813) 752-9100.

Casey Stidham — performance takes place from 6 to 9 p.m.

Thursdays, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 7529100.

Line Dancing Lessons — takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Thursdays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. S.R. 60, Plant City. (813) 737-4444.

Ribbon Cutting: Direct Auto Insurance — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 3, at 2403 James L Redman Parkway, Suite 2, Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org.

Trivia Thursdays — begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

Weight Loss Surgery Information Sessions — takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at Dr. Stephen

Butler’s office, 4120 U.S. 98, Lakeland. Learn more about the advantages of the adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy procedures and see if surgical weight loss is an option for you. Free; registration required. (813) 644-6720.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 Friday Night Fun — Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill will offer karaoke, cornhole tournaments, a deejay, darts and more beginning at 7 p.m. Fridays, at the restaurant, 106 E. S.R. 60, Plant City. (813) 737-4444.

Mama’s Kin — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, April 4, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

A Night of Spirituals Concert: Plant City Community Choir — takes place at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 4, at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 604 N. Valrico Road, Valrico; and Saturday, April 5, at St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander St., Plant City. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; $8 in advance and $10 at the door for seniors. (813) 781-9674.

Plant City Social Dance Club — takes place from 8 to 11:15 p.m. Fridays, at Stardust Dance Center, 1405 S. Collins St., Plant City. Cost is $5 for members and associate members; $7 for non-members. Band will

be Bill Mann. Ken Miller, (863) 409-7714 or pcsocialdanceclub@yahoo.com.

Uncork Your Weekend with Charlie O. — live music from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 4, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City.

(813) 752-9100.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 Bike Fest — takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at 102 N. Palmer St. For more, visit plantcity.org.

Crafting for a Cure — takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the American Legion Building, 2207 W. Baker St., Plant City. The event is hosted

by Cups of Sunshine, a walking team raising funds for breast cancer research. For more, visit cupsofsunshine.org, or contact Samantha Lane at (813) 3235483 or info@cupsofsunshine. org.

2014 GTE/VERIZON Reunion — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the home of Sam and Carol Conrad, 3510 E. Keysville Road, Lithia.

Please bring a dish and drink to share and lawn chairs, if you wish. Paper goods, ice and serving spoons will be furnished.

Carol Conrad, (813) 737-1587.

Jarrett-Scott Ford Drive 4UR School — takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. The dealership will donate $20 per test drive, up to $6,000.

First Baptist Learning Center and Preschool Registration: 2- to

3-year-olds — takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at the school, 503 N. Palmer St. Open for the 2014-2015 school year. (813) 754-1773.

Rachel Lawry — The wife of pastor Scott Lawry will speak from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road, Plant City.

A dessert and coffee fellowship will follow in Mason Hall. (813) 759-9383.

Pregnancy Care Center 2014 Walk for Life — takes place Saturday, April 5, at Plant City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. To donate, send checks to Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, 304 N. Collins St., Plant City, FL. 33563 (write “walk” in the memo), or visit SupportPlantCity PregnancyCenter.org. For more, call Sandi Nelson or Darlene Davis, (813) 759-0886.

Steve Saffels — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

St. Clement Catholic Church Community Yard Sale — takes place from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 5, at the church, 1104 N. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 752-8251 Uncork Your Weekend with Mark Sprouse — live music from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100.

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: meng@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m.

Saturdays, at Krazy Kup,101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Live music and movies for 16- to 21-yearolds. (813) 752-1220.

MONDAY, APRIL 7 Beginner Square Dance Lessons — classes take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City.

First class is free. Plus Square Dance Lessons begin from 8 to 9:30 p.m. (813) 752 0491.

Enrollment Assistance Program (Affordable Care Act) — takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, March 31, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City.

Machelle Tulalian, (813) 4224917 or machelle.eaptampa@ gmail.com.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting — takes place from 4 to 5 p.m.

Monday, March 31, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 Flute Circle — takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, at Bruton

Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Utah Farris, (863) 696-0442 or utahflutes1@wmconnect.com.

Morning Book Discussion — meets from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. This month’s book is “Benjamin Franklin’s Bastard” by Britta Coleman. (813) 757-9215.

Ribbon Cutting: University of Florida, Plant City Campus — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, at 1200 North Park Road, Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 Contact Breakfast — takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave. Visit plantcity. org.

Knit 1, Purl 2 — takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Beginners as well as experienced knitters are welcome to attend(813) 757-9215.

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moving forward by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

David Sollenberger to focus on existing projects, transparency

The interim city manager hopes to have a new permanent city manager selected within six months.

Just one week after coming out of a retirement for the second time to serve as Plant City’s manager, David Sollenberger already has his finger on the community’s pulse.

“There’s a lot of activity going on right now,” Sollenberger said. “My response is to keep it moving along.

There’s a lot going on in Plant City.

When I first came to Plant City, it was very sleepy.”

Sollenberger said one of the most pressing issues is the ongoing concerns regarding Visions Golf LLC and the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club.

“There’s a lot of interest in Visions Golf rezoning and request,” Sollenberger said. “I think it’s important for the city to conduct this as transparently as possible.”

To do that, Sollenberger wants to have all correspondence that comes in and out of the city about Visions Golf’s plan posted online.

“I know there’s a great deal of uncertainty in how it works, but I want to put it up on a billboard with the lights flashing,” he said.

The Midtown Redevelopment Project is another project on which he would like to see progress during his return to City Hall.

“We want to get this to the point where proposals can be requested for development,” he said.

Sollenberger is working with an attorney in Boca Raton, with whom he also worked when he helped redevelop Sarasota as its city manager. That project was challenging but culminated in one of the most “joyful” experiences, when the Ritz-Carlton chose to plant roots in downtown.

Another concern is that city employees haven’t received raises in several years. The lack of a permanent salary raise is something Sollenberger would like to change.

Of course, Sollenberger also will be using his time to select a permanent replacement for outgoing City Manager Greg Horwedel. He hopes to have a candidate selected within six months.

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL

Sollenberger’s road carried him

throughout the United States before landing him in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

An Ohio native, Sollenberger, a U.S. Army veteran, received a bachelor’s in education from the University of Dayton and got a job as an eighth-grade teacher in the late 1950s. Although he liked teaching, he decided it wasn’t the job for him.

Thinking back to high school, he remembered when a city manager came to talk to his school for a business industry day. He also remembered a former Dayton city manager who installed an income tax to overcome a funding shortage. The decision led to a fiery column in a local shopper called Fiddlesticks by Fagin.

All this fascinated the young Sollenberger. So, he went back to school and earned a master’s degree in government administration at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

He moved to California, where he served as city manager of Vallejo and Watsonville, even experiencing a 6.7

earthquake — which he described as “shake, rattle and roll.” Like Plant City, Watsonville grew strawberries, but in the summer. Sollenberger cites his time in California as the most challenging of his career.

“It was a tough decade — the 60s,” he said. “There was a lot of social upheaval, resistance and push for civil rights, the Vietnam War. There was a lot of abrasiveness going on at the time. It was tough to get through.What was going on in the textbooks wasn’t necessarily going on in real life.”

After 12 years, he moved from California to Minnesota. His California peers teased him for leaving the warmth of the beach for the bitter winters of the north. His Rotary Club even fined him $10. Sollenberger learned exactly what they were talking about when he experience his coldest winter every at -36 degrees.

He also spent 12 years in Minnesota, serving as city manager of Winona.

But he ended up back at the beach.

This time on Florida’s Gulf Coast as city manager of Sarasota.

Meet the WLCA Candidates

Walden Lake residents will select candidates for three open seats on the Walden Lake Community Association board at the community’s Annual Meeting April 10.

The five candidates — Deedra (Dee) Allen, Eileen Anderson,Terry Murphy, Sharon Philbin and incumbent Heather Updike — each have their own views on solving some of Walden Lake’s most pressing concerns.

DEEDRA (DEE) ALLEN

TERRY MURPHY

What makes you a good candidate for the WLCA board?

Although I’ve been a member of the community for 20 years, it’s my education and experience that adds value to the community association. I’m a Florida-licensed professional engineer and licensed attorney. I’ve been involved in planning, zoning, permitting and administrative hearing functions for 20 years and have an understanding of the procedures, presentations and evidence needed to be persuasive in such matters.

What makes you a good candidate for the WLCA board?

I have been a resident of Walden Lake for almost 17 years and have seen a lot of growth within the community. I spent eight years working for the developer, WCI, and have a good understanding of how the community was master-planned. I have served on the WLCA board previously and worked together with the other board members during the transition period from developer control to the community.

What are Walden Lake’s biggest challenges in the next few years?

Walden Lake is starting to show its age in many regards and is at a junction of whether it will continue to be an attractive, desirable community, or whether it’s starting a slow decline. Much of that centers around the amenities and their condition. A golf course that is run down and doesn’t attract outside players and discourages potential property buyers, as does unkept open space and crowded conditions. While the Community Association doesn’t control all these things, it can be persuasive and exhibit leadership with respect to the path forward.

What are Walden Lake’s biggest challenges in the next few years?

The most obvious challenge at this time is the proposal of Visions Golf to create a new community. Walden Lake was developed over a period of 20-plus years. I am concerned about the proposal to change our landscape as we know it and disrupt the ecosystem in place. Second, we have a large area at the polo field site to consider planning for new community use. Third, because Walden Lake is a mature community, we must continue to work on maintaining the right of ways, signage, ponds, the walking trails and subdivision entryways.

What is the best solution for the current problems at Walden Lake Golf & Country Club?

The best solution for the WLCA would be for the members to have full control of the amenities, so that the community’s future would not be tied to the business plans of others. This outcome may not be realistic or achievable. Consequently, decisions will have to be made based on collective input and identification of potential compromise or “nextbest” solutions.

What is best solution for the current problems at Walden Lake Golf & Country Club?

The club has suffered problems due to the lack of effort to work together with the community to recruit membership and retain members. It is a business that has failed to perform. The solution is new ownership that is committed to restoring the golf course and clubhouse to one that would encourage new membership.

What is the WLCA’s role regarding the solution to those problems?

WLCA’s role is to protect the integrity and compatibility of the community, maintain civility in discourse and to be creative in its efforts to maintain Walden Lake’s overall property values.

What is the WLCA’s role regarding the solution to those problems?

If new ownership should occur, I believe it would be in the best interest of the community to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the club and the residents.

EILEEN ANDERSON

SHARON PHILBIN

What makes you a good candidate for the WLCA board?

I have a genuine interest in the future of Walden Lake.

What are Walden Lake’s biggest challenges in the next few years?

The future golf course conversion and subsequent changes in property values of present residents is of a particular concern to me and my neighbors.

What is the WLCA’s role regarding the solution to those problems?

The WLCA’s role is to research alternatives, keep lines of communication open with prospective developers and keep residents informed of all actions — while embracing residents’ concerns and suggestions in the process. I consider the residents’ knowledge and expertise an untapped resource.

What makes you a good candidate for the WLCA board?

I love this community. I would hope my 25plus years of experience in the real-estate world and my experience on other boards would be a welcomed asset to the board. I am a good listener, I enjoy making decisions, and I have a lot of ideas for this community and association.

What are Walden Lake’s biggest challenges in the next few years?

Of course, the 800-pound gorilla is the proposed re-development (see comments below). Beyond that, a multi-use athletic field on the former polo fields would be an asset.

What is best solution for the current problems at Walden Lake Golf & Country Club?

There is a cloud of uncertainty hanging over our entire community. That cloud could be removed if the current property owners were to make a huge re-commitment. Since that is highly unlikely, the sooner the city and/or county denies any and all rezoning, the sooner a new owner might be able to step in and do his due diligence.

What is the WLCA’s role regarding the solution to those problems?

The WLCA must always remember that its primary obligations are to its resident-members. My first order of business, is to understand from WLCA legal, whether or not the WLCA has any legal jurisdiction to stake out a position — for or against the proposed developments. If we have legal standing, I will do my best to assist the board to fight any rezoning.

HEATHER UPDIKE

What makes you a good candidate for the WLCA board?

I am dedicated to maintaining Walden Lake as the premier community in Plant City. I will continually work on the daily issues, special events and other projects that enhance our entire community.

What are Walden Lake’s biggest challenges in the next few years?

In addition to the golf course, a few other issues are insufficient parking at our Walden Lake park, ways to best utilize the vacant polo field, the invading vines around the lake and the ongoing issue of better communication within the community.

What is best solution for the current problems at Walden Lake Golf & Country Club?

I don’t believe there is a “best” solution. I feel the country club’s problems are now too big for an easy fix, and any solution will have to be the result of some kind of compromise. The community wants a prestigious golf course with all the amenities and green spaces (preferably with new ownership), and the course owners say they want a profitable business and the only way to achieve it is through development. Hopefully, a middle ground can be reached that limits development and returns our golf course to what it once was.

What is the WLCA’s role regarding the solution to those problems?

The WLCA’s role is to guide the community through the golf-course situation — offering knowledge, insight and options as well as working alongside the city to do what is best for Walden Lake. The board has no authority or control over the privately owned golf course. However, we are all residents of Walden Lake and want to see our community flourish, without severely compromising the life style we all enjoy.

Amber Jurgensen

David Sollenberger said he is excited to serve Plant City once again.

When he found himself in Plant City, he realized there was something special about the town.

“I enjoy working here,” Sollenberger said. “I enjoy the people, the employees are really dedicated to doing their jobs and the bulk of the people do quality work.”

This community, the residents, the people are wonderful,” he said. “It’s good to be back, and I’m glad the City Commission had the confidence to ask me to serve. I hope to live up to the confidence they put in me.”

But, make no mistake: Sollenberger wants to get back to retirement, traveling with his wife, Alise, and cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes.

“I have no long term ambitions,” Sollenberger said. “I plan to do everything I can to assist the commission in an orderly and timely basis.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

TALKING THE TALK by Amber Jurgensen

Plant City walking team crafts 2014 cancer fundraiser Cups of Sunshine’s fourth annual Crafting for a Cure will take place in Plant City for the first time.

Samantha Lane wants to find a cure for breast cancer.

So much so that along with her sister, Jennifer Brown, and mother, Theresa Molesky, she has formed a walking team to raise funds for the Avon Walk and the American Cancer Society.

The Plant City trio, which operates under the team name Cups of Sunshine, will be holding its fourth annual Crafting for a Cure April 5, to raise even more funds. This is the first year the event will be held in Plant City. Local vendors will be selling kitchenware, jewelry, scrapbooking supplies, purses, beauty products and more.

For the past three years, Cups of Sunshine has walked in the Avon Walk, in North Carolina. Lane likes the Avon Walk for its grueling length.

The supporters walk 39 miles in two days.

“It’s quite an experience,” Lane said. “The walk puts your body through stress — blisters, exhaustion, injuries.

But, that’s noting compared to what a cancer patient goes through.”

This year, Cups of Sunshine is going to participate in the Hillsborough County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, at Channelside.

Cups of Sunshine has been walking in support of Phyllis Koons, aunt to Lane and Brown and sister of Molesky.

“It seems like everyone you meet knows someone who has had cancer,” Lane said. “It will be nice one day to have a cure.”

IF YOU GO

FOURTH ANNUAL CRAFTING FOR A CURE WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday April 5 WHERE: American Legion, 2207 W. Baker St., Plant City DETAILS: Come shop with local crafters and vendors while supporting the breast cancer cause. Items will include candles, jewelry, beauty, purses and bags, kitchenware, scrapbooking, edibles, wearables, and more.

COST: Free INFO: Samantha Lane, (813) 323-5483, info@ cupsofsunshine.org or cupsofsunshine.org The idea to walk first came up in 2010. Lane had always wanted to do the Avon Walk.

Since they have been walking and fundraising, the women have raised about $12,000 for breast cancer research.

Before, Crafting for a Cure was held at a church in North Tampa. But, when attendance declined, the trio decided to move it closer to home.

“I enjoy organizing and putting it together,” Lane said. “All the vendors are cool. I can’t pinpoint (my favorite).”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Courtesy photo

Samantha Lane, Missy Dennis and past Cups of Sunshine member Theresa Molesky

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CRASH / PAGE 1 eventually put at ease.

But early March 28, a different knock came. In the 4 a.m. darkness, Joe Sr. cracked open the door of the family’s Valrico home and saw two state troopers. His son was killed in an accident, they said.

Just after midnight, the 26-year-old former Marine was at the wheel of his 1999 Cadillac DeVille, headed east on State Road 60, in Plant City.

He was giving a ride home to a friend, Lauren Phillips, 19.

His roommate, Jenna Kelly, 25, rode with them.

As they approached the intersection of Clarence Gordon Jr. Road, a 2006 BMW coming in the opposite direction bounded out of control and onto the grass median, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. It hit a speed limit sign before veering into the westbound lanes and slamming head-on into the Cadillac.

Rolando Silva, 31, of Plant City, who was speeding in the BMW despite having a revoked license, died. All three in the Cadillac were killed.

At midday Friday, Joe Vizcarrondo Sr. sat in a plastic patio chair on the front porch of their Valrico home, gazing with dazed eyes across the front yard, speaking in a subdued voice about the man his oldest son had become. Beside him, Joe Jr.’s stepmother, Jennifer Vizcarrondo, paced the concrete walkway, whimpering.

The son was born in Georgia but lived most of his life in Florida. He was a freshman at Durant High School the year of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

He spent the four years that followed training in the school’s Reserve Officers Training Corps, always focused and never shying away from the battles he knew awaited him after graduation.

When his diploma came in 2005, Iraq was quick to follow.

There, he drove heavy metal trucks designed to withstand bomb blasts. He rode the desert sands from Baghdad to Fallujah. He got a Devil Dog tattooed on his arm, and “Death Before Dishonor” across his back.

You don’t have to worry about me, he told his family.

They won’t blow up this truck.

But for all the tough talk, he still couldn’t escape what he saw. He was most haunted by the Iraqi children, his family said.

“They were his younger brother’s age,” Jennifer Vizcarrondo said. “And they could blow you up.”

In time, he moved on. He was discharged as a lance corporal. When he came home, he worked in fast-food restaurants. Lately, his goal had been to return to school to study broadcasting.

When he wasn’t working, he spent time playing video games with his brother, Jamey, 16. On weekends, he would go with his dad to Sarasota to meet with their fantasy baseball league.

The crash happened after he had driven to Highlands County to pick up Phillips, who was studying at South Florida State College, in Avon Park. The trio in the Cadillac had known each other since their school days.

State patrol officials wouldn’t say how fast Silva, the driver who hit them, was believed to be going. But the Vizcarrondo family said troopers told them it was more than double the speed limit.

“He was going, they said, way over 100 mph,” Vizcarrondo Sr. said. “The horror that must have been going through their minds seeing this car go across the road like a pinball.”

Records show Silva had a lengthy arrest record and was serving a four-year sentence of drug-offender probation that began about a year ago. His driving history shows he had been found guilty five times of driving without a license since 2000, and charged in 2008 with DUI. Troopers said alcohol was not believed to be a factor.

“God has his intentions,” Joe Vizcarrondo Sr. said. “I just hate to think that there’s two other sets of parents going through the same thing we are.”

Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report.

Dan Sullivan can be reached at dsullivan@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3386.

BERRIES / PAGE 1 ing. They attended a training session the day before.

“They were nervous before,” Sparkman said. “They were scared to go up to kids they didn’t know. But, it turned out to be so natural.”

Ag teacher Buddy Coleman spearheaded the initiative, along with ESE Specialist Deborah Coleman, paraprofessional Brittany Coleman and Sparkman.

Sam and Buffy Astin also came to the fields to show their support. The Astins assist the school by supplying clamshells.

The yields from the field are sold at a fruit stand on-site, and money raised benefits the FFA program.

“They were really, really impressed, too,” Sparkman said. “We are so grateful they came out.”

In addition to picking in the fields, students also got to visit a makeshift petting zoo with some of the school’s animals, including lambs and pigs.

In the multipurpose room, parent volunteers put together about 100 strawberry shortcakes as a delicious snack.

IF YOU GO PLANT CITY GET FRESH MARKET

WHEN: 4 to 8 p.m.

Wednesdays WHERE: 115 W. Alsobrook St. PARKING: Across the street, at Creative Floral Designs FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Plant CityGetFreshMarket

The Turkey Creek students enjoyed sharing their agricultural expertise.

Parents Julie Hasting, Melinda Gainer and Sharla Hattaway were touched by the field trip.

“These kids couldn’t see,” Hasting said through tears. “You just take for granted so many things. They are great little learners, but they have special

MARKET / PAGE 1 brook to set up shop. The market sells fresh, locally produced vegetables, dairy, jams, poultry and eggs, and also has an organic juice bar. According to Elizabeth, every edible item at the market is either completely organic or as close to that as possible. And, there’s more than just food available: Local artists and crafters will also be on-site to sell their wares — all kinds of handmade goods, art and jewelry.

MATHLETES / PAGE 1 signed by Bucs Head Coach Lovie Smith.

And although they didn’t cream the competition, the Plant City-area fifth-graders certainly have cultivated a love of all things numerical. Gifted teacher Kyley Martin chose the the team members by administering a qualifying test. The top scorers were then brought together in a mock competition to see if they had team chemistry.

Nelson qualified for the district championship by winning first place in the area competition in December. They didn’t learn about the competition

health concerns.”

The participating students said they enjoyed the experience.

“I’m looking forward to doing it again,” Tew said.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

It’s not the first farmers market to come to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, but Elizabeth hopes it will be around longer this time.

“Nothing’s ever really settled here,” she said. “I think they started one a few years ago, downtown, but it never really got off the ground. We’re giving everybody an opportunity to get a really good foundation with this one.”

As president of Plant City Commons Community Garden, Elizabeth is no stranger to

until February and had been studying enthusiastically to prepare. The team practiced every day in the morning and after school on some Mondays.

“We’ve been working so hard,” Martin said.

For the students, the competition is more of a game or puzzle than actual tedious schoolwork. The teammates each have a deep passion for math.

“Whenever you’re doing it, some people find it easy and some people struggle,” Alejandro Lara said. “So, whenever I’m done with math early and there’s still time left, I ask my teacher if I can help the people who need help.”

Amber Jurgensen

upstarts. In keeping a grower’s mindset, the market’s items will vary according to season.

That means no sweet potatoes until they’re in season, among other things.

The market officially opened this week, but Elizabeth and company are still seeking vendors. Anyone interested in selling items at the market should contact her directly at (813) 435-8111 or by email at 12circle8@gmail.com.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Teammate Mara Crousset barely learned how to speak English several years ago. But today, math is her favorite subject.

“The numbers are always the same,” Crousset said. “I like math, because of the control you have with it.”

Teammate Trevor Valent said he enjoyed the process of preparing for and competing in the MathBowl.

“It’s good to feel you’re competing,” he said. “You’re smart and have a lot of knowledge to do this.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

NELSON ELEMENTARY MATHBOWL TEAM Gabe Augustine, 11 Mara Crousset, 11 Zander Fisk, 10 Alejandro Lara, 10 Trevor Valent, 10 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS Alafia Apollo Beach Carrollwood Deer Park Hunter’s Green Limona Mitchell Nelson

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BLACK TIE by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

The Verner family

MEMORY LANE The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center hosted March 28, its 12th annual gala, “An Evening of Picture Perfect Memories.”

Bill and Gwen Thomas received The Heritage Award, for preserving the community’s history with their work with the Bing Rooming House, among other projects.

Candy and Ann Owens received The Bill Parolini Award for Meritorious Service.

The night was filled with fun as guests enjoyed a champagne reception, dinner and a photo trivia quiz.

Bill and Gwen Thomas

Evelyn Clay, Janell Johnson and Liesta Sykes

Marsha Passmore and Dodie White

Gil Gott, Shelly Drummond and Lou Baird

James and Pat Denham

Candy and Ann Owens

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LETTER TO THE + In defense of the WLCA

BABY STEPS by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Pregnancy Care Center EDITOR to host 2014 Walk for Life

Dear Editor: With respect to Don Marshall’s letter, “WLCA running low on mulligans,” in the March 27 edition: It’s always interesting with today’s “shoot-from-the-hip” mentality that critics come crawling out of the woodwork to slam the Walden Lake Community Association board. Even more interesting is that these folks generally have misinformation, feel they have better information and, until a few weeks ago, had never been seen in the community or at a board meeting.

But seldom do they offer a solution.

As a longtime member of the WLCA board — and one who has endured the whining of a very few who feel the WLCA board should be running the show regarding the continuing issues with Visions Golf LLC and its planned rezoning intentions — clarifications are needed. A little history and information will probably be helpful at this time.

The WLCA board was established as a Florida non-profit corporation as the guardian of the common property of Walden Lake. It should be noted that our state corporation filing, our bylaws and our covenants only address our duties and role as the keepers of the common property, required community security, landscaping, required irrigation and electrical that supports our common property. The WLCA board was not established as the enforcer, maintainer or babysitter for the golf course.

WLCA has never owned, operated or had any control of the golf course; this has always been a private venture. Today, Visions Golf is a private corporation, and the WLCA has no say in its operation, planned rezoning or any aspect of the golf course’s future.

With that said, each board member lives in Walden Lake and has a personal opinion regarding the future of the golf course agreeing with the rest of the community. We want Walden Lake to recover through possible new investors reestablishing the community golf courses and clubhouse facilities.

Now, in rebuttal to Marshall’s comments, (and I have have no clue as to where he lives, what he does or his

skills) I offer the following: • WLCA Director Bob Hunter is the expert in the area of planning and zoning as the former executive director for the Hillsborough City-County Planning Commission. When he speaks and offers a direction, I listen. Because not all residents of Walden Lake are aware of a rezoning or even that The Hills golf course has been closed, Hunter’s suggestion to host, again, an information session with Visions Golf Managing Partner Steve Mercer and his attorney is valid — and needed.

• Yes, the board has had numerous meetings with Mercer regarding the golf course and related facilities, because they have been on a downward slide for several years. Although Mercer has suggested his plans, nothing has come to fruition until the recent rezoning filing. These sessions were at the request of Mercer, because he wishes for the board to have insight as to what he is planning.

• The WLCA board is not offering marketing of the planned redevelopment that Mercer is seeking, as suggested

by Mr. Marshall.

• The committee being developed by WLCA Director Rich Glorioso is looking into the option of what the community’s direction would be if Mercer closed the entire facility next month. The option of WLCA purchasing the golf course and facilities is just that — an option. We owe the community a voice in this direction. Glorioso and committee have an excellent presentation for the community presidents to fulfill this option with presentation to community residents.

• The WLCA respects and appreciates that our legal firm restricts contact only with the board president.

In summary, WLCA provides no charade as Marshall, again, offers. Each member of the board is elected and works long hours as volunteers. We try to do our due diligence and ensure our goals and direction meets the community’s needs.

Have we offered good information over the past few months?

Probably not. We also are learning where we need to be in this very tangled mess and what best meets the community’s needs.

Please be patient.

Jim Chancey, vice president WLCA Board of Directors

Plant City Times & Observer Locally Owned

The Plant City Times & Observer is published

by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com &RS\ULJKW 3ODQW &LW\ 0HGLD //& $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG

Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City is ready to host another Walk for Life downtown, and is hoping to top last year’s success.

Last year’s Walk for Life couldn’t have gone much better.

Dozens of resident showed up to walk the City Hall block in perfect weather, raising $20,000 for the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City to help buy a new ultrasound machine.

So, this year, the center hopes to top those numbers.

“Last year was our best year,” Executive Director Darlene Davis says. “We hope to up that this year.”

The goals: 200 walkers and $25,000.

The walk challenges participants to pound the pavement for two miles to raise money for the center, which provides pregnancy and parental counseling.

“It’s about taking a stand for life,” Davis said. “We want the community to see that we’re pro-life and taking a stand for it, and raising funds to support the center.”

Last year’s Walk for Life raised about $20,000.

Many of these events, including all the walks in nearby Pinellas County, typically are held the Saturday before every Mother’s Day. However, the local center opts to host its event earlier.

“We chose to do it at this time of the year, because it’s not too hot, and we can beat

File photo

the rainy season,” Davis said.

There is no cost to register for the event, and anyone who raises at least $100 will receive a “Taking Steps 4 Life” T-shirt.

Sponsor forms can be obtained by calling the care center. Everyone who registers to walk also will receive a thankyou card in the mail.

IF YOU GO

WHEN: Saturday, April 5.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Plant City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St., Plant City ROUTE: Seven laps around the block surrounding City Hall; equivalent of two miles HOW TO DONATE: Send checks to Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, 304 N. Collins St., Plant City, FL. 33563 (write “walk” in the memo), or visit SupportPlantCity PregnancyCenter.org.

INFO: Sandi Nelson or Darlene Davis, (813) 7590886 Potential walkers have until April 4 to pre-register at the center.

Davis and the rest of the staff hope the walk not only raises money for the center but also awareness for the cause. The center offers pregnancy tests, parenting support, adoption options and abortion alternatives information, and other services — all for free.

“We invite everyone to join us,” she says.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

MY VIEW

More focus required on dental health One year ago, 100 children from Bryan to tooth decay. Be smart: Teach your little Elementary School had lots to smile ones how to floss those teeth. Let’s work about. The Suncoast Community Health on giving our children something to smile Centers, dentists and volunteers had about — no more toothaches or missing provided dental care to these children teeth but a wider smile. who needed it the most. Dental-health According to the Centers for Disease providers are taking a step back from Control and Prevention, the Healthy political aspects of service by giving of People 2020 program strives to promote their time and talent in their lohealthy behaviors and increase cal communities. oral health. Many Americans with Another compassionate act of low socioeconomic status are service was noted in February, unable to access dental care. The in Hillsborough County. A local U.S. Census Bureau 2012 reports, dentist and staff had provided the population of Plant City to be dental services to about 300 35,903. The two largest minority people. Moreover, internationgroups are identified as Hispanic ally, volunteers have served or Latino, at 28.8 percent, and 80,000 individuals with dental black or African-American, at 15.1 care. These selfless acts of giving percent. Plant City, compared to JAMIE should not go unnoticed.

MCGROGAN Florida, has a higher poverty level, The benefit of dental-health 18.3 percent versus 15.6 percent. awareness is the prevention of This is a about a 15 percent infuture dental diseases among children. crease in the poverty rate.

We can provide the essentials for our Even though Americans may now have children, but we need more offered within health insurance through the Affordable our communities and schools relating to Care Act — whether through Medicaid, dental hygiene. For example, educating CHIP, SCHIP, Kidcare, Healthy Start or the whole family about primary dental private market insurance including dencare and cost-effective tips to purchastal coverage — parents cannot afford to ing the right dental products are the first take their children or child to the dentist. steps to a brighter smile. Some people One day of lost work can cost a family a cannot afford to spend $50 for a spinning day’s wages. toothbrush, when the $1 toothbrush is About 25 percent of the children in just as effective. The importance of flossthe United States ages 2 to 5 and 12 to 15 ing helps reduce the buildup of plaque years suffer from tooth decay. According between the teeth that, over time, leads to the 2010 census reports, 15.6 percent

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Call Veronica Prostko, (813) 704-6850, or Joanna Verga, (813) 310-8767.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your community events, celebrations and family member achievements.

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City.

The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

of children age 6 to 19 have untreated dental conditions. The United States Department of Health and Human Services report about 51 million school hours are lost to dental health-related conditions each year. Proactive steps to becoming healthier starts with acknowledging unhealthy habits and initiating healthy behaviors.

Dental health is a direct approach that will help guide you and your families to understand the basic principles of dental hygiene and cost effective measures that every family can afford. A list of local dentist and providers in your community can be found through your insurance provider.

Here in Plant City, we value the same dedication and commitment to serve the community demonstrated by the Suncoast Community Health Centers last year. The Migrant Education Program, Hope Center is in the process of coordinating a community health event later this year. Stay connected with your local community organizations and encourage dental health awareness within your communities and schools, because what you do today has a positive impact on the future. Smile for the love of the children and the difference you can make today.

Jamie McGrogan is a student at the University of Tampa. This column is part of the requirements for a Public Health & Policy course.

Plant City Times &

Observer General Manager/Editorial / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com

General Manager/Advertising / Tony Del Castillo, tdelcastillo@tampabay.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Joanna Verga, jverga@tampabay.com Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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

Neighborhood R E A L E S TAT E | P L A N T C I T Y L I F E | O B I T U A R I E S | G A M E S | FA I T H | S P O RT S

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

CLUB HUBBUB

If your club would like to post announcements, email them to Associate Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com.

+ Rotary Clubs of Plant City

Three Plant City-area high school students definitely will have a summer to remember, thanks to the Daybreak and Noon Rotary Clubs.

Yessica Chavez and Megan Shulmister will attend the S4TL leadership program, while Mary Futch was chosen to particpate in the World Affairs Youth Seminar.

S4TL is a leadership program organized my mid-Florida Rotary Clubs in June, at Georgia Southern University.

A unique feature of the program is rap sessions, during which students are divided into groups of 16 to 18 delegates. They meet with Rotarians to discuss topics of interest to them.

The World Affairs Youth Seminar takes place in July, at Auburn University. Open to rising 10th- through 12thgraders, the seminar uses the Model United Nations forum to examine global issues in a real-world context. The students will have their trip funded by the Rotary Clubs.

Faith Behanna

SPOTLIGHT

Kyndall Drawdy

Kamille Long

by Michael Eng and Amber Jurgensen

+ Plant City Relay for Life

It’s the last push before Relay for Life on April 11 to 12.

Luminarias to remember a loved one can be purchased now and at the event. Every team that submits $50 in luminaria submissions will receive five RFL hoodies.

For more, email Allison Martinez at allison.martinez@cancer.org.

+ United Food Bank of Plant City

The United Food Bank & Services of Plant City is looking for a marketing and development specialist.

Candidates for the 20-hour-per-week part-time position should be energetic and organized person. The salary range is $25,000, with bonus potential.

Send a résumé to unitedfoodbankofplantcity@verizon.net. For more, contact Executive Director Christine Miller, (813) 659-9498.

5R\DO %OXH

The 2014 Blueberry Queen and Court will make appearances throughout the year in Plant City.

Judges crowned Hillsborough Community College student Shelby St. Amant as the 2014 Blueberry Queen at the second Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival Pageant March 29, at Keel and Curley Winery.

Nearly 100 Plant City-area contestants — ranging from ages 2 to 19 — took the stage

for this year’s competition.

Other winners include Haley Riley (teen queen), Haven Futch (pre-teen queen), Caitlin Davis (junior queen), Andrea Pollard (little queen), Kennedy Duncan (tiny queen) and Kelsee Williamson (bud queen). They will make appearances at the upcoming Tampa

THE WINNERS MISS (ages 16 to 19) Queen: Shelby St. Amant First Maid: Meghan Mack People’s Choice: Georgia Foster

+ Full Gospel Tabernacle

An old-fashioned tent revival will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 14 to 19, at 2916 James L. Redman Parkway.

The revival will be hosted

by Full Gospel Tabernacle of Plant City and will feature the Rev. Tommy Hampton, of the General Assembly Pentecostal Church, in Tampa; the Rev. Hank Furr, of LightHouse Revival Center, in Riverview; the Rev. Jack Myers, of The Cynergy Church, in Plant City; the Rev. Joe Bowls, of Shiloh Baptist Church, in Plant City; Bishop John M. Epps, of Full Gospel Tabernacle, in Plant City; and Randy Baldwin, of ABC Tents, in Winter Haven. For more, call ,(813) 754-3843.

TEEN (ages 13 to 15) Queen: Haley Riley First Maid: Selena Berrios People’s Choice: Brenda Dixon

Skyler Barber was all smiles on the stage.

Morgan Gill

PRE-TEEN (ages 10 to 12) Queen: Haven Futch First Maid: Alyssa Grimes People’s Choice: Alyssa Grimes JUNIOR (ages 7 to 9) Queen: Caitlin Davis First Maid: Alayna Morua People’s Choice: Makayla Register LITTLE (ages 5 to 6) Queen: Andrea Pollard First Maid: Kyndall Drawdy People’s Choice: Sophie Griffis TINY (ages 3 to 4) Queen: Kennedy Duncan First Maid: Aston Hallman People’s Choice: Audra Helms

+ Correction

In the March 29 edition, the story, “Sweetbay to concert to Winn-Dixie store,” reported incorrectly that the converted store would be Plant City’s first Winn-Dixie.

We regret the error.

Bay Blueberry Festival, which will take place April 25 to 27, at Keel and Curley.

The pageant raised money for the first Sweet Heart’s Gala on May 17, which will raise awareness and funds for local families battling childhood cancer. The pageant also raised about $300 for Special Olympics.

BUD (age 2) Queen: Kelsee Williamson First Maid: Sutton Duncan People’s Choice: Kelsee Williamson The contestants wore beautiful gowns for this year’s Blueberry Pageant.

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relay for life by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Local schools compete to fight cancer Every year, Plant City schools raise money with their own unique projects. So far in 2014, Bryan Elementary, Tomlin Middle School and Plant City High School are in the lead.

Every year the community rallies around the Plant City Relay for Life to make it one of the most successful in the state.

Area schools play a big part in not only the fundraising but also in the spirit aspect.

So far, Tomlin Middle School, Bryan Elementary and Plant City High School are in the lead for most money raised. However, not all schools have reported their status, and totals won’t be revealed until Bank Night.

TOMLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL

CURRENT TOTAL: $9,529.92 Tomlin Middle School has its tricks up its sleeve when it comes to raising money for Relay.

“Our students are really good,” team captain Heather Colding said. “They are really supportive and really get into it a lot.”

Tomlin has put a sweet twist on some of their events. Tomlin’s business is in cookies.

The school has partnered with

ABOUT THIS STORY

In the weeks leading up to Plant City’s Relay for Life, the Plant City Times & Observer will spotlight different organizations and residents who make the local Relay one of the largest in the state.

Sweetbay to have a cookie-decorating day. Sweetbay supplied all the decorations for three different events during Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. “They really, really love it,” Colding said.

And several fundraisers don’t cost a fortune for students. For just $1, students can participate in P.E. Fun Day, Hat Day and Pajama Day. On P.E. Fun Day, students don’t have to dress out for P.E. class and can just have free time with their friends. On Hat Day and Pajama Day, students can wear

hats and pajamas. Both articles of clothing are not part of the school’s dress code on regular days.

“Pajama Day is a good hit,” Colding said. “They love wearing their pajamas to school for some reason.”

The Homeroom Challenge gets the whole school involved.

For one week, classes bring in as much change as they can and are given incentives.

Some teachers will match what their students donate. The top homeroom scores a pizza party.

With 1,500 students at Tomlin, the Homeroom Challenge is quite successful, bringing in $3,603.76 this year. The top three all raised more than $200.

Dianne Stevens’ seventh- and eighth-graders brought in $444.74; Kim Gifford’s seventhgraders raised $225.39; and Cindy Petersen’s class raised $203.40.

During Colding’s first year with Relay for Life, the school raised about $15,000.

BRYAN ELEMENTARY

CURRENT TOTAL: $9,450.52 Teacher of the Year Marcy Philpot was a dedicated fifthgrade intermediate teacher who was loved by the faculty and students of Bryan Elementary. So when she died from lung cancer, it shocked the campus.

“She was a fellow teacher (who) was close to our hearts,” Relay team captain Randi Goodman said. “Right after she passed away, we just went running with Relay.”

The school has been involved in Relay since 2001 and has a long history of winning spirit awards and raising thousands. This year, the school has raised $9,450.52 so far. With all their Relay experience, the faculty and students have figured out which activities are most successful.

One of those activities is selling Jolly Lolly Lollipops. The sales have only been going on for two years but have been popular. Students line up every Monday outside of teacher Karen Beck’s classroom to purchase a treat. Some come with as much as $20, while others have cried when the lollipops run out. The sales rake in about $50 per week and are sold throughout the school year.

They are also sold at Relay and pull in about $500 that night.

Jolly Lolly Lollipops also

teaches the children about how to run a business. Although designed for Relay, Beck uses it as part of her curriculum. The students make the lollipops once a week out of Jolly Ranchers, a recipe Beck found on Pinterest.

They even have their own bank account to help manage the proceeds.

In addition to Jolly Lolly Lollipops, the school also raises a lot of money through their nacho and drink sales during conference night. In just that one night, the school raises about $500.

“The kids love their nachos,” Goodman said.

Every year, the school hosts Santa and the Easter Bunny for photos. Parents can purchase a picture for $5. Santa raises about $1,200 and the Easter Bunny raises about $800.

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

CURRENT TOTAL: $2,868 Although Plant City High School is most known for being the host school for Relay for Life, the Raiders have done their fair share to raise thousands for the cause. Possibly one of the most popular booths at Relay is the school’s Fairy Princess booth.

For just $10, children can get a makeover complete with nails, hair and makeup. The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen meets the newly mani-

cured participants at the end of the booth and transforms them into fairy princesses with the wave of her wand.

The booth has become so popular that little girls come already dressed in princess dresses and costumes.

It’s a fun night for the cosmetology department that runs the booth under Relay captain and teacher Laurel Ritenbaugh.

But it is also bittersweet. The booth honors of Megan Carpenter, a former cosmetology student who died at 17. She was diagnosed with cancer while still in elementary school.

“We’re excited about the booth and hope a lot of little girls come out,” Ritenbaugh said.

Before Relay, the school holds many fundraisers, including T-shirt sales, kickball tournaments, donut sales and more.

This year, the FFA student had a vote for Kiss the Pig. Students could vote with their dollars to decide which teacher would have to kiss the barnyard animal. Much to the disappointment of the students, Assistant Principal Colleen Car, who was picked, wore a surgical mask before planting a wet one on the hog. The event raised $500.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

UPCOMING by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Plant City choir warms up for spring concerts

The Plant City Community Choir will begin its 2014 concert series with ‘A Night of Spirituals & Other Songs of Inspiration.’

If anyone is excited for the Plant City Community Choir to get back into its concert groove, it is Kenneth Watts.

Watts, who was named the group’s director in late 2013, has big plans for the PCCC’s first concert of the new year, a two-night series called “A Night of Spirituals & Other Songs of Inspiration.” The series, which comes to Valrico and Plant City next weekend, will be Watts’ second production with the organization and one he hopes will be as successful as the Christmas concert.

“The Christmas concert was awesome,” Watts says. “Very, very well-received. Thunderous applause, a standing ovation, a really good audience.”

This time, Watts is focusing more on songs of the human spirit and presenting them in such a way that audiences may not have heard before.

The repertoire will feature traditional songs rearranged for choral voices, such as “God Has Smiled on Me,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Soon and Very Soon,” and “Were You There?” But, the choir is particularly excited about the re-imaginings of other classic hymns, such as “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” “Children Go Where I Send Thee” and “Afrika Gloria.”

The choir also will perform a special version of “Amazing Grace” that Watts heard after celebrating the Fourth of July one year in Philadelphia.

IF YOU GO

“A NIGHT OF SPIRITUALS & OTHER SONGS OF INSPIRATION”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 4 and 5. Doors open at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 604 N. Valrico Road (April 4); St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander St. (April 5).

COST: $10 for advance tick“I just hear luscious chords coming from a piano on the balcony, and a soprano is singing ‘Amazing Grace’ to the tune of ‘House of the Rising Sun,’” Watts says. “He had changed the chords of this piece to accompany the soprano, and I asked this guy to write it down for me.”

Joining the PCCC for these events is notable community

ets purchased from PCCC member or pccommunitychoir.com; $12 at the door.

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door for children 12 and under, and seniors 62 and older. Tickets are available at the Plant City Chamber of Commerce office and the office of St. Clement Catholic Church.

INFO: Visit pccommunitychoir.com or call Diane Silliman, (813) 781-9674 performer Paul Hetrick, a baritone, who will sing several solos.

“He is awesome,” he says of Hetrick. “The two pieces he is singing — choral parts — are fairly repetitive, but he brings energy and life to those songs, the likes of which I have not heard in a long time.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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making memories by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Kyle Griffin and Nicole Mendolia

Faith Griffin, Beth Pengler, Cassandra Martinez and Charlotte Thompson

PCHS parties at Prom Plant City High School students enjoyed an unforgettable evening at the school’s 2014 Prom March 29, at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, in Tampa.

The students came dressed to impress and had a blast dancing the night away on the dance floor.

Kayla Fields and Kyle Miller

Hailey Diaz and Abel Castrejon

William George and Savannah Grizzaffe

Lizette Roman

melody-makers by Michael Eng | Editor

Concert band to make P.C. debut

Resident Kim McKamey-McCullers founded the Eastern Hillsborough Community Band five years ago.

IF YOU GO

EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY BAND PRESENTS “A MEMORABLE EVENING” WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10 WHERE: Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road COST: Suggested $5 donation at the door CONTACT: (813) 5691771 or info@ehcb.org WEBSITE: ehcb.org

HEALTH by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Plant City medical practice expands to second location

Specialist Doctors’ Group added two new physicians and a nurse practitioner to its staff.

Mikala Hart

After forming in Plant City five years ago, the Eastern Hillsborough Community Band will return to its hometown next week for its first concert in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

The band will present “A Memorable Evening” at 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 10, at Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road. The concert will feature the band’s spring repertoire, which includes selections such as “Bolero,” “Stevie Wonder in Concert,” “The Beatles Remembered,” big band music by George and Ira Gershwin and more.

Plant City resident Kim McKamey-McCullers, who founded the band in May 2009, says she is excited for the hometown performance.

George Veazey III

The concert band features more than 50 active members.

“It’s back to our roots,” she says. “I tell people we’ve come full-circle.”

McKamey-McCullers began playing the trumpet in the eighth grade. She continued playing throughout her school-age years but put the horn away when life required her to get a full-time job. It stayed in its case for many years until 2008, when she learned a band in St. Petersburg was searching for musicians for an upcoming performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York.

“It was an awesome experience,” McKamey-McCullers says. “And after that, I knew I needed to start a band. We had our first meeting in May 2009, in a little church in Plant City.

Eleven people showed up.”

Since then, the band has en-

joyed steady growth. After its first year, it moved to its current rehearsal location First United Methodist Church, in Brandon. Today, the band has more than 50 active members. Some are professional musicians, while others have stories similar to McKameyMcCullers. But, they all come together to share their love of music with each other and the community.

Today, the band rehearses

weekly and performs as many as 15 concerts each year. It is conducted by Ken Watts, who also serves as the interim director of the Plant City Community Choir.

“Some members hadn’t played their instruments in 10, 15, 20 years (before joining the band),” McKamey-McCullers says. “For many of us, our passion has always been music, but we couldn’t make a living out of it.”

Ironically, since starting the band, McKamey-McCullers has transitioned into a fulltime career in music. She currently works at Music Showcase, a music instrument shop and school based in Brandon.

The band always is looking for new members. There is no audition, but all participants must be able to read music, own their own instrument and be available to rehearse and perform. Anyone interested in joining should contact the band through its website, ehcb.org.

Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

2013

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS

1. What do antennas and some football players have in common? They are both wide receivers and have fine receptions.

2. The almond commented to the coconuts: “I like your brand of milk but you are, for sure, hard nuts to crack!”

Plant City’s Specialist Doctors’ Group celebrated last month an expansion into a second office.

The group held a ribbon cutting March 14, for its new office, 1910 W. Reynolds St. The practice, which also operates a location off North Alexander Street, hopes the new location will help its health care professionals deliver the best care possible.

“This will give the doctors here more time to spend with their patients and to build relationships,” says Preston Sparkman, the assistant director of marketing/PR for the Specialist Doctors’ Group.

The idea to open a new branch b e g a n about a year ago, when owner Yahya Chaudhry noticed an increase in patients.

Many of the schedule books were full.

The Alexander location has three doctors, three nurse practitioners and a podiatrist. With the new location, the group has added two new physicians and

INFORMATION SPECIALIST DOCTORS’ GROUP ADDRESS: 1910 W. Reynolds St. Plant City PHONE: (813) 754-4980 FACEBOOK: facebook. com/pages/SpecialistDoctors-Group/ 361511157325398 a nurse practitioner — Dr. James Hardiman, Dr. Russell Stewart and Georgette Farmer.

“I’m very excited,” Farmer says. “I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of people and helping a lot of people.

We’re just trying to make it to where it’s more convenient: You don’t have to wait, walk-ins are accepted, self-pay.”

The new office accepts most insurances, and the staff is fluent in English and Spanish.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

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READING RAINBOW by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Author Jan DiRuzzo traveled from North Carolina to read her book, “The Lost Mermaid.”

The festival featured a bounce house.

Bailey students enjoy reading festival The Force was strong at Bailey Elementary School on Saturday, March 22.

The school hosted its annual Strawberry Reads Festival, giving kids the opportunity to have some fun and make reading enjoyable.

Although there were a variety of books and themes at the event, “Star Wars” showed up most often — from a tent where kids could make origami Yodas to Darth Vader himself patrolling the grounds with a Stormtrooper at his side.

Also, the inaugural Strawberry Reads 5K was held that morning, with all funds going to fund future festivals at Bailey.

The Strawberry Reads Festival encouraged attendees to use their imagination.

Of all the play areas, the inflatable slide was king.

Right: Sith lord Darth Vader made an appearance, along with a Stormtrooper.

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LESSONS FROM THE FIELD

Take time to hear life’s simple sounds

The morning is cool, and the the greatest community on sounds of the day begin. These Earth, I also have fallen into are not the usual sounds of the herding mentality to “do, trucks, buses and the multido, do,” rather than taking the plicity of car horns barking, critical moments in the fresh “MOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!” morning to ask the HeavThe sounds I am referring enly Father, “What should I to are the ones that come do first?” It is only when I give from the agricultural buildmyself the permission to listen ing at the Florida Strawberry that I finally can hear that life Festival fairgrounds. The is not about finishing first or roosters that awaken the with the most stuff. It is about dawn, the cows with a differfinishing well and touching the ent type of horn that yells, most hearts along the way.

“MOOOOOOOOOOORNING.” As I ended my second year The goats, chickens, of watching over the pigs and numerous festival and the incredother animals that ible people who poured speak out to greet the tirelessly into keeping it new beginning and a safe family experience, also remind others: I took away a lesson I “Yep, it’s breakfast heard from one of the time. And I am not on older vendors. He was the menu this time.” fixing up his special area These are the simple of commerce, when one sounds of life I believe CHAPLAIN RET. of the other exhibitors MAJ. DANIEL we too often overlook. MIDDLEBROOKS asked, “Why are you As I walk the fairfixing the flowers and grounds in the early part of the the stuff around your booth? day to pray over the gates, the People just walk by too fast to rides, the vendor booths and even notice all your effort.” the people that serve faithHe stood up and smiled a fully, I tend to walk a bit slower gentle smile and said: “I guess around the ag center. It is beit is not for the ones who are cause these sounds of a simple hurrying through life. It is for life are the ones I missed those who have learned to walk during all those 25 years in the slower, breathe deeper and U.S. Army. enjoy life more fully that I fix it For our military, the mornup. You see, when those folks ings start earlier, with the stop and look at the decoraheralding call of the trumpet: tions and doodads, I can greet “It’s time to get up. It’s time to them and say, ‘I did this for get up,” followed by the sound you! I’m glad to see ya!’” of the cannon and the flag of Every morning, God greets our nation raised to kiss the us with a new day, a new start morning sky as the day broke and a new direction. He also through the veil of darkness. whispers into our busy lives The singing of cadence and the and hearts a reminder of His grinding of machines, vehicles, love by the words: “I did this for tanks and helicopters become you! I’m glad to see you!” the music of the greatest miliDid you notice it this morntary on Earth. This music plays ing? across the bases and surroundChaplain Ret. Maj. Daniel ing communities a song of Middlebrooks is president and precious freedom and, like the CEO of Comprehensive Chapsimple noises of a farm, can laincy Care and Consulting become forgotten in the hustle and pastor of Hopewell Baptist and bustle of life.

Church. For more information, Even after a year of retirecall (813) 767-2082 or email ment and transitioning into to chaplainmiddlebrooks@ the various areas of service for hotmail.com.

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OBSERVEROBITUARIES Vonnie Lee Stevens Brantley

Vonnie Lee Stevens Brantley, 93, of Plant City, died March 28, 2014.

She was born in 1920, in New Brockton, Ala., to the late Otis and Mattie Lee Stevens. The family moved to Plant City in 1936.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fletcher Brantley; daughter, Sandra Phyllis Brantley; and siblings, Jerrell Alorda and Gillis Stevens.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia McHargue (Jerry); siblings, Edna Blocker, of Dover, Talmadge Stevens, of Atlanta, Earlean Godwin, of New Brockton, and John Stevens (Beverly); and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held March 31, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Interment followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wecare.io.

Betty Jane Hoover

Betty Jane Hoover, 90, of Plant City and formerly of Corpus Christi, Texas, died March 22, 2014.

She is survived by her son, Anthony Jackson (Betty); two grandchildren, Stephanie Jackson and Stacy Jackson; and two great-grandchildren, Kyla Varnum and Vanessa Varnum.

A Celebration of Life was held March 28, at Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City. Private interment at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wecare.io.

James Leo Neely

James Leo Neely, 76, of Plant City, died March 24, 2014, at the Florida Hospital at Connerton, in Land O’ Lakes.

Born Aug. 15, 1937, in Merryville, La., he was the son of the late Everett and Beulah Huffman Neely.

He moved to Florida in the late 1970s to become a long-haul truck driver.

Mr. Neely was a Vietnam veteran, a worldwide traveler and a history buff.

He enjoyed music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, reading, and in his later years, he visited Busch Gardens frequently.

He is survived by sisters, Judy Becton (Melvin) and Joyce Gregory; brother, Paul Neely (Kathy); nephew, Mike Flynn (Jennifer); and niece, Christy Denton (Russell).

He was preceded in death by sister, Dolores Flynn.

He will be buried in the Florida National Cemetery, in Bushnell.

The family is planning a service at a later date.

Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Lemuel RC (Cecil) Nelson

Lemuel RC (Cecil) Nelson, 78, died March 22, 2014, in Tampa, FL. He was born Sept. 11, 1935.

Mr. Nelson member of Faith Lighthouse Assembly of God. He was a fan of Rays baseball, enjoyed gospel music and loved yard work. He retired after 20 years, from Central Maintenance & Welding.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Louise; two sons, Ricky and Timmy (Frances); one daughter, Tami Griffin (Gary); six grandchildren, Amy, Deanna, Derrick, Tiffany, Manuel and Branden; nine great-grandchildren, Lexi, Aubrey, Raven, Serena, Alyssa, Caden, Jace, Griffen and Grady; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held March 26, at Wells Memorial and Event Center.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.

Doris Shoupe

Doris Shoupe, 90, died March 25, 2014.

She is survived by a loving daughter, Sarah Hall (John).

A funeral service was held March 29, at Thonotosassa Church of God. Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.

Rolondo Silva

Rolondo Silva, 31, died March 28, 2014.

He was born Sept. 5, 1982, in Tampa, to Seferino Jr. and Theresa (Williford) Silva.

Mr. Silva worked and was a member of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators Workers Union Local No. 67.

He is survived by a daughter, Brianna Langlois; mother, Theresa Silva; brothers, Seferino Silva III and William Silva; and sisters, Alicia Silva and Kayla Silva.

He was preceded in death by his father, Seferino Silva Jr. Funeral services were April 2, at Wells Memorial and Event Center, Plant City.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.

Mildred C. Vanek

Mildred C. Vanek, 90, died March 30, 2014, in Ruskin.

She was born in Bainbridge, Ga., to Marvin Lewis Cooper and Elnora (Day) Cooper.

She was a member of the Church of Nazarene, a devout Christian who read her Bible every day who cherished her loving family.

She is survived by her son, Dennis Vanek (Linda); daughter, Paulette Williams (Don); brother, Charles Cooper; sisters, Dorothy Holt and Emma Jean Johnson; six grandchildren, Dwayne Brown, Joel Brown, Dina Williams, Denys Vanek, Donnie Williams and Frank Dennis Vanek Jr.; and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Vanek is predeceased by her husband, Frank; daughters, Peggy Brown and Deborah Williams; brothers, Marvin Cooper Jr., Thomas Cooper and James Cooper; and sister, Louise Dugan.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m.

Thursday, April 3, at Wells Memorial and Event Center. Burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.

Shirley Louise Vick

Shirley Louise Vick, 71, died March 28, 2014.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, lover of gospel music, a talented seamstress, served her God with gladness and was a generous and giving friend to all.

She came from a loving family of 10 brothers and sisters.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 44 years, David Vick; five children, Ron Gilley (Jo), of Winetta, Ill., Cindy Dean (James), of Imboden, Ark., Bruce Gilley (Susie), of Plant City, David Vick Jr. (April), of Lake City, and Dan Vick, of Plant City; nine grandchildren, Matthew, Hope, Adam, Amanda, Alex, Jesse, Tyler, Kaylee and Drew; and six great-grandchildren, Mason, Faith, Braden, Harlee, Brielle and Zane.

Funeral services were March 31, at Wells Memorial and Event Center. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Noelle Dietrich leads Lady Raiders over rival Strawberry Crest. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

SIDELINES

international spotlight by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

SPRING FOOTBALL by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

VTO combine returns to P.C.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

+ Athletes compete at Area Games

Readers of last week’s big feature on Thomas Shervington know that he was gearing up for the Area Games last weekend, and he didn’t disappoint.

Shervington won first place in his division, performing well in his first-ever singles competition: He won his set, 6-1. That earned him an Area Games medal and a blue ribbon to add to his collection.

He wasn’t the only athlete from Plant City to have success, though: The Division 2 and Division 3 volleyball teams, and the Division 3 Unified soccer team also had a great day, winning first place in their divisions.

After last year’s successful outing, VTO Sports is coming back to Plant City High this weekend for another combine.

It’s no secret that Plant City High School’s football recruits made a big splash last year. They even did enough for the school to be able to host a VTO Sports combine, which is no small feat.

And last year’s combine was such a success that, even without names such as Montel McBride and Sedrick King, VTO will be back on Saturday.

“We’re excited to be hosting it,” Raiders assistant head coach Greg Meyer says. “It drew a lot of players from all over the state last year, plus Georgia.”

After registration at 8:30 a.m., the players will take the field at 10 a.m. and be done by 3 p.m., and anyone can watch for free.

“They put on a pretty good show,” Meyer says. “It’s not just kids running around — it’s more like a showcase, a live event, than data recording.”

RACING

+ Aidan Keel races in Europe

Fresh off of an 11th-overall finish at last weekend’s Florida Winter Tour, Aidan Keel is taking his talents overseas. Genk, Belgium, to be exact.

He’s slated to compete in the Rotax Euro Challenge this weekend, going up against a field of 71 other young drivers. Keel recently moved up to the Junior (age 13-15) class and has been performing well. In the 50-driver Winter Tour, he pulled off a top-10 finish in four of the six races.

The European racing scene is much different — specifically, more serious — than it is in the United States, so Keel is in for one of the biggest tests of his young career.

“This is his first trip overseas and will be a great experience for him,” his father, Ryan Keel, says.

FOOTBALL

+ NextLevel athletes take on IMG tourney

The NextLevel Sports Academe boys are getting to see some game action in Bradenton.

The Nighthawks traveled south last weekend for IMG’s 7-on-7 tournament, bringing a few of their bigger names — including T.J. Chase, Austin Carswell, Quay Young and Ervin Michael.

They got off to a good start, putting up a 2-0 record

by March 30 and eventually finishing 3-3 on the weekend.

According to head coach Gerold Dickens, the squad will be back in action at the IMG North Florida Championship Qualifier April 12 to 13, in Tallahassee.

Courtesy photo

Plant City’s John Broome participated in last year’s event.

But, not just anyone can participate.

ON THE LIST

The VTO Elite 100 combines are invite-only, meaning one of two things: Players either had to be approved by VTO officials already, or prospective players need to get the VTO thumbs-up to get in on the action. This is serious business, and there are more

SEE VTO / PAGE 14

EXTRA ACTIVITIES

Courtesy photo

Players on the PTI 10U Maniacs team hope to continue their winning ways in the Bahamas.

BASEBALL INTHE

BAHAMAS The 10U PTI Maniacs, a traveling team that calls Plant City home, qualified to represent Team USA in a big summer tournament, to be played in the Bahamas.

The weather over these past few days has been excellent.

Sunny, low 80s, light wind — where could there possibly be better baseball weather than this?

One answer, as members of the PTI Maniacs baseball team could find out this summer, is in the Bahamas.

And they have the opportunity to find out, because they have been invited to play there on an international stage. The 10U, 11U and 14U Maniacs have been invited to don the colors of Team USA and compete in the National Wood Bat Travel Ball Association World

Championship, competing against several other countries for the world title.

Raising the money to go is the tricky part, but the organization is doing everything it can to help the kids. An opportunity like this doesn’t come often, and the unique experience is what Pro Talent Instructs LLC’s president says the Maniacs are all about.

LEARNING FROM THE PROS

PTI itself has been around for seven years, starting up while its founders were both playing

SEE PTI / PAGE 13

HOW TO DONATE

Whether a business would like to sponsor the team, or if anyone would just like to help out, donations can be made out directly to the Maniacs.

For a copy of the official form, visit PlantCityObserver. com. For more information, visit PTIbaseball.com.

Jarrett-Scott Ford will host its annual Drive 4UR School fundraiser from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 5, at the high school, 1 Raider Place.

Anyone age 18 or older can test drive a new Ford, and for every person who

registers, Jarrett-Scott Ford will make a $20 donation to the school. All test drivers will get a free hot dog, too.

“We did very well last year,” Greg Meyer says.

“We raised $6,000 last year and look to match that total again this year.”

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Big games on the small screen

All eyes are going to be on stunk, but it was all most Plant City on Friday night, people cared to go watch. when Durant and Plant City It also meant that there renew their rivalry on the was never the possibility of diamond. a television crew coming to And on TV. film the games, and because It’s always fun for you’ll catch a unicorn the kids to go to those here before seeing games and do everya Bills game, I was thing they can to get usually out of luck if I on TV, and it reminds wanted to watch anyme of something: thing but college ball My high school was on TV. So, the coolest never good enough thing I ever saw live at at sports to get the TV a Thunder game was treatment. when we played South JUSTIN I spent all four Lake one year, and KLINE years at Lake Region future Florida Gator High School, in Eagle Jeff Demps ran up and Lake. Baseball and softball down the field like he had had some good years, but be- Ferraris for feet. ing a Thunder fan was most I had always wanted to see similar to being a Buffalo Bills SEE KLINE / PAGE 13 fan: The football team always

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KLINE / PAGE 12

PTI / PAGE 12

one of our rivalry games on TV, like a really good tilt with Auburndale, but I had to settle for something else.

In 2006, there was an early-season matchup between Armwood and Winter Haven that got the Bright House Networks treatment. This is the one game I got to watch on TV, in all four years, because all of my best friends went to Winter Haven and were raving about how they had gotten on TV. The night after the game, I went to a buddy’s house with a group of friends to watch the replay.

Although the sport is different, this upcoming Durant-Plant City game reminds me of Armwood-Winter Haven that year: The big cats versus the underdogs, a highly ranked powerhouse school versus a talented up-and-comer.

And that football game was as good as any prep games I’ve covered or watched as a fan.

Armwood took an early 14-0 lead, completely normal for the Hawks, on an 80-yard scoring drive and, immediately after picking off Blue Devils quarterback D.C. Jefferson (now a tight end with the Arizona Cardinals), a 25yard touchdown pass.

Things didn’t look good for Winter Haven, until linebacker Jake Beacham recovered a Hawks fumble, and the Blue Devils managed to score on the next play — a 20-yard pitch to the running back.

Winter Haven didn’t stop scoring. They held a 19-14 lead over the Hawks in the fourth quarter, until a Blue Devils safety and a late 29-yard field goal tied things up in the closing seconds.

Then, finally, the moment my friends had been waiting for all year. No, not the start of overtime. They were waiting for the end of regulation, when a cameraman walked along the front row of the stands for a close-up fan shot. The guy had just happened to catch my buddies on TV, and they were all jumping up and down in the living room like they had just won $10,000 at the Hard Rock.

Armwood scored on its first OT possession but botched the PAT snap. All Winter Haven had to do was score and convert on the PAT, and they did just that — a 10-yard fullback dive went for six, and the kick was good. I never attended WHHS, but even I was thrilled with the win.

That win did wonders for Jefferson, who then started getting big-time interest from LSU and Rutgers (to this day, I’ll never know why he chose to play TE in Jersey when he had a shot to compete for the Tigers’ starting QB job). It also did wonders for my buddies’ egos, at least for a week.

So, Cougar and Raider fans: If you can’t make it to Friday night’s baseball game, definitely take the opportunity to watch it on TV. After all, not all of us were fortunate enough to go to high schools with TV-quality athletics.

professional baseball. Eddie Gonzalez started the organization in 2006, while he was playing baseball in New York, and his younger brother, Jerry, signed on as a co-founder while playing in the Los Angeles Angels’ farm system.

“When I was training for my second year of pro ball, I started helping kids in New York,” Eddie says. “I got inspired, motivated, because these kids wanted to play baseball, but didn’t have proper teaching.”

While traveling the country, Eddie noticed the same problem at camps all over the place.

An “epidemic,” as he calls it. So, he started doing personal instruction, and Jerry joined him in 2008, after leaving the Angels organization.

Now, they operate a number of travel ball teams — all under the Maniacs moniker — and teach the game from a pro’s perspective.

“We take these travel teams and try to put them in the right positions to improve,” Eddie says.

PTI itself is based out of Tampa, and the Maniacs teams are based out of Thonotosassa.

But, the team itself has kids who live in Tampa, Plant City, Lakeland and more. The team plays all its home games in Plant City — often splitting time between the Mike Sansone, EllisMethvin, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parks.

Some kids came to the Maniacs after spending time in their local Little League systems.

“My son had played in Plant City Little League for a long time, and it was good,” Ben Smith says. “He wanted more of a challenge, so he went to travel ball at age 7. We got involved with the Maniacs after bouncing around from a few teams.”

Smith liked the Maniacs so much that he got involved with the organization and is now the 10U team’s assistant coach. He cites 10U head coach Jerry Gonzalez’s enthusiasm for the game as a big reason for his involvement.

“Jerry is very dedicated, very involved with the team,” Smith says. “He taught my son things that he wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. He’s learning high school, college-level ball at age 10.”

The staff itself claims to have more than 20 years of experience — 11 of which come from the Gonzalez brothers’ Minor League days.

Also a selling point that the Maniacs play in a wood-bat league. The brothers believe that today’s $500 aluminum bats aren’t actually helping players develop. And, if you see one of these things in action, you’ll know why.

Thanks to modern technology, a good aluminum bat can turn an out into a dinger that clears the wall by 20 feet. Not all of those bats can do that, but buying a top-quality bat these days is a lot like using a cheat code in a video game. “(Eddie and Jerry) are pioneering this woodbat movement,” Smith says. “Wood bats are harder to play with, so it’s a way to challenge (the kids) more and level the playing field. The sweet spot is smaller, the bats are heavier, it’s harder to get a base hit.”

Tougher, yes. But, the teams seem to be doing just fine.

EARNING THAT TRIP

The 10U Maniacs only have been around for two years. After this summer tournament, the kids will move up to the next age level. Fortunately for them, they’ll move up with a lot of success already under their caps.

Last April, those Maniacs made a splash by taking second in the Global Sports Alliance Grand Slam Tournament, held in Plant City.

Two weeks later, they placed first in the IBC World Classic. In March, they won the GSA March Madness Super Regional, in Tampa.

The 14U Maniacs also have fared well recently. They won both the 2014 IBC Winter Nationals Tournament and the Suncoast Travel Ball Spring Regional Tournament. The 11U team last won in the fall, taking a regional and a state title, and is looking for its first spring win.

This success, plus Eddie’s international connections, helped the Maniacs get the green light to play in this tournament, which he says will be the first-ever international wood-bat tournament.

HELPING OUT

“We wanted to take the kids to an international event, because they don’t realize what they have here,” Eddie says.

The Gonzalez brothers have been very involved with the tournament since its inception. While coaching in the International Power Showcase, in which Washington Nationals megastar Bryce Harper has played, Eddie made several international connections and

used them to help get this wood bat tournament going.

Working with Maximum Development, a Bahamian organization, the NWBTBA settled on the Bahamas as the location and began calling teams. In addition to the American Maniacs, teams from Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Venezuela and the Virgin Islands have been confirmed; Gonzalez says that the tourney heads are still waiting on confirmation from Panama, Australia and the Dominican Republic.

One of the biggest obstacles is the cost — it’s not exactly cheap to go to the Bahamas. The trip costs roughly $2,000 per player. PTI, a 501(c)3 organization, doesn’t hesitate to help kids from lower-income families play ball. It does currently have a few players on scholarship. But, because this is such an expensive trip, PTI can’t foot the bill for those kids on its own.

“We’re just trying to get help for the kids who can’t afford it,” Eddie says. “I know several people donated a couple hundred bucks here and there. Pizzerias in Plant City and Riverview have donated some money. A couple of dads went out on their own and found some people to donate money.”

Although the responses have been good, Eddie says PTI could use any extra help it can get to give those boys a chance.

“There should be an open door for these children to see what it’s like to be able to go to other countries,” Eddie says. “To see other cultures, see how good they have it here and have a fun, positive experience with the game of baseball.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP VTO / PAGE 12 than just VTO officials and high school coaches watching from the sidelines.

Expect to see members of some prominent media outlets on the recruiting beat. VTO Sports has a partnership with Yahoo! Sports property Rivals. com, considered one of the nation’s top dogs on the high school recruiting beat. Having such exposure helps athletes in any situation get noticed and can be a huge benefit for some who fly under the radar.

“24/7 Sports is coming,” Meyer says. “Rivals.com sends prospects here, writes articles about them. It really served our kids very well last year — helped some of our ‘tweener kids like Quincy Robinson and Lance Doenges get over the hump, and guys like Landon (Galloway).”

According to Meyer, all of Plant City’s soon-to-be seniors are participating in the event — including linebacker Sawyer Dawson, who has drawn attention from programs such as Alabama and Florida State.

Raider fans can also expect to see sophomore offensive weapon Tavares “T.J.” Chase, whose name and film have been popping up all over the Internet this offseason.

Durant and Strawberry Crest high schools will be represented, too, though Meyer hasn’t confirmed which athletes will be there yet. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a big-time combine without the presence of

some top Florida programs: Armwood, Plant and Lakeland, among others, will have kids competing.

IT’S IN THE GAME

Unlike many combines, the VTO Elite 100 doesn’t use some of the NFL Scouting Combine’s most popular events: There won’t be a 40-yard dash, and athletes won’t be asked to get reps on the weight bench.

Rather, this combine focuses on individual drills. Athletes will work on route-running, takeoffs and agility by position, have their height and weight measured, and then break off into one-on-one drills. These are often fun to watch, especially when a cornerback is asked to go head-to-head with a wide receiver or running back and try to cover the pass.

When athletes perform well, they get noticed. If the media misses something, then the staff — of which many members are former collegiate and NFL players — won’t. And their word is as good as any. Former offensive lineman Mo Collins, who won the 1996 National Championship with the Florida Gators and played for the Oakland Raiders, was one of last year’s coaches, and he got to work with players such as McBride.

And, in 2013, the Raiders’ athletes performed well.

“We dominated last year, with a lot of MVPs,” Meyer says. “We’re hoping to repeat that this year, though we don’t have as many D-1 prospects

as last year.”

Although there are going to be marquee guys such as Dawson and Chase in the spotlight, Meyer expects some lesserknown guys to step up.

“Evan Crowell (OL/DL) is picking up an astounding amount of momentum, especially in the last few weeks,” he says. “The Ivy League schools are all interested — he’s a strong academic kid. Also, FAU, FIU, Mercer. He’ll draw some attention.”

Meyer also hope the combine goes well as a whole, because another good year has implications for 2015.

HANDSHAKE AGREEMENT

Plant City High doesn’t have a contract with VTO Sports to keep the combine in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. There’s just a mutual understanding between the two entities: Plant City is a great place to host such an event.

Really, it makes perfect sense from a geographical standpoint. Because a good amount of the state’s top programs are in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas, it couldn’t be easier to hop on Interstate 4 and take a day trip. Schools from North and Southwest Florida just need to get on I-75 and drive for a few hours.

“As long as everything runs smoothly, they want to keep coming back,” Meyer says.

“They see us as a good fit.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

NOELLE DIETRICH Strawberry Crest’s softball team is no pushover. Beating them isn’t easy. Shutting them out, then, takes a great effort, and that’s exactly what Plant City High’s Noelle Dietrich brought to the table March 27. Although she gave up seven hits, Dietrich kept her cool throughout seven innings of work and, along with some defensive help, made sure that Crest never got the opportunity to score a run.

You guys played Crest the other night and shut them out.You pitched a complete game.What were you feeling out there, going into that one?

Well, my whole team, we were, like, really ready for that game. Mentally prepared and really tough. Ready to go. Strawberry Crest is a great hitting team — they’re, like, amazing — and my defense did really well that night. My coach called a really good game.

What kind of pitches were you throwing at them, to keep them where you wanted them?

Just moving in and out. Coach called a pretty good game.

That game was great for you, but you’ve also been doing well all season. 1.17 ERA, 12 wins.

What’s been your key to success all season?

Just staying in the game and preparing during practice.

Working with my coach to make sure we’re on the same page. We are now. Everything’s going great.

We’re in the closing stretch of the season, district play’s winding down, it’s almost time for the postseason.What are your expectations?

I expect us to go pretty far, with as well as we’re doing right now. I’m pretty sure we just came together as a

team really well over the past few games, and I just think we’re going to go up from here.

Big game against Durant coming up on Friday.What are you looking forward to?

Should be a good game. Last game against them was pretty good, and they’re a great team, too, so it’ll be great to try and beat them.

What are some of your hobbies outside of softball?

I also play volleyball, and I also like to just hang out and things.

I’ve been playing volleyball since I was in sixth grade, so six years, now. I played for Plant City last season. I’m just looking forward to another great season — I love my team, I love my coach.

What do you like to do when you just “hang out and things?”

I like to go to movies, eat. Eating is a great hobby of mine — love to eat. I like going to the beach. I like Clearwater and St. Pete Beach. Really nice sand, really nice water and a young atmosphere.

If you could have any one superpower, what would it be?

I would like to fly. I would just fly everywhere, because I’d like to be in the sky and see over everything.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 4(523$!9 !02),

WEATHER

WED.

March 26

0.00

THURS.

TEMPERATURES

March 27

0.00

FRI.

0.00

SAT.

March 29

0.00 0.02

MON.

March 31

0.01

TUES.

April 1

0.01

MARCH

TO DATE

1.88 (2013: 2.56)

YEAR

TO DATE 4.45 (2013: 3.91)

HIGH 86 85 85 87 88 79 72

Thurs., April 3 Fri., April 4 Sat., April 5 Sun., April 6 Mon., April 7 Tues., April 8 Wed., April 9

March 28

SUN.

PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

March 30

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

LOW 61 61 63 66 67 59 53

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES SUNRISE 7:17 a.m.

7:16 a.m.

7:15 a.m.

7:14 a.m.

7:13 a.m.

7:12 a.m.

7:10 a.m.

Thurs., April 3 Fri., April 4 Sat., April 5 Sun., April 6 Mon., April 7 Tues., April 8 Wed., April 9

MOON PHASES

SUNSET 7:47 p.m.

7:47 p.m.

7:48 p.m.

7:48 p.m.

7:49 p.m.

7:50 p.m.

7:50 p.m.

April 15

April 22

GRAPE TOMATO PRICES

SHIPPING POINT: CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA PACKAGES 20-pound cartons loose 12 1-pint containers

LOW $22.95 $12.95

HIGH $24.95 $13.95

March 30

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

April 7

, 3&

Deanna Hurley submitted this photo of a tree’s root system at Edward Medard Park.

The Plant City Times & Observer, State Farm Insurance agent Tony Lee and The Corner Store have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest.

Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $10 gift certificate to The Corner Store! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City.

Winners can pick up their prize at The Corner Store.

PUT IT IN IDLE

By Rob Lee | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 6 11 16 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 31 32 34 35 37 38 39 41 42 45 47 51 53 54 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 65 66 67

Port of Iraq Famous fiddle, for short Ladybug’s lunch Kitchen meas.

“The door’s open!”

City at the foot of Mount Carmel Knock it off Former heavyweight champ Not earning one’s wages, in a way Gene sharers Dispense Certain noble’s domain Pretentious syllables With a fresh start Aromatherapy setting Flowery necklace Reed instrument Army chow Notable boy king Plumed wading bird City in India Mesa relatives Microorganism’s locomotion appendages Prepare to ice skate 500 sheets of paper Bad ___ (German resort) Lively tune Store cremated remains Recharge one’s batteries Vietnam’s capital Participate in an election Small snapshot?

Place to work out Swindler’s activity Ballpark fig.

“Out of the question” Chest muscle, for short

68 69 70 72 73 74 75 76 79 80 81 82 83 84 87 89 91 92 93 97 99 102 103 104 105 107 109 110 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121

Fair to middling Headlight setting Obviously pleased Actor Aykroyd Hairy beast Mother of mine?

Like a pocketful of krypton Not worry Long-term inmate Petri-dish medium D.C. dignitary Part of a foot Bats’ hangout Most brittle Like pant legs Black, to a poet Opposite of a giver “Fargo” assent Like the Mojave Peace of mind Biblical jawbone source Jamaican popular music Glazier’s installation Bicycle for two “The People’s Princess” Shape of a planet’s orbit She raised Cain Relaxing with an ottoman Suffix for “command” or “profit” With no one Exposed publicly 10 plus 10 Bride’s new title Dryer materials Dictation pro More withered

DOWN 1 2

Hag Nobody in particular

SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 25 30 33 35 36 40 42 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 52 55 57 58

Subway entrances Extends, as a subscription 2012 film about hostages Heavyweight event?

Marble used as a shooter Fruit skin Ran ___ of the law Tango, for one Feeling flu-ish Carolina’s ___ Dee River Leon Uris book “The ___” Put by itself Prevent entry of Using a comfortable chair Tricky pitch Big hit at birthday parties?

Quarrel One available for the taking?

Ringing up, old-style What opposites do Muscle spasm Chair parts Faint flicker Frank holder “Oh no, a mouse!”

Letters on a motor-oil can Pampas kin Cats have nine of them Loss of sense of smell Economizing “Able was I ___ I saw Elba” Primary color, to a printer More hesitant Light, metallic sound Gotham, initially

© 2013 Universal Uclick

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Car-engine part Breathe rapidly Editor’s raw material Abrasive cloth Wispy white clouds Faux ___ (blunder) Square dance moves Added to one’s knowledge base Close-packed Like Al Capp’s Abner Badly needing a bath Ambulance stops (Abbr.)

78 79 81 83 85 86 88 89 90 93 94

High card Was in front of the pack Exchange of cross words On ___ of (for) Impulse activators Back of a wedding gown Gets by Put on a pedestal June Cleaver’s son By the item “Jurassic Park” predator

95 96 98 100 101 105 106 108 111 112 113

Underwrite a risk More thought-provoking Katmandu’s land Palms yielding starch Aardvark feature Bites the dust Pay to hold hands?

Diet-food label word Brick measure?

Demolitionist’s stuff Suffix for “Hallow”

C RY P T O G R A M S 1 . L I X U A J X F U G F F X N X FA N J E G S J J U R X P P T P X H G W N I X D G O F Z J E E J F ? U I G H X W G R J U I L O A G W G Z G O D G W N X FA I X D G S O F G WGZGTUOJFN. 2 . Y G C N Q I Z R X J Z I I C RY C X Y Z Y G C J Z J Z R S Y B : “ D Q D F C E Z S A L A N R X Z V I D Q F L S Y E Z S N A C , V Z A B S A C , G N A X R S Y B Y Z JA N J F ! ”

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