05.20.16 PCTO

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Gym welcomes at-risk youth for training.

Sports, page 16

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 3, NO. 45

FREE

JUMP! YOUR TOWN Help Needed

Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteer help this season.

The organization is seeking new drivers, as well as people who can interview potential, new clients for its food delivery service.

To apply, call the Meals on Wheels office at (813) 7549932. The office is open from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays and is located at 203 N. Thomas St.

Winners

Turkey Creek Middle students compete for gold. See page 9.

D N U O R G N O M COM

A new show created by a Plant City resident tries to find a happy medium on issues between Republicans and Democrats.

“If you’re not talking to people with opposing views, you’re not learning, and you’re probably not thinking.”

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

a r e m a C , s Light

Tomlin Middle School students won first place in all categories at Hillsborough County's FFA District Ornamental Horticulture Competition.

Christian Bentrovato took first place in production, Taryn Storter took first place in consumer use, Avery Surrency and Autumn Miller took first place in marketing, Emma Stephens and Brenna Sturgis took first place in landscape, and Aidan Vaughan and Sophia Pal took first place in artistic arrangement.

The students went on to compete at the state level in Gainesville. The results of the state competition were not available at press time.

Spa opens in

•

EMILY TOPPER

— Chris Ingram

STAFF WRITER

F

lip on any television in America and there’s agenda-driven programming:

just ask the producers of Fox News and MSNBC. And while some mainstream media networks continue to rake in the ratings — Fox News, for example, was up 13% in primetime network Emily Topper

rankings for 2015, according to

Staff members include owner Keith Brewer Sr., esthetician Adrienne Rose, co-owner Donna Bogan and CFO Greg Hernandez.

Nielsen — some viewers are hoping for a change of pace and change of

Serenity Day Spa isn’t run by your typical masseuse — it’s the passion project of an Army veteran.

content.

Enter the show Common Ground, the brainchild of Plant City resi-

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Photos by

Plant City resident Keith Brewer Sr. served his country in the United States Army for 33 years, between active duty and his service in the Department of Army Civilians.

Now, he continues his service to fellow veterans and law enforcement officers. He opened Serenity SEE SPA PAGE 7

, a show on Ground

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Emily Topp

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dent and business owner Yvonne Fry. In a ratings-driven world where the media serves as the battleground between Democrats and Republicans, Fry hopes to find peace between the parties.

SEE COMMON PAGE 7

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

“We really have an awesome responsibility to make sure infrastructure is working. I think they (employees) want to do good work, and I think they’re hardworking people. We appreciate their talent.

They’re highly skilled, and they multitask daily. We’re proud of these men and women.”

— Mike Herr, city manager

Meet the people who keep the city running May 15 to May 21 is American National Public Works Week in Plant City.

MEET THE EMPLOYEES Total Public Works Employees: 54 Stormwater and Streets Division: 37 Traffic Operations: 8 Engineering: 9

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

City Commissioners presented a proclamation to city public works employees on Monday, May 9, in honor of National Public Works Week.

Responsibilities of these employees include clearing ditches, keeping canals free of blockages, replacing traffic lights and signs, approving right of way use permits, signing off on building permits and creating temporary detours. There are 54 fulltime employees serving the divisions.

“These employees respond to all sorts of emergencies 24/7,” City Engineer Michael Schenk said. “We try to be proactive as much as we can. Infrastructure gets old. They’ve got to be prepared.”

National Public Works Week was started by the American Public Works Association in 1960 with a goal of educating the public. According to the American Public Works Association, “The week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often-unsung heroes of our society — the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.”

DALE GELLER Job title: right of way foreman Years with city: 29

“I oversee crews, sweepers, parades and events. The most important part of my job is maintaining employee and public safety, seeing that medians and rights of way are maintained, and that we’re in compliance with city ordinances.”

CHARLES CLARK Job title: senior engineer and inspector Years with city: 20

“The most important is to inspect the utilities going in, like water, sewer streets ... We ensure it is properly constructed and tested.

Everything is critical. Without that, the city doesn’t grow.”

DEBBIE LEFLEUR Job title: traffic foreman Years with city: 15

“I take care of traffic signals, signs and markings. I repair and maintain them and do sign installations. I also install and maintain school zone lights. Public safety is the most important part of my job.”

MILDRED “MILLIE” STEWART Job title: foreman for aquatics Years with city: 31

“I oversee a crew of 11 employees.

We keep ditches ... from overflowing and prevent floods. We pull debris from ditches and make sure everything’s running the way it should and just seeing that the water flows. I also do the barricades for car shows and parades.

The most important part of my job is the safety for employees and the safety of the public.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

In 2015 2,776

JABIER GUARDIOLA Job Title: foreman over construction Years with city: about nine

“I am responsible for replacing and repairing storm pipes and preventing trip hazards. Everybody has safety vests, glasses and safety boots. We place signs on the roads for general public safety. The most important part of my job is first the safety of my employees, and the community.”

TATYANA AUSTIN Job title: C.I.P. project manager Years with city: 11

“The City of Plant City is an old city. We have different types of infrastructure, different ages and different conditions. Our task is to keep it in good shape, do assessments and keep an eye on it. We ensure (the) timely replacement and maintenance of infrastructure, on time and on budget.

That’s our biggest task.”

DON RAINARD Job title: superintendent of streets, stormwater and traffic Years with city: about 20

“We wear so many hats. We take care of all the mowing in the entire city for ditches, canals, ponds.

We take care of massive pothole operations to keep streets operable. Our most important (part) is keeping the city from flooding and keeping traffic flowing and just keeping it beautiful.”

potholes filled/patched

9.287

trees trimmed/removed

85,566 linear feet

stormwater pipe cleaned

2,361

curb miles swept

492 linear feet

stormwater pipes installed

2,320,511 linear feet medians, shoulders and alleys mowed

101 bags special events trash picked up

ISGL Properties

Plant City Estate Home For Rent

2713 Forest Club Drive, Plant City FL 33666 Please visit http://johngoodrich7.wix.com/rent2713 for more information, or call John Goodrich at 813-759-3209, or contact johngoodrich@att.net Available May 1st, 2016

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

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FROM BLUEPRINTS TO BUILDINGS With Plant City undergoing a growth spurt, how does the City of Plant City Planning and Zoning Department approve site plans?

Adjustments, if needed Application reviewed

Applicant can withdraw or continue

Board recommendation

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Growth has been a major theme for 2016 in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. From booming new businesses to expanding residential developments, Plant City is quickly becoming known for more than just farms full of bright red strawberries.

Earlier this year, Central Florida Development announced plans for a 72-acre business park on County Line Road. It has already built the County Line Commerce Center, which is leased to Fitlife Foods and SparkleSkirts.

Additionally, North Park Isles and Walden Woods, two housing developments in Plant City, recently adjusted their site plans to allow for more housing units and different setbacks.

But the process of getting things approved by both the City of Plant City and multiple agencies throughout Hillsborough County requires more than a quick once-over of site plans.

Application submitted to Planning and Zoning

City engineer authorizes for development

Development

Plans sent to Planning and Zoning

Plans reviewed within 15 days

City Commission public hearing

Planning Board public hearing

Development plan submitted

Concerns, if any, addressed

ABOUT REZONINGS

City Commissioners frequently review and vote upon rezonings, the changing of a parcel of land from one zone to another, at their biweekly Monday meetings. But before a parcel of land makes its way to the City Commission agenda, an applicant must first meet with Planning and Zoning Principal Planner Phillip Scearce.

“First we determine the future land use and the current zoning,” Scearce said. “Then we give them a guide of what they’ll need (to change it). We try to look at all aspects of site developing, but sometimes we miss things, or we don’t know the area as well as the people that live there do.”

Though City Commissioners do frequently approve rezonings, it’s not always a guarantee. All rezonings must go through a public hearing process, both at the Planning Board level and later at the City Commission level.

Typically, a rezoning takes about four to six months, based on complexity. Larger projects, such as the 2006 approval of North Park Isles, take longer. North Park Isles took almost a year to be approved, partially because larger projects require a transportation analysis.

AGENCY REVIEW

Once an application for a rezoning is submitted, it undergoes a staff review.

The City of Plant City’s Planning and Zoning Department and external agencies, including TECO, Verizon, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Planning Commission, review the rezoning application.

External agencies are allowed to make comments and raise concerns if there are major issues with the rezoning, such as a TECO pole going through a site. After adjustments are made, if any, the proposal goes forward to the public hearing process, first at the Planning Board level and then at City Commission.

If the Planning Board recommends against the wishes of the applicant, the applicant can choose to withdraw their request and reapply, or the applicant can choose to go forward to the City Commission.

“We try to address concerns prior to the first meeting,” Scearce said.

“We will put something on hold until

Graphic by CJ Major

THE ALPHABET OF ZONING The following zoning classifications in Plant City determine what land can be used for. All of the higher-numbered classifications include the classifications below it:

Photo by Emily Topper

Residents have more input on rezonings and Commission approval than they might think. In 2015, residents spoke out about the proposed use of the former Red Rose Inn as a rehabilitation facility, which was ultimately approved by the City Commission. Many who had family members in need of such a facility spoke in favor of the proposed use.

the applicant can get it done or make (it) a condition of approval. Our goal is to try to address all those issues during the review.”

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND COMMISSION APPROVAL

Whether they realize it or not, residents have more input than they may think in whether or not site plans and rezonings are approved. Both the Planning Board and the City Commission allow for public comment on such items.

Most recently, there was a proposal to rezone a lot at James L. Redman Parkway from the R-1A Single Family Dwelling District to the R-2 MultipleFamily Dwelling District. R-1A allows for single family homes, which can be found throughout the area, and R-2 other would allow for duplexes.

The City Commission ultimately denied the rezoning — even after

the Planning Board recommended approval — after hearing from residents at a hearing.

The residents said they believed the duplexes would contrast too much with the existing character of their community.

“We can’t take it personally,” Scearce said. “We have a public hearing process. We never know what’s going to be brought to a public hearing.”

Issues that can come out during public hearings, especially from adjacent property owners, include everything from existing traffic problems to flooded streets.

THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE: HORIZONTAL BEFORE VERTICAL

Detailed plans must later come back to Planning and Zoning for approval.

Last year, City Manager Mike Herr had a vision to have an open and expe-

Sweet as a Florida Peach EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Saturday, May 21, skip the produce aisle at the supermarket and head to Keel and Curley Winery.

The Thonotosassa hotspot is hosting the second annual Peach Festival from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 21. The winery first debuted the event last May, which yielded between 4,000 to 5,000 attendees.

“We had a great turnout last year,” Kristin Griffin, event coordinator, said. “We ran out of peaches.”

But it’s unlikely fruit fanatics will go home empty-handed. This year, three U-picks will take place during the festival for peaches, blueberries and blackberries.

Keel and Curley began promoting the event at the Blueberry Festival, held in April.

“Some people had been to it last

year,” Griffin said. “A lot of people seemed pretty excited, especially for the U-picks. We’re hoping for at least the same amount of people, if not more.”

The Peach Festival began after nearly 10 years of success at the Blueberry Festival.

“It was started since the Blueberry Festival has been successful,” Griffin said. “We’re hoping to keep that going with the Peach Festival as well.”

The event is kid and pet friendly, with only a $5 dollar parking fee and fees for the U-picks. While kids enjoy face painting and kettle corn, adults can head to the bar to try the winery’s festival delicacies: peach beer, peach cider and peach chardonnay.

All of the fruit used in the beer and wine is either taken from the Keel and Curley farm, off of Hawk Griffin Road, or bought locally.

If the idea of sweet drinks isn’t

dited review process. Herr created the Development Review Committee, which is made up of everyone in the City of Plant City who reviews the site plan as well as external agencies, including the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission and the Florida Department of Transportation.

The purpose of the Development Review Committee is to shorten the review process, which can be viewed as an incentive to developers.

In this process, a sketch of the engineering plans are given to the committee. Comments are then made on the plans, and concerns are addressed.

“It makes the whole review process faster,” Scearce, who serves as the point of contact for the committee, said. “That’s been Mr. Herr’s vision since he got here. We’ve always prided ourselves on a fast review and friendly

R: residential R1: single-family zoning R1-A: single-family zoning with larger lots, up to 7,500 square feet R2: multi-family dwelling R3: apartment complex C: commercial C1-A: neighborhood commercial zoning C1: includes warehousing; Historic Downtown is included in the C1 classification C2: includes heavier commercial uses, such as machine shops and heavy engine repair shops C1-B: medical areas, such as those near South Florida Baptist Hospital C1-C: limited commercial; small uses that don’t have large impacts on nearby residential areas, such as real estate offices or flower shops M: manufacturing/industrial M1 and M1-A: light industrial M-AP: used for Plant City Airport

customer service. We’ve refined the process.”

Plans from the Development Review Committee then go back to Planning and Zoning. After, a review is done within 15 working days.

Once the civil plans are reviewed, City Engineer Michael Schenk authorizes a letter for development. Inspections are completed on the building as it is being constructed before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

The second annual Peach Festival at Keel and Curley Winery will feature U-picks for peaches, blueberries and blackberries.

appealing enough, the U-picks are sure to be a fan favorite — especially this year’s bonus blueberries and blackberries.

“The blackberries will be ready this year,” Griffin said. “Usually they’re not ready until after the Peach Festival.”

Guests will be able to enjoy more than their fair share of fruit at the festival. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., food vendors, including Smokin Aces’, Ben’s Pretzels and Sanford Jerky will be serving up their most popular dishes.

Shopping fanatics can peruse a variety of unique items, from jewelry to soy candles.

The day of fun will wrap up with a 6 p.m. acoustic performance by Shane Meade, and the winery’s retail store will remain open until 11 p.m.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

IF YOU GO

Emily Topper

It’s not just peaches that will be available during the U-pick. Attendees also can enjoy picking blueberries and blackberries.

SECOND ANNUAL PEACH FESTIVAL When: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 21 Where: Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road Costs: $5 parking; free admission U-pick info: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; first come first serve.

U-pick costs: $6 per pound blackberries, $5 per pound blueberries, $3 per pound peaches Visit: KeelAndCurleyWinery.com Call: (813) 752-9100

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Judge: WLCA has right to lawsuit against golf course EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Judge Laurel M. Lee, of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, ruled in the Walden Lake Community Association's favor regarding a motion to dismiss claim filed by Visions Golf LLC. In September 2015, Visions Golf, the company that owns the two 18-hole golf courses in the Walden Lake community, filed a motion to dismiss a new lawsuit filed by the WLCA. Currently, Visions is trying to get portions of the golf course in the community rezoned for residential development.

After a court hearing on April 1, Lee ruled Friday, May 13, against the motion to dismiss, citing that the WLCA has the right to pursue its claims.

"The ruling is significant because the judge ... cited many cases that we had cited," Harley Herman, the attorney for the WLCA, said.

Though Lee denied Visions Golf's motion to dismiss and ruled in favor of the association, she approved a separate motion to dismiss of an alternative, class action certification. While the WLCA claimed it was not subject to certain requirements in seeking to represent its members, Lee ruled the WLCA was technically correct, but that such representation without requirements can only be done in a general manner. Because of the specificity of the class action suit, Lee ruled that the WLCA would be subject to requirements and ruled in favor of Visions' motion to dismiss.

While the WLCA may file an amended complaint on the class

action suit, Herman said it's likely the WLCA will not pursue the class action suit because it was ruled the WLCA has a right to the lawsuit on behalf of the community. Because of this ruling, Herman said, pursuing a separate class action lawsuit becomes unnecessary.

Steve Mercer, of Visions Golf, later responded to Lee's ruling.

"In considering the motion to dismiss, Judge Lee was required to assume that the facts stated by the WLCA were true and that no other facts could be considered," Mercer said. "Visions will be filing an answer disputing the facts and claims of (the) WLCA ... The case is still in the early stages, and Visions is confident that it will be successful in the lawsuit."

Mercer also said many of the issues Visions initially raised in the court hearing will be considered again by Lee either on a motion for summary judgment or trial.

The April court hearing was one of the first major hearings in the dispute between Walden Lake and Visions. At 9 a.m. on July 13 and July 15, injunction hearings are set for Visions' rezoning request. The hearings will take place at the Plant City Courthouse, 302 N. Michigan Ave. Additionally, Visions Golf will be making a presentation to the City of Plant City's Planning Board at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16, regarding the rezoning. The meeting will take place at the Trinkle Center on the Hillsborough Community College campus, 1206 N. Park Road in Plant City.

Members of the Walden Lake community have expressed both their support and opposition to the proposed rezoning.

ARE MORE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS REALISTIC? WHAT The Walden Lake Community Association is discussing having a reserve study completed.

DEFINE A reserve study includes reviews of infrastructure that may need replacement or repairs, allowing the association to budget for such improvements. A reserve study will evaluate the property’s physical components and reserve funds.

Photos by Emily Topper

New infrastructure in the community includes the pavilion at the Walden Lake Sports Complex.

UPCOMING DATES

The ruling is significant because the judge ... cited many cases we had cited.”

— Harley Herman, attorney representing the Walden Lake Community Association

PLANNING BOARD MEETING When: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16 Where: John R. Trinkle Center on the Hillsborough Community College Campus, 1206 Park Road.

INJUNCTION HEARINGS When: 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, and Friday, July 15 Where: Plant City Court House, 302 N. Michigan Ave.

WE BUY GOLD

0003583131-01

206092

WE BUY ROLEX WATCHES - GOLD - SILVER- COINS 0003583131-01

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WE BUY ROLEX WATCHES - GOLD - SILVER- COINS - WE BUY ROLEX WATCHES - GOLD - SILVER- COINS

1701 S. Alexander St., Suite 102 (813) Plant City, FL 33566 M-F 10am-5:30pm • Sat 10am-12:30pm Village Plaza at Walden Lake

WE BUY ROLEX WATCHES - GOLD - SILVER- COINS - WE BUY ROLEX WATCHES - GOLD - SILVER- COINS

WHY Many of the WLCA board members were displeased with the most recent reserve study.

“The board, as we reviewed it, had some concerns,” Orrico said. “Some items, such as pump stations and the community’s truck, were not included in the reserve study.”

The WLCA requested the missing items be added to the reserve study, but it was never done.

UPDATE A new reserve study would include the infrastructure in the new Walden Lake Sports Complex, including the pavilion and the fencing around the baseball diamond.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

WE BUY GOLD 752.0585

TIME According to WLCA President Dan Orrico, the study will be done sometime next year. It will take four to six months to complete.

The reserve study review would include the infrastructure in Walden Lake, including the community’s trucks, bridges, signs and the fencing around the baseball diamond.

FINAL WORD “What I would anticipate is that we would motion for it, budget for it and then we’ll plan to do it next year,” Orrico said. “I expect that it will take several months to accomplish, about four to six months to complete.”

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Injunction hearings will be held in July.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

5

Beat the Summer Heat with these native plants DONNA BOLLENBACH FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

Beat the Summer Heat with these native plants

Summer in Florida can take a toll on us — and our gardens. As the temperatures rise so does our desire to go outside and tend our plants. How can you beat the heat in your garden?

Start by planting these five droughttolerant, easy-to-grow natives:

DO YOUR PART For more information about purchasing and growing natives visit PlantRealFlorida.org and join the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

FIREBUSH

When in full bloom, which is most of the year, this large shrub lights up the garden with its bright red to orange tubular flowers, thus its name. While it will tolerate some shade, plant it in full sun for the best show of flowers.

Once established it needs very little water or care.

A Florida favorite, firebush can reach a height of up to 12 feet. It is a fast grower but tolerant of pruning.

After flowering, it produces round purple fleshy fruit that may be eaten by mockingbirds.

SPIDERWORT

MAY 7

DESIGNER DEVIANT 1600 block of West Lowry Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle and stole a pink Kate Spade purse. Complainant had left her vehicle unlocked at the time of the burglary.

RENEGADE ROOMMATE 4500 block of State Road 574 West.

Grand theft. Officers responded to a residence in reference to a reported theft. Complainant stated their roommate had stolen personal belongings.

Officers made contact with the suspect and arrested him for grand theft.

The suspect was also arrested for battery on a law enforcement officer.

MAY 8

COACH CROOK 1200 block of West Risk Street.

Vehicle burglary. Officer responded to a residence in reference to a reported vehicle burglary. Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle and stole a brown Coach purse, which contained $320 in cash and various forms of identification. The purse was valued at $328.

MAY 9

LEFT BEHIND Baranca Street and Nosleda Street.

Abandoned vehicle. Officer responded to a location in reference to a vehicle left abandoned on city property.

The car, a gold 1997 Saturn, had not been registered since 2000. Police were unable to contact the owner, so the vehicle was towed and entered as towed/abandoned.

YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT, KID 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Petit theft/resisting merchant. Officers responded to a store in reference to a reported theft. The suspect was determined to have stolen two BB guns and pellets and was arrested.

YOUR HOMETOWN

BANK

MAY 11

GIVEAWAY 900 block of West Washington Street. Found property. Officers responded to a residence in reference to found property.

Complainant stated a suspect dropped a Troy-Bilt weed eater on his front lawn and asked for help starting it. When complainant refused to help, suspect said, “Y’all can have it,” and left.

The weed eater was not registered as being stolen, and it was placed into evidence as found property.

Hillsboro BANK

Personal Banking Business Banking Online Banking

MAY 11

TOOL TIME 800 block of Mendonsa Road. Residential burglary. Officer responded to a residence in reference to a reported theft. Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered his garage and stole an orange and white Stihl chain saw, an orange and white Stihl weed eater, and orange and white Stihl leaf blower and a blue and white Trek women’s bicycle. The items were valued together at $2,000.

Smart Banking at its BEST!

CRACK A WINDOW 300 block of West McLendon Street.

Criminal mischief. Officer responded to a library in reference to a report of criminal mischief. Unknown suspect(s) had caused $200 in damages to a window.

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MAY 12

CLEANED OUT 3210 block of Sydney Road. Business burglary. Officer responded to a business in reference to a reported burglary. Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole landscaping tools from storage containers and vehicles on site. The items were valued together at $6,000.

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COPS CORNER

There is something about the contrast of the delicate three-petal flower and the thick tangle of long, leggy leaves that is attractive to me. Perhaps it reminds me of my life at times: a spot of beauty in a jumble of disorder.

But despite the metaphor, spiderwort, so named because it resembles a nest of spiders, is one flower I can depend on surviving and spreading in my garden.

The flowers of this resilient perennial range from rose to blue to purple and are attractive to native bees.

They reach a height of about 3 feet, and while each flower only lasts one day, they bloom profusely from early spring to as late as July or August. It

CALL ME MAYBE 10 block of South Maryland Avenue. Grand theft. Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole his daughter’s iPhone 5s smartphone from her middle school on May 5. The phone was valued at $400.

If you want butterflies in your garden, plant the native scarlet sage. Scarlet sage attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds like no other. Referring to the deep red of the original plant, it is also known as blood sage, red salvia and scarlet salvia, but native nurseries also offer pink and white varieties.

It is easy to grow — some say too easy. Once established it will quickly spread and form thick spikes of colorful flowers about 2 to 4 feet high. They will thrive in full sun, partial shade or full shade in most soil types. As the seeds spread, the flowers may pop up in other places in your landscape. I love this about them, but if you don’t, the new plants are easy to pull up.

This native is affectionately called powderpuff because the pink bulbous flowers resemble little pink powderpuffs. Its Latin name, Mimosa, refers to a more interesting feature of this plant: Mimosa means mimus, or mime, because the lacy, fern-like leaves will close when touched, mimicking the sensitivity of an animal.

Powderpuffs are fast growers and only reach a height of only 2 to 3 inches, making it a great ground cover.

They can be used to fill a bare spot in your garden or replace an entire lawn.

It blooms most heavily in spring and summer, but may continue to flower throughout the year in mild climates.

While it needs lots of water to get started, it will tolerate dry soil once established.

The Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites the public to join it for its monthly meetings and trips. The chapter meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Extension Services Office, 5339 County Road 579. Trips are usually held the Saturday following the meeting but may vary. For additional information visit SunCoastNPS.org.

While the delicate pink flowers of this shrub are pretty and attract bees and butterflies, it is the large clusters of bright purple berries clinging to the stems that give this plant the name beautyberry. It’s Latin name, Callicarpa, also means beautiful fruit.

This native shrub is hardy. It will grow in most soils with good drainage and needs minimal care once it is established. It is even salt tolerant.

It may reach a height of 4 to 8 feet in full sun to partial shade. The longlived berries provide food to birds and other wildlife well into the winter.

MAY 6

SCARLET SAGE

POWDERPUFF

BEAUTYBERRY

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

tolerates full sun to partial shade and will grow in most soil types.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

hillsborobank.com

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

PLEASE READ THIS: Before You Buy a Hearing Aid

Why would you go anywhere else?

Rating Rating Rating www.floridamedicalhearing.com Rating Rating

Rating

WINTER HAVEN 250 Avenue K SW, Suite 105 Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-268-2105

WINTER GARDEN 13750 West Colonial Dr. Suite 330 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-745-4595

KISSIMMEE (Under the Historic Arch) 1310 North Main Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 407-978-6641

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FROM COMMON PAGE 1

SERVICES OFFERED Serenity Day Spa offers a number of services such as massages, reflexology sessions and manicures and pedicures. A sample of services includes: THE SERENITY DAY SPA, $129 Includes a 50-minute Swedish massage, a fully-customized 50-minute facial and an exotic guava oil foot scrub.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE, $95 A 60-minute massage designed to relieve pain and muscle tension throughout the body. The massage reaches the deepest layer of muscle and breaks down adhesions.

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ON THE GO No time to stop by the spa? The staff of Serenity Day Spa can take care of that too.

“We’re also mobile,” Greg Hernandez, CFO, said. “We’ll go to your office, your home.”

SERENITY DAY SPA Hours: By appointment only; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Address: 104 W. Reynolds St., Suite 9 Contact: (813) 707-9000 Website: PlantCityDaySpa.com

Emily Topper

Anna Eskamani, from Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando, was also a guest on the abortion segment.

nections,” was originally set to be an eight-minute segment that aired during the middle of “Political Connections.” However, all of the segments so far have been over eight minutes, with some being as long as 15 to 16 minutes.

“We do all the research,” Fry said.

“We’re driving that content.”

The show is shot in thirds. Sink and Ingram discuss an issue, usually one that has garnered massive national attention, such as abortion, and try to find common ground Republicans

FROM SPA PAGE 1

Day Spa, with friend Donna Bogan, in Historic Downtown. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the spa May 4.

The full-service spa offers the usual mani-pedis and facials, but also offers a variety of massages, peels and reflexology sessions — services that Brewer believes can help area vets.

“I believe in this stuff,” Brewer said.

“It has helped me immensely.”

During his time in the military, Brewer was injured and had a broken neck and back problems. When he was sent to a massage therapist for pain management, Brewer was skeptical.

“I thought it was for girls,” he said.

“I was the ultimate soldier. I can bench press a Volkswagen. But I need the massages to get the blood to those injured areas. It’s preventative medicine.”

WORKING FOR WELLNESS

Once Brewer realized massages and reflexology helped him deal with his injuries, he quickly became an avid supporter of the practices.

In 2010, Brewer reconnected with Bogan and her fiance, Greg Hernandez, at a Plant City High School class reunion. Brewer stayed in touch with the couple throughout the rest of his Army service.

When he made the decision to retire, Brewer was stationed in Virginia.

“I was wanting to come back here,” he said. “I started telling Greg my desire to retire. I wanted to do sports apparel at first.”

However, Hernandez, who used to be a small business consultant, advised Brewer to open a business selling something that had worked on him. Naturally, Brewer turned to spa services, and Hernandez came on

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Photos by Emily Topper

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WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY? Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet, hands and ears. Used as a way to alleviate stress, reflexology is the theory that areas in the feet hands and ears correspond to other parts of the body. By putting pressure on a certain area, reflexology proponents believe a positive change is made on the organs and overall health of a person. Reflexology is frequently practiced by chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists.

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“It’s called thinking,” Ingram said.

“And if you’re not talking to people with opposing views, you’re not learning, and you’re probably not thinking. I think people are starting to show their dissatisfaction with “gotcha” journalism ... and are beginning to seek out (other) sources for information.”

The show continues to be a forum, with Fry and her team having much of the control over production.

“They (Bay News 9) have never done something where they’ve given the control to this degree to an outside individual,” Fry said. “I try to be inclusive with them so that we’re all on the same page. We love working with their team.”

She hopes as the show grows in viewership, open dialogue will occur off the screen too.

“This could be a catalyst for changing the conversation,” she said.

“There are always things as humans we can connect on.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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of public affairs and field operations for Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando.

Sink and Ingram then do interviews with the guest of their party’s opposing side. In this case, Sink interviewed Schultz and Ingram interviewed Eskamani. Each of the guests are given equal air time. For the third part of the segment, Ingram and Sink get back together to discuss their views and if they’re able to find issues they agree on.

A lot of times, they are.

board as the company’s CFO. Today, Serenity Day Spa is filling up with eager clients. “(Last) week, every single day we’ve had bookings,” Bogan, who serves as co-owner and operations manager, said. “We have clients coming as far as Bartow and Riverview.”

While clients are welcome to make an appointment at the spa for a day of rest and relaxation, Brewer and his team offer discounted prices for law enforcement officers and military members. The company accepts insurance.

“All they have to do is show their ID or uniform or evidence of their military service,” Brewer said. “And they’ll always get that discount.”

Potential clients who have never visited a spa are bound to find something they like, according to Hernandez.

“It takes a lot of tenacity to do a business like this,” he said. “You’ve got to have someone that’s good.”

The company has hired individuals with specific talents for their various services. Adrienne Rose serves as the spa’s esthetician, while Michelle Muffley and Julie Sanford serve as the massage therapist and reflexologist, respectively.

“It helps to promote healing,” Brewer said. Brewer added the services can help with issues that aren’t necessarily physical, such as anxiety and PTSD. “It’s a relaxing environment.”

Serenity Day Spa is located in Historic Downtown Plant City. The business accepts clients by appointment only but is open seven days a week.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

and Democrats can agree on.

“We try to make sure we’re really appealing to both markets,” Fry said.

“We’re looking at state and national issues.”

Each episode of the show features two guests, usually two experts on either side of the issue.

During a segment on abortion filmed in April, the guests were Anna Eskamani and Sabrina Schultz.

Schultz is the director of life ministry for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, while Eskamani is the senior director

Christ, Biblical Truth, Integrity, Accountability, Discipleship, Love, Witness, and Faithfulness

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Common Ground, which airs Sundays on Bay News 9’s “Political Con-

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COMMON GROUND When: 11:30 a.m., 8:30 p.m.

Sundays during “Political Connections” Channels: Bay News 9 and News 13

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WATCH IT

MEET THE HOSTS

Fry, who is the owner of Fryed Egg Productions, was working with 411 Communications president Chris Ingram on some strategies for his career when she came up with the idea for Common Ground. Fry wanted to put Ingram, a Republican who has worked for political candidates including Sen. Mel Martinez and Mayor Rudy Giuliani, in a more prominent role in television.

“He’s got such a platform and a voice,” Fry said.

With Ingram on board, Fry began thinking about political figures who would make a great co-host alongside Ingram. She reached out to Alex Sink, a Democrat and former CFO for the state of Florida.

“They did not know each other (at the time),” Fry said. “Alex is a great match.”

With her co-hosts signed on, Fry was able to make her dream a reality: a show where political figures talk with one another and experts about issues facing the nation and try to find areas where they could agree on the issues.

“Chris and Alex are not passive in this at all,” Fry said. “We’re not just laying it in front of them, they’re participating. It just naturally flows.

That plays to the viewer, if they’re being authentic.”

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To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ PlantCityObserver.com.

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Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Emily Topper, etopper@PlantCityObserver.com Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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

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Made of Steel Show set to ride into town The custom car show is returning to the Hillsborough County fairgrounds for a second year.

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One of Central Florida’s most diverse car shows is coming back to Hillsborough County.

The Made of Steel Show will return to the Hillsborough County fairgrounds on Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22.

Heading into the show’s second year, creator Jeremy Caruthers is sure Made of Steel is going to continue to get bigger and better. This year’s vendors have already doubled the 2015 numbers.

“We already have 32 vendors and nearly 100 pre-registered vehicles,” Caruthers said.

Caruthers is hoping for a bigger guest turnout too. While 3,000 guests packed the fairgrounds for the first year of the show, Caruthers believes the show’s inclusiveness makes it a great fit for custom car aficionados everywhere.

“The whole premise of the show is to get every genre of gearhead and custom enthusiast in the same place,” Caruthers said.

Caruthers started Made of Steel last year because he thought Central Florida was lacking a quality car show.

“I was born and raised here,” Caruthers said. “There’s just nothing in Central Florida for everybody to attend.”

The show caters to custom cars, and Caruthers expects there will be between 500 to 700 vehicles this year.

While custom cars are desired, the show welcomes exotic cars and classic cars, as well as trucks and bikes. This year’s event is hosted by HotRidesMag.com, Phat Tank’s Autobody & Phab and Crescendo Audio and Epicenter Designs. “(The show) has a whole different laid-back feel to it,” Caruthers said.

“With us, it’s, ‘Let’s enjoy the day, the weather. Let’s make new friends.’”

While there will be plenty of automobiles for spectators to check out, vendors also will be on the grounds and there will be a kids’ zone with free snacks and drinks provided by Lakeland’s Backyard Bouncarooz.

The two-day event will also feature multiple contests with cash prizes, including a pin-up contest and bikini contest. Specialty awards will be given to show participants, including awards for Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Interior and Best Stereo.

The event will be covered by Street Trucks Magazine, Truckin’ Magazine and HotRidesMag.com, in addition to many other podcasts and magazines.

“It’s old school and new school,” Caruthers said. “We want everybody to get together.”

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The long jump was one of several track and field events.

P

l ant City may not be Rio de Janeiro, but some locals have gotten into the Olympic spirit before the Summer Games.

Turkey Creek Middle held its annual Olympic Day at its football field Friday, May 13. Seventh and eighth graders competed against each other before lunch, and the sixth graders competed against themselves in the afternoon.

The event, now 13 years old, featured track and field events, such as foot races, the long jump and the shot put, a basketball shootout, archery, disc golf, cornhole and more. Special needs students competed in bocce, disc golf and track races.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and their horses also made an appearance at the games. — JUSTIN KLINE

Gobblers tested their aim at the archery range.

Above: Students ran the 100, 200, 400 and 800-meter dashes.

Left: Special needs students were able to play bocce, among other things.

Above Left: Disc golf was one of the more popular games.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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Durant High School’s criminal justice program has seen a jump in growth over the past few years.

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Three years ago, James Smith retired from the Plant City Police Department. That was on a Friday, and his teaching career began four days later.

These days, his Durant High duties are greater than ever. Since taking over the school’s criminal justice program, enrollment has nearly quadrupled as the program has doubled in size.

“To me, it’s not work,” Smith said.

“Getting to come here and be a part of these kids’ lives is more than I could ever ask for.”

Smith — generally known as “Mr. Smitty” — and first-year instructor Stephanie Garrett are preparing for an increase for the upcoming 201617 school year. According to Smith, there will be 12 classes for an expected 360 students, covering four levels of education.

These are possibly the busiest days for a program that has been around since the school opened over 20 years ago.

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THE PROGRAM

The criminal justice program is divided into four levels, numbered one through four, and has a pyramidtype structure.

Six classes make up the CJ1 curriculum. CJ2 students have to take three classes. CJ3 students take two.

CJ4 students need one class before graduation.

“They’re going to learn more in the academy, in law enforcement,” Smith says. “We just kind of scratch the surface. That way, when they get there, they’re going to go, ‘Oh, I remember doing that. Now, I can really focus on how to do it even better.’”

There’s plenty of textbook work, but students also learn how to use handcuffs, analyze fingerprints, use defensive tactics and work through role-play scenarios.

There are even occasional target practice sessions with BB guns, which take place at a designated area of campus. Equipment is donated by the Plant City Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

“Not all of these students are aspiring law enforcement officers,” Smith says. “Some of them took a

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This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) Divorcee, 2) Advertising, 3) Smart, 4) Funny, 5) Struggling Ann Romano

This week’s Sudoku answers May 19 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.51)

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Thank you, protectors

L

aw enforcement officers from the Plant City Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were honored with a catered dinner at the 54th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner Tuesday, May 10.

The annual event, which began as a way to remember the late Sgt. Ben Wilder, honors four Eastern Hillsborough County officers each year from law enforcement branches.

Over 400 people attended the May 10 event.

This year, Master Police Officer Dennis Pawlowski was honored from the Plant City Police Department, Trooper Steven E. Varnell was honored from Florida Highway Patrol, Master Detective Jeffery Harris was honored from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Officer Joseph Cristofaro was honored from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

COUGAR CITATIONS

Students who complete four years of the criminal justice curriculum are presented with an award at the annual Breakfast for Heroes.

class because they thought it would be a neat class. But, once they get in there, they learn what law enforcement’s about.”

THE INCENTIVES

The ones who do wish to go into law enforcement have a sweet deal waiting for them at the end, if they finish all four levels of the program.

These graduates — of which there are 25 this year — have the opportunity to graduate with six credit hours at Hillsborough Community College. If they can pass an exam, they receive a Class D security guard license.

Smith said when he arrived on campus three years ago, there were 90 students enrolled in five classes. His biggest challenge was getting out of what he calls a textbook-heavy atmosphere and using his own experiences to help students grasp and relate to concepts.

“The curriculum was there, but I had to re-write it so that they could understand how it works in the real world,” Smith said. “You take that information provided in the book and put it in the real world.”

He taught the courses by himself until the program grew to the point where he had to have some help. Garrett, he said, has been a great addition to the program.

“I’m teaching these kids to respect law enforcement,” Smith said.

“Whether they ever aspire to do that or not, they’re learning to respect the career. That’s a big part of it.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

From Monday through Thursday, Durant’s criminal justice students are generally in the classroom. But on Fridays, many of its students do field work.

Students in levels 2 to 4 are asked to patrol the campus and keep an eye out for rule breakers from first through fourth period.

“It works,” instructor James Smith said.

“These kids keep the school safe. The deputy can’t do it all by himself. The administrators can’t do it. These kids give us the extra ability of security. It’s a little law enforcement community that we have, up there.”

Students patrol five areas: the teachers’ parking lot, student parking lot, upstairs, downstairs and courtyard. Among citations include cutting class and parking violations — which result in real citations from the oncampus deputy.

“They find somebody skipping, a lot of times they notify me and I notify one of the (assistant principals),” Smith said. “They give a description of the kid that walked off campus, and the (assistant principals) and deputy go, sure enough, there’s that kid, walking down the road.”

Photos by Emily Topper

Left: Stacey Wright and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathan Wright Below: Christine Bruno and Deputy Don Bruno, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

— EMILY TOPPER

2016

Master Police Officer Dennis Pawlowski was the 2016 honoree from the Plant City Police Department.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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11

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Civitan Club leaves legacy in Strawberry Youth Parade Although the Civitan Club is disbanding, President Pat Pogue will work with the Florida Strawberry Festival to ensure the continuation of the youth parade.

MANAGING EDITOR

ONE MESSY DESK

Civitan Club President Pat Pogue staved off tears when she talked about the Christmas gift project at J.S. Robinson Elementary School.

The first time she participated, she put on a red suit, in hopes the 127 students in the disabilities program would like her. But when she got to the classroom, it ended up being so much more than winning their affection. A little boy wrapped his hands around her legs in hug and looked up with scars on his face.

“Boy, that brought me to my knees,” Pogue said. “Here I was thinking I left my job for the day to come out here and do something good. And they changed my life.”

Pogue still plans to attend the Christmas parties, now in their 40th year, although it won’t be with the Civitian Club. The members felt the 61-year-old club’s time had come to an end and disbanded this month.

It will be donating mementos to the Photo Archives and History Center, including scrapbooks and the meeting bell with inscriptions of the charter members.

Still, it’s legacy will continue in the Strawberry Youth Parade for the Florida Strawberry Festival, a community service project the club managed for years.

“I keep saying in my mind, ‘We’re not going to die. It lives on with the Strawberry Youth Parade,’” Pogue, who has been a member for 25 years, said.

Pogue is working with others to set up the parade as a separate nonprofit organization so youth in Plant City can continue to be recognized during the city’s biggest event, the Florida Strawberry Festival. The parade will be in its 44th year in 2017. Students in bands, JROTC, sports, clubs and more march from the State Farmers Market, down Alexander Street and to the festival grounds on Reynolds Street.

A committee will select the parade grand marshal and the application process will operate in the same way it has in the past.

If a nonprofit entity is set up, similar to Berry Fine Productions, the nonprofit that manages the Grand Parade, festival General Manager Paul Davis hopes Pogue will run it.

“Pat Pogue has done a phenomenal job with the Civitan Club for years,” Davis said. “She has a passion for young people and what she does.”

The parade is one of the Civitan Club’s most notable service projects, but it’s not the only one.

Besides the Christmas gift project, the Civitan Club also sponsored Junior Civitans at Plant City High School and Durant High School and Civinettes at Plant City High School.

James C. Billings was one of that charter members of the Plant City Civitan Club. He owned Quality Printing at 803 S. Collins St. Civitan President Pat Pogue remembers going into his office to discuss club happenings. His desk was covered by stacks of paper, with one section in the center clear.

“He knew where everything was,” Pogue said.

D

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Photo Archives and History Center

A: Civitan Club President Pat Pogue and Civitan members Starkey Tharrington, James Sonny Jones and Vernon Porter presented a donation to the Photo Archives in 2016.

B: The Civitan Club celebrated Christmas with Cork Elementary School students in 1961.

C: The Civitan Club participated in the Rodeo Parade in 1963.

D: The Civitan Little League in 1961

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Charter member James C. Billings set up a scholarship program. The club assisted James Ranch and Hillsborough Community College, held award banquets for Plant City and Durant high schools and made contributions to the Smithsonian and Man on the Street sculpture exhibit.

“Yes, the Civitan Club has disbanded, but with all the stuff we’ve done, it lives on,” Pogue said.

The club started Nov. 22, 1954.

Charter members included James C. Billings, who owned Quality Printing on Collins Street, Dr. Frank Chambers and Bert Davidson, the second South Florida Baptist Hospital administrator, among others.

The club has met in businesses around Plant City, including the Orange Blossom Tea Room, which is now the Photo Archives and History Center on Evers Street, Buddy Freddy’s and Porter’s.

When Pogue was first president, the club was up to 53 members.

“To get over 50 members who were active was so incredible,” Pogue said.

In recent years, active membership shrunk. But the club still remained involved in the community.

“We have a lot of history,” Pogue said. “We have so many favorite projects. You just know all the stuff you’ve done over the years, and it’s just amazing.”

205934

AMBER JURGENSEN

12

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Photos by Amber Jurgensen

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The guild gave MacDonald Training Center a scholarship for its art program. The nonprofit helps those with learning disabilities receive job skills and training.

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With the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall decked out in neon and peace signs, guests mingled with one another during dinner, drinks and dancing. This was the first year that the Strawberry Ball has been held in April. In the past, its been held in January.

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intage fanatics and hidden treasure hunters united at the 2016 Fancy Flea Vintage Home and Garden Market Spring Show Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, at the Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds.

Vendors sold items in categories from handmade furnishings to mid-century finds. Fancy Flea guests enjoyed bargain prices, an assortment of food trucks and unique finds.

Photos by Emily Topper

Above: Yvonne Fry and Pec Chamber McGinnes Left: Florida Strawberry Festival Security Chief Tim Lovett, longtime festival employee Ellany Johnson and General Manager Paul Davis.

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ABOUT FANCY FLEA The Fancy Flea Vintage Home and Garden Market is an upscale, outdoor vintage show. Annually, the show is held once in the spring and the fall. Guests can shop for antiques, salvage items, shabby chic decor, garden art, baked goods and more.

Website: FancyFlea.net

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

FRIDAY, MAY 20

BEST BET

FAMILY MATTERS SEMINAR 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. The event is free and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Membership Director J.J. Myers at (813) 757-6677.

THURSDAY, MAY 26 PLANT CITY HISTORY TRIVIA CHALLENGE 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Collins St. Join the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library as 16 community leaders match their wits to claim the History Trivia Challenge cup. Admission is free and donations benefit the friends of the library. For more information, call the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center at (813) 754-1578.

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 8 a.m. Friday, May 20, at Walden Lake Golf & Country Club, 2001 Clubhouse Drive. For more information, call Henry Falcon at (813) 754-9338 THE RAINMAKER 8 p.m. Friday, May 20, to Saturday, May 21; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15, and Sunday, May 22, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. Tickets are $16 for adults; $14 for students and seniors; $12 from groups of 10 or more. PCEShows.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 21

COFFEE WITH MS. CLARA AT SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH 5 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 Cason St. Meet actress Karen Abercrombie, from the movie “War Room.”

Dinner will start at 5 p.m. The screening of “War Room” will start at 6:30 p.m. At 8 p.m., Abercrombie will do a sketch as her character, Ms. Clara. The public can then meet her at 9 p.m. To attend the dinner, purchase tickets by calling (813) 752-2144.

MADE OF STEEL CAR SHOW 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, at the

Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover.

Enjoy a car show, bikini contest, kids’ zone, vendors, food and more. MadeOfSteelShow@aol. com.

PEACH FESTIVAL 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. Enjoy peach, blueberry and blackberry U-picks, vendors, food and drinks.

KeelAndCurleyWinery.com.

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CAR SHOW 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 21, in Historic Downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmer St. For more information, contact the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at (813) 754-3707.

TUESDAY, MAY 24

CAREFEST MEETING 12 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Lunch is provided. Help plan the next CareFest, a volunteer outreach program to help residents with home improvement projects. For more information call (813) 326-0749.

SUMMER KICKOFF ONE-STOP SHOPPING EVENT 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at The Home Place Barn, 3740 McIntosh Road, Dover. There will be raffles and refreshments. Vendors include Jamberry Nails, Young Living Essential Oils, Younique Thirty-One, Premier Jewlery Designs Jewlery, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef and more.

PILOT A QUADCOPTER 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May

24, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Learn the basics of controlling a quadcopter. For grades fifth through 12th.

Register by calling (813) 757-9215 or visit the library.

SKIN DISORDERS AND SKIN CANCER 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St. Part of the Ladies Night Out series, this program teaches about skin cancer and how to care for skin disorders, including psoriasis and adult acne. Registration is required. The event is free. (813) 644-6720.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

FAMILY MOVIE TIME 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302

McLendon St. Enjoy a movie and popcorn. Bring a blanket. The movie is rated G. For more information about the movie, please call the Bruton Memorial Library at (813) 757-9215.

THURSDAY, MAY 26

ROCK-AND-ROLL DANCE 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Uncle Mikes Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60. Admission is $10. There will be food and a bar.

Destiny will be performing.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT MARION SMITH’S RETIREMENT PARTY 5:15 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 27, at 3200 Polo Place. Chamber members are invited to the home of Rick and Di Lott to celebrate President Marion Smith’s retirement. RSVP by calling (813) 754-3707.

ONGOING

ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

BABY TIME 10 a.m. Thursdays, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Early literacy begins at birth.

Bond with your baby through stories, bouncy rhymes and songs in this 20-minute lapsit program that introduces early literacy skills and encourages language development. For children ages up to 18 months and their caregivers.

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN...

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The Plant City

History Trivia Challenge Sixteen community leaders will match their wits in this challenging but fun competition to claim the History Trivia Challenge Cup!

Presented by Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library When: Thursday, May 26, 2016 Reception 6:30 p.m. Program 7:00 p.m.

Where: Plant City Entertainment 101 North Thomas Street, Plant City, Florida FREE ADMISSION

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

NORMA ROBINSON BLACK PRESTIDGE

Norma Robinson Black Prestidge, 94, of Plant City, died May 6, 2016.

She was the daughter of Kie and Annie Lou Harman Robinson and the granddaughter of Plant City pioneers Dan and Martha Robinson and Marion D. and Scotto R. Harman, of Lexington, South Carolina.

She was the 1938 Strawberry Festival Queen and an honor graduate of Plant City High School and Alabama College. She was a member of First United Methodist Church Plant City, a charter and life member of the East Hillsborough Historical Society and a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Plant City Chapter 1931. She served in the Plant City branch office at the Hillsborough County Tax Collector until she retired.

She is survived by her son-inlaw, John L. Lyndall; nieces, Melissa Hodges Hobkirk, Mary Black Bashinsky and Lynn Janssen Hood; and nephews, Luman E. Black Jr. and Donald Janssen.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, D.W. Black; their daughter, Cathy Black Lyndall; and second husband, T.J. Prestidge.

A funeral service was held May 12, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Pastor Doug Pareti, of First United Methodist Church, officiated. Interment followed at East Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, Florida 32725.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

ROSCOE Z. PRICE SR.

Roscoe Z. Price Sr., 90, of Dover, died April 18, 2016, at his home.

He was born in Williston, Florida, to William Harvey and Jessie Mae (Weaver) Price. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and retired from American Can Company. He was a family man and loved music, playing the guitar, fishing, camping, traveling and playing golf. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Mildred Lavern Price; son, Roscoe Z. Price Jr. (Rodica); daughters, Joyce Brown, Barbara Joiner

and Darlene Smith; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Gregory Sheffield; and stepdaughter, Donna Tarver.

A celebration of life with military honors was held May 6, at Wells Memorial and Event Center.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

JACK B. RODGERS

Jack B. Rodgers, 90, died May 1, 2016, in Tampa.

He was of the Lutheran faith and served in the United States Army during World War II. He spent much of his career working with the railroad and retired from Conrail. He loved camping and photography.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie Mae Rodgers.

He is survived by his daughter, Melinda Rodgers; and grandchildren, Aleister Campbell and Trevor Campbell.

A funeral service was held May 6, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center. Burial followed at Sunset Memory Gardens in Thonotosassa.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

ARTHUR “ARCHIE” WAYNE SANDERS

Arthur “Archie” Wayne Sanders, 79, died April 26, 2016, at his home.

He was born June 30, 1936, in Beech Bottom, West Virginia, to F l o yd Sanders Sr. and Ravenal Williams. He attended school in Follansbee, West Virginia. He entered the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the USS New Jersey BB-16. He was employed by Ownens-Corning Fiberglass in Barrington, New Jersey, General Electric in Tampa and White Westinghouse in Lakeland.

He is survived by daughters, Christine Gibson (Larry), Candy Sanders and Conie Sybert; grandchildren, Jeremy, Audra, Amy, Amber, Alisha and Aspen; and great-grandchildren, Caden and Jaylynn.

He was preceded in death by his

parents; brothers, Floyd Sanders Jr. and Robert Leroy Sanders; and sister, Mary Ann Sanders-McCoy. The family would like to offer a heartfelt “thank you” to Yasser and Tracey at Hospice Care.

The Original Big Dog’s Patio raises a beer in honor.

WILMA G. SHIVER

Wilma G. Shiver, 91, of Lithia, died May 10, 2016.

She was born in Howey-in-theHills. She was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Lithia. She loved her Lord and family, and she enjoyed gardening.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Lee “Bill” Shiver Sr. She is survived by her children, Sandy Shirley (Andy) and Bill Shiver Jr. (Cheryl), of Lithia; grandchildren, Janda Shirley Fussell, Jennifer Shirley Adams, Bethany Shirley Falter, Bill Shiver III, Jody Shiver and Andrea Shirley Dwyer; and 11.5 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held May 14, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Pelote Cemetery in Lithia.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

MORRIS “MORI” SOGOLOW

Morris “Mori” Sogolow, 95, of Plant City, died Friday, May 13, 2016, at his home.

A native of Norwich, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Max and Ida Chapereaux Sogolow. He was a veteran of the United States Army.

He wa s preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Sogolow.

He is survived by his children, Lory Sogolow, Stacy Sogolow, Judy Connell and Betty Clark; seven grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

Services will be private.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

recipe books. She also loved to read.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Wade Suggett; father, James Stincil (Louise); and sister, Anita Feltman.

She was preceded in death by her mother; and brother, Leroy Stincil.

A funeral service was held May 10, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

FRANK WESTER

Frank Wester, 88, of Plant City, died April 27, 2016.

He was born in Columbus, Ohio.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and retired from Columbus Coated Fabrics. He loved all sports and umpired baseball, softball and basketball.

The Yankees were his favorite team.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Frances Wester; son, Eric Wester (Paula), David Wester (Marcia), Donald Wester and Robert Wester (Kara); grandchildren, Liz, Emily, Heather, Erika, Taylor, Madison and Megan; and great-grandchildren, Aubree and Henry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and one brother.

A funeral service was held May 2, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

MAUDE A. WILLIAMS

Maude A. Williams, 86, died Tuesday, May 10, 2016.

She was born in Macon, Georgia.

She retired from Hillsborough County Schools, where she worked as a head custodian for Tomlin Jr. High School. She loved gardening and yard work, and she liked to cook.

She is survived by sons, Donald

|

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

15

Williams Phillip Williams (Janice), Dennis Williams, Larry Williams (Debbie) and Jerry Williams; grandchildren, Alicia, Gina, Jeremy, Christopher, Justin, Nick and Ashley; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mike Williams; and her exhusband, G.C. Williams.

A funeral service was held May 15, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Entombment followed May 16, at Hopewell Memorial Gardens in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

ELOISE ROSS ZAMBITO

Eloise Ross Zambito, 90, of Plant City, died Thursday, May 5, 2016.

A native of Plant City, she was the daughter of the late Homer and Beatrice Reynolds Ross. She was an active member of St. Clement Catholic Church, being very involved with the St. Clement Strawberry Festival booth. She was a loving influence on all those around her.

She is survived by her children, Joseph Patrick Zambito Jr. (Leslie), Frances Palms (Frank) and Mark Zambito (Diane); grandchildren, Kelly Quarles, Cathy Zambito, Stephen Zambito, Suzanne Palms, Ryan Zambito and Linda Zambito; and great-grandchildren, Ross, Read, James, Benjamin, Avery and Quinn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Joseph Zambito Jr.; and siblings, Lorene Mathias, Wade Hampton Ross and Homer Alan Ross.

A funeral service was held May 9, at St. Clement Catholic Church.

Donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation Lavender Team, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33760, or The Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 200906011.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

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LETHA MAE SUGGETT

Letha Mae Suggett, 55, of Plant City, died Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Brandon Hospital.

She was the daughter of James Stincil and the late Belvie HowardSimmons. She was a photo technician at Pro Photo. She loved to collect Coca-Cola memorabilia and

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Join us as weHours celebrate 120 years of service16, to our community with a Business Business After After Hours event event on on Thursday, Thursday, June June 16, 2016 2016 from from 5:15-7 5:15-7 p.m. p.m.

Business After Hours event on Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 5:15-7 p.m.

MAY 20, 2016

SIDELINES

SPORTS

Camryn Wineinger is making waves as a freshman. Page 18

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

Durant announces 2016 football camp The Durant High football program announced Wednesday, May 11, the annual Mike Gottman Youth Football Camp will be back in action this June.

The sixth annual camp will be held from June 13 to 16 at Durant High School’s football stadium, 4748 Cougar Path, and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 14 through 16. Campers will be able to register all day on June 13, and that day will also include combine training from 4 to 6 p.m.

Students in third through ninth (incoming for 201617) grade will learn the ins and outs of offense and defense from Gottman and his coaching staff. Lunch and water will be provided each day.

The cost to register is $125 per camper. The program will also accept registrations at Future Cougar Day, from 8 to 9 a.m. June 11, at Durant High School.

For more information, or to become a camp sponsor, call (813) 323-4347, email Gottman at michael.Gottman@sdhc.k12.fl.us, visit the team Facebook page at facebook.com/DurantCougarsFootball or check the team Twitter account, @ DOORANTFOOTBALL.

Photos by Justin Kline

Plant City Boxing Gym caters to area kids, many of whom are migrant workers.

Jose Rodriguez wants to share his love of boxing with Plant City — especially its at-risk youths.

Prep football teams see action In addition to the Saturday, May 14, scrimmage at Strawberry Crest High School, all three area football teams got to put the pads back on and scrimmaged Thursday, May 18.

Plant City hosted Strawberry Crest, while Durant traveled to Brandon High to take on the Newsome Wolves.

For a team-by-team recap of what went down, who looked good and more, check next week’s Plant City Times & Observer Sports section.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

I

n Jose Rodriguez’s boxing gym, most of the words spoken are instructions in the ring. Weights clank against their

stations. Jump ropes whoosh through the air, occasionally skipping off of the ground. Leather-clad fists pound away at punching bags with satisfying thuds.

“You come through here, you don’t see nobody talking,” Rodriguez says.

Plant City Boxing Gym is like this by design.

SEE PAGE 17

Miguel Flores trains boxers with pad drills in the ring.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

“OLYMPIC DAY” should be everywhere

Optimist soccer wraps up 40th season The program has been going strong since 1977.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

JUSTIN KLINE

In 40 years, a lot can change. When it comes to Plant City’s youth soccer scene, Jack Holland knows that better than just about anybody.

Holland, the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department director, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the soccer program’s existence as one of only two men who have been involved the entire time. He and longtime referee Sam Singletary spent this his-

toric season working the older players’ games each week, just as they used to do before Holland moved to an administrative role.

“The feeling I get out of it now, more than ever, is when I see kids who played 10, 15, 20 years ago coming back and bringing their children out to play,” Holland says. “You know that you made an impact on that player when they want to come back.”

Courtesy

“ROWDY” BEGINNINGS

Plant City league plays at Marshall Middle School while Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex constructed

SEE KLINE PAGE 17

Rowdies won North American Soccer League championships

Rowdies formed in Tampa

The Youth Soccer Program is for children age 6 to 14.

SEE SOCCER PAGE 18

SPORTS EDITOR

I’ve got to hand it to Tecca Kilmer and Turkey Creek Middle School: their annual Olympic Day games are a lot of fun to cover.

Part of it is the scope of the event itself. The football stadium’s bleachers fill with classmates. Teachers and coaches — including Durant High baseball coach Butch Valdes, who has been helping nearly every year since he was a TCMS teacher — come out to manage the events and coach up the kids. The school does a great job of making it feel like more than just your average field day.

The school has been hosting

Photo

Without the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the league wouldn’t have been created when it was.

The Rowdies were formed in Tampa

Rowdies join forces with Plant City to start league

Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex completed

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

When he’s not busy with his main business, JR Home Improvements, the gym is where Rodriguez goes to live out his dream: using his sport to better people’s lives.

The gym caters to anyone on any level, as it, Rodriguez and volunteer trainer Miguel Flores are all certified by USA Boxing. But Rodriguez’s top priority is to give kids in rough situations the things they don’t have: structure, discipline, encouragement and purpose.

When his young athletes are not busy in school or working to help support their families, it’s where they go to stay in shape, vent their frustrations or, in some cases, seek comfort in having some structure in their lives.

Rodriguez, a native Puerto Rican, was hooked on boxing from an early age and started training at 12. He eventually found his way into the sport, working his way up to a few professional fights before choosing to end his career.

He relocated to Clearwater in 1989 and began transitioning into a career in home improvements. But opening a gym was something that was always in the back of his mind, and Rodriguez knew he would pounce on the idea if the opportunity ever presented itself.

“I’d been trying to do a gym for 15 years,” Rodriguez says. “It was in God’s will.”

Rodriguez and his family settled in Plant City in 2005, to be closer to his brother. He and his wife have two sons, but he says they chose to play baseball over boxing.

He finally found the opportunity once his main business became successful enough for him to cover the costs of the gym. Rodriguez was able to get into a warehouse unit at 607 Hitchcock St., found a dedicated volunteer in Flores and received the support of the community.

“My Town Barber Shop donated money for us to buy bags,” Rodriguez says. “This stuff takes a lot of money.

17

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

“My Town Barber Shop donated money for us to buy bags. This stuff takes a lot of money. City Cuts, they donated some money. Sherwin-Williams helped with paints … It’s a community effort.”

— Jose Rodriguez

HELP THE TEAM Jose Rodriguez is hoping to bring a Plant City Boxing Gym team to the upcoming Sunshine State Games in Fort Lauderdale, which will be held from May 27 to 29. To help cover travel costs, Rodriguez is seeking sponsors.

Any interested businesses or benefactors can contact Rodriguez at (813) 478-4705 or by email at pcboxinggym@yahoo. com. The gym is located at 607 Hitchcock St., Suite 103.

City Cuts, they donated some money.

Sherwin-Williams helped with paints … It’s a community effort.”

Rodriguez goes back to the word “community” often. It was in his head since he began planning for the gym, and it’s what drives him to run the gym the way he does. He charges members a flat fee of $50 per month, on a month-to-month basis, but recognizes many who need his services aren’t always able to come up with the money.

“A lot of people don’t pay,” Rodriguez says. “A lot of those kids don’t pay, but I’m not going to kick them out onto the streets.”

Rodriguez would rather see at-risk Plant City kids training hard in his gym instead of fending for themselves on the streets. He cites the Wheeler Street gas station homicide, where man was killed in an armed robbery attempt April 8, as the kind of thing he hopes to help prevent from hap-

pening in the future.

“Not only is the guy dead, the family lost a son, father, grandfather, whatever,” Rodriguez says. “Everybody lost in that situation … It’s a shame.”

He estimates there are 75 to 100 kids registered at the gym. Not all of them are able to come every day, as Rodriguez hopes they would.

“If they don’t come, they don’t come,” Rodriguez says. “If they do come, we work. It is what it is.”

Beyond serving the kids, Plant City Boxing Gym works with adults.

Rodriguez says many people come to whip themselves into better shape, develop the boxing skills needed for a career or, occasionally, learn new striking techniques for mixed martial arts fights. It’s also where professional boxer and Plant City native Chevelle Hallback likes to train.

The first weekend of May, Plant City Boxing Gym hosted a 20-fight Premier Boxing Champions tournament that brought over 100 people to the warehouse unit. Rodriguez, who was surprised to see so many people come through, hopes the gym’s central location between the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas will make it a destination for more tournaments and local fight cards. He says Premier Boxing Champions will also be back in June to film video packages with boxers to air before future fights.

“This stuff is exciting, man,” Rodriguez says. “It’s awesome. Out of every gym, they wanted to come to mine.”

Photo by Justin Kline

Sparring sessions are, according to Jose Rodriguez, the best way to learn to box.

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Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? similar events at schools, such as Bailey Elementary, and Walden Lake Elementary’s annual kickball tournament is also a great time, but I haven’t been to anything at other schools with this kind of scope and structure. Adding some light stakes — in this case, medals — to a sportsthemed event always makes it more fun.

I’d love to see other schools adopt Olympic Day, or something similar, in the future. If enough middle schools participate, how cool would a tournament featuring athletes from many Plant City-area middle schools be?

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Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Bobby Bowden speaks at Church of God embers of Christian Men United at Plant City Church of God welcomed football legend Bobby Bowden Saturday, May 14.

Bowden, a former Florida State University football coach who has over 300 victories under his belt, was one of the keynote speakers for the church’s “United!” event, held May 13 and 14. Other keynote speakers included recording artist Meredith Andrews and the Rev. Tony Suárez.

Bowden, who is still heavily involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, spoke about his family and his unwavering faith.

“I am a Christian,” Bowden said.

“I’m not ashamed of that. I never go anywhere without that cross.”

Bowden is the author of “Called to Coach,” “The Bowden Way” and “The Wisdom of Faith.” He and his wife, Ann, live in Tallahassee.

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Olympic Day for around 13 years, according to the staff, and offers something for everyone. Even the special needs students get involved and put their skills to the test, which is awesome.

With dozens of events for kids to participate in, from track and field to disc golf, there’s enough to keep anyone from getting bored. And it was really cool to see the kids giving it their best efforts in the more physically demanding events, such as the foot races and the long jump.

It shows the kids love Olympic Day just as much as the TMCS staffers do.

When I was in middle school, we didn’t have anything like this.

When I lived in New York, there was one year when we painted t-shirts and played with water balloons in a grassy area right outside of our classroom. I remember putting the number 7 on the back of my shirt for Doug Flutie, but it didn’t really help me throw the balloons any better. That was when I was about 10 years old, and it was the only field day I ever did while I was up north.

I moved to Florida just before I started eighth grade, and I don’t recall doing any kind of field day.

There was one day in our technology class where we made little rockets and launched them into the air, but that’s all I’ve got.

When I left, I couldn’t help but wonder why this isn’t a thing at other area schools. I’ve covered

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Right: Stephanie Pinkstaff, Mario Bradford and Dave Enslow

18

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

FROM SOCCER PAGE 16

in 1974 and won the North American Soccer League championship in 1975.

Naturally, that piqued the interest of young boys and girls in the Tampa Bay area who wanted to try the sport — something that also reached out to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

In 1977, the Rowdies joined forces with what was then the Plant City Recreation Department to get the ball rolling. That year, 170 local players took to the fields at Mike Sansone Park, playing over what are now the basketball and sand volleyball courts and the skate park.

The Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex became the league’s primary home upon its completion in 1983. In 1982, while waiting for the construction to be finished, the league played its games at nearby Marshall Middle School.

The Optimist Club immediately came into play, providing funding the league needed to get off the ground.

Its name was attached to the league,

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

“The growth of the sport nationwide has been phenomenal.

Seeing kids come back year after year, we ask how many have played in the past. I’d say 80% or more put their hands up. To me, that’s a strong indicator that we’re doing the right thing.”

— Jack Holland, Recreation and Parks director

and it started hosting the annual TriStar Soccer Skills Competition in 1997.

Holland and Singletary both served as referees in 1977, but Holland’s duties with the City of Plant City eventually moved him into an administrative role. Singletary has been an official for all 40 years.

GROWTH

In the late 1970s, when Plant City’s league was formed, there were 170 youths signed up in the area and

Courtesy photo

The youth soccer program has played at the Otis M. Andrews Complex since 1983.

almost 800,000 total within the United States Youth Soccer Association umbrella.

These days, the numbers dwarf the 1970s figures. The city reported 1,250 sign-ups for this season, and the USYSA national figure hovers at around 3 million registrations.

“The growth of the sport nation-

wide has been phenomenal,” Holland says. “Seeing kids come back year after year, we ask how many have played in the past. I’d say 80% or more put their hands up. To me, that’s a strong indicator that we’re doing the right thing.”

The only exceptions came in the years following the Great Recession

of 2008. The economic downturn shrunk the number as low as 1,150 players in 2011, following the city’s peak of 1,600 players. For the years 2008 through 2013, the USYSA saw an 11% dip in participation, going from 3,148,114 registered players in 2008 to 2,804,711 in 2013, with a steady decline each year.

In 2014, the most recent year available on the USYSA website, the organization reported 3,055,148 players — its first increase since 2008.

With the economy getting stronger and soccer being as popular as ever, Holland and the city are expecting the local program to get stronger — hopefully, back to that 1,600-player mark sooner than later. But, no matter how many players come through the program, Holland says that its main goal is to ensure that Plant City kids have a fun, safe place to play and grow.

“I’ve had kids come to me and say, if not for programs like this, they would not have become the people they are today,” Holland says.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Camryn Wineinger Lakeland Christian School’s softball team recently won its second consecutive 3A state championship, and Plant City resident Camryn Wineinger played a big part in it.

Wineinger, a freshman, went 6-for-8 with four runs, three RBI, a double and a home run throughout the tournament.

Wineinger wins a $25 gift card from GNC at Walden Woods. She can pick up the gift card at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 1507 S. Alexander St. #103.

This season couldn’t have gone any better, could it?

No, it really couldn’t have. I think having the experience from the 2015 state championship really prepared us, and we all went in with hopes at the beginning of the season, wanting to win. It was pretty awesome.

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I know LCS and private schools do softball a little differently than public schools, so when did you start playing on this team?

I started in seventh grade. This is my third year on the varsity team.

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What role do you fill on this team?

When I came on as a seventh grader, I wasn’t expecting to start. But I started the whole year in left field. In eighth grade, I was our catcher the entire year. This year, I was rotated at center and right field.

WE HAVE MOVED!

We did a walk together for cancer — one of our P.E. coaches at school has cancer, so we did a 5K walk for him. We also had a big sleepover that was really fun, and we pranked one of our teammates into thinking, the night before the race, that it was time to get up early. It was funny. It was at 1 a.m., and we had to get up at 7 a.m. We switched the time to Paris time.

Do you play any other sports?

I have in the past. I swam competitively since I was 5 years old — really tough, six days a week. I had to give that up because it’s such a dedicated sport, but I liked softball better. It was one or the other, and I couldn’t do both.

A little girl comes up to you and asks how to be a good softball player one day. What do you tell her?

Have a really good softball IQ, because it’s not all about skill. You can gain skill and technique but, if you don’t have a good enough understanding of the game, it’s hard to be a good player.

Being around these college coaches recently, it stands out to you.

You can just look around like, “This girl knows what she’s doing. This girl doesn’t.”

Which is your favorite?

I love catcher but, obviously, as a team player, you have to do what the team needs. Outfield is what I was called to do this year, to help out my team.

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You’ve won back-to-back state titles and went to the regional semis your first year. Is this the most fun you’ve ever had, playing with this team?

Absolutely. This year, all my experiences have been the most fun. Our teammates get along so well. We do so much outside of softball. We hang out all the time on weekends, go to movies and stuff, and our bond is so close — it’s been a great year.

What was your favorite moment from this season, whether in a game or not?

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MAY 20

High: 90 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 50%

SATURDAY, MAY 21 High: 88 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 90%

Sunrise Sunset

Friday, May 20

6:36a

8:14p

Saturday, May 21

6:36a

8:14p

Sunday, May 22

6:35a

8:15p

Monday, May 23

6:35a

8:16p

Tuesday, May 24

6:35a

8:16p

Wednesday, May 25

6:34a

8:17p

Thursday, May 26

6:34a

8:17p

High: 85 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 20%

June 4 New

MONDAY, MAY 23 High: 87 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 0 %

May 29 Last

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May 21 Full

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2016

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2016 2.06 in.

2015

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1 Sportscaster’s anecdotes 6 Angelic instrument 10 Angelic attire 15 Beauty shop offering, briefly 19 Sans company 20 “A Jug of Wine ... “ poet 21 “Snowy” avian 22 Antioxidant-rich berry 23 Afghani paving unit?

25 Music of Yes or Genesis, in the Czech Republic?

27 Weedy lots, e.g.

28 Chimney passages 30 Security holder, in law 31 Have a bug 32 Metronome output 33 “Six-pack” muscles 34 Org. with auditors 35 Challenge for a rafter 39 1914 battle locale 40 Triple Word Score earner 41 Came alive 42 Expensive wrap in Belarus?

44 Ad ___ committee 47 Changed course, at sea 48 “Lord of the Rings” tree-creature 49 Have markers out 50 Chip away at 52 O’Hare’s airport code 53 Buddies in South Korea?

57 Not so hot 58 Be short of 60 Tallest hoopster, usually (Abbr.)

61 Applied 3-In-One to 62 IV solution 63 Hindu airs 65 Ulsters, e.g.

66 Greek physician of old 67 Higher-ranked 69 Social stratum 70 High end of the Mohs scale 71 Red-coated cheese 74 ‘Hoods 75 Peregrinate in Italy?

77 “Dead man’s hand” card 78 Reason to award a badge 79 Soccer fan’s cry 80 “J. Edgar” org.

81 Balderdash 83 Long, long time 84 Backgammon piece in Ireland?

88 Mount the soapbox 89 Slicker’s place 90 Hardly macho 91 Threatening looks 92 Menu phrase 95 Long-eared beast of burden 96 Fern’s beginning 97 Source of syrup 98 Like the Marx Brothers 100 Tea go-with 101 Top-drawing actor, say 106 Jordanian frigate?

108 Moor one’s ship in Turkey?

110 “Cool!”

111 Proctor’s instruction 112 Gumbo need 113 Basket made on a rebound 114 Ponte Vecchio’s river 115 Uses a garden tool 116 April victim

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June 12 First

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

I LOVE PLANT CITY

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, MAY 22

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DOWN

1 It may be upside-down 2 “Love the skin you’re in” brand 3 Brain area 4 Cross to bear 5 Changed clips, say 6 Monopoly piece 7 “1,000 Oceans” singer Tori 8 Sought office 9 Leans toward 10 Considers 11 Fairy tale baddies 12 Lingerie buys 13 Brain scan, for short 14 Five o’clock shadow 15 ___-mutuel betting 16 “Microcosm” bacterium 17 10K entrant 18 Karaoke equipment 24 Hindu honorifics 26 Relax, as a grip 29 Lean and long 32 Xhosa’s language group 33 Roger of Fox News 35 Fabric made from cellulose 36 In the loop 37 Evidence of a point-blank gunshot, in

Switzerland?

38 ‘50s political nickname 39 Juvenile court defendant 40 Hauled 42 Bumps into 43 Some pledge drive gifts 44 Prepare to take a spin in Senegal?

45 Valhalla bigwig 46 Sign over 50 List-ending abbr.

51 Appomattox signatory 53 “The Lion King” villain 54 Ready to fall out 55 Sporty Mazda 56 Take in, say 59 ___ Lama 62 Castle material 64 Heroic deed 65 Oasis visitor 66 “Aladdin” apparition 67 Point a finger at 68 Treat you can eat inside-out 69 Cheese akin to cheddar 70 Short and plump 72 Like some accents 73 Internet fads 75 Ballgame blowouts 76 Good to have around 81 Short shorts

82 “... a man ___ mouse?”

84 Dump, with “of” 85 Audi and BMW, for two 86 High time?

87 Recovered from, as a malady 89 “Brian’s Song” star James 91 “Beowulf” or “Iliad” 92 Appliance brand 93 1905 Debussy classic 94 Don Draper, e.g.

96 “Eek!” inducer 97 Calyx part 99 “Censor” of Rome 100 Pirate’s take 101 Philippine native 102 “Funny or Die” clip 103 Medical kit item 104 Bocelli delivery 105 Chessboard row 107 1-800-Flowers alternative 109 Original “King Kong” studio

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

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