05.08.15 PCTO

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH

MOTHER’SDAY

SPOTLIGHT

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Read some heartwarming entries from the contest.

FREE • FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

THE NEED FOR SPEED

Pop group NRG prepares for hip talent show.

At 13, Aidan Keel is racing his way to Portugal.

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REDCOAT ALERT

OUR TOWN

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

MAN’S BEST FRIEND by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Walden elected festival president

BARKING ORDERS

+ Times & Observer wins awards The Plant City Times & Observer is pleased to announce that the paper has won four awards in the 2014 Local Media Association’s editorial contest:

Best Feature: Second, Dahlia Strong Best Feature: Third, House of Healing Best Breaking News Story: Second, Plant City fires police chief Best Front Page: Third

For Dan Walden, the Strawberry Festival is all about serving families.

Two Plant City Police Department officers are training and learning how to work with their K9 units.

The Plant City Times & Observer contributed four wins to the 19 total wins from the Observer Media Group.

LMA is made up of some of the largest public and privately held media companies in North America and helps to grow over 2,400 traditional media outlets and their digital platforms, and several hundred research and development partners in the industry.

Dan Walden has lived in Plant City his whole life, and his earliest memories of the Florida Strawberry Festival conjure a mental image that is much simpler than the event that now draws more than 100,000 people annually.

“I remember coming to it with my dad when I was 8, 9, 10 years old,” Walden said.

“At that time, there was one

On a hot afternoon in May, three deputies and two Plant City Police Department officers are stiffly aligned in a field near Tampa Executive Airport. At each man’s side is a dog, panting to keep cool, and alert to the sights, scents and sounds of the other members of this outdoor classroom.

“Break,” a facilitator says.

The rigid formation melts away, and each man takes a chew toy from his pocket. For a few minutes, the dogs jump, play and bark, as the deputies and officers praise them in high-pitched voices.

Though the dogs appeared to be serious and intimidating,

+ Nominate a service member

Do you have an American hero in mind you think deserves to be featured on Memorial Day? We are looking for the best stories of military members, veterans and active duty, to feature in a special Memorial Day Hometown Hero story.

The winner will receive a special gift from 813 Scapes.

All you need to do is write in why you think your American hero has sacrificed for their country. Send submissions to Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. The deadline is Friday, May 15.

SEE WALDEN / PAGE 4

EDUCATION

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Crest High chosen as SpringBoard demo school

SEE K9S / PAGE 4

Strawberry Crest is one of five schools across the country given this distinction.

Though many high schools in Hillsborough County have been using SpringBoard, an advanced curriculum created by the College Board, Strawberry Crest High School has excelled among them and is now used as an example for schools around the country that are interested in the program.

SpringBoard is used throughout the United States in certain math and English classes, for grades six through 12. Through its own textbooks and assignments, it gives students a headstart on material that will reap-

+ Rotary day for bookish

Rotary, including two clubs from Plant City, will celebrate Rotary Day with the unveiling of the world’s largest traveling children’s book Saturday, May 16, at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Not only is the book a Guiness-world record breaking feat, there will also be a 10,000-book giveaway.

The celebration is meant to teach children to dream big by promoting literacy and a love of academics and storytelling. The event is free and will be from 10 a.m. until it gets dark.

For more information, visit RotaryDayTampaBay.

, 3&

This week’s winner is

Photos by Catherine Sinclair

The dogs have to go through basic obedience training, which includes learning to walk on a short leash.

LIFE’S PEACHY by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Keel and Curley to host first peach festival Hot on the heels of the Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival, the winery has decided May is the time to honor another fruit: the Florida peach.

According to those at Keel and Curley Winery, few Florida fruits are as under-appreciated as the peach.

Georgia takes the cobbler when it comes to the fame of the peach, but peaches grow in Florida, including right down the road from Plant City’s center at the rural winery property.

Keel and Curley will be celebrating the crop with a festival Saturday, May 16, just weeks after the Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival. Simply dubbed the Keel and Curley Winery Peach Festival, this one day affair will be attractive to fans of one of nature’s fuzziest fruits.

The Keels are widely known

Traci Forcucci See his photo on PAGE 15.

SEE CREST / PAGE 4

for their blueberry farms and festival, but they are excited to start a new tradition.

“I think it’s time to celebrate a different fruit — something that’s not typical of this area,” Ryan Keel, vice president of operations, said. “It’ll make people aware of the Florida peach. I don’t think a lot of people knew that peaches grew in Florida until they came out here.”

For veterans of the blueberry festival, the setup this

time around is very similar: $5 parking, free admission, around 40 food and craft vendors, exclusive drinks and a U-pick.

Peaches, blackberries and whatever blueberries are left from the last festival can be picked from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on festival day. The peaches can be had for $2 per pound, and shuttle transportation to the peach

KEEL AND CURLEY PEACH FESTIVAL WHEN: Saturday, May 16;

U-Pick, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; vendors, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: 5210 Thonotosassa Road INFO:

KeelAndCurleyWinery.com

PEACHES / PAGE 4

INDEX Calendar.....................10

IF YOU GO

Vol.2,No.32 | Twosections Crossword...................15

Obituaries...................14

Sports...........................5

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

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Mama, I love you MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Mimi Lopez has won a gift basket and gift card from Valerie’s Attic for her mother.

Mother’s Day — possibly the most tender holiday out of the bunch. We love to celebrate our mamas for all they have done for us: the sacrifices, the late nights, the love, the hugs. This year, the winner of our Mother’s Day contest is Mimi Lopez for her touching essay on the amazing obstacles her mother overcame to secure a better life for her family and become a role model for her children.

Mimi will receive a prize basket worth $100 from Valerie’s Attic in Historic Downtown, and a $25 gift certificate for her mother.

THE WINNER Determined. Intelligen Courageous. Responsible. Achiever. I can trul say all those words best describe my mother. I have been beyond blesse to have such an amazing woman in my life, and I am honored to call her m mother.

My mother, Margarita, was born in Mexico and is the oldest of six siblings. At the age of 11 she was brought to the United States. She came not knowing a single word in English and was enrolled in school by my grandmother. Due to the language barrier she was placed in the third grade. In Mexico, she was in the fifth grade. She states she felt embarrassed and often times was bullied.

At the age of 16, she dropped out of school and started working in the fields picking strawberries with her parents. Later, she started working at Taco Bell and moved up to become a shift manager. One day she states, that while working there, she saw an older coworker. The lady was cleaning tables and taking out the trash.

That’s when she thought to herself, “Is that going to be me in the future Who’s going to want to hire me ” After much consideration she decided to talk to her husband, my dad, about her desire to continue her studies and move forward in life.

My dad supported her 100 . She spoke to her supervisor from Taco Bell and requested her shift be moved because she wanted to work on getting her GED. After three months, she was able to get her GED and enrolled in HCC part time while still working at Taco Bell. After several months she left her job at Taco Bell and enrolled full time in HCC. She was later able to get a job in the Healthy Start Program, where she worked for four years before leaving and enrolling in USF full time. This I remember as if it were yesterday. I hated staying home with the boys, which were my dad and little brother, while my mom worked the night shift at McDonald’s. The house felt so boring and

empty without her.

Now, at the age of 27, I fully understand why she did what he did. She wanted a better future — something that, at my young age, I did not comprehend. I just knew that I hated staying with the boys.

With hard work and determination, she was able to graduate with her bachelor’s in social work.

She returned working for the Healthy Start Program, and she has been there for 12 years. She started doing home visits as a case manager and is now the family resource coordinator supervisor for the Healthy Start Program at Tampa General Hospital and Brandon Regional Hospital.

She has such a passion for what she does. I really admire her desire to help the families in need. In my opinion, my mom is an example that it is never too late to pursue your dream and that nothing should stop you from reaching your goals. I can only imagine that having a husband and two children, and working part time and attending USF full time was extremely tiresome But she did it.

I’m starting to believe that my mom has some sort of magical powers.

She currently works full-

time for the Healthy Start Program as I mentioned earlier, and she is also a Sunday school teacher.

She works with preteens ages 10 to 13. I have asked my mom several times, “How do you not get tired ” She simply responds, “I love what I do.”

It just amazes me how great of an example she is to me. She pushes me and my brother to always do our best at everything and to always put the Lord in all our plans.

There is a quote I once heard that said, “You have to preach what you teach so people can believe you.” And I can truly say my mom does that. If it weren’t for my mom I don’t think I could be where I am now. All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother. I don’t think I could ever pay her back for everything she has done for me. She has such a great and generous heart.

Those who know my mom know she goes above and beyond her role of being a friend, sister, mom, daughter and wife. My family might not be the richest or wealthiest family in Plant City, but I believe we are beyond blessed to have such an amazing woman in our lives, and I get to call her “Mom.” — Mimi Lopez

It just amazes me how great of an example she is to me.

She pushes me and my brother to always do our best at everything and to always put the Lord in all our plans.

HONORABLE MENTIONS Not Always Family

I noticed your contest, and even though my mother lives in Michigan, I have a very dear friend who stepped in when I moved down here almost 20 years ago. Her name is Emily Keene Youvan, and she lives right by the library in the huge, twostory house.

Now here is my story: I moved here not knowng anyone, and Emily topped and introduced herself to me and said if I hould ever need anything he was right next door.

Her mother owned the farm ext to me, and she was out here every day to help her other.

She has also adopted a boy ho would have otherwise en in foster care a few ars ago.

She was unable to have ldren of her own. She ped raise her niece and n paid for her college and given her niece the farm use to live in since she is an ult. he invited us into her me and heart. She would tch my girls for me when ad no one else. She taught m the values in life. She ght them to like the finer ngs, like afternoon tea and old movies and the love of ding. They learned to swim her pool. he was always there when eeded a friend. I got to experience things I would not have gotten to.

When my dog was sick, she not only took him to the vet, she paid for the medicine.

And then, when the medicine didn’t work and he had to be put to sleep, she took me back to the vet and paid to have him put to sleep.

She had us over for cookovers and bought my lunch every time I went over to spend time on the farm with her.

My life here in Florida would in no way have been as good as it has been if it weren’t for Emily’s part in it.

And I know my daughters turned out to be fine young women because of her influence in their lives. Her niece, Rachel, has had a better life due to her kindness and love.

And her adopted son, Charlie, I know, has had a terrific life, which could have ended up being a terrible life.

Emily has a heart of gold, and even if we don’t talk every week or every month, when we do talk, it’s just like we had seen each other every day. She hired people to work for her who were in desperate need of money and even made up jobs for them. She takes care of her brother’s cows for him.

Emily is one of the greatest mothers I know and deserves to be recognized for everything she has given, not only to me and my girls, her niece and Charlie, but to many people in the Plant City area.

— Rosemary White

Rocky Start

My mother is the best. She had me two months premature and was in labor for 30 minutes. She spent the entire time wondering what was go-

ing to happen to me, and if I would be OK being that little.

After everything was clear, we went home and were a happy family.

Then, at nine months, I had something bad happen to me.

Mom was holding me, and I held on her tight — too tight.

She noticed something was wrong the way I was so stiff.

She rushed me to the hospital, and they waited for a long time. The doctors thought I wouldn’t make it and told her to call family to the hospital.

She worried all night, but I managed to pull through.

The doctors diagnosed me with febrile seizures. I was more susceptible to them.

Over the years, our doctors came to the conclusion I had epilepsy, that has now transitioned into absence seizures, and my mom endured all of it and made countless trips from Tampa to Brandon to where ever she could to find answers. Because she is my mom.

Growing up, she worried if I would be OK at elementary school. Then, the worry moved to would I be OK hanging out with friends, which turned into the worry of driving, and now I’m older, she’s still worrying me finding something else to worry about. Now that I have hope, I can worry like her in a few years with my future children.

— Delayna Peacock

Surrogate Mother

My name is Alicia Savage. I have lived in Plant City all my life. I have two children, ages 2 and 7. I am 31 years old.

I’m not nominating my actual mother, but my sister, Jacinda Balliett. She will be 40 on May 18 and has raised me all my life. Our mother raised us as a single mother and did the “best” she could. So my sister got me to school, homework, dinner and more than I can admit.

She also has lived here all her life and has worked at Bruner’s Insurance for 19 years in Plant City. She’s known by most and remembered by all. She has no children and has never married, but has dedicated her life to working hard, and raising and guiding me.

She is the best sister, friend and aunt anyone could ever want/ask for. I know this is a different way of entering a Mother’s Day contest, but honestly, I don’t know if anyone would be more qualified for a Mother’s Day gift than her.

We were raised off Kinard Road in Antioch. My grandparents built it in 1963, and we have been here ever since.

I live in the home my grandparents built. If it weren’t for Jacinda none of this would be in the family, and I’m sure I wouldn’t be living here with my two children and husband.

In conclusion, I am lucky to have her, and I would love nothing more than to shout it to the world how incredibly awesome she is. But — at the end of the day — I’ll still remind her daily how incredibly lucky I am to have her and how very much I love her.

— Alicia Savage

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NEWS BRIEFS

AGRICULTURE by Michael Hinman | Business Observer

+ SCHS band director arrested for DUI

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested the band director of Strawberry Crest for DUI after she refused to provide breath samples Sunday, May 3, following a near-collision.

At about 9:30 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop on Cheri Sleeper, 51, of Tampa, for failing to yield the right of way. She pulled out from an Apollo Beach private drive and crossed four lanes of traffic, where she almost struck a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office marked patrol vehicle.

Sleeper emitted the odor of alcohol, and had red/glossy eyes, slurred speech and unsteady balance, according to HCSO. She previously refused to provide breath, urine or blood during a separate incident December 8, 2008.

+ Pileup closes eastbound I-4

Mark Wemple

FAMILY ROOTS

Gary Wishnatzki with Wish Farms is developing technology he says will completely transform the agriculture industry.

Wish Farms has a rich history. But it hardly lives in the past.

The agriculture firm’s future, instead, lies in technology advances.

‘DEATH SPIRAL’

Although he grew up on the farm, Wishnatzki always has been fascinated with technology. And after he took over Wish Farms in 1990 from his father and uncle, Wishnatzki embarked on merging the electronic world with the organic at the massive strawberry and blueberry grower.

A decade ago, for example, Wishnatzki founded VirtualOne. The technology company developed FreshQC, an electronic tracking system that traces a strawberry’s journey from plant to grocery store shelf, in 2008.

“We do it for food safety, but we found other uses for that kind of data as well,” Wishnatzki says.

FreshQC has since evolved into “How’s My Picking,” where customers can go online and enter a 16-digit code found on their strawberry package and leave feedback straight to the actual picker. The codes also help Wish Farms track productivity from the fields and delivery to stores nationwide, including Publix locations in the Southeast.

“Part of the way you survive is that every so many generations, you just have to reinvent yourself,” Wishnatzki says. “A lot of businesses fall into that death spiral where they are in a rut, or think things are going to be profitable because it’s the way your father or grand-

father used to do it.

“It doesn’t have to work that way. You have to see trends, stay with the time, and recognize what’s going on around you.”

LACK OF SENTIMENT

Seeing trends is an attribute not exclusive to Wishnatzki.

Since its founding in 1922 on the streets of New York City, Wish Farms has continually evolved.

Harris Wishnatzki, a Russian immigrant, sold fruits and vegetables from a pushcart in New York where, according to the family’s history, he met another pushcart peddler, Daniel Nathel. The two rapidly grew their pushcart fleet, forming Wishnatzki & Nathel at the height of the Roaring ‘20s.

Wishnatzki relocated to Florida in 1929 to oversee the produce shipping operation in Plant City. He also helped open the market for year-round fruit availability, even during cold New York winters.

Harris died in 1955, and sons Joe and Lester Wishnatzki took over. Gary Wishnatzki joined his father and uncle in 1974, and Wishnatzki & Nathel ultimately purchased its own farms in Florida, finding land in both Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

“Growing up, I knew my dad worked a lot of hours, and he worked very hard during the season,” Wishnatzki says. “I used to come over on the weekends when I was in school, and he would put us to work.”

Wishnatzki has fond memories of those days. But he doesn’t dwell on them.

“You can’t be sentimental about business,” he says. “I try to make good business decisions, and not base things on sentimentality. You can’t, especially with a business this old.”

Wishnatzki demonstrated that in 2001, when he negotiated a split with the family’s longtime partnership with Daniel Nathel’s descendants.

The two separate companies would split up the New York and Florida operations, allowing Wishnatzki to focus more on growing and shipping.

Today, Wish Farms operates 2,500 acres of farmland in six states and three countries, and works closely with independent farmers on 1,000 more.

Florida farms are busy virtually all year, growing not just strawberries, but blueberries,

bell peppers, cucumbers for pickles, and grape tomatoes.

In a good year, Wish Farms can produce more than 30 million pounds of strawberries from farmland in both Florida and California, keeping it fresh between November and July.

LOOK FORWARD

Picking strawberries, however, is expensive.

And even in 2015 it requires men and women in the field, choosing which strawberries are ready to pick, and which ones will need to wait a little longer.

“You have to figure that we need at least one picker per acre in order to keep up with the fields,” Wishnatzki says.

“But since a lot of people don’t work full weeks anymore, you now have to figure about oneand-a-half people per acre.”

Payroll costs can be staggering, even at the federal median earnings of less than $19,000 per year for a farm worker. To wit: minimum staffing for an 800-acre farm — like the one in Manatee County the company sold last year and leased back — could cost Wish Farms more than $15 million annually.

That’s where technology can help, Wishnatzki says. He’s joined forces with former Intel mechanical engineer Bob Pitzer of 4FX Design in Tampa to develop the prototype strawberry picker.

Wishnatzki is scant on details when it comes to the machinery. But he does share that onboard sensors can detect when strawberries are ready to pick, and then package the fruits on the spot.

For people familiar with the agriculture industry, the use of technology is the norm, not an exception.

“That’s one thing we see a lot — agriculture actually being the first to market for a lot of technologies we’ll eventually find everywhere else,” says Melissa Tilney, marketing head of venture capital marketplace AgFunder. “We see driverless tractors being used long before driverless cars hit the market. Some farms already have found uses for drones, well ahead of companies like Amazon trying to implement them for shipping.”

AgFunder started in 2013 to connect investors and farm innovators, Tilney says. The San Francisco-based company has so far helped raise $2.3 billion

FARMING FOR THE FUTURE

AgFunder helped connect investors and the agriculture industry with $2.3 billion in venture capital last year. The top sectors getting funding:

Bioenergy Food e-commerce Soil and crop tech Sustainable protein Biomaterials/biochemistry Indoor agriculture Waste mitigation Decision support tech Smart equipment/hardware Drones and robotics

$374 $370 $314 $200 $177 $175 $154 $129 $125 $119

million million million million million million million million million million

Source: AgFunder

for research and development, not just from traditional agricultural investors, but some new players as well.

“There is this fresh group of investors who may not be versed in agriculture, but they know what the value chain looks like,” Tilney says. “We spend a lot of time educating them in the beginning, but once they see how their investment is doing, they catch on really quickly.”

+ P.C. men arrested for drug possession

LEAVING A LEGACY

Wishnatzki found his own investors from other strawberry growers throughout the country. He raised $1 million in the first round of angel funding, and $1.5 million in a second. He is working now on a third and final round that should raise another $1.5 million for the project. He didn’t share names of the seven primary investors.

“We originally planned on using this just for us, something that would give us an edge over everyone else,” Wishnatzki says. “But the further we got into this, the more we realized how much it could change everything.”

Once the machines go into production, Wishnatzki and his investors will lease the equipment to farmers. Charges will be based on the machine’s production. That will allow Wishnatzki to upgrade machines whenever necessary, and keep a steady flow of revenue from the innovation.

That’s good for Wishnatzki, who recently welcomed the fifth generation of his family into the world. “He’s an innovator, and he’s a risk-taker,” says Amber Kosinsky, Wish Farms’ director of marketing.

“He’s got people here who are willing to butt heads with his ideas. But when he believes in something, he’s doing it.”

“

Two Plant City men were arrested April 24, on charges of illegal drug possession.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives were assisting the Florida Department of Corrections at 5541 Joe King Road in Plant City, when they saw drug paraphernalia inside the residence in plain view.

Later that day, detectives obtained and executed a court-authorized search warrant for the residence.

They seized five firearms, as well as 18.7 grams of crack cocaine, 88.3 grams of marijuana and $2,416.

Thomas Robinson, 24, and Robert Thompson, 33, both of Plant City, were arrested and booked into Orient Road Jail.

I try to make good + Lithia man killed in crash business Brian Manning, 44, of decisions, Lithia, died April 13, after driving off the roadway in his and not base 2015 Chevrolet Corvette.

At about 7 p.m., Manning things on was driving westbound on Park Road, a resisentimentality. Channing dential, undivided roadway in Lithia. He was traveling at 80 You can’t, miles per hour. especially He drove left of center, off the roadway and over a with a business six-inch curb, causing him to shear off a light pole and this old. an oak tree. He then struck

“

I

t’s game-changing technology that could revolutionize an industry and cut costs by hundreds of millions of dollars.

Yet it’s not being developed in Silicon Valley — more like Hidden Valley.

Gary Wishnatzki, third generation owner of Wish Farms in Plant City, is about to test a prototype robotic strawberry harvester that will automate the picking process for the first time ever. It’s a concept so bold, even his competitors have handed him money to invest in its research and development.

No one should be surprised, Wishnatzki says. Farms always have been far more than tractors, old pickup trucks and simple living.

“The machine we’re working on mimics human pickers,” Wishnatzki says. “We have a commercially viable concept, and all the patents filed. It’s an approach no one else has taken.”

A four-car pileup blocked all lanes of eastbound traffic on Interstate 4 Saturday, April 25.

At 8:12 a.m., a Florida Highway Patrol traffic homicide investigator was parked on the inside shoulder of eastbound I-4, just west of State Road 39, with his emergency lights activated, taking measurements from a previous crash. At that time, a Cadillac, driven by Richard Granison, 55, of Tampa, slowed after seeing the FHP patrol car with its lights on.

A tractor trailer, driven by Michael Shultz, 24, of Spring Hill, didn’t slow and plowed into the back of the Cadillac.

The Cadillac was propelled forward and collided with the rear of a pickup truck driven

by Lorenzo Perez, 58, of Tampa.

Post-impact, the pickup truck overturned while Cadillac traveled off the roadway and struck a barrier wall.

A Chevy van traveling in the inside lane was struck by debris from the initial collision.

Granison suffered minor injury and was transported to LRMC for medical care. The crash closed all eastbound lanes of I-4. Shultz was ticketed for careless driving.

Gary Wishnatzki

another oak tree.

Manning was ejected from the vehicle and transported to a hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

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WALDEN / PAGE 1

CREST / PAGE 1

building, and maybe five or six rides, with no headline entertainment, and it was very small.”

When Walden was 12, his father died in a vehicle crash.

But the festival always brings back fond memories of the times they shared there when Walden was a child.

Now that he has been elected as president of the festival, Walden hopes to foster an environment that can help other families have those same kinds of cherished moments that they will never forget. He will serve with Vice President Sandee Parke Sytsma, Secretary Floyd Hall and Treasurer W.D. “Dub” McGinnes.

Walden first got involved with the festival 31 years ago.

He was asked to help with logistics for the Grand Parade.

Since then, he has served on a number of committees, such as those for parking lots, the Strawberry Ball and the youth swine show. He served as chairman of some of these committees.

Walden is particularly fond of the livestock shows at the festival, not only because he has spent so much time there as a volunteer, but also because his children used to participate as competitors.

But it takes the cooperation of every staff member, volunteer, board member and committee in order for the festival to keep on running.

pear in Advanced Placement classes, through which students can earn college credit.

“The whole idea is to get them ready to take AP classes or take college classes,” SCHS principal David Brown said.

“And I’m not saying every student is headed to college, but you never know ... it definitely prepares them.”

Hillsborough County Public Schools introduced SpringBoard to four high schools in 2007. More schools in the district started using the curriculum, and this year, all Hillsborough high schools used SpringBoard math.

Strawberry Crest first used SpringBoard language arts four years ago, and the 201415 school year was its first year for SpringBoard math.

Brown said the faculty was enthusiastic from the start.

“They took this curriculum and owned it, and said, ‘This is going to be good for kids, and I can see this having a positive influence,’” Brown said.

SCHS was so successful with SpringBoard that the College Board selected it as a national demonstration school this year, along with just four other schools located in Pennsylvania and Washington.

School district officials, teachers and administrators from around the country have been coming to visit SCHS to learn more about Spring-

PEACHES / PAGE 1 farm, a two-mile drive from the winery, will be provided.

Vendors will be open for business from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the lineup should consist of several familiar faces, such as winery mainstay Smokin’ Aces BBQ, whose smoked gator sausage was a popular item at the recent blueberry festival.

There will also be live entertainment, courtesy of Lakeland-based rock group Munn Park Saints. And, for the thirsty, the winery will feature its peach chardonnay and brand-

Catherine Sinclair

Dan Walden is fond of a wooden model of the Midway, which is housed in Neighborhood Village.

“We operate as a family,” Walden said. “We’re a rather large family, but there’s a family atmosphere. I realize that it takes every individual, committee and area to make the festival successful every year.”

It’s early for Walden to identify specific ways the festival will improve in 2016, but he hopes to continue the growth it’s experienced in past years.

“We are continuously looking to expand in areas where we need to have growth, and every year, we look at the overall operations and strive to make any changes that would

be beneficial to the patrons and the operations of the festival,” he said.

When he is not tending to his festival-related duties, Walden is a commercial agent with Poppell Insurance Inc. In the past, he has served Plant City as president of the Lions Club and chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

The rest of Walden’s family is also known for their involvement in the Plant City community. His wife, Pam Walden, is the supervisor for agriculture and JROTC for Hillsborough

County Public Schools, area VI. Their son, Beau, is a banker with Rabo AgriFinance, and their daughter, Natasha, is a doctor of physical therapy at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

For the Waldens, Plant City will always be home, and there’s no place Dan would rather be.

“I think it’s the strong family values, and those are some of the same things that we try to continue to do with the Strawberry Festival — to take into consideration that everything we try to do out here is familyfriendly,” he said.

AP EXAMS

Since using SpringBoard, Strawberry Crest students’ Advanced Placement exam scores have increased dramatically. In 2011, the school’s passing rate for AP language was 36%, and in 2014, it was 62%.

The passing rate for AP literature was 21% in 2011 and 63% last year.

Board, some as far as Las Vegas and Chicago.

These education professionals have sat in on SpringBoard classes, talked to instructors and students, and asked questions about the challenges and advantages of SpringBoard.

“Nobody likes the unknown, so whenever you’re making a change, you want to know, what are some bumps in the road that you might face?” Brown said.

“Students benefit from coherence, rigor and a consistent culture of high expectations,” SCHS assistant principal for curriculum Christine Raburn said. “They work toward clear learning targets and know why the skills they’re developing matter.

(SpringBoard) is not a sit-andget curriculum — it forces them to be engaged.”

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

new peach cider and peach hefeweizen, a German style of wheat beer.

The winery is hoping that the festival can yield some noticeable success. Should everything go well, theWinter Strawberry Capital of the World can count on more peach festivals happening around this time in years to come.

“For me, it’s just an excuse to have some good peach beer, peach cider and peach wine,” Keel says. “But the U-pick is always fun, too.”

For more information, visit KeelAndCurleyWinery.com.

CELEBRATING YOUTH by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

P.C. could host World Youth Hall of Fame

It’s true that young people from America, Canada and the rest of the world have done some incredible things while they were babyfaced. Just ask Max Stevens, a man who wants these people to be remembered forever.

And, he wants these accomplishments to be forever celebrated in Plant City.

Along with co-founder Joyce Punt, Stevens has acted upon roughly a decade’s worth of ideas and begun the process of making the World Youth Hall of Fame into an actual place. The founders want children and teenagers from all over to come to the museum for some education and inspiration.

“The youth have an incredible peer group, and they’ve achieved greatness in every area you can think of,” Stevens said.

From the biggest names of the past, such as Annie Oakley and Shirley Temple, to presentday favorites, such as Justin Bieber and Mark Zuckerberg, the World Youth Hall of Fame wants to honor every youth who did something great. To meet its ideas, Stevens and Punt have created an IndieGoGo page with the goal of reaching $950,000 by July 15.

If the goal is not reached, Stevens said, everyone will get their money back.

Part of the cost would cover the remodeling process. The building Stevens has chosen, an old truck stop, is in need of some landscaping, miscellaneous work and a new roof.

Depending on how much money a person donates, he or she will be eligible for several perks: a custom-engraved brick in the museum’s Walk of Honor and engraved benches, and spots in the Wall and Patio of Honor.

The rest would go to the museum’s exhibits and upkeep.

Stevens chose the old truck stop on Highway 39, north of Interstate 4, for its close proximity to and visibility form the highway.

“On I-4, 10,000 people an hour go down that road,” Ste-

TIME FOR CHANGE

Want to hold a world record?

If so, then supporting the World Youth Hall of Fame is a good idea. The museum will feature the world’s largest collection of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, which is expected to value $150,000.

“All kids relate to saving change in piggy banks,” Max Stevens said. “I suppose I could say this is the world’s largest piggy bank, but I didn’t want to leave out the teenagers who don’t call them piggy banks.”

Stevens’ goal is for kids to come in and drop money in the container. Whoever gives money will automatically hold the new world record, get a certificate and have a more self-confidence.

“When kids and people are in there, many will go, ‘Yeah, they were geniuses, I could never do that,’” Stevens says. “But they could walk over to the center, put a coin in and hold the world record.”

THE DETAILS

For more information about the World Youth Hall of Fame, visit WorldYouthHallOfFame.org.

To donate to the IndieGoGo campaign, visit indiegogo. com/projects/the-worldyouth-hall-of-fame--2.

vens said. “Many of them are tourists going between Disney and Busch Gardens. All you really need to do is put to logo out there, and you’re gonna have all the business you need to make it viable.”

He’s raised $1,100 since the IndieGoGo page was created in April, and he knows there’s a long way to go. But for the sake of the youths, he’s willing to try and reach the goal.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Photos by Catherine Sinclair

Officers Patrick Walker and Mike Zaccaro are working with the dogs at a Hillsborough County Sheriff Office aviation facility in Tampa.

K9S / PAGE 1 they are just puppies on the inside.

And after 13 weeks of training, with every action motivated by the opportunity for playtime, they will be ready to launch their careers in law enforcement as Tampa Bay’s newest K9 units.

Plant City Police Department officers Patrick Walker and Mike Zaccaro are training K9s Jax and Leto, who will replace two dogs that recently retired after nine years with the PCPD. Jax and Leto will complete Plant City’s four-K9 team, allowing the department to have dogs on patrol 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

MEET THE K9S JAX Breed: Belgian Malinois Age: 16 months Origin: Netherlands Personality: Affectionate, high-energy LETO Breed: German shepherd Age: 17 months Origin: Poland Personality: Laid-back, easy going

RETIREMENT

When a dog retires, its handler has the option of keeping the dog as a pet. After working with K9 Ruger for the dog’s entire career, there was no question for Walker about whether he would want to keep Ruger around.

“That dog’s my best friend,” Walker said. “We spend more time with these dogs than we do our own families.”

But for K9s, retirement isn’t necessarily the relaxing reward that we consider it to be.

The sudden change to a lack of work and less time with their handlers can cause the dogs to go into depression.

Walker still spends plenty of quality time with Ruger and takes him for rides around the block, to make sure he knows that he hasn’t been abandoned.

“They don’t understand that this is their time to relax because they don’t want to,”

the department about $8,000.

Walker and Zaccaro went to Lady Lake a few months ago to socialize with the available dogs and see which ones would work well with them.

They checked the dogs for tracking abilities, hunting drive and other traits.

Within 48 hours of picking out their new K9s, Walker and Zaccaro had to take the dogs to a veterinarian in Plant City for an exam. But the vet didn’t like what he saw. “(One of the dog’s) back legs weren’t the way they were supposed to be on a German shepherd ... and he was showing some signs of arthritis in his front elbows, and the dog was only 14 months old,” Walker said.

The second dog also had some problems.

So, the dogs were sent back, and the officers returned to the breeder to pick out another pair. They returned to the department with Jax and Leto.

After they passed their vet exams, it was time to get to work.

TRAINING AND CAREER

Walker said. “He wants to go, he wants to ride, and he wants to do all the stuff he used to do.”

But another challenge for Ruger is to get used to Jax, the new dog that Walker will be working and living with.

FINDING A MATCH

The police department gets all of its dogs from a breeder in Lady Lake, who sends representatives overseas to pick out dogs in Europe that have the best potential. Each dog costs

Jax and Leto hadn’t had any prior training when they arrived in Plant City.

“They don’t know anything, other than to be a dog,” Walker said.

But the 13-week training period, led by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and held at an aviation facility in Tampa, transforms the dogs into obedient, criminalcatching companions.

The dogs will eventually be used for patrolling on felony cases, and for narcotics cases.

Their training includes narcotics detection, bite work,

criminal apprehension, building searches, human tracking and more.

They also have to learn basic commands, such as “sit,” “heel” and “stay.”

“Obedience is a big thing,” Walker said. “That’s the issue I’m having right now. ... Jax wants to do what Jax wants to do.”

Training is based on the reward of playtime. When a dog correctly responds to a series of commands, its handler gets out a favorite toy and lets the dog have a moment of fun.

Food is not used as a reward, and beatings or other harmful actions are not used as punishment.

After the training period, the dogs will have to pass exams to become certified. They will continue field training for 16 hours a month during their career, and they will be recertified twice a year.

Just like people, when the dogs come home after a long day of work, they are entitled to some rest.

“They have to have the opportunity to just be a dog,” Walker said.

But they’re always ready to jump right in the next day.

“It’s like you turn a switch on or off in their head,” Walker said. “When Ruger used to see me getting dressed, he knew in his mind, ‘OK, we’re fixing to go to work.’ And you could see his demeanor start to change.

He knows at that point, we’re at work. Nobody’s allowed to touch me, nobody’s allowed to touch him and nobody’s allowed to get in that car.”

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Colby Brewington pitches a scoreless inning in game.7 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

SIDELINES

Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com, or Tweet us at @ PCTOSports.

THREE RACES, TWO CHANCES, RACING by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

FLAG FOOTBALL

+ Lady Raiders end unbeaten streak

The Plant City Lady Raiders flag football team, finished the regular season undefeated and gave up just six points.

In the playoffs, the team gave up six more points to King. But the Lady Lions ended up taking a 27-6 loss April 27. Since then, Plant City has beaten Armwood (12-0) and Apopka (7-0).

However, the Lady Knights were too much for Plant City, winning 33-0 and ending the Raiders’ run.

BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

ONE GOAL

+ P.C. softball out; DHS baseball still in

After the Plant City Lady Raiders were eliminated Tuesday, April 28, with a 3-1 regional semifinals loss to Steinbrenner, only the Durant Cougars are left standing in the FHSAA playoffs.

Durant continued rolling with a walk-off, 2-1 win over Gaither in its April 30 regional quarterfinals matchup, led by Cade Kelley’s two hits, RBI and run scored.

Bryce Gainer had solid outing on the mound, striking out nine over all seven innings.

Durant picked up a 1-0 win at Steinbrenner Tuesday.

It took nine innings, but Jake Sullivan was able to drive in Kelley with an RBI single.

The Cougars will host Osceola Tuesday, May 13, in the regional champisonship.

TRACK & FIELD

+ PCHS athlete finishes in top 10

Ty’China Bush was the only Plant City Lady Raider at Saturday’s FHSAA State Championships, and she made an impact in both of her events.

Bush recorded top-10 finishes in the 4A shot put and discus events, finishing seventh (36-05.00) in shot put and ninth (114-06) in discus.

Strawberry Crest volleyball and basketball star Terra Brooks also competed at the state championships, placing 15th overall (15-01.25) in the 4A long jump.

FOOTBALL

+ Rentz signs with Jacksonville U.

Durant wide receiver Garrett Rentz made his college plans official Friday, May 1, signing with Jacksonville University.

The 6-foot-6 wideout put pen to paper in the family kitchen, surrounded by friends, family and Cougars head coach Mike Gottman.

Courtesy photo

Since moving up from Mini-Max to Juniors, Aidan Keel has been steadily improving.

Aidan Keel is on the verge of competing in Portugal this winter for international gold.

To get there, he has to win one of the next two national competitions on the calendar.

One of Aidan Keel’s bigger dreams is to drive in and win an international championship series. It’s a goal he tried to reach in 2014, but couldn’t.

One year later, the 13-yearold is close enough to making the cut to Portugal that he can practically taste the bacalhau.

The Plant City native is getting ready to compete in the brand-new MAXSpeed/Rotax U.S. Open series this summer, vying for one of two available spots in November’s 2015 Rotax World Finals in Algarve,

Portugal. Winning this series would guarantee his spot, but any loss means that he’ll have to win the Rotax Grand Nationals this August to make it to Portugal.

“It’s pretty big,” Keel says.

“That’s why it’s hard for everyone to get it. There’s five or six drivers in the U.S. in my category that are good, and are going for it. It just depends on how it all shakes out to see who’s going to get it.”

A win in the Florida Winter Tour could have gotten Keel

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

A few thoughts on HB 7137

high school sports.”

You may have heard about I’d call it more of a “transforHB 7137 before you picked up mation.” today’s paper. You certainly Luckily for Long and others, have if you work in high school the bill was killed in the Senathletics, or if you’re involved ate after it adjourned without with them in another way. voting on its version of the HB 7137 would have overlegislation Friday, May 1. hauled the FHSAA by neuterDon’t get me wrong: There ing the organization. Student really is a need to fix athletes would have the Florida High School been able to choose Athletic Association. what school to attend I’m not the biggest fan based on the athletics of the governing body, program, and home myself, after witnessing schooled and Florida several awful managevirtual school would ment procedures that have been able to athad a direct effect on tend the school of their JUSTIN an on-field product. choice for athletics, KLINE If I can’t convince you rather than be limited that the FHSAA can, to attending the school at times, have a maddenin their attendance zone. ingly large blind spot where it I’ve talked to athletic direcshould see common sense, go tors, coaches and more about this bill, analyzed all 30-some- have a chat with Meg Jordan and anyone who was a part of thing pages, and at the end of the day, I still don’t understand the Plant City girls golf team in 2013, when a player was the need for this. disqualified for signing the What’s the point of fixing a wrong scorecard, dropping the broken bone with open heart team out of state championsurgery? ship contention.

I knew this was going to be What we could have gotten a fiery issue when Durant athletic director Todd Long called was a model that, in a way, mirrors that of college sports. me last Wednesday evening to It was actually more playertalk about the bill. Normally friendly than college sports, in one to stay out of politics, that the transfer requirements Long was so concerned about were far more lax, but there are this bill he’s written several some problems with using this letters to our representatives about it.

SEE KLINE / PAGE 6 He called it the “death of

his spot already, but he ended up crashing his kart. Now, Keel says, he’s got to go race as well as he ever has.

THE FIELD

The other two Juniors drivers that Keel will compete against are Nicholas Brueckner and Anthony Gangi. There won’t be much for him to learn about these two, as well as the two drivers who have already punched their tickets, because he already knows them well.

“We’re usually the five in the

front, so I know them all,” Keel says.

According to Keel, both Brueckner and Gangi race different, but effective, styles that will keep him on his toes at all times.

Brueckner, a Texan, is the kind of driver who will do whatever it takes to get a win.

If that includes getting a little physical out on the track, so be it.

“He’s a little crazy,” Keel says.

“I crashed with him in my last race, the Florida Winter Tour.

Part of it was my fault, and part of it was his. I guess it was just because we were trying to get that ticket, so we’re willing to do anything to get it.”

Gangi, a New Yorker, is the opposite. Keel says that he tends to avoid contact, preferring to drive as cleanly as possible, and that style has probably helped him perform as well as he has.

“He won two rounds in the Florida Winter Tour,” Keel says.

KEEL / PAGE 6

softball by Joey Knight | Times Correspondent

PCHS alumna UCF’s career strikeout leader

Size hasn’t held back former Raider Mackenzie Audas.

Sift through the curve and screwball. Rummage around the 65 mph heater and low-50s changeup. For good measure, look beneath the riseball and above the dropball.

It’s not there, never has been.

For all the variety and velocity University of Central Florida senior Mackenzie Audas regularly packs, one thing that is clearly missing from that expansive pitching repertoire is physical presence. The next batter she intimidates with that slender 5-foot-5 frame and homecoming-court countenance will be the first.

“I’ve never been the tallest or the strongest,” Audas said.

No matter. The unassuming former Plant City High ace never has been asked to frighten batters, just fan them.

Over four prosperous seasons, she has done that better than anyone in Knights history.

“She has that heart,” UCF coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. “You can’t teach that. You can’t teach kids to be competitive, and she’s always had that.”

The Tampa Bay Times’ 2011 Hillsborough County Pitcher of the Year, Audas lugged a resume as diverse as her arsenal into the circle for last week-

SEE AUDAS / PAGE 6

UCF Athletics

Over four prosperous seasons, Mackenzie Audas has made a name for herself.

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP AUDAS / PAGE 5 end’s three-game home series against USF. She owns UCF career records in victories (77), strikeouts (959), no-hitters (six), saves (10), appearances (146) and starts (122).

UCF, meantime, owns a 46-7 record and No. 15 national ranking in the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll. Unless Audas (23-1, 0.98 ERA) and co-ace Shelby Turnier (22-6, 0.75) — nicknamed “Shake and Bake” — simultaneously lapse into a funk, a career spawned in Plant City just might culminate in Oklahoma City, site of the Women’s College World Series.

“Not everyone gave me the same shot that they’d give other people,” said Audas, a semester shy of earning her degree (with honors) in early childhood education.

“There were definitely moments where my confidence would wane a little bit. I think just believing in myself and knowing I did have the ability to become the pitcher that I am … if you don’t have the confidence you can’t go as hard.”

KEEL / PAGE 5 “He was third in the championship. He was close to getting that ticket. He’s pretty clean — he doesn’t really crash with people a lot. He’s pretty fast, so if he gets out in front he leads most of, if not all of, the race.”

THE STAKES

The first of two U.S. Open races will be held in Dallas, Texas, May 14. After Dallas, Keel will travel to Grand Junction, Colorado at the end of June to try and seal the deal.

The U.S. Open, created in 2015, is considered a big

KLINE / PAGE 5 model in high school that do not apply to college.

This bill’s relaxed stance on transfer requirements meant that there would almost certainly have been an open high school recruiting scene. It’s not that recruiting doesn’t happen already, but that it will become much more visible. This, of course, could have led to what Long calls “mega-teams” forming for certain sports. What talented, possibly overlooked football player wouldn’t want to play for Plant or Armwood if he felt he wasn’t being given a chance to shine on his sub-.500

The Division I landscape is littered with pitchers who compensated for a lack of size with a gluttony of intangibles.

In that regard, Audas, who led Plant City to within a game of the Class 5A state tournament as a senior, is no exception.

What is exceptional is her smorgasbord of pitches (no fewer than six) and the ability to locate them as proficiently as anyone in the country. It’s a skill initially honed by neighbor Joe Hood — a well-known local pitching coach — when Audas was roughly 8, and polished over the ensuing decade and a half.

“If you can paint the corners, then she’s definitely a Rembrandt for UCF,” Gillispie said.

“She’s got great movement on everything she throws.”

Durant’s batting order saw it in triplicate in the waning stage of Audas’ prep career.

In a 21-day span, the Raiders topped the rival Cougars three times, with Audas recording 42 strikeouts. The highlight: a 12-strikeout masterpiece in a 2-1 region semifinal triumph before a standing-room-only home crowd.

It highlighted a 20-win senior season in which Audas notched 19 games of at least 10 strikeouts and recorded nine seven-inning shutouts.

“That curveball and her screwball were my two favorite, curve especially,” former Raiders coach Heidi Kouveras said. “We ended up doing a lot of stuff at a young age with her throwing a curve-change and a backdoor screw. I mean, she was just able to throw pitches that, in our area, a lot of the kids hadn’t seen in high school.”

Nonetheless, major colleges hardly beat down the door of Audas’ house in the Walden Lake neighborhood.

“I didn’t get recruited very much out of high school either; I’m a walking 5-foot-3 1/2,” said prominent local pitching instructor Kaci Clark Zerbe, who pitched on UCLA’s 1995 national title team and has worked with Audas since her freshman year at Plant City. “A lot of people can kind of shy away from that.”

Gillispie didn’t. Smitten by Audas’ moxie, competitiveness and staggering strikeout

totals, she not only signed the Raiders’ ace, but thrust her into a collegiate circle almost immediately. The result: Audas finished 21-12 with a 1.28 ERA, earning Conference USA CoPitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors.

The highlights included a two-hitter (11 strikeouts) against then-No. 3 Florida.

“Nobody had seen her before and didn’t know what to expect,” Gillispie said. “You see this 5-5 kid on the mound and don’t think anything of it.

Now she’s throwing 65 (mph) and she’s throwing these balls that bend on you and they’re like, ‘Who is this kid?’ She was lights-out her freshman year.”

Three full seasons later, batters still haven’t been able to fully flip the switch. Audas’ stature never has loomed larger.

“It doesn’t matter on size,” Gillispie said. “If you’ve got the heart and determination to go after batters, you’re gonna be a good player. And she had that even in high school. She’s just a true competitor.”

Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com.

enough national competition

by Rotax that a winner can end up earning a spot in the World Finals. If Keel wins, then he won’t be competing in any more series of this scale.

However, if Keel loses, he’ll have one more shot to earn that ticket in the form of the U.S. Rotax Max Challenge Grand Nationals, which will be held in Kershaw, South Carolina from Aug. 6 to 9.

“It’s crazy, because there are only two chances left that you have to get out of these three races,” he says. “If you don’t, you’re not in. I was going for it last year, but I didn’t get it.”

His first race will be at the Dallas Karting Complex, on a track surrounded by dust. It’s nothing he hasn’t encountered before, but always an inconvenience.

“Tire wear is definitely a key thing,” Keel says. “On dustier tracks, new tires don’t help as much as a clean track with grass would. Also, if you go off the track on grass, you can keep going. With dust, you go off and the dust gets all over the track. You can’t see, and you get stuck.”

Compared to last year, he says, he’s older, wiser and more prepared for what’s ahead. But,

he still does understand the scale of the challenge.

“This year, I’m a little bit higher up,” he says. “A little bit older. It’s supposed to be a little bit easier, but it seems like it gets harder every year.

“Usually, my strategy is to win. But, this time, it’s not crashing. It’s two races, so keeping your points is a big thing. I’m obviously going to be pushing it, because it’s only two races. It’s not five, like the Florida Winter Tour — you can’t afford to crash, or even get second place. It doesn’t help.”

team? With a no sit-out clause like the NCAA’s, such teams could have formed quickly.

It would have benefitted some school sports — perhaps even Durant’s vaunted baseball and volleyball squads — and kneecapped others. I could see a bill like this doing more harm than good, and that’s not even counting the effect that having three or four great teams per sport in the county would do to the overall level of parity.

It also would have let players remain enrolled in their current school while playing a sport for another, so long as their current school does not

offer that sport. Simply put, if HB 7137 passed, Plant City student Maddy Middie could have joined Durant’s lacrosse team, changing nothing about her curriculum but her afterschool drive.

Again, that was potentially good news for some students.

But since Durant’s lacrosse team is no longer a club team and now a full-fledged school sport, the school would not have received the FTE money it normally would if a student were to transfer. That would make upkeep tricky.

The bill seemed to be far more favored by state reps than coaches and athletic

directors. I could practically hear the sigh of relief being breathed by the FHSAA, though it is possible that an altered version of the bill could be introduced sometime in the future.

I recognize that some athletes would truly stand to benefit from a bill like that, but I also know that it would hurt many more. I’d be willing to bet that many of our younger readers would have had a heck of a time trying to make the final cut on a roster.

Let’s find a way to fix the FHSAA and its inconsistencies, but let’s not go for something as extreme as HB 7137 was.

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS

1) Missouri 2) Teacher 3) West Point 4) Black Jack 5) Pancho Villa. John J. Pershing

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

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

COLBY BREWINGTON Following a 20-9 win over the Busciglio Smiles team Monday, May 4, the Brewington’s Towing Minors baseball team is still undefeated in Plant City Little League play. Utility man Colby Brewington pitched a scoreless inning, picked up several big hits and RBI, and also ended his night with an inside-the-park home run.

You guys are having a really good season, and you’ve been playing well.

What’s your key to success?

My key to success was when my dad was teaching me, and he made me a good baseball player.

What did he teach you that makes you good today?

He taught me how to keep my hands level, and not drop my hands, and hit the ball straight.

What’s your favorite thing about baseball?

Just being able to do everything.

What’s your favorite position to play?

My favorite position is shortstop because you get most of the balls.

So you like to always be in on the action.

Yes, sir.

How long have you been playing baseball?

This is my sixth year.

How old are you now?

Nine years old. I started when I was 3.

Where do you go to school?

Walden Lake Elementary.

What’s your favorite subject?

P.E.

Are you just a baseball guy, or do you like any other sports?

I play some basketball, but just a little bit.

Is there any sport you’ve never played before, but always wanted to try?

Soccer. I like scoring goals.

What’s your favorite baseball movie of all time?

“The Sandlot.”

If you could meet any ballplayer, who would it be?

Mike Trout.

If you could hang out with Mike Trout for a day, what would you want to do?

Play baseball.

What’s your favorite pro team?

The (Anaheim) Angels.

Because of Mike Trout?

Yes, sir, and because of different people. I like Albert Pujols.

If you could play for any pro team, would it be the Angels?

Yes, sir.

What do you think is the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a baseball field?

I turned a double play last week. We played B&G Tire Service. There was a pop fly, I caught it, and the guy was off the bag, so I threw it to him. I was playing catcher.

Is there any position you don’t play?

First base.

What are you looking forward to over the rest of this season?

Having fun, and playing with my teammates.

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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

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

TALENT NEVER DIES by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

The founding members of N.R.G. will still attend retreats to help younger members grow.

THE LAST SONG The remaining four founding members of youth pop-group NRG will be retiring in a final performance at a community talent show Friday, May 15.

T

he loud pitch of a Miley Cyrus pop song blasts through the closed door of a performance studio in the historic Lee building downtown. Piano notes accompany the lyrics, leading five aspiring songstresses to their musical destiny. The middle-school girls are in the midst of one of Next Radical Generation’s weekly rehearsals.

For the past five years, the Plant City-based group has been entertaining audiences with singing and choreographed dance numbers at Tampa Bay events, including many in Plant City. The members of the middle-school group are considered somewhat of newcomers to the scene.

They are learning the ropes.

They do yoga before every practice to increase stamina.

They are learning how to hit the right notes, emulate the style of industry divas and count out the steps to their routines. And they couldn’t have done it without NRG’s founding members.

Only four remain. Once baby-faced and bright-eyed sixth graders, Arie Fry, Ashtyn Steele, Emmy Menia and Bryson Keel are 16-year-old Plant City High School students. They’re looking at colleges, focusing on Advanced Placement classes, driving.

The time has come to retire.

A middle school group practices in the Lee building.

“I’m devastated, honestly,” Steele says.

Sitting in the second-floor lounge, they are crammed onto a couch that should only sit two. The playful tones from the first-floor practice room meander up the stairs and into their ears. Steele says the last song they will sing is Hannah Montana’s “I Will Always Remember You.” Her mother breaks into tears.

“I’ve practiced it five times, and I am still crying,” Steele said.

But as the group’s general manager, Yvonne Fry, says, there is a season for everything.

The members will pass the baton off to the younger generation at a community talent show Friday, May 15.

DON’T MISS THE SHOW WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, May

15

WHERE: Plant City

Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. TICKETS: $12 for general admission; $20 for reserved seating.

The group has been busy gathering audition tapes from as far away as Celebration. The show has three age groups: elementary, middle and high schools. There will be a winner from each division and an overall winner.

The founding members will perform three songs and show a music video as part of their

goodbye concert. But they’re leaving more behind than just a few fancy dance moves.

They are looking to grow NRG by investing in the existing members who are part of the middle-school group and NRG Juniors, the elementary group.

The younger participants of NRG will be ushering, taking tickets and running the show to learn about the production side of the business.

And they are also using the talent show as a recruiting program to look for the next big talent.

“It has been a great experience for my girls,” mother Deana Moorman says.

Her twin daughters, Julee and Jamee, just got out of practice downstairs and are laughing and talking with the other juniors in the hallway. Julee likes doing the splits, and Jamee’s favorite song is “Party in the USA.” “I put them in this to have stage presence, not to be scared, because that is a life skill,” Moorman says. “They’ve gained lots of experience. (Organizers) believe in them and give them a chance to be on stage. And they keep it positive.”

“I really like the family feel I get with the group,” Hannah Edge, one of the middle-school performers, said.

And that’s one of the biggest

Photos by Amber Jurgensen

THE FIFTH MEMBER

Jacob Cothren has been with NRG since the beginning. But he’s not on stage. He works on the technical side, setting up the sound booth and running the mechanics of the show. He will be staying on to continue teaching a fifth grader the secrets he’s learned over the past five years.

“When I leave in two years, there has to be someone who knows what to do,” Cothren says.

“He’s just as important as these four,” Donna Keel, stage mother, said. “He doesn’t always get recognition because he’s not out front, but they couldn’t do it without him.” reasons why it is so hard for the last remaining founding members to leave. Menia lives in Celebration. She won’t get to see the others as often anymore. And gone are the days of traveling the country. NRG has performed in New York City, been on television news shows and recorded in the famous Brandon-based Polysound Recording Studios.

But they are ready to watch the next generation grow under their tutelage. Some advice: hit the notes; work hard, practice hard; show personality on stage.

Perform each performance as if it is your last.

“They’re leaving the legacy,” Fry said. “They’re leaving in style, they’re leaving on their terms.”

If you would like to audition to be part of NRG, contact Yvonne Fry for a packet at fry@radgeneration.com.

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, MAY 8

Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

Plant City Social Dance Club — takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the Florida National Guard Armory, 4004 Airport Road. DJ Mike Unwin will perform. $6 for members; $8 for non-members.

Singles and couples welcome.

PCSocialDanceClub@mail.com.

Los Dios Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road.

(813) 752-9100.

SATURDAY, MAY 9 All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner — takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Olin S. Wright Masonic Lodge, 304 Acacia St. For $8, receive a dinner, drink and dessert.

Takeout and dining in available.

Kids under 5 eat free with the purchase of an adult dinner.

Benefit Celebrating Life of Trinity Boothe — takes place from 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday,

scholarship program for Plant City High School. The lodge gives out two scholarships a year.

Skip Frye Blues Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 9, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

Youth Group Garage Sale — takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at First United Methodist Church, 202 W. Reynolds St. The sale will benefit the youth mission trip.

BEST BET Sunflowers on the Ranch — takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Sunday, May 10, Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, at Futch Farms, 3002 Charlie Taylor Road.

Enjoy paths through the sunflowers and wildflowers, a market, food, games and crafts during Mother’s Day weekend. Adults 18 and older: $8; Ages 3 to 17: $7; Children 2 and under: Free.

FoxSquirrelCornMaze.com.

May 9, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Customer Appreciation Celebration at Southside — tales place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Southside Western & Outdoor Wear, 3014 Jim Redman Parkway. Enjoy a free BBQ lunch, giveaways and a Clemons Road live performance. (813) 752-2379.

Lions Club Picnic — takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 9, at Edward Medard Park, 5726 Panther Loop. The club is hosting a membership drive and also wants to thank those who helped out with the golf tournament, Strawberry Queen Pageant and food booth project.

(813) 215-7198.

Masonic Lodge Breakfast — takes place from 8 to 10 a.m.

Saturday, May 9, at the Olin S. Wright Masonic Lodge, 304 Acacia St. The breakfast costs $5, and proceeds help fund the

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Mother’s Day Lunch — takes place from 12 to 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 10, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

MONDAY, MAY 11 Celebrate Recovery — takes place beginning at 7 p.m.

Monday, May 11, at Parkway Baptist Church, 4305 James L. Redman Parkway. A free recovery program for those struggling with addictions, depression, co-depency, anger and grief.

Contact Lauren at (813) 7634355 for more information.

TUESDAY, MAY 12 The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

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: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

Tuesday, May 12, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 Geri Blount Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Network Professionals Inc. — meets from 8 to 9:15 a.m.

Wednesday, May 13, at IHOP, 805 S. Collins Street. For more information call Guy Howerton at (813) 310-2860.

Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 13, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Plant City Local Harvest Farmers Market — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. PCLocalHarvestFarmersmarket. com.

THURSDAY, MAY 14 Autoimmune Disorders Myth vs. Fact — takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Cancer Resource Center, 1706 W. Palmetto Ave. Free.

FRIDAY, MAY 15 NRG Talent Show — takes place beginning at 7 p.m.

Friday, May 15, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. Categories include students in elementary, middle and high school. $12 for general admission; $20 for reserved seating.

PCHS 35 Year Reunion — takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road. The casual gathering will be for classes 1979 and 1980.

PlantCityClassOf1980.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 16 Peach Festival — takes place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100. Enjoy a U-pick, craft beer and wine, food, games and music.

PCHS 35 Year Reunion Dance — takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Embassy Suites, 10220 Palm River Road, Brandon.

PlantCityClassOf1980.com.

Safe Sitter — takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 16, at the Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St. The class covers babysitting basics, such as choking rescue, EMS, safety, behavior and entertainment.

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PEACE, LOVE AND SLOBBER by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

DOG DAYS Keel and Curley Winery hosted a pet-friendly event called Winery to the Rescue Saturday, May 2.

Animal lovers and their dogs visited vendors and representatives of petrelated businesses. There were silent auctions and

raffles to benefit Mastiff Rescue of Florida, Southwest Great Dane Rescue and Florida English Bulldog Rescue.

The bulldog rescue was on site with dogs for adoption, and some dogs were rescued and taken home.

CUTESTCRITTER

S

ix-yearold Mischief loves to spend his days lazing around and making his humans laugh with his nighttime antics.

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest. Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and contact information. Winners will be showcased in the Plant City Times & Observer and will receive a free bag of dental chews to be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center.

Submit your entries to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: Cutest Critter Contest. Good luck!

A few of the dogs were tall enough to see for themselves what was on the vendors’ tables.

Elizabeth and Thomas Lawwell took their dog, Brutus, to the event.

Right: Pet owners stopped by Turkey Creek Animal Hospital’s booth to learn about procedures and services available at the hospital.

Clockwise from above: Wendy Ohlman and Samantha Adkins dressed up Cami in her pink harness and decorated her toenails.

Some of the bulldogs found their new best friends at the event.

Volunteers from Florida English Bulldog Rescue talked with visitors about the importance of preventing bulldogs from overheating.

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THEATER by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Durant High hosts ‘Worst Talent Show Ever’ The Durant High School Drama Department presented “The Worst Talent Show Ever” April 23 and April 24. The premise of the play was an onair variety show full of strange and talentless acts.

The play was a collabora-

tion between Durant seniors and faculty members.

“Both sides get to see sides of each other that they usually don’t see in the classroom,” director Ed Mason wrote. “And from this show, you can see a good time was had by all.”

Right: Horrific Harvey (Brandon Emerson) sang a horrible rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Herman He-Man (Tristain Sperry) competed in a wrestling match — against himself.

Stacie and Cacie (Krystal Glenn and Lauren Hamilton) danced for the judges.

Right: Pretty Prissy (Debbie Brant) sang “Let It Go” and ended on a high note.

Left: Helena (Marissa Lewis) attempted card tricks.

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excellence by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Durant High graduates the scientists of tomorrow

Ashley Womer and Mario Reyes-Munoz are ready to take on the world after graduation.

This year’s valedictorian and salutatorian expect to study sciencerelated majors at in-state universities.

Students in the Durant High School class of 2015 will soon be all together one last time, as they get ready to take their next steps out into the real world.

And at the graduation ceremony in June, they shouldn’t expect to hear a typical closing speech from their valedictorian, Ashley Womer.

“Mine’s a little nontraditional,” Womer said.

Though her speech is mostly positive, she’ll discuss some of the struggles she had to face throughout her high school years.

Womer knew from her first days at Durant that she would likely graduate at the top of her class, but there were plenty of challenging moments. She took AP classes her freshman year and continued with advanced classes and dual enrollment.

Womer finished with a GPA of 7.36.

“She was pretty much always beating everybody by a lot,” salutatorian Reyes-Munoz said, teasing Womer.

Reyes-Munoz’s rank shifted slightly throughout the years, but he finished with a 6.68 GPA. Both students were wellrounded, with involvement in a variety of activities.

“I’m very athletic,” Wormer said. “I love running, yoga.”

One of Womer’s main interests is science. She participated in Science Club and took all AP science classes.

Reyes-Munoz is also an athlete. He ran cross country for four years at Durant, and track for three years. His other extracurriculars included Leo Club, math team, National Honor Society and science competitions.

One of Reyes-Munoz’s challenges during high school was time management.

“I always had a lot of other events going on,” he said.

Womer is headed to University of Florida, and Reyes-Munoz will be attending University of South Florida on an academic scholarship. They both plan to focus on fields within the realm of science, technology, engineering and math.

“I’m definitely excited for the future, being on my own, having my own apartment, being two hours away,” Womer said.

“I think that’s going to be exciting for me.”

They both expect to stay on top of their schedules and coursework in college, continuing to strive for the excellence

“

“

I’m definitely excited for the future, being on my own, having my own apartment, being two hours away.

I think that’s going to be exciting for me.

— Ashley Womer

they demonstrated at Durant.

Womer said her advice for underclassmen is to apply to a number of colleges — even those that might seem outside of their comfort zones. It offers more opportunities for scholarships and provides more options when it comes time to make a decision, she said.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

Catherine Sinclair

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OBSERVER OBITUARIES Teresa Ann Abbott

Teresa Ann Abbott, 59, died April 10, 2015, at her home in Green Cove Springs.

Mrs. Abbott was born Feb. 10, 1956, in Plant City, to Betty and Robert Brown.

She graduated from Colorado Technical University in 2011 with an associate’s degree in medical care.

She married William Abbott in 1978. After moving to Jacksonville, she worked for Terra, Lens Crafters and Opti World, and then was a stay-at-home mother. She was a devoted mother, wife and daughter. She enjoyed sewing, listening to music, painting, nature, spending time with family and reminiscing about family stories.

She loved her family above all things. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all that knew her.

Mrs. Abbott is survived by her mother, Betty Joe Delong, (John DeLong); father, Robert Brown; husband, William Abbott; children, Jonathon Abbott (April) and Katie Abbott; and brothers, Tim Brown (Laura) and Steven C. Brown (Carol). She was preceded in death by her uncles, Douglas and Lamar Pollock.

Jacob “Jake” “Arnie” Berry

Jacob “Jake” “Arnie” Berry, of Dozier, Alabama, and formerly of Plant City, died April 18, 2015, from injuries sustained in a vehicle crash.

He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, and had yet to master turkey hunting. He loved the days on the river bank, riding the back roads with his wife, spending time with family and friends and those Florida Gators. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell.

He is survived by his wife, Penny Berry; son, David Berry, daughters, Kaitlynn Berry and Kailee Berry; sisters, Nicole Richards (Brian) and Tracy Bailey (Russel); mother, Teresia Berry (Greg); step-children, Miranda Harvey and Ryan Braddock; shared grandchild, Sadie Lou; nieces, Stormy Richards, Gracy Richards, Jessica Fortner, Kayla Spears, Cheyenne Spears, Heather Bailey, Ashlyn Green and Rebeccca Beitz; nephews, Cole Richards, Wade Richards and Cody Dispennette; grandfather, Jessie Berry; and other great-nices, great-nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Berry.

A celebration of life was held April 30, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Interment at Springhead Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Richard “Dick” F. DuRant

Richard “Dick” F. DuRant, 82, of Plant City, and formerly of Pinellas Park, died April 21, 2015.

A service was held April 26, at E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at gunterfuneralhome.com.

Richard Walter Greer Sr.

Richard Walter Greer Sr., 79, of Plant City, died May 2, 2015.

He was a retired tech sergeant with the U.S. Air Force, having served two tours in the Vietnam War. He is survived by his children, Donna Hendrix (Robbie), Penny Fuller (Tim), Jackie Bustle and Richard Greer Jr.; brother, George Greer (Ann); and 10 grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, at Hopewell Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Daniel Patrick McRae

Daniel Patrick McRae, 59, of Plant City, died April 8, 2015, after a long, painful battle with cancer, which he fought with much courage.

He loved his family and enjoyed playing the keyboard, doing genealogy research and making good desserts, especially for his kids. For many years, he worked for Eckerd’s in Plant City and K-Mart in Lakeland. He was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church.

Survivors include his mother, Lucile McRae; brothers, David McRae, Joey McRae (Robin) and Tony McRae (Kris); sisters, Karen Wells (Wendell), Mary Ann Greer and Andrea Knorr (Lance); children, Jennifer Malone (Todd), Jason McRae and Dustin McRae; and grandsons, Jacob and Tyler.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy McRae. A funeral service was held April 14, at Haught funeral home. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Melba “Juanita” Norman

Melba “Juanita” Norman, known by many as “MeMa” or “Aunt Nite,” 90, of Lithia, died April 10, 2015.

She was a life-long resident of Lithia and active member of Welcome Baptist Church.

She is survived by daughter, Pearl Aspenwall; grandchildren, Keith Williams (Debbi) and Vickie Williams Gorney (Paul); three great-grandchildren; two great-greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Norman; parents, Elbert B. and Angie E. Allen; brothers, Herman H. Allen, Burton Allen, Howard D. “Red” Allen, Frederick Donald “Bug” Allen and William L. “Roy” Allen Sr.; and sister, Ethel Angie Conrad.

A celebration of life was held April 14, at Welcome Baptist Church. Interment at Welcome Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Welcome Baptist Church, 11308 Welcome Church Road, Lithia, 33547, or LifePath Hospice, 12470 Telecom Drive, Ste. 300, Temple Terrace, 33637. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Edna Lee Stutler

Edna Lee Stutler, 89, of Plant City, died April 22, 2015, at the Health Center of Plant City.

Mrs. Stutler was a member of the Church of Christ and enjoyed fellowship and Bible study. She is survived by her sons, Denver J. Stutler (Jeannette) and Gary E. Stutler (Mary); sister, Eva Cain; grandchildren, Denver J. Stutler Jr. (Jenn), Thomas R. Stutler (Deanna), Stephanie C. Stutler and Melanie Schmucker (Kevin); and 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray J. Stutler; brothers, Leo Dunn, Edison Dunn and Lawrence Dunn; and sisters, Elsie Young, Mariabelle Cook and Eloise Henson (Mickie).

Online condolences may be made at RaynesFuneralHome.com.

George R. Thomason

George R. Thomason, 68, of Lithia, died May 1, 2015.

He was a veteran, having retired from the U.S. Navy, a volunteer security officer with McDill Air Force Base and a volunteer with the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marlene Thomason; sons, Shane Thomason (Lisa), Jay Thomasom (Billy Eley) and Chad Thomason (Jennifer); grandchildren, Tyler Thomason, Zackary Thomason and Chase Thomason; and brother, Fred Thomason.

A celebration of life was held May 6, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Committal at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Kenneth Randall Watson

Kenneth Randall Watson, 66, of Plant City/Lithia, died April 22, 2015, at Tampa General Hospital.

He was a longtime resident of the Plant City/Lithia area and a retired Boilermaker, Local 433. He loved his family, Keaton Beach, fishing, scalloping and hunting. He was a beloved husband, father and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth; daughter, Lisa (Richard); son, Chris; brothers, Leamon and Larry; sister, Nancy; and grandchildren, Cameron, Courtney, Haley, Marci and Carson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held April 27, at Shiloh Baptist Church. Interment at Bloomingdale Cemetery.

If desired, donations may be made in Mr. Watson’s memory to OBAAT.org (One Breath At A Time). Online condolences may made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Frank D. Woodard

Frank D. Woodard died April 23, 2015.

Mr. Woodard was born Sept. 24, 1959, in Pahokee.

He graduated from Plant City High School in 1977.

Shortly after graduation, he worked for the City of Plant City. In 1980, he became an employee of C.F. Industries (formerly Mosaic) and was part of the organization for over 35 years. Mr. Woodard was a loving and faithful husband.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Debrah Jackson-Woodard; daughters, Lashaun N. Woodard and Marquita M. Woodard; and grandsons, Emari D. Stribling and Treyshon D. Alexander; as well as other relatives and dear friends.

A celebration of life was held May 2, at 6th Street Church of Christ in Lakeland. Online condolences may be made at ConeyFH. com.

Walter Joseph Wright

Walter Joseph Wright, 82, died May 1, 2015, at home in Lakeland.

Mr. Wright was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah.

His passion for land development and real estate led him to venture from Utah to Texas, continuing to Florida and working his way to the Tampa Bay area in the early 1970s. Friends and family will always remember him for his life stories fully laced with his infectious laugh and smile. Mr. Wright was always full of energy and never let age or time slow him down.

He lived life to the fullest and positively impacted those around him with his charm, charisma and love. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling, golf and monitoring the state lotto. His lifelong passions included his family, black -and-white western movies, karaoke and, of course, Frank Sinatra.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Wright; daughters, Lindsay Wright, Julie Dobbs and Rocio Danielson; sons, Charles “Bud” Jorgensen and Bradley Jorgensen; sister, Iras Trover; and numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the family residence located at 5135 Drane Field Road, Lakeland, 33811. We welcome you to join us to honor Mr. Wright and share fond memories. We kindly request for you to RSVP to Lindsay Wright if you are able to attend: (907) 8411860. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

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PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS. April 30

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

May 1

0.01

SAT.

HIGH 92 93 94 95 94 95 94

Friday, May 8 Saturday, May 9 Sunday, May 10 Monday, May 11 Tuesday, May 12 Wednesday, May 13 Thursday, May 14

May 2

0.00

SUN.

May 3

0.00

MON.

May 4

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

0.00

TUES.

SUNRISE 6:44 a.m.

6:43 a.m.

6:42 a.m.

6:42 a.m.

6:41 a.m.

6:40 a.m.

6:40 a.m.

Friday, May 8 Saturday, May 9 Sunday, May 10 Monday, May 11 Tuesday, May 12 Wednesday, May 13 Thursday, May 14

May 5

0.00

WED.

May 6

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MAY

TO DATE

4.23 (2014: 0.83)

YEAR

TO DATE 10.51 (2014: 7.88)

SUNSET 8:06 p.m.

8:07 p.m.

8:07 p.m.

8:08 p.m.

8:09 p.m.

8:09 p.m.

8:10 p.m.

LOW 66 68 69 71 71 72 72

MOON PHASES

May 11

May 17

EGGPLANT

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando $8.35 to $12.85

May 25

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

June 2

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an American general. Using the hints M=A and P=C, decipher the clues to name the general.

1. H J K K V F X J 2. W Z M P E Z X 3. Q Z K W L V J B W 4. S C M P O U M P O 5. L M B P E V R J C C M

This general led the American Expeditionary Forces in WWI:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

2

2 9

8

3

4

7 2

6

9

1

4

3

1

2

9

4

2

1

3

8 6

2 8

5

7 5

The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe!

To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.

CROSSWORD ROCKING PARTNER by Bill Bobb

CRYPTOQUIZ

9

, 3&

Traci Forcucci won this week’s contest with a photograph of a brilliant sunset.

2 6

ACROSS 1 Burrito filling 5 Certain undercover agents 10 Literary slips 16 Campaigned 19 Not a pretty sounding fruit 20 “We live in ___ of wonders” 21 Dance-hall instruments 22 Bonanza find 23 It lays out the dough 25 Put down stakes?

26 Fan setting 27 Metallic alloy 28 “Beetle Bailey” character 30 Big wheels at sea 32 Certain discriminator 34 Small cities 35 Scuttlebutt 37 Declares to be true 38 Instruct 39 Billy the Kid, for one 40 No-good 42 Like a newly laid road 44 Bit of financial planning 47 Humdrum life 48 It’s a wrap 50 “___ have to do” 51 Attempt 52 Hurting 54 Terminations 58 An advanced deg.

59 Like some grins 61 At full speed 62 VW model 63 Be loud, as a radio 64 Biblical measure 65 Boxer’s stat 66 Adjusts to new circumstances 68 Luxury auto for this puzzle 69 Postal workers 72 Nat and Natalie 73 Paint ingredient 75 Duel tool 76 Grasp 77 Easily swayed 78 Like some columns 80 Off-road vehicle 81 Make a boo-boo 82 Where one can go in circles 86 Persistent pest 88 Delphi figure 90 Door part 91 Reduces to bits 92 Earth-to-satellite connections 94 Full of fat from 1-Across 95 Actors Fiennes and Macchio 97 Insect sensors 98 High-born 99 French social philosopher Georges 100 Pitchfork-shaped letter 101 Canada’s capital 104 Breakfast cereal ingredient 109 When dark comes o’er the land 110 One causing great harm 111 False and Billy 112 Stole material

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113 Greyhound, e.g.

114 Excellent 115 Bach composition 116 Affectedly creative DOWN 1 Chestnut coating 2 It may be easily bruised 3 Building addition 4 Hazelnut 5 Mamas’ mamas 6 Feeling of anxiety 7 Vocalizes rhythmically 8 F/X field 9 Sultry 10 Large centerpiece 11 Finger decorations 12 Relay, for one 13 Santa ___ 14 Actor Arnold 15 Black tar 16 Copes with a tough situation 17 Appetite stimulus 18 Full of the latest 24 Places for pupils 29 Hard outer covering 31 Historical period

32 Declare the provable truth 33 Begin a project 34 It may be broken on a ranch 35 Kins of 29-Down 36 List ender 37 Rich tapestry 38 Dumpster filler 39 “Come here ___?”

41 Depths 43 Finger or toe 45 Commuter line 46 ___-bodied 49 Stairstep measure 51 Coin of the realm 53 Uttered a sharp bark 55 Lugs around 56 Stroll 57 Poker ploy 58 Letter opener 60 Butter squares 62 Formerly divided city 64 Richard of “The Godfather” 65 Game delayer 66 Advil target 67 Revolver, sometimes 68 Winchester, for one 69 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

member Sam 70 Fixes a shoelace 71 Searches 73 Takes it easy 74 In need of bleach, perhaps 77 Darn it!

79 Made waves?

82 Kidnapping payments 83 Dust-up 84 Cambodian money 85 Temporary period 87 Commencement document 89 Tombstone letters 92 Hiked, as prices 93 Leisurely walk 94 Farmer, at times 95 “Good Times” star Esther 96 “Give it ___!”

98 Identify 99 One-armed bandit’s “mouth” 102 Fraternity “T” 103 Diner’s calculation 105 “Deep Space Nine” changeling 106 Cause of inflation?

107 Blasting stuff 108 Blue hue

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