09.26.14 Plant City Times & Observer

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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SPOTLIGHT

SPECIAL SECTION

PAGE 18

PAGE 7

SPORTS

Marshall band ThePlantCityTimes hits high notes & Observer honors at first concert. city’sWonderWomen.

OUR TOWN

Plant City alum Kelsey Jensen sets records for UIC. PAGE 20

agriculture by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Residents hire attorney to file lawsuit against Paladin maker

Residents organized a public meeting Sept. 22, to discuss concerns about Paladin’s effects with government officials. + FSF reveals 2015 theme

The Florida Strawberry Festival announced its theme for the 2015 festival.

“Come Join the Party!” was selected by festival officials in honor of 2015, marking the event’s 80th birthday.

“For 80 years, our festival has been known as a celebration of agriculture, community and family, and we think that is a legacy that deserves a grand party,” General Manager Paul Davis said.

FREE • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Dozens of citizens who live near local strawberry farms met at Turkey Creek Middle School Sept. 22, discuss concerns about the fumigant Paladin with staff from the

Hillsborough County EPC, Florida Department of Agriculture and Florida Department of Health.

Although local agriculturalists and employees of Arkema,

the company that manufactures Paladin, maintain the chemical’s unpleasant odor had been controlled this year through the use of thicker tarps, the citizens who spoke

at the meeting disagreed.

But, the most common concern among attendees was not the smell, but rather, that the use of Paladin was linked to health problems, they said.

Shortly after Paladin was applied for the first time last year and again this year, many at the meeting said they were treated for respiratory issues

they had never suffered from before.

Along with his family, Mac Garner, a Dover resident, listed neighbors and friends who had cited problems with Paladin. “(Last year), we walked onto our front porch, and it hit us

SEE PALADIN / PAGE 4

DEFENSE IN A DOWNPOUR

+ Welcome to the world!

Jonathan and Valrie Humphrey, of Plant City, announce the birth of their son, William Armistead Humphrey.

He was born Thursday, Sept. 11, at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. He weighed 9 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 22 inches long.

He joins two sisters, Heidi and Hanah.

Grandparents are Don and Mary Humphrey, of Plant City; Deniece Stanaland, of Lakeland; and Andrew Stanaland, of Waynesville, N.C. His great-grandmother is Margie Langston, of Plant City.

+ Smoke testing to take place

Utilities Maintenance will conduct smoke testing Oct. 7 to 9, on all sewer lines on West Morrell Drive, Tangerine Court, West Langford Drive, Cedar Drive, Hughes Drive, Hickory Street, McLeod Drive, Essex Drive, West Prosser Drive, Oakwood Estates Drive, Fox Gate Court, Tozier Place, Citrus Landing Drive, Orange Bud Way, South Evers Street, Waller Street, Spanish Oak Lane, Oak Point Place, Crum Street, W. Strickland Street and West Alsobrook Street.

, 3&

This week’s winner is

Mariela Pedro-Juarez

See her photo on PAGE 23.

Justin Kline

On a wet and wild night, the Durant Cougars edged crosstown rivals Plant City, 9-7, Sept. 19, in the annual Battle for the Redman Cup. The relentless rain kept both offenses struggling for success. For more coverage see Sports, page 20.

education by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

WORTHY CAUSE by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Cougar Cave offers students P.C. saddles up for Pink Your Pony Trail Ride real business experience Durant High School celebrated the opening of its new school store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

Students who forget a pen in class no longer will have to ask their neighbors to borrow one. Cougar Cave, Durant High School’s new school store, held its grand opening and ribbon cutting Thursday, Sept. 18.

The store is tucked away beside the lunchroom and has everything from notebooks to highlighters. Most items are under a dollar. And for those without their pens, the store stocks five different choices.

“We have more school supplies than last year,” Nicole

SEE COUGARS / PAGE 4

Amber Jurgensen

Nicole Garling has been volunteering her time before school and at lunch to manage the store.

The ride, which raises money to support breast cancer treatments, will take place Oct. 11.

Forty-five riders and their horses made their way down a rural trail in Dover last year.

But, it was no ordinary outing.

The group was dressed in all pink — including the horses.

From camo to a knight and warhorse, the group was part of the Pink Your Pony Trail Ride to benefit breast cancer.

This year will mark the third annual Pink Your Pony Trail Ride. The trail ride starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Bay Lake Stables, in Dover. Riders should bring their own horse and be dressed in the pink theme. The ride will take a little more than an hour.

WHEN: 10 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11 WHERE: Bay Lake Stables, 4617 Garland Branch Road, Dover COST: $15 per person; lunch is $5 INFORMATION: Dawn, (813) 841-1409 or djgalia@gmail.com; sponsors and volunteers are needed

SEE PINK / PAGE 4

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

PINK YOUR PONY RIDE

Vol.2,No.10 | Onesection Crossword...................23

Obituaries...................19

Sports.........................20

Weather......................23

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, SEPT. 26

Acoustic Happy Hour — live music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Interactive Story Time — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 26, at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in East County, 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 752-8700.

The Peacemakers — live music takes place at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

Uncork Your Weekend with Skip Frye — live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City.

(813) 752- 9100.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 Drug Take Back Day — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27, at CVS, 2302 James L. Redman Parkway. The Plant City Police Department is partnering with the DEA to collect expired or unwanted medication. The department will accept the medication, no questions asked.

Gifted Advocacy Council of Hillsborough — meets from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215.

Marshall High School Class of 1969 — meets from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City.

Willie Thomas, (813) 2931778.

Men of Courage Seminar — takes place at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27, at Plant City Christian Center Inc., 1214 W. Reynolds St., Suite 2. For more information, call Dr. Pauline Rivers at (813) 759-0260.

NFL Pass, Punt, Kick Competition — takes place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2402 E. Cherry St. Winners advance to the sectional competition in Tampa in October.

The competition is sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Department. For more information, call (813) 659-4255.

Uncork Your Weekend with Mark Sprouse — live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 7529100.

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

MONDAY, SEPT. 29

Plant City Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament — takes place at 11:30 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 3, at Cleveland Heights Golf Course, 2900 Buckingham Ave., Lakeland.

Following an 11:30 a.m. registration, golfers will hit the links with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. An awards ceremony will conclude the event at 5:30 p.m. Rick Norman, (813) 2307737.

Gentle Yoga — takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Jenna Stanko, a Yoga Alliance certified teacher will instruct the class. (813) 757-9215.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 30 Heart Health Screenings — takes place from 1 to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Resource Center in the main hospital lobby, 301 N. Alexander St. Blood pressure checks are free.

Ribbon Cutting: Eastside Baptist Church — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 1318 E. Calhoun St.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1 Computer Class — takes place from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. (813) 7579215.

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

Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. Plant City Fit Club — meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at

BEST BET Sixth Annual Gardenfest and More — takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Train Depot in Historic Downtown Plant City. Admission and parking are free. The festival will include a variety of plant and antique vendors and food.

For more information, visit plantcitygardenclub.org or call (813) 716-0950.

301 N. Dort St., Plant City.

Melissa, (813) 395-3953.

THURSDAY, OCT. 2 Ribbon Cutting: Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at 3020 Lakeland Heights Road, Lakeland.

FRIDAY, OCT. 3 AARP Driver Safety Class — takes place from 10:30 a.m.

to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Attendees are asked to bring a bagged lunch.

The price for the class is $20 for non-members and $15 for members, payable by cash or check. Pre-register by calling (813) 757-9215.

Acoustic Happy Hour — live music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Uncork Your Weekend with Eric Thompson — live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752- 9100.

SATURDAY, OCT. 4 Bike Fest — takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at McCall Park, 102 N. Palmer St. Memoir Writing Workshop — takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. It is the first of three sessions that will take place Oct. 11 and 18. Lark Underwood, a local teacher will present this workshop. All participants should expect to attend all three sessions, bring a notebook with them, as well as a pen and 3-by-5 cards.

Enrollment is limited to the first 12 participants.

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expansion by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

GOVERNANCE by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Large residential development planned for northern Plant City

City Commission approves application for library grant

North Park Isles is expected to have almost 1,000 units, but its The library is eligible for State Aid, placement among wetlands and forest will require cautious design. which will be used for technological improvements this fiscal year.

COUNTRY LANE

Although developer Devon Rushnell said revisions would surely be made throughout the planning process, the first map of the subdivision shows basic proposed design elements. tension of Hillsborough County. His areas of expertise are wildlife ecology and forestry.

Northrop provides technical advice and planning assistance to private and public forest land owners on forest management and restoration, and the protection of natural areas.

Northrop said the necessary conversation was not whether to build a development like North Park Isles, but rather, how to go about doing so.

North Park Isles’ geographical location is favorable, Northrop said, because it is connected to an existing city.

“The more we can cause people to live in closer proximity to one another, the easier it’s going to be for us to conserve more of the landscape, more of the forest, more of the wetlands, more of the farmlands,” Northrop said.

Still, Northrop said the building process should be executed carefully because wetlands play important roles in the maintenance of human health and wildlife welfare.

“People could live on this land and not really disturb the values that society expects to get from forests and wetlands,” Northrop said. “That

NEWSBRIEFS + Cocoa Beach man dies in I-4 crash

A 70-year-old Cocoa Beach man died in a four-car pile up Sept. 17, on Interstate 4.

The crash occurred just after noon, near the Alexander Street exit at mile marker 21.

Armin G. Wolle was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital, where he died.

The crash happened after two drivers slowed for traffic and a third failed to stop.

Robert Chouinard, 65, of Tampa, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet van in the eastbound inside lane. He slowed down.

In response, Danny Cooke, 60, of Cape Canaveral, who was

N. PARK ROAD

SAM ALLEN ROAD N. MARYLAND AVE.

A number of residential developments are in the works for Plant City, but North Park Isles stands out among them because of its large scale and geographical placement.

North Park Isles will be located north of Sam Allen Road and Park Road. Its single-family homes will likely be priced around $225,000 to $235,000, and they will be designed in a variety of styles. LandBuilder, the project’s developing firm, also plans to add a pond for kayaking, a walking trail and a clubhouse.

LandBuilder acquired the land in 2004. The property contains floodplains, which slowed the project’s progress.

City officials would not allow the rezone until flooding issues had been solved. Even more of a roadblock was the mid-decade recession.

“I’ve got partners who have held it since 2006 — just been sitting on it,” Devon Rushnell, president of LandBuilder, said.

“Right now, we’re just picking it back up, dusting it off, deciding which way we want to position it. We’re just waiting to figure out exact plans on how to move forward with it.”

The preliminary plat for phase one already has been approved, which comprises a basic layout design of streets and 319 housing units.

Phillip Scearce, senior planner for the City of Plant City Planning and Zoning Division, said LandBuilder had been trying to expand the 397-acre parcel to about 500 acres. The reason for this is a provision in the City of Plant City code that allows developments larger than 500 acres to have smaller front- and side-yard setbacks.

Scearce, Rushnell and City Engineer Brett Gocka said they did not know specifically when the project would move forward. Rushnell said he was waiting at least until the new city manager, Mike Herr, was instated.

Rushnell said Plant City was ideal for increased development because of its placement in relation to Interstate 4 and Interstate 75. There has been a trend of sprawl from Tampa in the exact direction of Plant City.

“I think (Plant City) could be the next New Tampa,” Rushnell said. “There’s just so much area that the city could grow into.”

However, the parcel upon which North Park Isles will be built comes with some distinguishable concerns. Of the currently annexed 397 acres, 163 acres are wetlands and 106 acres are upland forest, though the parcel is mostly surrounded by developed land.

Gocka said his team would work around the wetland areas, although it would be expensive. For example, in the northern region of the development, some sort of bridge is needed to cross from one upland area to another.

Rob Northrop is a faculty member at the UF/IFAS Ex-

driving a a 2003 Chrysler van, also slowed. Danielle Massa, 26, of Livingston, N.J., failed to slow down. Her 2001 Chevrolet SUV struck the rear end of Cooke’s Chrysler. Cooke was propelled forward and struck Chouinard’s Chevrolet.

Cooke continued to travel toward the center lane. Massa also traveled into the center lane, colliding with a fourth vehicle driven by Janelle Makowski, 55, of Largo.

Wolle was in the vehicle driven by Cooke.

+ Rep. Ross receives farm bureau award U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross was recognized with the Friend

would pretty much depend on how much of it would have to be cleared, and whether there were going to be dramatic changes to the land.”

He also said it would be important to design the subdivision in a way that recognized the connections of ecological functions between uplands and wetlands.

New tools are available to help city planners determine the ecological value of portions of land, and how different developmental designs could maintain or decrease that value. The EPA recently developed a software program

for this purpose called “EPA H2O.” EPA H2O was designed specifically for use in the Tampa Bay watershed. Local governments can run models to determine the services that a piece of land currently provides, such as water quality, air quality and habitat structure.

Marc Russell, a Florida EPA research ecologist, led the development of EPA H2O. “The tool facilitates comparisons between scenarios by translating ecosystem service production onto the common scale of dollars when possible,” Russell said.

He expects the program to be released this October, and available for use at epa.gov/ ged/tbes. Northrop said he and EPA representatives hope to host meetings throughout the Tampa Bay area where city planners can learn how to use EPA H2O. “We tend to see everything as black and white,” Northrop said. “We tend to see the environment pitted against economic development, and it’s unfortunate because it doesn’t need to be that way.”

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

of Farm Bureau award for the 113th Congress.

This award is presented to members of Congress who are receptive to the needs of farmers in their state by sponsoring, co-sponsoring and voting for legislation that will address highpriority agricultural issues.

“It is a privilege to accept the Friend of Farm Bureau award,” Ross said. “It is truly an honor to represent farmers throughout Florida. Our state has a thriving agricultural sector, and the health of Florida’s economy relies heavily on the farming and citrus industry. Florida’s citrus farmers supply about 56% of the orange juice consumed in the United States. We must allow the livelihood of farmers and Florida agriculture to continue to flourish. I will continue to fight to make sure all resources are being effectively allocated to farmers.”

“He has demonstrated a commitment to federal policies that enhance our state’s economy, conserve our resources and strengthen our rural communities,” said John Hoblick, president of Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

Ross was nominated by the Florida Farm Bureau, and his nomination was approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Board of Directors.

Ross has led the fight for Florida agriculture. He helped pass the Farm Bill in January, which included $125 million to fight citrus greening and provided certainty to farmers, ranchers and growers across Central Florida and the Tampa Bay region. He also asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take action to help keep diseased Florida citrus groves productive by providing short-term research initiatives.

BY THE NUMBERS

8: Number of included “villages” 470: Number of town home units 477: Number of singlefamily units 397.09: Total acreage 2.4 units per acre: Gross density 4.5 units per acre: Net density The above values represent the proposed overall project and are subject to change.

Plant City commissioners approved Sept. 22, a resolution enabling the City of Plant City Library Department to apply for state funding, with the goal of working toward a long-term library improvement plan.

In 1999, the Library Department formed a cooperative with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, making it eligible to receive State Aid funds from the Florida Division of Library and Information Science Grants Office. In 2003, the rules for State Aid changed, allowing municipal libraries to apply directly to the state for these funds.

According to the state office’s website, Plant City’s Library Department received $25,044 from this grant last year. Plant City’s estimated grant for the 2014-2015 fiscal year is $32,108.

Because of shifts in technology, research and education, leaders of Bruton Memorial Library have developed a long-term plan for improvements, covering this year through 2017. They have recognized increases in the numbers of jobs that require technological skills and students required to produce multimedia projects for their classes.

“The long-term plan has been ongoing,” said Felix Haynes, interim special assistant for library operations.

“The idea is continuity, and (that’s) what we’re striving for.”

Haynes is also part-owner of the Plant City Times & Observer.

Library directors’ first objective is to update its computer operating system, as well as purchase more computers. These will have new programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, and staff will be trained on all new software.

Included in this objective is the initiative to expand children’s exposure to new technologies through hands-on experience.

Adult computer-training classes also will become more frequent.

For youth and teens, library staff hope to expand options of video games that emphasize fitness and puzzles.

Even with these technological advancements, books will remain an important part of library services. But, there will be a more efficient way for patrons to check out books and other materials: a self-checkout station.

Another set of objectives in the long-term plan promote discovery and creation. Space

IN OTHER NEWS

• The city utilities department will conduct smoke testing Oct. 7 to 9, on sewer lines in a number of residential streets.

Residents will be notified via door hangers and should not be alarmed if they notice smoke coming from the sewer ventilation stacks on their roofs.

• Ellis-Methvin Park has been fully funded for soccer fields and fourplex lighting. Soccer field construction is about 50% finished.

Interim City Manager David Sollenberger suggests approaching county offices for funding of the concession stand and restrooms.

• The commission voted unanimously to approve phase one rezoning of Midtown.

• Sollenberger will finish his service this week, and new City Manager Mike Herr will start in the position next week. and resources will be available for children and teens to explore digital arts, hands-on crafts and, of course, reading.

Also in the long-term plan are ways to maintain the library’s role as a place that encourages community relationships. This includes collaboration with current and new organizations, membership expansion for Friends of the Library and strengthened partnerships with local government agencies.

The future of the book collection — whether it would increase, stay about the same or decrease to make room for new technology — is uncertain.

“That’s probably the biggest question affecting every library in the country right now,” Haynes said. “We’re all studying the changes in the environment in which we operate, and most people would agree, 20 years from now, libraries won’t be all book stacks like some of us had when we went through college. ... But how much and to what extent is the big question.”

The library has already undergone some updates, such as computer maintenance last week, but the 2014-2015 State Aid funds will be available for use in December.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

Catherine Sinclair

Raymond teased some of the students by taking their backpacks.

Rays mascot visits Lincoln Elementary Raymond, the sea dog mascot of the Tampa Bay Rays, stopped by Lincoln Elementary Magnet School for breakfast Sept. 18. The visit was part of Hillsborough County

Public Schools’ nutrition initiative. The goal was for students to have fun with Raymond while he encouraged them to eat a healthy breakfast.

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PALADIN / PAGE 1 like a wave,” he said. “It was like tear gas.”

Soon after they smelled the odor, Garner’s son began to exhibit respiratory problems that matched the symptoms of exposure described on Paladin’s label.

Garner said Arkema representatives suggested he move his family to a hotel until the odor was gone, but he chose to stay in his home. His son moved temporarily to a relative’s house. Garner asked the owner of the farm near his home to use a different fumigation agent, but the farm owner said he could not change his method.

“We met with (Arkema representatives),” Garner said.

“They assured us it would be different this year. But this year ... we still got sick.”

Garner and Mary Zentkovich organized the public meeting and got the word out by going door-to-door, asking neighbors whether they had suffered from health problems that could be Paladinrelated. Their efforts brought

Catherine Sinclair

Mary Zentkovich was one of the leaders of the meeting and spoke about her family’s and neighbors’ illnesses. dozens of concerned citizens to the meeting.

Zentkovich said her family has experienced a variety of symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, vomiting, nosebleeds and headaches. These were treated with IV treatments, antibiotics and other medications. Last year and this year, because of Zentkovich’s family’s symptoms, Arkema paid for their relocation

after Paladin was applied.

“This is not a small issue for me,” Zentkovich said. “It is not a safe product. My doctor said, ‘You need to go to a pulmonologist, and your daughter needs to go to a pulmonologist, because this chemical, it’s showing the effects of being in your body and causing serious issues.’”

Some attendees believed Paladin had caused health

problems for their animals, as well — even death. One woman said shortly after Paladin was applied near her home, three of her six cats died. Another woman who raised birds for the pet trade said within two days of Paladin’s application, the birds she had kept on her porch had died.

Yvonne Painton hired attorney Frank Charles Miranda to conduct an investigation and file a lawsuit against Arkema.

“I’m being treated as an asthma patient,” Painton said. “I was never sick before this. I ran on a treadmill every day. The only way this is going to stop is legal action.”

Miranda said he had formed a legal team comprising his firm, a firm in Louisiana and a third in Connecticut. His firm regularly takes cases in which people have been harmed by large corporations in some way.

A team of employees from Hillsborough County’s office of the Florida Department of Health spoke with Plant City citizens about their concerns at the meeting.

Michael Wiese, an epidemiologist for the DOH, said it was difficult to determine whether the concerned citizens’ health symptoms were directly linked to Paladin. The fumigant is applied in August and September, which coincides with students’ return to school — a common cause of communicable respiratory illnesses — as well as the beginning of flu season.

Wiese said the department did not keep a record at the local level of how many people had called with Paladin-related concerns. He said “only a handful of people” had come to him with complains that they had smelled the chemical and then felt sick.

Wiese said the department was willing and available to hear people’s concerns, whether they would like to speak with an epidemiologist, toxicologist or other professional. The office can be reached at (813) 307-8000, or DLCHD29WebsiteDistribution@flhealth.gov.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

PINK / PAGE 1 Following the ride, participants will enjoy lunch and will be able to win raffle prizes or purchase T-shirts and ribbons.

The cost of the ride is $15 per person; lunch is $5. Proceeds will benefit the Brandon Outreach Clinic, which helps families who can’t afford breast cancer treatments.

“I started this event, because the horse community likes to get together for events,” organizer Dawn Galia said.

But for Galia, who battled breast cancer nine years ago, the event has a deeper meaning. At 39, Galia found a lump one day and casually made Courtesy photo a doctor’s appointment. She Dawn Galia and her horse, Glory, went in pink camouflage last had no history of breast can- year for the ride. cer in her family.

But, it was also her horse, “I was 100% sure I didn’t months of chemotherapy.

“It was a long year, but fam- Glory, that made a big impact have it,” Galia said.

Multiple tests showed there ily, friends and a good, posi- on her. Galia bought Glory 18 was a mass inside of her, but tive attitude got me through,” years ago. She was a mostly it didn’t seem serious. Still, Galia said. “A lot of people are white paint horse with special her doctor wanted to be thor- secretive … they don’t want to needs. She’s deaf. Little did ough. He decided to do an talk about it. You need to talk Galia know that, years later, it open biopsy. It was cancerous. about it, some people need would be Glory’s turn to help.

“She was my therapy,” GaThe only hospital stays Ga- someone to talk to.”

Her positive attitude and a lia said. “Just rubbing against lia had had were for the birth of her two children and a ton- guestbook her children, Di- her, riding her, helped with sillectomy. After her diagno- anna and Zachary, put up in my state of mind.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at sis, she was facing a partial her home also helped. Friends mastectomy and had to have coming through the home ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. a port installed for her six wrote messages in the book.

COUGARS / PAGE 1 Garling, store manager, said.

“More students are coming in.

It’s more decorated.”

Garling, a junior, is volunteering her time at the store from 7 to 7:30 a.m. daily and during lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is part of Future Business Leaders of America and serves as the organization’s historian. She got involved with the store last May. Cougar Cave is the brainchild of FBLA advisers Ruth Rothe and Dawnelle Stafford and their students. Many years ago, the school had a marketing program, but it was cut. Rothe said this is a way to bring it back and offer realworld experience. They were lucky enough to receive a $500 grant to jumpstart the education.

“They’re learning the programs, and they’re keeping track of inventory,” Rothe said.

The students use Quicken on the cash register and handle money. But, Garling is learning more than that.

“For students who work in the school store, we get a sense of the business world,” Garling said. “We get better communication skills. This actually helps my communication skills.”

Kevin O’Hare, FBLA state officer, agreed.

“One of the unique things about this project … is that it’s run by students for students,” he said. “Not many people get to work in a store. We’re setting the example not just for Hillsborough County but (also) the state on how to grow student leaders.”

Ambassadors from the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce attended to the ribbon cutting to support the young entrepreneurs.

“Being a chamber of commerce, we are all about business,” said President Marion Smith. “So, we are so proud of you … opening this store and helping your fellow students.”

Members of Durant’s administration also were present for the ribbon cutting.

“We’re always encouraging our kids to accept challenges,” Pam Bowden, Durant’s principal, said. “This is one of those things. We hope this will be a huge success, and we hope we can expand.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

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Annette Barwick, Judy Richardson, Brigitte Sheppard, Kelley Gustafson and Kristen Permenter

PINKIES OUT by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Theater supporters get ‘oolong’ at tea party It was a very polite afternoon, as a group of mostly women gathered for a spot of tea Sept. 13, at the Plant City Entertainment theater.

Each table featured a differ-

ent them. The most creative themes included a Mardi Gras table and a Halloween-inspired setting.

The tea party was a fundraiser for the theater group.

Right; Kathleen Hall

The entertainment was snazzy.

Michelle Holloway and Rebecca Singer

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE! ROME, ITALY.

Katherine Wolf took her favorite newspaper with her during recent trip to The Coliseum, in Rome, Italy.

The Plant City Times & Observer and Cruise Planners have partnered to present our monthly It’s Read Everywhere Photo Contest. Each month, we will select one winner, whose photo will be featured in the newspaper.

Entering is easy! Just snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Editor Michael Eng, meng@ plantcityobserver.com.

Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.

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call for backup by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

observed: wonder women

Plant City police A few words about our special edition recruiting officers

The police department is looking for highly qualified applicants to fill eight openings.

The Plant City Police Department has eight open positions for new officers, which will remain open until they are filled.

“Retirements hit us hard,” Lt. Jerry Stwan said. “We’ve had four retire just in the last couple of months.”

All four of those former officers had entered the police department’s Deferred Retirement Option Plan. After an officer has worked for 20 years or more, he or she can enter the program, which allows employment to continue while retirement money is being invested.

“It’s a program that was designed to keep your experienced people on the job longer,” Stwan said.

But, DROP has a time limit: Eight years after an officer enters the program, he or she must retire.

The fifth vacancy was created when one officer transferred to the Tampa Police Department.

The remaining vacancies were not atypical.

“It seems like we’ve always got a couple of openings,” Stwan said. “But, it’s better than Hillsborough County having 100 openings, or TPD having 50 openings all the time.”

For now, some of the 59 officers on staff are taking on extra responsibilities to cover for the openings. But, Plant City’s safety will not be compromised.

“The backbone of this department is the patrol unit, so No. 1, we want to make sure that they are fully staffed,” Stwan said.

The first step in the application process is to fill out an application form either in-person at the police center, or electronically through the police department’s website.

Qualified applicants will first be subject to an oral board at the police center. If the command staff like what they see in the applicant, they will conduct a thorough background investigation on him or her.

After that is a polygraph test, then a psychological test and

WHAT TO EXPECT

The 32-page application for police department employment includes some interesting questions not commonly asked for other lines of work, including: • Do you object to wearing a uniform?

• What is your total indebtedness at the present time?

• List all motor vehicles and/or boats owned by you or your spouse, or that you operate.

• Have you ever been reported as a missing person or a runaway?

• Do you know of anyone who is an enemy or who might try to harm you in any way?

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum education: high school diploma/GED equivalency • Must live within 20 miles of police center • Certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement • Good moral character and record then a physical test. Finally, if an applicant passes all of these checkpoints, he or she will have a one-on-one interview with Police Chief Ed Duncan.

“We have extremely high standards for the people we hire, and no matter how short we get, we’re not going to let that slip,” Stwan said.

The base salary for Plant City officers is $42,915.60. Benefits include medical and a takehome car policy. After at least 20 years of work, retired officers are eligible for 25% of their pay.

For more information applicants can contact Officer Mark Dunnam, who will be handling recruitment.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

Catherine Sinclair

The first step for new employees is a two-week orientation at the police center. After that, they will go through field training, which could last up to four months, depending on their prior law enforcement experience.

update by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

In just over two years, the place. And through our busiPlant City Times & Observer ness dealings, the advertising has met a multitude of strong team has been consistently women who call the wowed over the obWinter Strawberry stacles some female tyCapital of the World coons have conquered their home. From sucto rise to the top. cessful entrepreneurs It is apparent: Plant to generous volunCity has no shortage teers, each one has her of pioneering women. own light about her And so, we wanted that illuminates the to do something to town with character celebrate them. SomeAMBER and class. thing to celebrate their JURGENSEN passion, their hope and Through many of the stories I’ve written, their dedication.

I have met such a wonderful I am proud to introduce and diverse collection of leadyou to our inaugural edition ing ladies who have worked to of “Wonder Women,” a special make the community a better section reserved for the cream

of the crop. Our staff chose 10 influential women for this edition, and here, we honor their triumphs and the roads they took to them.

It was nearly impossible to narrow the field to this final 10.

Our original list included more than 70 names, and we sat, huddled around the stapled pieces of paper, racking our brains for the best ones.

In the end, we picked a sample that would represent Plant City’s many sides. From a former Strawberry Festival queen to a rough-around-theedges bar owner with a big heart, we think you’ll agree with our picks.

We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together. We especially would like to thank photographer extraordinaire Stephanie Humphrey, who graciously donated her time and extremely talented eye to produce the beautiful images featured in this edition.

As for the other names on our list, we haven’t forgotten them. Our goal is to make “Wonder Women” an annual celebration, and we’d love to hear from you. If you would like to nominate someone for next year’s edition, email me, ajurgensen@plantcityob server.com.

FAITH by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to host fundraisers for renovations The church invites the community to two October events from which all proceeds will go toward updates to its historical building.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is one of the only historical churches in Plant City to still meet in its original building, but after more than a century, it’s time for some touch-ups.

The church has maintained its historical integrity throughout numerous renovations since it was built in 1908, and rector Tom Thoeni thinks another project is necessary.

“I’m not sure that going forward, the primary goal of St. Peter’s should be physical Band-Aids,” he said.

He does not want to place a burden on future generations of church leadership, so he and other church leaders hope to address building problems with high-quality, long-term solutions.

The church’s wood siding, which was installed in 1977, has begun to rot in some places, and there is also some roofing damage. In addition to these repairs, church leaders want to renovate the interior so that space is used more wisely.

“We have plenty of square footage; it’s just that it’s not used as well as it could be,” Thoeni said.

For example, the nursery is in the opposite corner of the building from the sanctuary, and he thinks children should be closer to the congregation during worship.

To raise funds for these projects, the church will host a yard sale Oct. 4, and a sit-down meal Oct. 11.

The church has organized yard sales in the past, but Thoeni said this would be the biggest yet, expanding into the surrounding streets. In addition to donated items, parishioners will prepare and

ST. PETER’S TIMELINE 1908: Building construction of the original sanctuary was completed on a lot at Wheeler Street and Mahoney Street.

1941: The building was renovated to include Sunday school rooms and the Guild Hall.

1953: After receiving a tempting offer from a hotel owner who wanted to expand into the church’s lot, the church moved its original building down the street to its current location.

1954: Hargrave House, the vicarage, was built.

1961-1985: The church underwent numerous renovations and expansions, including a nursery, a kitchen and administrative offices. The sanctuary was cut in half and expanded to become cruciform.

2003: Current rector Tom Thoeni was instated.

Catherine Sinclair

As part of the renovation, Tom Thoeni, hopes to permanently reinstall an antique stained-glass window from the church’s past. sell baked goods and smoked pork.

At 6 p.m. Oct. 11, church members as well as the community at large are invited to dinner at the church.

Parishioner Mark Conner will lead the culinary team, which will serve stuffed pork loin, mushroom risotto, peach crisp and other dishes. Wine also will be provided. The St. Peter’s choir will perform pop-

ular songs and showtunes for the evening entertainment.

“It’s supposed to be lighthearted and funny, which we’re pretty good at doing,” Thoeni said. “As one of my mentors told me, what we do is so serious, that we can’t take it too seriously.”

Lladros figurines and other works of art will be available at a silent auction. Church members have donated their

various handcrafted items for the auction. The highlight of the night will be the unveiling of architectural plans for the building and renovation.

Because all proceeds from the event will be used for this project, church leaders will thank attendees by allowing them to be the first to see the plans.

The cost for the dinner is $50 per person. To RSVP, call the church offices at (813) 7525061. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

Keel and Curley files suit against residents who opposed rezoning It was an issue that packed the Hillsborough County Commission chambers in downtown Tampa this summer. Keel and Curley Winery fought for a modification to its zoning to allow its new brewery, Two Henry’s Brewing Company, to operate. In the end, the commission voted unanimously for the rezone, ending in a victory for the winery nestled among rural neighborhoods off Thonotosassa Road.

But, it came at a cost. The winery has claimed that some

opposing neighbors slandered their business name.

Now, is has filed suit against those neighbors.

“We’re only suing the people (who) lied,” owner Joe Keel said. “There were people that opposed what we did. But, they didn’t make up lies. Everybody has the right to oppose something.”

Suits against William Woodall and Ray Young were filed earlier this month. Keel said he also planned to file suits against Donald Roth and Lonnie Os-

Plant City Times & Observer Locally Owned by Ed Verner, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

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wald. He said there were plans to also file against two others.

All parties live near the winery.

Keel said those residents made remarks about his business to others and on official county record that were untrue.

“We basically are holding people accountable for misleading or lying about our zoning efforts to get more supporters,” Keel said. “We suffered from their statements, either verbally or written.”

Keel said the process ended up costing the business

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$300,000. He said he has had to cut all of his employees’ salaries and his own. He also said he had to lay off three employees.

Some remarks had started long before the rezoning hearings, according to Keel.

In March and April, Keel had heard some rumors about the winery and his family’s own moral character. They consulted with an attorney but decided against taking action.

“It was all about their cause,” Keel said. “To this day, I don’t understand why they were so

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays.

It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City.

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

vindictive and malicious.”

Joanna MaGrath said a process server has been to her house a couple of times this month. MaGrath helped with research for the opposition.

She had met Oswald and others through church. They are also nearby neighbors.

“It’s been a total miscommunication since the get-go,” MaGrath said. “No one wishes any ill will on Keel and Curley.

We pray for them. We put them on our prayer list.”

MaGrath said the opposi-

tion had no problem with the winery. It was the brewery that posed challenges.

“I want to keep the rural community the rural community,” MaGrath said.

The winery changed its policies to allow only acoustic music, monitor noise levels and stop shows an hour earlier than usual.

Keel has asked for a jury trial for each suit.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

Plant City Times &

Observer

General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Catherine Sinclair, csinclair@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Joanna Verga, jverga@tampabay.com Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | 2014

WONDER

WOMEN

RUBY JEAN REDMAN • MARY THOMAS MATHIS • VERNA MCKELVIN • ERICCA GARRISON • DI LOTT • YVONNE FRY • COURTNEY PAAT • KIM SHOUSE • SILVIA DODSON • ANNA GENCO • PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE HUMPHREY

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WONDERWOMEN

Anna Genco T

he lights of two dart machines glow in the corner of Silver Dollar Saloon in Historic Downtown Plant City.

The purple hues play off owner Anna Genco’s blond hair.

The bar is smoky but charming, tucked away in a slot between other store fronts.

ROAD TO It’s because of Genco that SUCCESS loyal patrons FIRST JOB: Main come back Street Ice Cream time and time Parlor again.

The ADVICE: Just folspace has low everything you seen many believe in, your dreams. I know it owners come takes money, but and go.

I surprised myself But Genco when I did. I never brought it thought I could do it. back to life.

ROLE MODEL: My The barflies mother, Minerva know her as Genco. a big-hearted HARDEST LESSON: woman. CharThis is going to ity event after make me look like a charity event, bad person. I was a Genco can’t drug addict at one stop hosting point, but that’s them. Every what I did. I overcame it.

June, she picks a cause and throws a huge party complete with raffles, auctions and drinks. The stage hidden in the corner is usually stacked high with prizes.

The United Food Bank of Plant City is her biggest beneficiary. But, her favorite crusade was for a little boy who was blind. Genco helped raise $2,000 so the family could get a house in St. Augustine. There, the little boy could attend Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.

“That one was probably the most memorable thing ever,” Genco says, sitting at one of the high tops. “When (his mother) got him there, he was starting to learn things and do things.”

Her bartender brings her a

crumpled picture of the little boy from the back office. She sets it on the table, tapping it.

His eye bulge out of his head, severely deformed.

“It’s the closest to my heart,” Genco says.

Genco intermixes her work and play. But it’s been a long road for the successful business owner to get where she is today.

LEARNING THE BAR BIZ

Genco was born in Tampa to a big Italian family of six siblings. She barely met one of her brothers last year.

At 19, Genco’s life took a turn.

She became pregnant with her daughter, Jennifer. When the father disappeared, she was even more responsible for her child. Luckily, her mother was there to help.

Genco’s mother had been a bar manager since Genco was young. So, she started to work in bars as a way to support her and her daughter.

After working at the Hawaiian Village off Dale Mabry, she made the switch to Culpepper’s.

But, again, she ran into a roadblock.

She became addicted to drugs for two years. The owner gave her a break. He was married to the owner of Silver Dollar Saloon, in Tampa. If she got clean, she would hire her.

Genco went to three months of rehab.

“I’ve never touched drugs in my life again,” Genco says proudly, sitting up straighter in her chair.

The dart machines behind her make an excited shrill.

She was hired at Silver Dollar Saloon, saving up all her pennies until the time was right

^

for her to fulfill her dream. She wanted to own her own bar.

RENOVATING LIFE

Looking around the Silver Dollar Saloon in Plant City, no one would guess it was once a dilapidated mess.

Genco has turned the bar around since she’s owned it.

Just like she turned around her own life.

It was an ad in the newspaper that caught Genco’s eye when she was looking to buy her own place in the early 2000s.

Walking in, she was met by the 72-year-old owner, Peggy Joyce.

Cane in hand and wig on head, Joyce was anything but tiny.

The 6-foot-2 woman towered over her customers.

“I fell in love with the town; I fell in love with the bar,” Genco said. “The feeling of it was there. It felt homey unlike the busy bars I had been in. It was more free.”

Genco purchased the bar on April Fool’s Day in 2002, and although she thought it was homey, it needed a lot of work.

The roof had caved in; the red carpeted floors were torn up.

In addition to her charity work, Genco is also responsible for preserving the history of the building. The property had operated as a bar since the 1940s. Back then it was a stag bar. In the 1960s, it became Red Fred’s. This year, the building turned 100. Genco still has kept part of the original horseshoe-shaped bar. She also keeps her eyes and ears open to all her patrons that come through the doors.

“They tell you a lot of stories …” Genco says. “Everyone tells stories, and you learn a lot.”

— Amber Jurgensen

SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE: MINE WOULD BE TO FLY OVER CARS, SO I WON’T HAVE ROAD RAGE.

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WONDERWOMEN

Ruby Jean

Redman R uby Jean Redman and her family have played a significant role in Plant City’s history, and throughout the decades, she has seen the town grow up right along with her.

As a child, Redman lived just three blocks from her would-be husband: lawyer and state legislator Jim Redman. They started dating when she was a junior in high school and married ROAD TO in 1957.

Throughout SUCCESS the second FIRST JOB: My half of the dad used to own a 20th century, little dry goods store the Redmans downtown in Plant rose to leaderCity. I worked there in high school. I ship through also sold tickets at civic organizathe movie theater. tions such as the Auxiliary ADVICE: Being honest and doing the Club.

They best you can with were longtime your God-given abilimembers of ties.

Plant City’s ROLE MODEL: My First Bapmother. tist Church, HARDEST LESSON: where RedLife isn’t always fair. man taught You get knocked Sunday school down, you get back and still atup. tends.

Jim died in 2006, after a long struggle with cancer, but Redman continued to stay involved in the community.

PRUNE PLATOON

Although it was hard for Redman to watch her husband battle cancer for 28 years, she turned the struggle into an opportunity to serve Plant City in ways that promoted health and

cancer research.

Redman brought the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to Plant City shortly after Jim had started his cancer battle. She served on the society’s board for about eight years and still leads a team at Relay each year.

“Our team is all old people, and we’re called the Prune Platoon,” she says. “But, we’ve managed to raise a good bit of money.”

She also has served on the board of directors at Florida Southern Baptist Hospital for a number of years.

“I like keeping up with the new technologies, new treatment,” Redman says. “Every year, they’re coming up with new things.”

The emergency wing at the hospital is named after the Redmans, who made the original donation for its expansion and modernization in the early 2000s.

For other women who have family members battling cancer, Redman’s her advice is to stay positive.

“I learned a lot from (Jim) — perseverance was one of his great traits,” she says.

Today, Redman’s family carries on her legacy in leadership roles similar to some of those she has held.

FUTURE GENERATIONS

Before she started a family, Redman taught for one year at a school in Gainesville and another year at Bryan Elementary. Now, two of her daughters are principals at local schools:

Pam Bowden, at Durant High School, and Susan Sullivan, at Tomlin Middle School. Redman’s third daughter, Jeanne Knotts, is a guidance counselor at Plant City High School.

Continuing into the next generation, Redman’s granddaughter, Chelsea Bowden, was crowned Florida Strawberry Festival queen when she was in high school. Redman herself earned the title in 1953 — four years after Chelsea’s other grandmother, Barbara Bowden.

Jim was a longtime board member for the festival, and Redman also has volunteered at the festival for about 50 years. She welcomes visitors as they step off of their tour buses, serving refreshments at an area reserved for the bus drivers.

“What makes our festival so unique — there are close to 2,000 volunteers that do it just because it’s fun,” she says. “We just have a good time out there and get to meet a lot of nice people.”

HOMETOWN GIRL

Having lived and led in Plant City for so many years, Redman has seen big changes come through the town.

“In many ways, it’s changed for the better,” she says. “In some ways, I wish it had not gotten as large as it has. We used to walk home at night, walk home from the movies. It was just a different world. We felt safe.”

As the town continues to change, Redman hopes the next generation of Plant City leaders will reflect some of the same qualities as her husband.

“I want them to be honest,” she says. “My husband was known for being honest. ... A lot of people in the Legislature didn’t agree with him on some things, but they knew that he believed in what he was saying and he was an honest person, and that was more important in the long run.”

— Catherine Sinclair

^ SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE: TO END HATRED IN THE WORLD.

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WONDERWOMEN

Di Lott A

lthough she’s not originally from Plant City, it didn’t take long for Di Lott to fall in love with the place.

After 14 years of volunteering in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, Lott couldn’t be happier with the experiences.

“I love it,” she says. “Love the hometown feel, and everyone’s so nice. You see people ROAD TO you know everywhere.

SUCCESS Great place FIRST JOB: to live, and a Babysitting. Also, I great place to worked in a concession shop at the raise a family.

Floriland Mall. I That’s why I made $1 an hour want to get inbabysitting, and $2 volved.” an hour in concesShe’s ready sions. for something ADVICE: Three new, though, quotes: “If you don’t and is about stand for something, to dip into two you’ll fall for everyof the city’s thing;” “Everybody most storied is a somebody;” and “Nothing is wrong traditions for with a mistake. Just the first time. take ownership and learn from it.”

ROLE MODEL: My mother and my husband.

THE NEWCOMER

Born in Philadelphia, HARDEST LESSON: Lott grew up Never think that in Tampa and you can do it all by graduated yourself. from Tampa Bay Tech at age 17. She began working full-time right out of high school and, after moving on from aspirations of becoming a nurse, got a degree in interior design from St. Petersburg Junior College.

She met her husband, Mayor Rick Lott, while living in Tampa and working at an interior-design firm. In 2000, the family of

^

three decided to move to Plant City. It was then that they had Rex, their youngest son.

Almost as soon as she got into town, Lott began helping with the Rainbow Ball, raising money for the Child Abuse Council.

“It was a great thing to get involved in,” she says. “Plant City raised a lot of money for the Child Abuse Council through the Rainbow Ball, and the town was always very supportive of it.”

Lott also volunteered at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, teaching Sunday school. But, as her children grew older and more involved in school and sports, volunteering had to take a back seat. It did, however, open some new doors.

THE UP-AND-COMER

Last year brought Lott and her daughter, Ericka, into unfamiliar territory: the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Pageant. Or, one could say, the pageant scene, in general.

“She wasn’t a pageant girl, and I didn’t know anything about pageants, so that was a whole new world to us,” Lott says. “You hear things about pageants — rumors, you know, all different things.”

Although Ericka didn’t win the ultimate title, she was named First Maid — a tremendous honor, especially for a first-timer.

“I saw a lot of benefit from that,” Lott says. “It totally rounded her out and gave her some experience that she didn’t have, which carries you forward through life.”

Ericka is away at college now, and she might not be entering another pageant anytime soon.

SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE: TO FLY. I WOULD TRAVEL THE WORLD, GO EVERYWHERE.

But, her mother was so pleased with the experience that she decided to help out in any way that she could. Next year, when a new queen and court is elected, Lott will have that opportunity.

“Donna Keel and I are taking over what Sandee Sytsma’s been doing the past 12 or 13 years with the girls,” Lott says.

“We start with the next court.

Donna’s really the go-to person, but she keeps calling me her co-chair. So, we’ll go with that.”

Chaperoning the girls will be a big departure from Lott’s previous volunteering job at the Florida Strawberry Festival: helping out in the bus lot.

That’s all in the future. Now, she’s helping with something more immediate.

KEEPING THE SPIRIT ALIVE

Lott is actively involved with local PTA groups, currently serving on the boards for both Tomlin Middle School and Plant City High School. She also is president at Tomlin and is currently vice president of Plant City’s Ways to Earn fundraising committee.

At the high school, she’s a part of the new movement to bring athletic support back to its glory days. Members of the PTA recently created the school’s Orange Crush club, dedicated to supporting the Raiders in all of their ventures — not just football.

“We want to revive the goodold spirit of Plant City High School,” Lott says. “I hear a lot of good things from Rick, because he grew up here, and he tells such great stories about Plant City High School.”

That involves spreading school spirit throughout the community, even beyond the student body. The club has been successful so far, according to Lott, but getting people to attend games without football is no easy task. Still, if it’s been done before, then Lott and the rest of the Orange Crush believe it can happen again.

— Justin Klein

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WONDERWOMEN

Kim Shouse C

hildren frolic and dance in the courtyard of Plant City’s First Baptist Church Learning Center. Their excited shrills can be heard radiating through the main office door, bouncing between the colorful walls of the building.

ROAD TO Kim Shouse SUCCESS happily greets FIRST JOB: Lad and late-comers Lassie, which was at the desk, downtown and was checking a children’s cloththem into the ing store. It was my school. The senior year of high director truly school. has a passion ADVICE: For me, I for what she pray about everydoes. thing. Every decision “I feel like I make. my heart reROLE MODEL: ally is for preReally, my family. s c h o o l e r s ,” My parents, I guess.

They showed me how Shouse says. to put my priorities in “You get to order. You know, God lay down the and family. And be foundation. nice to everyone.

And since HARDEST LESSON: we’re a ChrisFor me, now that I tian-based have a high schooler, organization, jut how fast time we get to lay goes. Your kids grow the foundaup so fast, Make the tion for havmost of every day and don’t put things ing God in off … you can’t take their lives.” back time.

SCHOOL’S IN SESSION

Shouse has been director of the facility ever since she had three kids in preschool — 15

^

years ago. Her daughter, Ellie, and twins, Emmy and Easton, all attended the school.

Shouse, like her children, was raised in Plant City.

She lived near Gilchrist Park and attended Jackson Elementary. In high school, she cheered for the Plant City Raiders.

She went on to attend the University of Florida before marrying her husband, Steve.

They moved away for several years to Panama City, but, it was always a goal to come back home. After they returned, Shouse scored the job as director.

“I felt like it was a calling to ministry,” Shouse says. “I’ve had a heart for this school.”

Shouse had two goals when she came to the school. One was to get it accredited, which she accomplished in 2007.

Her second was to reach out to the families, as well, by praying for them or offering them assistance.

“It’s really hard to have a pre-schooler,” Shouse says.

“It’s the happiest days, but it’s the toughest times, too.”

And, although Shouse pours her heart and soul into the school, she’s made it a point to have her employees put family first, as well as herself.

In fact, Shouse doesn’t just spend the entire day with kids at the school. She is still taking care of a growing brood.

In addition to her biological children, the couple has taken in two foster infants.

FAMILY DYNAMIC

It’s been about a year since the family has opened their home to two babies. One was 17 months when they got her.

The other was just 5 days old.

This has been something the Shouses have wanted to do since before they were married. While they were dating, they discussed having three children of their own and adopting a special-needs child.

“We had our big plan,” Shouse says.

But, after attending a Florida Baptist Children’s Home presentation on adoption versus fostering, they changed their minds about adoption.

“There really is a need for good, Christian homes,” Shouse says.

With the help of her older children, Shouse says the babies have really brought the family closer. And they’ve also made an imprint on their lives. She hopes to one day make them part of her permanent family.

“The entire family embraced their lives,” Shouse says. “We’re supposed to make their lives better, but they’ve made our lives better.”

— Amber Jurgensen

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WONDERWOMEN

Mary Thomas

Mathis M

ary Thomas Mathis leads Plant City as an educator and public official, and she gladly accepts the challenge of finding just the right place for each puzzle piece of her busy schedule.

Mathis grew up in Plant City and graduated in 1975, from Plant City High School. She graduated in 1980, from ROAD TO Clark College — now known SUCCESS as Clark AtFIRST JOB: I worked lanta Univerat my father’s catersity — with a ing business, and I worked at Felton’s on history degree U.S. 92 in the deli. and a minor in educaADVICE: Write your success plan on tion. But, she paper. Make sure you had no plans take it to the Lord in to stay away prayer, and once you from Plant hear from Him, that’s City. the direction you “I left to go should go. to college, but ROLE MODEL: Jesus I always wantChrist, and that was ed to come shown to me by my back to make parents at an early my city betage, to make sure I follow his teachings. ter, and there’s no place HARDEST LESSON: like home,” When I’ve started a project or a goal, and Mathis says.

I’ve gotten discouraged and I stopped, eventually I’ll get back to it. But, the lesson that I’ve learned is, it takes me a little bit longer.

So, if it’s something that’s really burning inside of you, don’t stop.

MADAME MAYOR

Mathis has held a spot on the Plant City Commission since 2000. Just last year, her fellow commissioners selected her to serve as mayor for the June 2013 to May 2014 term. She was just the second woman to hold the position — the first being Sadye

Gibbs Martin, who was mayor for five terms in the 1980s.

The commonality between Mathis and Martin does not stop at gender, race and serving as mayor. Martin was also an educator. In fact, she was Mathis’ first-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School.

“She was who she was as an educator, commissioner and mayor,” Mathis says. “I wanted to stand in my own shoes.”

Current Mayor Rick Lott had nominated Mathis for the position in 2013.

“One of the great qualities about Mary is that she always wants to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to speak their mind,” Lott said in a 2013 interview with the Tampa Bay Times. “She’s very, very patient.”

Mathis says one of her biggest challenges as a commissioner has been staying up to date on all of the city’s laws and ordinances. At times throughout the years, disagreements have arisen among commissioners, but she has appreciated each commissioner with whom she has served.

“Each commission I’ve been on, we’ve been able to work well together, even though we have different opinions,” Mathis says. “We definitely respect each other.”

MATHIS THE EDUCATOR

Although she sees herself as a public representative for all people of Plant City, Mathis’ most prominent allegiance is

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to the city’s youth. She followed her mother’s footsteps by taking up a career in education.

“I love seeing (students’) growth, especially from the beginning of the year to the end of the year,” Mathis says. “And being able to impart a little wisdom and knowledge.”

Mathis also strives to encourage and motivate other educators in the community.

“I don’t think teachers get enough accolades for what they do,” she says.

After 30 years in education, Mathis does not show signs of stopping. She is currently the assistant principal for curriculum at Marshall Middle School.

One of her many responsibilities is to create the school’s master schedule of classes.

“I have about one month to get that done, so it’s very intense. ... But it’s almost like the Rubik’s Cube puzzle,” Mathis says. “And I love puzzles.”

She and Principal Daphne Blanton have been working on an initiative to help Marshall become an International Baccalaureate magnet school.

Plant City students can go through the IB program at Lincoln Elementary School and Plant City High School, but inbetween, they currently have to go to an IB school in Tampa.

Mathis and Blanton will be lobbying at county offices in hopes of getting Marshall on the IB track.

When she gets overwhelmed, Mathis has two go-to methods for relaxation: meditating and traveling with her husband, Tony Mathis, on cruises. Holding true to Plant City family values, Mathis said her biggest supporters have been her husband, parents and son.

“My husband, he’s always telling me, ‘Thank you,’” Mathis says. “He appreciates me, he loves me, he encourages me. He prays for me daily, and he always tells me that he’s praying for me.”

— Catherine Sinclair

SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE: THE ABILITY TO MAKE EVERYONE FIT AND HEALTHY.

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WONDERWOMEN

Courtney Paat I

t’s tough to become successful as an entrepreneur. That’s especially true when diving into a field — insurance sales — that has historically been dominated by the opposite sex.

But, no matter how high the odds were stacked against her, Courtney Paat made it work.

And, she made ROAD TO it work here in SUCCESS Plant City — a FIRST JOB: In high place where school, I worked at a just over 15 veterinary clinic and years ago, she was a waitress. was a stranger ADVICE: Find in town. something you are “It can be passionate about tough, movand be steadfastly ing to a small determined to make town where it happen. Listen to you don’t those who are where you want to be, but know anyone always follow your and openown intuition. ing a busiROLE MODEL: ness,” Paat My Mom — she is says. “Many independent, honest, of the people disciplined and selfI met that first sacrificing. Plus, she year are still is a marathon runner friends today, at 70 years old. and I treasure HARDEST LESSON: their friendThe only person you ship.” can rely on 100% is It can be yourself. chalked up to Paat’s business acumen and an unwillingness to give up when the going gets tough.

BIG THINGS, SMALL TOWNS

A native of Orlando, Paat originally had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. In high school, she even spent time working at a veterinary clinic.

College took her to Tallahassee, where she majored in risk management and insurance at Florida State University. Paat was hired by State Farm after graduation.

She got her start as an underwriter, which took her to nearby

Winter Haven for some time.

Having just left FSU, Paat was the youngest of her co-workers — many of whom were around her mother’s age.

“It was a great place for me to grow up,” she says. “It was a professional atmosphere. I had my own cubicle and was able to take on leadership responsibilities as I matured.”

Paat worked in the Winter Haven office for six years but felt she wasn’t in her proper career path.

“I knew within a couple of years that I was not meant to be there a lifetime,” she says. “When the agency opportunity came up, I transitioned from the corporate culture to being an entrepreneur.”

That’s what brought her to Plant City — and to the most challenging and rewarding years of her career.

FITTING IN

The Winter Strawberry Capital of theWorld was a completely new venture for Paat and her husband, Angel, a 30-year veteran of the Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World.

Paat opened up shop in Plant City July 1, 1999, and jumped right in.

In fact, because so many business owners in the insurance world were men, this led to some confusion.

“The first few years we were in business, everyone thought my husband was the agent,” Paat says. “He was always respectful when correcting them and introducing me as the agent.”

Angel is now a stay-at-home dad for the couple’s two daughters.

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If people didn’t think he was the insurance agent, though, they still got their facts mixed up.

“For a long time, when I told someone I worked with State Farm, they would ask me what agency I worked in,” Paat says. “When I shared with them that I had my own office, they were usually surprised but also excited and supportive. It’s been a few years since that (has) happened.

SMOOTH SAILING

Paat has since established herself as more than just a temporary presence in Plant City, which she believes helped her gain more trust around town.

“My first few years in town, I think people thought I wasn’t going to stay,” Paat says. “When I had my children and started raising a family here, that changed. I felt more like I was accepted as a part of this community.”

Fifteen years and almost three months later, Paat’s business is still going strong. She feels she’s proven people wrong about a woman’s ability to succeed in a male-dominated field, and, given her track record, it seems she is right.

“Women excel in the insurance industry, because it’s a relationship business,” she says. “Having the brand recognition of State Farm supporting you doesn’t hurt, either.”

And, of course, it really helps to have self-confidence in spades.

“I am extremely independent and determined,” Paat says. “I don’t know how to quit anything, even if I should.”

— Justin Klein

SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE: WAIT …

I DON’T ALREADY HAVE SUPERPOWERS?

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WONDERWOMEN

Silvia Dodson C

lay, of all things, has always been a big part of Silvia Dodson’s life. It helped shape her childhood in Cuba and her family’s life in the United States. Now, it is part of the foundation of her service to the community.

She wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dodson’s commitment to success and service makes her a standout figure in this ROAD TO community, and it’s someSUCCESS thing that she FIRST JOB: I worked picked up at a at Sears Roebuck and young age.

Co. at the Wabash Shopping Center in Lakeland, while I was attending Polk Community College, now known as Polk State College.

ADVICE: Being true to yourself, being honest and respectful to others and being trustworthy.

ROLE MODEL: My mother.

HARDEST LESSON: This is a hard question, but losing a parent — or a loved one — has got to be one of the hardest life lessons to experience.

Life is short, so make every minute count.

LIFE OVERSEAS

Born in Cuba, Dodson — then Azorin — grew up in a close, Catholic family before Fidel Castro came into power.

Although she has just one brother, 30 cousins were also in the picture.

“We were raised like brothers and sisters — althings together,”

ways doing Dodson says.

Her mother’s side of the family were farmers, and her father’s side made a living in manufacturing clay products.

Business trips were combined with pleasure: Dodson’s entire immediate family often traveled to the U.S. together for extended periods of time.

“My father would drive from

^

Miami to New York, stopping along the way to visit with friends and business associates,” Dodson says. “They always made the trips a fun adventure for us.”

It wasn’t long before Castro’s regime threw a wrench into the lives of all Cubans. The dictator’s violent revolution led to the creation of a Marxist government. This led to many Cubans’ decisions to leave. Dodson’s family left when she was 9 years old.

“My mother, brother and I left Cuba abruptly on a plane to the U.S., with a few other family members,” Dodson says. “My father had to leave Cuba via Haiti, because his visa to enter the U.S. had expired.”

The family took political asylum in Miami and received assistance for three months from the local Catholic charities and food bank, while Dodson’s father and uncles searched for work. Meanwhile, back in Cuba, the government seized control of all the family’s property and possessions.

“Through all the hard times and any despair we may have had, we were — and continue to be — a happy and loving family, due mainly to our faith and trust in God,” Dodson says.

THIS AMERICAN LIFE

Dodson’s family eventually relocated to Georgia, after her father and uncles found work at a brick company, and lived there for two-and-one-half years. It was an adjustment for everyone, although Dodson didn’t have too much trouble picking up on things.

“As a child, learning a different language or a new way of life was easier than as an adult,” she says.

The family eventually saved enough money to found a new company and relocate. Because of its proximity to Ybor City, Tampa and the nearby highways, Plant City became the headquarters for Florida Brick and Clay in 1963. That year, Dodson started seventh grade at what was then Tomlin Junior High School.

Dodson has remained in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World ever since and works in the family business with her brother, Antonio, and her husband, Vice Mayor Bill Dodson.

She’s proud of her work but may be most passionate about her volunteering pursuits in the community.

FILLING THOSE BOWLS

An interest in art from a young age — and easy access to clay — has always stuck with Dodson. She loves to work with her hands and found a way to use her passion for the benefit of others in 2009.

That was when Kelly Klein, former executive director of the United Food Bank of Plant City, challenged Dodson and other board members to come up with an idea to benefit the food bank as a fundraiser. She, and two of her colleagues, founded the Empty Bowls Project.

“Personally, the project was a good fit for me, because it involved the art of working with clay and helping others who need our help during hard times,” Dodson says.

A $10 donation to the food bank will get attendees a simple lunch, and they receive a bowl made by a local student as a reminder that some people’s bowls don’t get filled every day.

— Justin Kline

SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE: THIS MAY SOUND IDEALISTIC, BUT I WOULD WANT TO BE ABLE TO COMBAT INJUSTICE AND HELP PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD RESPECT EACH OTHER.

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WONDERWOMEN

Verna McKelvin V

erna McKelvin stands in the family room ofWells Memorial and Event Center, surrounded by pictures of her life. An array of framed cross-stitches dot the walls. Beyond her, barrel-racing trophies sit on a table.

ROAD TO The manager is used SUCCESS to planning FIRST JOB: Stefano’s other people’s Pizza, which is now funerals. But Ralph Feola’s Allstate last weekend, office. she got the ADVICE: Do it afraid. idea to mock If it’s worth it, do her own. That it afraid. Because way, families you’re always woncould get an dering at that next idea of how to step, “Can I do this?”

And, a lot of times, throw a celefear prevents us. So, bration of life. do it afraid.

When her ROLE MODELS: daughter-inThose two (FBLA) law saw the teachers. They were decorated the only thing I had room, she lost to look to. it, sobbing.

HARDEST LESSON: “If you want Coming up in the to know how house as I did, I someone realthought I knew surly feels about vival … but when I you, plan your was widowed, own funeral,” that was true survival. My heart was she says. “She ripped. must really love me.”

Love. It’s something McKelvin has only become accustomed to recently. She’s risen from a long road of heartache.

But, that’s what makes her so good at the job she does now.

“People who come from a normal household, it’s nothing new to them,” McKelvin says. “I wasn’t brought up that way.”

McKelvin made herself an icon in the Plant City community. She gives motivational speeches at Toastmasters. She greets strangers as a Greater Plant City Chamber of Com-

^

merce ambassador. She helps raise funds for causes as a Plant City Lions Club member.

But, the scars from her old life are never far behind her.

OLD LIFE

McKelvin’s eyes don’t tear as she recounts the many tragedies of her life.

“You weren’t allowed to shed a tear; things were always in turmoil,” McKelvin says.

Her alcoholic father was a truck driver with limited patience for his three children.

McKelvin’s mother often asked the kids to find somewhere else to stay on the short stints he was at the house.

“At 13, I found myself trying to find where to stay,” McKelvin says. “Our value was nothing. We should never speak out loud, because our ignorance would show.”

When they were in his way, he’d punish them. Once, he locked her in a truck. Another time, he let out her only confidant, a nameless pony she would cry to in secret. They never found the pony.

After getting into trouble on the streets, McKelvin entered high school, breaking the cycle by joining Future Business Leaders of America. At 18, she married her middle-school sweetheart, Louie Rodriguez, who became the fire chief of Springhead Fire Department.

He also became the father to their two sons, Joe and Chris.

McKelvin had her Leave-itto-Beaver family.

But, like white-noise static on a station, it all came crashing down around her. After a happy family vacation to the mountains, Rodriguez was on his way to work when he died in a motorcycle accident.

SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE: TO HEAL. NOT NECESSARILY MEDICALLY, BUT HEARTS. HURTING HEARTS.

“The word ‘love’ couldn’t be used in my (childhood) house,” McKelvin says. “I stepped out afraid and gave my love to (Rodriguez).”

Alone with her two sons, her parents willed her to move back in with them. But, like a wild horse, she had other plans.

“One thing dad instilled in me was that I could do it on my own,” McKelvin says.

BREAKING HORSES

The gold trophies glitter in the corner at Wells. They are 3-foot-tall reminders of persistence. Perhaps it was that pony friend so many years ago, but McKelvin had grown up always loving the gentle beasts.

After the accident, McKelvin bought a house where she boarded horses. She started barrel racing. Then, the toughas-nails mama started breaking horses. During this time, she met her second and current husband, Leon.

They were married and created a blended family. But, blessings didn’t lasted long.

Three of Leon’s relatives died in an intentional house fire. Then, her mother was found uptown in a parking lot, disabled from a stroke.

Still, McKelvin carried on.

When her youngest son graduated high school, she gave up her last two horses. Then, she saw an ad for Wells Memorial.

NEW LIFE

In her 15 years, she’s changed the culture of the funeral home from a black and mauve “Addams Family” venue to a place of peace. Wells owner, Dignity Memorial, trusted her with $150,000 to create a welcoming atmosphere two years ago.

“My heart is here to take care of the families, not for a job,” McKelvin says. “I tell people this is not a job.”

— Amber Jurgensen

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WONDERWOMEN

Yvonne Fry I

t’s astounding that in the midst of her jam-packed schedule, Yvonne Fry could carve out time for an interview with the Plant City Times & Observer. Through her positivity, determination and concern for others, she has risen ROAD TO to leadership in numerSUCCESS ous business FIRST JOB: I grew ventures and up on a farm, so I organizations, had a lot of jobs, and she is but my first job that certainly one I can quantify was of Plant City’s selling beets — the extra beets after the most notable harvest was over. ... women.

I could always upsell Fry grew them. up on a farm, ADVICE: Don’t which ingive up your value, stilled in her because when you a strong sense give up your value, of responsiyou give up your bility and the power. Your value value of hard can be innovation, creativity, incredible work. In her customer service.

20s, she had But, a lot of people some health dismiss their own issues and value, and they sever went through the opportunities multiple surthey could have. geries, but ROLE MODEL: The she was forticonsistent role modfied through els that I’ve had, my the process of mom and my sister. ov e rc o m i n g I had two people to really watch through this burden. the phases of life.

“Some of it was finding HARDEST LESSON: Life is short. My dad the balance of died when I was 8, life; some of and he was young, it was getting and I think it really some medical started me with that answers,” she perspective, to live says. “But, for fast and furious in me to now feel a positive way, but great, and to life is short. Today is the gift. have strength and energy and so on, is so much more valuable than maybe if I hadn’t gone through that,” she says.

Today, she is the president of Lines of Communication, a telecommunications consulting firm she started 15 years ago. She is also the owner of Fry Entertainment Inc., which encompasses a number of casting, scouting and talent-management services.

In addition to her career ventures, Fry serves as a board member of numerous organizations and still makes time to care for her son and daughter.

“Just like there’s strategic planning for businesses, individuals and families need a strategic plan,” she says. “A lot of people tell me that I never say, ‘No,’ but I actually do. If something doesn’t fit in the box of my priorities, my goals, my strategies, it’s a no.”

At the heart of everything Fry does, there is a passion for improving the lives of others and raising up their voices — specifically youth and women.

FOR YOUTH

In addition to leading the PCHS PTSA, Fry is involved with the Tomlin Middle School PTSA. “I believe that middle school is the most critical time in a kid’s life,” she says. “Middle school is where so many kids fall off the trail.”

She helped bring a program to Tomlin called Frameworks, which focuses on social and emotional learning. The program now has been invited into all middle schools in Hillsborough County.

“To give them the skills to connect with each other, instead of being isolated or being bullied, or being a bully ... it will change our world, ultimately,”

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she says. “I believe that’s bigtime important stuff.”

As for PCHS, Fry has introduced a number of new programs — the Reflections art competition, a cyber-bullying seminar and Orange Crush, to name a few.

FOR WOMEN

Fry is the chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women.

“Women’s strength and women’s success often comes in a very unsung way,” she says.

The commission is dedicated to empowering women and helping them reach their full potentials.

Each year, the commission issues a report on various topics. When Fry became chair in April, she decided to present this report in an engaging way and connect with the citizens of Florida.

The commission will host a series of conversations for women around the state to gather personal stories and perspectives for the report.

One of these discussions will take place at 1 p.m. Oct. 16, at the Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Fry invites any Plant City residents who are interested in women’s issues to come out and join the conversation.

Fry is also on leadership at The Spring, a shelter for victims of domestic violence that also offers on-site schooling for resident children.

“The conversation has got to be about the perpetrators and changing our culture of acceptance,” Fry says.

— Catherine Sinclair

SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE: TO NEVER HAVE TO SLEEP. OR TO EXPAND TIME. SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

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what does the fox squirrel say? by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

SHARP LEARNERS by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Most of the sixth-graders had never played trumpet before the instruments came to the school from the repair shop about three weeks ago.

Marshall sixth-graders take stage for first show

The Single R Ranch has been in the Futch family for five generations.

Courtesy photos

Futch family cultivates fun The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze returns beginning Oct. 3., to welcome the fall season.

It’s that time of year again, when children and adults alike will get into the true spirit of autumn and navigate their way through Single R Ranch’s maze made entirely of corn.

This is the third year that the Futch family will have operated the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze and its corresponding festival. It is the only corn maze in the county.

Their motto proposes a challenge to all visitors: “Can you out-fox our squirrely maze?”

Wayne Futch grows, maintains and cuts the corn, and is responsible for other farmrelated tasks. His wife, Denise Futch, also makes important contributions to keep the festival running. Wayne’s sister, Janet Futch, manages the technical aspects of the operation, which she is able to do remotely from her home in Atlanta.

A rare species of squirrel is the maze’s namesake. Sherman’s fox squirrel is listed as a species of special concern in Florida, because its habitat has been largely destroyed.

“They’ve just started being on the ranch, but we don’t have that many. Maybe six to 10,” Janet said. “They come peeking out — they’re foragers. They’re really cute, so I

IF YOU GO

wedding bells by Mary Jane Park | Tampa Bay Times

From This Day: Jaclyn Raulerson and Jarod Dicks

FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3 to Oct. 26. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.

Guests may stay until 7 p.m.

Groups may make reservations for Friday events.

WHERE: Single R Ranch, 1002 Charlie Taylor Road N., Plant City ADMISSION: $10 for ages 18 and up; $9 for ages 3 to 17; free for ages 2 and under CONTACT: futchentertainment@ comcast.net came up with the idea.”

The maze is complex and covers about five acres.

Even at times of high attendance, crowds are manageable because there are so many different things to do at the festival.

The Squirrely’s General Store sells folk art, gifts, furniture, T-shirts and more. Denise Futch manages the store.

There also will be a variety of other vendors selling a wide variety of treats and items, from kettle corn, to jewelry, to pumpkins.

“We’ll have bunches of pumpkins to choose from,” Janet Futch said. “They’re really pretty.”

Phillip Futch noticed DeDon smiling backstage while he conducted his class.

At Marshall Middle School, sixth-graders rotate through elective classes in the fall semester and then choose one elective to continue in the spring. Jay DeDon, Marshall’s new band instructor, wanted every sixth-grader to have the opportunity to play in front of an audience at least once. The students in the Sept. 16 concert were the first to perform this year.

“These guys and girls have been rock stars since day one,” DeDon said.

Plant City beauty queen and state representative’s daughter, Jaclyn Raulerson, married Marine Corps. officer Jarod Dicks at a May 25 wedding.

If shopping isn’t high on your list, don’t worry — family entertainment options abound at the festival. Children will be thrilled to observe and even feed butterflies at the enclosed Butterfly Experience. The balloon artist will appeal to those with a whimsical spirit. And for those who like games, there will be plenty of ways to play: horseshoes, corn hole, badminton and volleyball.

The maze is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays in October, but groups can make reservations for Friday events. Groups of 20 or more people are eligible for admission discounts.

“What we generally get are schools, and we’ve had Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts,” Janet said.

Today’s youngest Futches are the fifth generation to work the on ranch, which began in 1920 as a 2,000-acre cattle operation. In the corn maze off-season, the family stays busy with the ranch.

They still have cattle, and they lease 60 acres to Driscoll’s for strawberry growing.

For fall pie recipes, ranch history and more information about the festival, go to foxsquirrelcornmaze.com.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

MAGIC OF MUSIC by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Performers mimic stars, raise funds Art Meets Entertainment Productions, a group from Tampa, presented its annual Lip Sync event Saturday, Sept.

13, at the HCC Plant City John R. Trinkle Center.

This year’s show benefitted the Plant City Community Development Corporation, which assists low- to moderate-income families with housing. With hit songs from the 1970s to today, the performers offered something for everyone.

Left: Isaac Barefield performed “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, accompanied by a crew of minions from the movie “Despicable Me.”

Teri Wendt’s performance as Gwen Stefani brought in plenty of donations.

Left: Peyton Suor, Schyler Suor and Jennings Gainey lip-synched to “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

Janis Russo was the lead performer for “Paris” by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.

As youngsters living in a to a nearby coffee shop and tight-knit community, Jaclyn spent the next six or seven Raulerson and Jarod Dicks hours in conversation. certainly knew each other.

She was to sing the national “Growing up, we were on the same swim team together,” Jaclyn said. “He was always part of the cool, older crowd. Our parents have been friends for a very long time.”

Their fathers had both served as mayor of Plant City, and the adults kept in touch.

“We both have our parents to thank for our marCourtesy photo riage,” she said. “If Jaclyn Frances Raulerson and Jarod it weren’t for them, Winfield Dicks, married May 25, 2014, we wouldn’t have in Lutheran Church of the Ascension, met.”

Savannah, Ga. Jarod, now 28, “was kind of one of those fam- anthem at the opening cerily friends you would hear emonies of the international about,” Jaclyn said. baseball games being played She knew, for example, that at Al Lang Field in St. Petershe had graduated from the burg the next day.

U.S. Naval Academy in An“I came home from our first napolis, Md., where he had date, and my mom looked at been on the sailing team and me and went, ‘Oh, boy,’” Jachad earned a bachelor’s de- lyn said. “When I won (the gree in international relations. Miss Florida crown), I had She was aware that he had zero interest in dating anyone. been commissioned an officer I had all these other goals. in the U.S. Marines and that “(Jarod) understood a dehe wanted to be a fighter pilot. manding schedule and having Jaclyn, 24, had been in the other things you’re dedicated Florida Strawberry Festival to,” she said. “We both kind of queen’s court in 2009, and she clicked in that way. We both entered the University of Cen- knew.” tral Florida to study broadcast Jarod was stationed in Calijournalism. In 2010, she won fornia, then sent to the Middle the Miss Florida pageant, for East. Jaclyn earned a bachwhich she launched an anti- elor’s degree in telecommunibullying campaign, then com- cations from the University of peted in the Miss America Florida. pageant in January 2011.

“We saw each other when“I had an incredibly busy ever we could,” she said. “You year preparing for Miss Amer- really get to know each other. ica,” she said. She was sorting He has one of the most incredout what to do next when she ible work ethics I have ever and Jarod connected online. seen. Incredible morals, too.”

“He sent me a really, really Jaclyn, an eighth-generalong message on Facebook, tion Floridian, and Jarod, a congratulating me and want- seventh-generation native, ing to catch up,” Jaclyn said. “I enjoyed the historic atmothought, ‘Oh, how nice.’” sphere at the Casa Monica Jarod was in flight school in Hotel. Holiday lights twinkled Meridian, Miss. After he and in the evening, and they took a Jaclyn exchanged telephone horse-drawn carriage tour. calls and text messages for a “We went to the Lightner few weeks, he made the 10- Museum, and both sets of our hour drive home for their first parents were standing there,” date. she said.

“We were initially supposed State Rep. Dan Raulerto just go to dinner,” she said. son and Shirley Raulerson, The sushi restaurant they and John and Sharon Dicks chose closed early. They went beamed as Jarod proposed.

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OBSERVEROBITUARIES Dena Chorba Amspaugh

Dena Chorba Amspaugh, 85, of Plant City, died Sept. 19, 2014.

She is survived by her children, Helen, Leroy, Linda, Ralph, Ruth Ann, Debbie, Nesha, Janet and Mary; siblings, Harriet, Ralph, Ernest and Keith; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The family received friends Sept. 24, at Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City. A celebration of life was held Sept. 25. Interment was at Hopewell Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Brenda Newsome Barton

Brenda Newsome Barton, 65, of Dover, died Sept. 17, 2014.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jimmy E. Barton; daughter, Staci Barton; brother, Craig Louis Newsome (Sheila); sisters-in-law, Onie Jaques (George) and Brenda Domingues (Mario); and nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Brady and Catherine Newsome; and brother, James “Donnie” Newsome.

A celebration of life was held Sept. 20, at Hopewell Funeral Home, where the family received friends. Interment was

at Hopewell Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney.org/support.

Condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Vivian E. Clark (Reid)

Vivian E. Clark (Reid), 93, of Plant City, died Sept. 22, 2014.

She was born in Nashville, Tenn., and spent most of her time as a homemaker, a silk screen artist and was employed with the Plant City Shopper for 21 years as a commercial artist.

She also attended the Cork Church of Christ.

She is predeceased by husbands, Dan C. Reid and Harry Clark; a brother; a sister; and one son.

Survivors include children, Dannette, John, Joan, Vivian, Ken, Sallie, Martha, Dan, Donald, Flo and Daniel; brother, Irving; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, Sept. 26, at Wells Memorial, 1903 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. The family will receive friends at 11 a.m.

Interment will be at East Oaklawn Cemetery.

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

Dorothy Mae Claville

Dorothy Mae Claville, 77, died Aug. 29, 2014, at her home with family.

She was born Dec. 31, 1936, in Plant City.

Mrs. Claville was preceded in death by her husband, John Frank Claville; her parents, Herman and Merriem Bush; two daughters, Jill Cook and Sharon Keene; and two brothers, Bobby Bush and Pete Bush.

Mrs. Claville is survived by a daughter, Gay Kirkland (Scott), of Bonifay; eight grandchildren; and numerous greatgrandchildren.

Memorialization was by cremation, with a private family memorial service to be held at a later date. Peel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Yvonne (Vonnie) Hall

Yvonne (Vonnie) Pauline Hall, 74 of Plant City, died Sept.

23, 2014, at her home.

Born Feb. 26, 1940, in Sturgis, Mich., she was the daughter of the late Wayne and Florence Poynter Woodworth. She was the wife of the late Niles Hall.

She was predeceased by son, Daryle Wayne Hall.

Mrs. Hall was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, and worked for Family Shoe Store and McCrory’s Diner. She was a Pink Lady volunteer for South Florida Baptist Hospital and

enjoyed bowling, NASCAR racing and her grandchildren.

Surviving are sons, Randy (Shayne) Hall and Jeffrey (Trish) Hall; brother, Geary Woodworth; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 Cason St., Plant City. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to service at the church.

Condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Robert P. Hill

Robert P. Hill, 96, of Plant City, and formerly of Manchester, N.H., died Sept. 5, 2014, in a Plant City nursing home.

He was born in Manchester, N.H., to the late Arthur and Adeline Hill and was married to the love of his life, the late Rena R. (Dubois) Hill.

During World War II, Mr. Hill served as a flight line mechanic, and he worked in the automobile business for many years before finishing his career as a driver education instructor and owner of Drive Right Auto School.

Hunting, fishing and the outdoors were all favorite pastimes, but golf was his passion.

He was a longtime member of Intervale Country Club and

Manchester Country Club. Notably, Mr. Hill scored two holesin-one on the eighth hole at Intervale.

He is survived by four sons, Douglas G. Hill, of Sugarbush Key, Robert P. Hill Jr., of Ocala, Arthur N. Hill, of Lake Wales, and James B. Hill, of Henniker, N.H.; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Manchester, N.H. Family and friends are asked to meet at the north gate on Calef Road at 10 a.m. A gathering and buffet will follow the service.

Ledley D. “Pete” McNabb

Ledley D. “Pete” McNabb, 88, of Plant City, and formerly of Lakeland, died Sept. 16, 2014.

He is survived by his loving family, including two sons, Dennis and Charles; daughters, Sarah and Melanie; eight grandchildren; and 12 greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death

by his wife of 65 years, Jean.

Mr. McNabb’s funeral service was held Sept. 20, at the East Thonotosassa Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jim Brady. The family received friends at the church.

Condolences may be made at VeteransFuneralCare.com.

Wilmer C. Moon

Wilmer C. Moon, 88, of Plant City, died Sept. 16, 2014.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served during World War II. He was a member of Sydney First Church of God. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy F. Moon; children, Jimmy Blake Moon, Judy Gail Horn, Rodney Bruce Moon, Alan Dale Moon and Janese Ann Demarco; nine grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

Private interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

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

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Durant’s Crispian Atkins gains 121 rushing yards in Redman Cup win. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

GAME OF THE WEEK

SIDELINES

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Friday night notes: The Redman Cup

PLANT CITY VS. BLOOMINGDALE

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

FOOTBALL

I was hoping that the 2014 second time that I’ve gone Battle for the Redman Cup to a game and learned that would be an all-time clasa team got new unis (the sic — maybe an impromptu other being Strawberry Crest “gift” for my one-year work in the opener), and I think anniversary — and it might these new blues are the besthave been one. looking jerseys in the district.

But, that depends For full disclosure, entirely on how I like anything that you feel about rain looks like Notre Dame games. That night, football. the weather was Before the game, such a factor in the Durant’s announcer on-field product that read a prepared stateI was sure everyone at ment from the West Durant would have to Coast Umpires AsJUSTIN board Noah’s Ark imsociation and the West KLINE mediately following Coast Officials Assothe game. ciation, regarding the If you ask me, the final current hot-button issue of minute of play made up for football players that commit all of the rumblin’, stumblin’ acts of domestic violence. and fumblin’ that marked the “Let’s pledge to keep our rest of the game. That was hits on the field and stand intense. up against domestic violence There’s more to talk about and dating violence,” it read. here than just that one minI disagreed only with the ute, though, so let’s get down part that mentioned standto business as usual. ing “in solidarity with the Durant rolled out a set of National Football League” to brand new navy blue jerseys help fix this problem. I’m not for this game and, judging by convinced the NFL is doing the home crowd’s reaction, SEE KLINE / PAGE 22 they were a hit. This was the

+ County refs to host golf tourney

If you attended one of Friday night’s football games, then you heard the announcer deliver an anti-domestic violence message before the game on behalf of two local officiating groups.

The West Coast Umpires Association and the West Coast Officials Association have teamed up to host a golf tournament at the Claw at USF, which is open to the public and will benefit victims of domestic violence. The Ashley’s Angels Golf Tournament, named in honor of the late Ashley Hall Atherley, will be held Oct. 17, and registration is now open.

For more information, and to play or help sponsor the tournament, contact Dave Stone at bucdave@msn.com.

CROSS COUNTRY

golf by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

+ Raiders have strong showing

In the team’s best performance of the season, the Plant City Raiders boys and girls cross country teams both placed second out of 16 teams in the Sept. 20 W.D. Johnson Invitational.

Two Lady Raiders set new personal records in the meet. Cassie Highsmith, who placed sixth individually, finished with a time of 21:38, and Hannah Stowe placed 10th with a time of 22:32.

On the boys’ side, Luke Whitmore placed third individually and almost set a new PR for himself, with a time of 16:41. Junior varsity runner Nathan Jones led his team with a seventh-place finish and a time of 20:01.

VOLLEYBALL

+ Area teams compete in tourney

All three of our area teams spent the weekend at Wharton High School, which held its Harvest Tournament to mark the beginning of the fall season.

Durant had the best outing of the three, sweeping the competition without dropping a single set. The Lady Cougars beat Bishop McLaughlin Catholic, Freedom, Plant City and Strawberry Crest with 2-0 victories.

Plant City and Strawberry Crest both went .500 throughout the tournament. Plant City started with a 2-0 win over Sunlake Sept. 19, lost to Wharton, 2-0, beat Brandon, 2-1, and then lost to Durant Sept. 20.

Strawberry Crest, on the other hand, picked up 2-0 wins over Freedom and Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Sept. 19 and 20, but then lost to Wharton, 2-1, Sept. 20. They lost to Durant Sept. 21, closing out the tournament.

Plant City native makes school history in Chicago Justin Kline

Sterling Day and Markese Hargrove, both juniors, give the Raiders one of the best ground attacks in the district.

Thunder &

Lightning Markese Hargrove and Sterling Day, Plant City High School’s primary running back tandem, have been a bright spot for the Raiders in 2014.

“Thunder and Lightning” came straight from Plant City head coach Wayne Ward’s mouth, brought up during an interview before last week’s Durant game.

He might not have meant for that to describe the styles of his two primary running backs, Markese Hargrove and Sterling Day, but it’s certainly accurate. And, much like real thunder and lightning, these two can change the course of a football game in no time.

It’s been a weird start to the 2014 season for the Raiders (11-1; 0-1 district), but it hasn’t been one without its bright spots. For the offense, it’s been this dynamic duo.

THUNDER

Of the two backs, Day is definitely the “Thunder.” Although most standout Plant City running backs have been known for their speed, Day isn’t exactly a burner on that level. Instead, he prides himself on being able to play a solid all-around game.

“I try to do my best and

always make that first man miss,” he says. “I just try to be a complete back — blocking, catching, running outside, running inside.”

But, at a shade under six feet and weighing 185 pounds, he’s used more like a power back in this offense. Day is a good one-cut running back.

He has that ability to make the first guy miss before going full-steam ahead — whether he has to absorb a lot of contact or not. He hasn’t gotten as many touches as Hargrove, but he’s averaging about seven yards per carry.

Day spent the 2013 season backing up Hassan Bailey, but the coaches’ propensity to line Bailey up all over the field meant that the sophomore saw plenty of snaps with the first-team offense. In fact, according to MaxPreps.com, he got more touches than anyone on the team and scored more rushing touchdowns (seven) than everyone but quarterback Landon Galloway (nine).

Averaging just under five yards per carry isn’t always

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

All games begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted:

SEPT. 26 Durant at Gaither, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa Bloomingdale at Plant City, 1 Raider Place, Plant City Strawberry Crest at Freedom, 17410 Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa

In only her second tournament since enrolling at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Kelsey Jensen, a former Lady Raider, etched her name into the school’s record books.

By all accounts, Kelsey Jensen has been a great golfer since her days at Plant City High School.

So, it wasn’t a huge surprise that she’s barely two months at a new school and has already made her mark in the record books.

Jensen, a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, got off to a red-hot start in September at the Green Bay Fall Invitational with a 226 — beating the school’s previous 54-hole record by 17 strokes.

On top of that, she placed second overall in the tournament.

In doing so, she also broke

the two-day record during the tournament, shooting a 149 before the final day. Her Monday round, a 74, was the second-lowest in program history, and the 75 she shot on that Sunday was the thirdlowest total.

That performance also netted her Horizon League Women’s Golfer of the Week honors — an achievement no one from the UIC golf team had ever received.

“It was awesome,” Jensen says. “My coach called me Friday night and told me.

It was really cool. We didn’t

SEE JENSEN / PAGE 21

OCT. 3 Durant at Strawberry Crest, 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover, 7 p.m.

East Bay at Plant City, 1 Raider Place, Plant City mind-blowing by high school standards but, with the 2013 team’s pass-happy offense and Galloway’s tendency to tuck it and run, Day got much of his work done in and near the red zone.

With Hargrove spending more time at running back than wideout, Day hasn’t seen as many carries as he did at this point last season. But, Plant City fans can rest easy knowing Day is a threat to score whenever the Raiders have a short field to work with.

LIGHTNING

It seems as though the Raiders have always been known to have some serious speed guys on the roster. In 2014, that role is reserved for Hargrove.

Watching him work on the field, it’s easy to peg Hargrove with the “Lightning” moniker.

All three of his sports — football, basketball and track —

SEE GAME / PAGE 21

Courtesy of Timothy Jensen

Kelsey Jensen hasn’t lost her touch since she last played for Plant City High School.

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FOOTBALL by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

JENSEN / PAGE 20 celebrate — we had a tournament (the next) weekend.”

They did celebrate the second-place finish, though, in classic sports fashion.

“We went out for ice cream after I placed second,” she says.

RAIDER DAYS

Durant High hoisted the Redman Cup for the second time in three years.

Durant bests Plant City in battle for the Redman Cup

Photos by Justin Kline

Ge’Shawn Parker scored the Raiders’ only touchdown toward the end of the game.

GAME / PAGE 20 involve a ton of running, and he says that his 40-yard dash time is in the low 4.5s.

He hardly saw any action at running back last season but won the starting job this year with an offseason that impressed Ward and all of the coaches.

“It feels great, being able to actually play and show what I’m capable of,” Hargrove says.

“Every day, somebody tells me, ‘You were very impressive out there, for a little guy.’

I kind of enjoy hearing that.”

When he did play last season, he lined up at wideout.

Hargrove is listed at 5-foot-8, which may be a little generous. But despite being on the smaller side of many wideoutcornerback match ups, he hauled in 25 catches at almost 11 yards per catch. For comparison’s sake, T.J. Chase led the team with 28 receptions.

Hargrove didn’t have nearly as many yards (270 to Chase’s 562), but was still a major contributor.

This season, he’s been the Raiders’ best offensive player so far. He’s gained 178 yards on 33 carries and scored three times, leading the team. The receiving numbers haven’t been as high as last year’s, but that’s not necessarily his fault.

Essentially, Hargrove’s being utilized in the Raiders’ offense like a Danny Woodhead or Darren Sproles. He thinks this could be his breakout year, and he definitely has the tools to make that happen.

“I did pretty good last year, but I feel like this could be my turnaround year,” he says.

Make no mistake: Although the final score of this game was just 9-7, in favor of Durant, this was a Redman Cup battle to remember. Or, at least the final minute of it.

Mother Nature had been hinting at nasty weather for much of the week and went allin Friday night. Near-torrential rainfall kept things sloppy all four quarters.

The first half was all about the Cougar defense. Despite the offense’s ability to make the read-option offense work, the Cougars could only muster a 30-yard Derek Wells field goal before halftime. The defense, on the other hand, held Plant City to six total yards and one first down – which came with

MATCHUPS DURANT

Don’t assume that last week’s 9-7 final score meant that the Battle for the Redman Cup was a close game. For the vast majority of it, Durant (3-1; 1-0 district) looked superior in every way.

There may not be any torrential downpours in the area this week (knocking on wood), and that would be perfect for a Cougar team that’s been playing lights-out defense and running the read-option offense so well lately.

The Cougars travel to Gaither (2-2; 0-1 district) to face a Cowboys team that has many similarities to their NFL counterparts in Dallas.

There are times when this team’s offense looks great and carries Gaither to a win (the first two weeks of 2014), and there are times when the defense melts down and the offense can’t do enough to stop the bleeding (the past two weeks). wheels than Plant’s Rex Culpepper.

Bloomingdale quarterback Isaiah McIntyre has the misfortune of facing yet another solid defense this week and, with Plant City’s linebackers playing phenomenal football

only a few seconds left to play.

Durant scored its only touchdown of the game with 40 seconds left in the third quarter, when Crispian Atkins punched one in from the red zone. The following conversion was no good, so Plant City faced a 9-0 deficit going into the fourth.

After running back Ge’Shawn Parker scored on a 10-yard run, with 54 seconds to play, Kijafi Coney recovered a Durant fumble near midfield eight seconds later. The Raiders extended a drive until there were eight seconds to go and lined up for a field goal, only to have Chase Lott iced – twice – by Durant timeouts. Jorge Navarrete replaced him, but the kick fell short of the crossbar.

It’s also worth noting that Durant has not lost a game at the end of September for a very long time and that the Cougars have typically blown their opponents out in these games.

STRAWBERRY CREST The rain also had a big effect on Strawberry Crest’s (1-3; 1-0 district) last game, a 9-6 win over Brandon (2-2; 0-1 district). But, hey — a win’s a win, especially after an 0-3 start to the season.

The Chargers will travel to Freedom (3-1; 1-0 district) to face former coach Todd Donohoe and a Patriots team that just beat Gaither, 15-10.

It’s certainly been a hot start for Freedom, aside from that 19-17 loss to Wharton on Sept. 12, but it’s also worth noting that the Patriots’ schedule has been soft so far.

Crest is hoping to keep the momentum going with a win, which would be ideal — especially considering next week’s matchup with Durant. right now, will probably be forced to scramble quite often. If the Raiders’ defensive backs can play well enough, the team will likely run its way to victory.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

BATTLING BLOOMINGDALE

Day, Hargrove and the Raiders are getting ready to take on Bloomingdale, a team that’s currently undefeated when playing teams (Strawberry Crest, Brandon) in Plant City’s district. The Bulls (2-1; 0-1 district) are, however, coming off of a 20-6 loss to Plant.

The Raiders have to be happy about the fact that Plant (3-1; 1-0 district) just crushed Bloomingdale on the ground, to the tune of 239 yards and two touchdowns. Sure, 195 of those yards came from senior Patrick Brooks, but that’s still a bad day for that defense.

Raider fans can expect to see a whole lot of Thunder and Lightning in this game and, with what he did last week, it wouldn’t be surprising to see sophomore Ge’Shawn Parker get his number called more than usual. And, of course, quarterback Austin Carswell has a much better set of

2014

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS 1. Here’s a very tall tale about fishy romance at sea: an Atlantic cod became enamored with a flashy ocean float. It was her lover buoy.

2. A man quietly stole a bulldog from a store downtown. He was quickly apprehended, booked and charged with petty theft!

If Plant City golf coach Meg Jordan was surprised to hear that Jensen broke records so quickly, she didn’t exactly show it. Jensen, after all, is the only golfer in program history to match Jordan’s own school record — shooting a 34 in nine holes.

“A lot of people have shot 35s and 36s, but no one else has shot a 34,” Jordan says.

“She was a great young lady, and she still is.”

Jensen, along with Belinda George, Shelby Johnson and Kellyanne Hurst, were the core of a Plant City team that went all the way to the state tournament in 2011.

Jordan attributes Jensen’s success to her attitude on the course.

“It’s mainly her demeanor, which is wonderful,” Jordan says. “It’s nice when you can watch a player on the golf course and you don’t know if they’re doing well or doing poorly, because they have such an evenly-balanced attitude throughout.”

That’s the kind of outlook Jordan likes to instill in her golfers. “Their attitude is half the battle,” she says. “Everyone can hit the ball, but your attitude — where is that? Are you stomping your club on the ground? I don’t know that I ever saw (Jensen) stomp her club on the ground once, in the four years that I coached her.”

REMEMBER THAT YEAR? 2011 was a great year for the Plant City Lady Raiders, as the team put together a solid playoff run and placed fifth in the Class 2A State Tournament.

Kelsey Jensen led the team with a 163 (87, 76), and not far behind her were fellow seniors Belinda George (167; 85,82) and Shelby Johnson (171; 94, 77).

Sophomore Kellyanne Hurst shot a 172 (86, 86) to place fourth on the team, and freshman Lindsey Box’s 277 (144, 133) rounded out the Lady Raiders’ top five.

Individually, Jensen was in a four-way tie for 22nd place, and George was in a four-way tie for 31st.

BEYOND PLANT CITY

Jensen’s performances as a Lady Raider drew the interest of Seminole State College, in Sanford, and she played well for the Lady Trojans for two years.

In her freshman year, she ranked 11th in the NCJAA National Tournament and improved to sixth in her sophomore year. In both years, she was also named a second-team All-American player.

“She had a lot of success at Seminole State, and I attribute that to her mental capacity and work ethic,” Jordan says. “Never one to complain.

Never any excuses.”

This year, though, Jensen felt that it was time for a

change. She has aspirations to become a chemical engineer after college, and the strength of UIC’s Engineering program drew her up north.

She began her career with the Flames by shooting six consecutive rounds in the 70s — including those three record-breaking scores — and recorded a scoring average of 77.7.

As of press time, Jensen is tied for sixth place with a 164 in the Loyola Fall Invitational, leading the team, which currently sits in third place.

Her torrid start to the 201415 golf season is worth keeping an eye on, even if some find it unsurprising.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP KLINE / PAGE 20 anything but playing dumb to cover its own backside. Still, this was a good message for the players and fans to hear.

Two of the first plays were fumbles that led to turnovers.

The first was also the only time Plant City crossed midfield in the first half, but Durant’s defense — specifically, Tanner Jurnigan — stole it right back on the next play. If the weather was dry, and the Cougar D still played that well, then Durant might have had a two- or three-score lead going into the second half. That unit is nasty.

I can confirm that Durant kicker Derek Wells, arguably one of the most consistent legs in the county, has a cannon just above his foot. On his first attempt, a successful 30-yarder, he nearly kicked it to the baseball field. It brought back memories of watching Maikon Bonani kick balls at

insane lengths for Lake Wales High School back when I was a teenager.

Just before halftime, Plant City running back Markese Hargrove took a pretty hard shot to the back and, after spending quite some time on the ground, walked off on his own power and didn’t re-enter the game. The injury wasn’t serious — a set of bruised ribs — and he was practicing in full pads Monday afternoon.

That’s as sure a sign as any that he’ll be playing in the Sept. 26 game.

Speaking of Hargrove, it was his replacement — sophomore Ge’Shawn Parker — that scored on a 10-yard run with 54 seconds to play, putting Plant City back in the game during crunch time. Definitely not a bad outing for the young guy. It seems like Plant City’s always got great depth at running back, and this year is no exception.

Durant running back Crispian Atkins is our Athlete of the Week, and for good reason, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Plant City linebacker Patrick Colleran, who finished with 18 tackles (11 solo) and three forced fumbles. That was probably the best performance I’ve seen at the position all season, thus far, and will likely still be at or near the top in November.

P.S.: You know how there’s always something you tell yourself you’re going to do one day, but you keep putting it off until you have a problem? I’ve been telling myself I’d buy a raincoat or an umbrella for several months now, and it only took me a quarter and a half to realize I was dumb to gamble on the weather clearing up. I’m hoping that, by the time you read this, I will have finally bought my own umbrella.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

CRISPIAN ATKINS

This Battle for the Redman Cup was largely determined by the ground game, and Durant’s read-option offense was working well all night. A big part of that was running back Crispian Atkins, who gained 121 yards on 29 carries and scored the Cougars’ lone touchdown of the game.

What was working for you that game?

Just grounding and pounding. That’s what we’re based on. Our O-line — it’s really because of them.

Looked like the read-option is working for you guys, too.

Yes, sir. And then, play action off of it.

Again, the O-line — they’re good.

You’re a senior, and you’ve seen your fair share of Redman Cup games.Which one has been your favorite, though?

Probably this last one, because the adversity was so tough, and we got the job done.

What do you think of this year’s team, compared to last year’s team?

We’re a way better team than last year. I think we can go really deep in the playoffs.

Our goal is to finish the regular season 9-1, win the district championship and the state championship.

What about your personal goals?

I’m not a big personal guy, but I would say 2,000 yards rushing.

What other sports do you play?

I play basketball in my free time, and I do a lot of speed training. My 40 time is a 4.59, 4.58, but I’m looking to get it down to about a 4.5 flat by the end of the season.

Are any colleges looking at you?

Oregon, Miami, Georgia, Auburn, Arizona, Indiana and a few others. They’re just sending scouts and stuff.

What are your other hobbies?

I like video games: Madden, NCAA Football, NBA 2K. Who’s your team in Madden?

I’m gonna have to say the Chicago Bears. Two big receivers. In NCAA, I like Oregon. That read-option offense, it’s unstoppable.

What’s your favorite movie?

“Friday.” The first one — it was the best one.

What about TV shows?

I would say SportsCenter. And “Everybody Hates Chris.” I like that show.

Favorite food?

Italian. Pasta, anything with meat.

Chicken parmesan. I like Olive Garden.

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

The ability to teleport.

I’d save so much gas, so I’d probably go everywhere.

Would you rather be rich or famous?

I’d rather be rich. With fame, that doesn’t mean that you have the three things you need — food, water and shelter.

If you could play any sport that you’ve never tried before, what would it be?

I’d want to play tennis.

If you could meet anyone, and have a conversation with them, who would it be and what would you talk about?

I would want to meet Tre Mason, the St. Louis Rams running back, former Auburn running back. I’d ask him how hard he worked and how tough the journey was to make it to where he is.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 3%04%-"%2

WEATHER

THURS.

Sept. 18

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

Sept. 19

0.71

SAT.

Fri., Sept. 26 Sat., Sept. 27 Sun., Sept. 28 Mon., Sept. 29 Tues., Sept. 30 Wed., Oct. 1 Thurs., Oct. 2

Sept. 20

0.39

SUN.

Sept. 21

0.01

MON. 0.29

TUES.

Sept. 23

0.35

WED.

Sept. 24

0.00

SEPT.

TO DATE

4.84 (2013: 4.34)

YEAR

TO DATE 28.26 (2013: 35.3)

PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

Sept. 22

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

HIGH 87 87 86 87 84 84 85

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Fri., Sept. 26 Sat., Sept. 27 Sun., Sept. 28 Mon., Sept. 29 Tues., Sept. 30 Wed., Oct. 1 Thurs., Oct. 2

SUNRISE 7:19 a.m.

7:19 a.m.

7:20 a.m.

7:20 a.m.

7:21 a.m.

7:21 a.m.

7:22 a.m.

SUNSET 7:21 p.m.

7:20 p.m.

7:19 p.m.

7:18 p.m.

7:17 p.m.

7:16 p.m.

7:14 p.m.

LOW 74 74 73 72 72 71 71

MOON PHASES

Oct. 8

, 3&

Oct. 15

OKRA

SHIPPING POINT: ORLANDO SIZE 1/2 bushel ctns

LOW $12.35

HIGH $12.85

Oct. 23

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture Oct. 1

Mariela Pedro-Juarez submitted this beautiful shot of a pond reflecting the foliage above.

The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City.

Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.

SUCH NEGATIVITY

By Kenneth Holt | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Pilgrim’s destination 6 Folk singer Guthrie 10 PC key below Shift 14 Story 18 Gift getters 19 Stash spot in “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” 20 Singer India.___ 21 Off in the distance 22 What a cad is 24 “You’d better believe it!”

26 Animator’s transparency 27 Full of beef fat 28 Hollywood legend Clark 30 Knocks flat 31 Leaves bare 33 French philosopher Georges 34 Morrison or Tennille 35 Refinery shipment 36 One of TV’s Huxtables 37 Rich Italian ice cream 40 Sidewalk material 43 Very funny 45 Say “yes,” tacitly 46 Units of money in Bulgaria 47 Spring bloom 49 Less hazardous 50 Thurmond of NBA fame 51 Viking deity 52 Pile up, as firewood 53 Govt. health watchdog 54 Some Wordsworth works 55 ___ corgi 57 Is on hold 61 Companion 63 Novelist Pierre 65 Worst possible party turnout 66 Source of caffeine 67 Liaison 70 Warm alcoholic drink 72 Gloomy, to poets

76 77 79 81 82 83 86 87 88 89 91 93 95 96 97 98 99 103 105 106 107 109 111 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121

What road signs do “Long ___ (and Far Away)” Softly hit single Talking avian Served perfectly on a court Identifiable catchphrase Certain African tribe member Declare untrue It can be deadly or mortal Environmental community Be absorbed gradually Gene of films Berth places ___ Diego Beneficiary of a will Tiny Synthetic rubber component Lucy’s landlord of classic TV Iraq seaport City in New York “Blastoff” precursor You alone Not a big deal Shrek was one “Simpsons” creator Groening Enameled lacquerware Contemplates Golf “trap” substance Cows and sows, e.g.

USS Constitution, e.g.

Oscar winner Spacek

DOWN 1 Sounded like a cow 2 “A Wrinkle in Time” author Madeleine L’___ 3 Middle grade 4 Official rebuke

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

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 23 25 29 32 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 46 48 50 56 58 59 60 62 64 66 67

4.0 earners Helps a perpetrator Frost-laden JFK alternative in NYC Major soccer mistake Capital of Australia Under-bridge dweller of myth Very plentiful Summer zodiac sign Scout’s pursuit Devotee Tall and skinny Fractions of joules Certain party org.

Martial arts expert Bruce Nose-offending stimuli Met solos Area of uncertainty Boy Scout tie Cuckoo’s cousin Mexican-American Pigeon-___ Observant one “That is,” in Latin Relinquish formally Apt anagram of “vile” People of Rwanda and Burundi Unsettled Temperature extreme Partner of long.

“It’s all good” ___ polloi (common people) Telegraph bit Snooty behavior States of extreme confusion Elderly Mine carrier Japanese city on Honshu Covered with water

© 2013 Universal Uclick

68 69 70 71 73 74 75 78 80

Horizontal board (var.)

Brass wind instrument Red ___ (cinnamon candies) Oxford teacher Ogles Heche or Hathaway Legendary linebacker Lewis Hired hoodlum “Josie and the ___”

84 85 89

Prepares for the printer Basketmaker’s willow Boxer Griffith or author Zola 90 Lease signers 92 Language of west-central India 94 Loudly lamented 98 One of the senses 99 Throat infection 100 Haberdashery item

101 102 103 104 105 106 108 110 112 113

Middays Exalt to the heavens Hazzard County lawman Nero’s robe Not exactly stimulating Tangelo fruit Count ending?

Mummy’s three?

Cry of amazement Sue Grafton’s “___ for Lawless”

C RY P T O G R A M S 1. KZGZ’T B RZGV JBII JBIZ BOENJ PUTKV GEWBCHZ BJ TZB: BC B J I B C J U H H E F O Z H B W Z Z C B W E G Z F AV J K B P I B T K V F H Z B C P I E B J . U J A B T K Z G I E R Z G O N E V. 2 . W O W L K S F D AQ G Z A H Q D W U S Q Q E H M Y V H O W Z A H V D E H J L A H J L . R D J W Z K S F B C Q G W I I V D R D L E D E , U H H C D E W L E B RW V M D E J FA R I D A A G A R DYA !

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