Plant City Observer 09.20.12

bserver O

PLANT CITY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

UPCOMING

FREE • thursday, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

SPORTS

Gardenfest Take a look at the proposed springs into bloom Sept. 22. city budget.

Meet the big guys who make Durant’s offense possible.

PAGE 3

PAGE 9

PAGE 12

promotion

OUR TOWN

by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Plant City to create new post

+ Registration open for fishing derby Attention young anglers: The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department will host its next fishing derby from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 29, near Plant City Stadium, 1900 South Park Road.

The event is free, but registration is required.

Participating children must bring their own tackle and be accompanied by an adult.

Preregistration is available at the Recreation and Parks Department office at 1904 S. Park Road or online, plantcitygov.com. Registration also will be accepted from 7 to 8:15 a.m. the day of the derby.

For more information, contact Recreation Program Manager Deborah Haldane, dhaldane@plantcitygov.com, or call (813) 659-4200, Ext. 4302.

+ Deadline nears for voter registration Hillsborough County residents have less than one month to register to vote in the Nov. 6 general election.

The deadline is Oct. 9.

Any citizen who wishes to register to vote may do so at any Supervisor of Elections office, public library, driver license office, state agency providing public assistance or armed forces recruiting office. Residents also can visit VoteHillsborough.org for a list of voter registration drives, or to download a voter registration application.

Residents also can visit the site to check their registration status, request a Vote By Mail ballot or locate a nearby elections office.

For more information, call (813) 744-5900.

+ First Baptist offers cancer support group Sharing Our Burdens, a Christian cancer support group, meets at 4:30 p.m., the fourth Sunday of each month, at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, Room 351, 503 N. Palmer St. The next meeting will be Sept. 23.

For more, call Diane Mabry, (813) 365-0554.

If approved by city commissioners, Plant City Police Chief Bill McDaniel will become assistant city manager of public safety.

SHOWS OF

SUPPORT UPCOMING

By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Three fundraisers are taking place Sept. 22, to raise money and awareness about different diseases.

It seems there is a colored ribbon to show support for every cause imaginable. One of the oldest known references of ribbons used to symbolize a cause was mentioned in a marching song, “Round her Neck She

Wears a Yeller Ribbon.” It has been used to represent a loved one waiting for a military service member to return home.

Because chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States,

there are many colored ribbons used to raise awareness for illnesses and diseases. This weekend, three different fundraisers — symbolized by three different colors — will help raise money for families in Plant City.

The Yellow Ribbon: Childhood Cancer

The Purple Ribbon: Chiari Malformation

The Green Ribbon: Kidney Disease

When 5-year-old Morgan Pierce complained of hip pain four years ago, her doctor thought she just had a jarred hip joint. But a bone scan revealed every mother’s worst nightmare — an unknown mass in her abdomen.

“It was devastating,” mother Emily Pierce said. “This was my baby. I had so many questions. ... You can’t even explain it.”

Morgan was diagnosed with stage-four neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects the sympathetic nervous system and is found mainly in children under 10 years old. Sympathetic nervous system tumors account

Plant City resident Serenity Harper is lucky to be alive. She survived two brain surgeries.

The second one almost killed her.

Harper has Chiari Malformation, a neurological disorder in which the brain descends out of the skull and puts pressure on the spine. Chiari has more than 100 symptoms that range from extreme dizziness to neck pain and can end in immobility. Brain surgery is done to relieve the symptoms, but it fails 20% of the time.

“I had every complication imaginable,” Harper said about her brain surgery. “I would like to say years later the surgeries helped, but they didn’t.”

SEE YELLOW / PAGE 6

SEE PURPLE / PAGE 6

Prepare to stomp through 500 pounds of blueberries after racing 2.9 miles through and around 18 obstacles including hay bales, tires and wood ladders. Keel and Curley Winery is hosting a mud run Sept. 22, to benefit Evan Ranieri and Darby Hastings, who both have a type of kidney disease.

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our community, and we want to give back,” Clay Keel, the marketing and special events director at the winery, said.

In a lot of ways, Hastings is just a regular teenage girl. The 16-year-old is a junior at Durant High School and is involved in the FFA chapter.

“For the most part, you can

SEE GREEN / PAGE 6

INDEX Crossword.......... 15

For the last 16 years, Bill McDaniel has served Plant City as its police chief.

With the Plant City Commission’s blessing, he’ll be able to complete his career in public service in an even greater capacity.

City Manager Greg Horwedel revealed Sept. 18 plans to create a new position — assistant city manager of public safety — which McDaniel would assume, effective Jan. 7. 2013.

McDaniel would lead the Plant City Police Department, Plant City Fire Rescue, code enforcement and management information McDaniel systems.

Interim Fire Chief David Burnett would remain in his role; and Capt. Steven Singletary would serve as interim police chief. Both would be eligible for taking those permanent posts following a three- to fourmonth evaluation.

Despite the creation of a new position, the change would save a net $230,000 annually. Two positions — one fire battalion chief and police Capt. John Borders’ position that will become vacant after his retirement Nov. 30 — will be frozen. Furthermore, former Plant City MIS Manager Rhonda Jensen’s position will be absorbed

by Plant City Police Department’s MIS Supervisor Kent Andrel.

McDaniel, a 27-year veteran of the police department and a Plant City native, said he is excited about the new opportunity.

“I’m certainly honored and humbled to have been asked to serve (in this role),” he said.

Commissioners should consider the reorganization next month.

Contact Michael Eng at meng@ plantcityobserver.com.

Vol. 1, No. 12 | One section

Obituaries.......... 10

Opinion.................8

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

PlantCityObserver.com

2

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

WASHER/DRYER PAIRS

Buy the Pair SAVE $20190

798

$

reg. $999.80

20

%

884562/111589/111590

3.5 cu. ft.

off

regular price

FREE

sofa $49995

save over $141

7 pc

1298

$

reg. $1439.75

chaise (111050) sold separately $399.95 special

698

$

reg. $899.90

898

$

$368

reg. $1099.90

Save up to $319.90

NOW $69995

reg. $699.95 FREE $199.95 $699.95

reg. $399.95 FREE $199.95 $399.95

BETTER starts with SLEEP

5 pc

Buy the Pair SAVE $20190

87” sofa, 65” loveseat, 3 pc table group, 2 lamps

any NEW Legends Foundation with

by Badcock Mattress

PLUSH MATTRESS SET

queen mattress Foundation set

884717

alderson collection

on twin, full, queen and king sizes!

EURO-COMFORT® t MATTRESS SET queen se

queen mattress Foundation set

• 3 temp. settings • wrinkle guard $499.95 $429.95

New features include: • Gel/Memory foam comfort • Aloe Vera stretch cover • Foam Encased edge support

NOWen set que $59995

JUMBO PILLOW-TOP MATTRESS SET

queen mattress Foundation set

New features include: • Memory foam comfort • Aloe Vera stretch cover

Bedding Essentials NOW $10 off any Align pillow

queen mattress Foundation set

save on king size too

save over $201

New features include: • Gel/Memory foam comfort • Aloe Vera stretch cover • Foam Encased edge support

breatheable, waterproof, allergen resistant protection for your mattress

bed

$49995

884646/47

NEW STORE HOURS to better serve you!

Buy the Pair SAVE $25190

948

$

reg. $1199.90 884812/112070/112071

3.7 cu. ft.

• 12 wash cycles • dual action agitator $599.95 $499.95

6.0 cu. ft.

• 6 dry cycles • 4 heat selections $599.95 $499.95

sophia collection

bed

798

$

6.0 cu. ft.

• 8 cycles • 4 dry cycles • dual-action • 80 min. timed dry agitator $549.95 $499.95 $549.95 $499.95

NOWen set que $49995

• Align Pillows - designed for back, side, or stomach sleep positions Also see our Dri-Tec or iProtect Mattress Protectors

carrington collection

queen panel bed (headboard, footboard, rails), dresser & mirror

reg. $499.95 FREE $199.95 $499.95

3.5 cu. ft.

New features include: • Gel/Memory foam comfort • Aloe Vera stretch cover • Foam Encased edge • Jumbo pillow top

reg. $599.95 FREE $199.95 $599.95

PILLOW-TOP MATTRESS SET

NOW t queen se $39995

884561/112068/112069

queen sleigh bed (headboard, footboard, rails) save on king size too

reg. $899.95

900859/860

save over $101

10am to 7pm R

prices in this ad are effective through October 1, 2012

703 South Evers Plant City, FL 33563 813-754-3547 Coleman Davis, Owner

91145

silk florals & trees!

6.5 cu. ft.

• 3 temp. settings • 3 water levels $499.95 $429.95

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

Total revenues

money matters by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Community Investment Tax $1,886,100 (3%) Street Fund $2,774,960 (5%)

water utilities $14,538,585 (24%) TOTAL: $59,749,121

TOTAL EXPENDITURES Capital Outlay $4,318,301 (7%)

Commodities Contractual $14,620,502 (25%)

THE GENERAL FUND

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT FY 2011-12* 111,600 228,950 240,500 235,400 425,894 13,000 200 1,748,204 663,530 62,460 172,155 4,717,577 9,042,013 178,724 1,105,960 827,313 632,150 589,060 2,907,900 1,015,200 41,200 24,958,990

FY 2012-13^ 113,200 232,300 241,600 238,900 526,010 15,000 200 1,415,219 684,800 65,117 206,730 4,624,820 9,299,100 181,250 1,254,600 840,020 700,225 648,800 3,069,900 1,001,640 51,700 25,411,131

*Expected totals; ^ As proposed

FY 2010-11 3,678,244.47 431,632.65 132,781.40 143,839.77 $4,386,498.29

FY 2011-12* FY 2012-13^ 3,952,700 3,957,200 484,641 522,800 248,266 56,500 101,520 88,320 $4,787,127 $4,624,820 *Amended; ^ As proposed

PLANT CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT Budget Appropriation Personnel Services Commodities/Contractual Capital Outlay Non-Operating Total

FY 2010-11 6,694,225.55 1,250,767.37 11,803.50 214,500 $8,171,296.42

Personnel Services $25,261,750 (42%)

Non-Operating $15,548,568 (26%)

TOTAL: $4,318,301

general fund revenue Inter-Fund Transfer: $1,282,384 (5%)

Intergovernmental: $776,355 (3%)

Fees and Services: $1,072,000 (4%)

Licenses and Permits: $727,100 (3%) Miscellaneous: $679,500 (3%) Federal Grants: $225,000 (1%)

Property Tax: $6,496,804 (26%)

Re-Appropriated Funds $2,852,988 (11%) State Revenue Sharing: $3,259,000 (13%) Telecommunication Tax: $1,350,000 (5%)

Utility Tax: $3,360,000 (13%) Franchise Fees: $3,330,000 (13%) TOTAL: $25,411,131

general fund expenditures

PLANT CITY FIRE RESCUE Budget Appropriation Personnel Services Commodities/Contractual Capital Outlay Non-Operating Total

General fund $25,411,131 (43%)

Sanitation Fund: $6,922,042 (12%)

IF YOU GO

The city’s General Fund represents the majority of its operations, including the Plant City Police Department, Plant City Fire Rescue, Recreation and Parks Department, Plant City Commission and more.

At $25,411,131, the proposed General Fund budget represents a 3.6% increase over last year’s budget. The increase in revenue is attributed to a larger estimate of reappropriated funds, an increase in cost allocation for the Water Utilities Fund and increased receipts from the 1/2-cent local sales tax, Horwedel said.

Those extra revenue dollars will be allocated to pay for higher fuel costs, contractual services costs and the public safety step plan. The city’s contribution to the Public Safety Pension Fund also remains flat.

Industrial Park Fund $84,728 (.1%)

Fleet Replacement Fund $3,856,101 (6%)

Plant City commissioners the city’s mid-year finanwill decide how to spend nearcial position to determine ly $60 million next week. whether a cost-of-living Plant City The commission will host increase is feasible for city its final budget hearing for the employees.

Commission 2012-13 fiscal year at 7:30 p.m.

The budget is based on Budget Sept. 24, at Sadye Gibbs Martin maintaining the same millHearing Auditorium at City Hall, 302 W. age rate, 4.7157, despite WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

Reynolds St. the Hillsborough County Sept. 24 Finance Director Martin WisProperty Appraiser’s estigerhof last week presented the mate of a 3.2% reduction in WHERE: Sadye Gibbs $59,749,121 budget to the comassessed property values.

Martin Auditorium mission. The budget, about 1% Here is a look at the proat City Hall, 302 W. higher than the original budget posed 2012-13 budget, with Reynolds St. approved for the 2011-12 fiscloser examination into the INFO: plantcitygov. cal year, does not include pay General Fund revenues, com increases for city employees. It which total $25,411,131, or also includes a three-person re43% of the budget dollars; duction in staff. and Personnel Services exHowever, City Manager Greg Horwe- penditures, which total $25,261,750, or del said the administration will evaluate 42% of the budget dollars.

FY 2010-11 111,209.77 227,495.57 234,698.67 225,020.16 412,297.86 11,103.02 0.00 1,725,761.15 650,472.70 58,041.24 161,986.24 4,386,498.29 8,171,296.42 173,049.26 1,077,077.65 803,499.19 659,153.86 629,275.39 2,888,113.10 1,014,546.34 39,579.94 23,660,175.82

Community Services $307,200 (.5%)

Stormwater Fund: $2,772,274 (5%)

The Plant City Commission will host its final 2012-13 budget hearing Sept. 24.

Department City Commission Legal City Management Human Resources Management Information Service 1914 Community Building Historic Resources Special Appropriations Finance Department Purchasing City Clerk Fire Department Police Department Planning and Zoning Recreation Library Building Department Engineering Parks Division General Services Motor Garage TOTAL:

Debt Service $1,196,000 (2%)

FY 2011-12* FY 2012-13^ 7,347,100 7,618,200 1,242,270 1,357,600 314,925 10,000 212,205 313,300 $9,116,500 $9,299,100

Non-Operating: $1,916,154 (8%)

Capital Outlay $178,900 (1%)

Commodities Contractual: $5,405,277 (21%) Personnel Services: $17,910,800 (70%)

*Amended; ^ As proposed

TOTAL: $25,411,131

3

GOVERNANCE

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Walden Lake association may change path usage Residents say the change will make it safer for golfers to reach the course.

Walden Lake Community Association leaders are moving forward with plan to allow golf carts to use a pedestrian path in the Hammocks.

The proposal first surfaced last month, when residents Rod and Ima Storts approached the WLCA about the path’s usage.

The Storts told leaders it is dangerous for golf carts to travel from the Hammocks on Timberlane Drive to get to the golf course, which would cause them to go against traffic.

The path was deeded to the WLCA in the 1990s. Since then, many golf carts have used the path, despite its status as a pedestrian-only path.

WLCA leaders at their monthly meeting Sept. 17, said to change the usage, the two homeowners whose properties border the path must agree to golf cart to usage. One homeowner already has agreed to the change (along with compensation for several sprinkler heads that must be moved).

The second homeowner will be contacted before proceeding.

Anticipated costs would be attorneys’ fees associated with rewriting the deed.

PRESIDENTS MEETING

During the quarterly presidents meeting Sept. 17, the WLCA reviewed the past year with Walden Lake’s 10-plus homeowners association presidents.

Tom Daramus reminded residents to lock their cars. The majority of crime in Walden Lake has been theft of items from unlocked cars. Last month, unknown suspect(s) stole a Toshiba laptop, Hi Point 9-mm handgun and a 35mm camera from a 2001 Honda Accord on Horseshoe Drive.

Regulations on water usage have been lifted. The WLCA is reminding residents landscaping and yards should be kept in compliance with deed restrictions.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

IN OTHER NEWS

• The proposed budget for the 2013 calendar year has remained relatively unchanged.

There will be no changes to association dues, and the budget calls for a lowered general maintenance budget and lower insurance.

• The Laurel Lake path will be repaved. One quote has amounted to $22,000. Two more quotes will be gathered before the WLCA chooses a company.

The 1,980-foot path has many tree roots bulging the concrete, making it a safety issue.

• The fourth annual Halloween party will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27. The WLCA expects a bigger outcome this year. There will be a bounce castle, vendors and ice cream.

4

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

health care by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Brandon Regional Hospital Emergency Center

Brandon hospital preps for ER opening

ADDRESS: 3065 James L.

Forty employees will staff Brandon Regional Hospital’s new emergency center in Plant City.

Brandon Regional Hospital will expand its presence in Plant City when it opens its new emergency care center at the end of the month on James L. Redman Parkway.

Licensed under Brandon Regional Hospital, the center is a full-service emergency department with 24-hour, 365-day care, including the staffing of a board-certified emergency room physician.

“We will take all comers, and they will receive the same emergency-room care as if they came over to Brandon Regional Hospital,” said CEO Bland Eng. The center will provide treatment for all illnesses and injuries, including diagnostic imaging and lab services. The center also will provide more intensive services, including open-heart surgery, interventional cardiology, stroke care and neurosurgery, among others.

Brandon Regional Hospital will bring its award-winning

Matt Mauney

The Brandon Regional Hospital Emergency Center in Plant City is located off James L. Redman Parkway. care to Plant City with the new center, including its three-star accreditation for excellence in cardiac surgery, the highest award given by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. An accredited chest-pain center, a certified primary stroke center and an award-winning bariatric

Douglas Adams, ACE

center, also will be accessible through the new emergency center.

Plans for the center began two years ago, after an assessment identified needs to expand care. Eng noted that free-standing emergency departments are not new in the state, with one

notable example coming from Sarasota Memorial Hospital, which has an emergency center in the North Port area.

“The idea is to provide patients with access to health care,” Eng said.

According to Eng, many of Brandon Regional Hospital’s patients outside the city come from the west, with a large influx from Plant City.

“We’ve been receiving patients from the Plant City area already, so this was an opportunity for us to allow patients to have closer access then having to travel into Brandon,” Eng said.

The center will include 40 full-time employees, some of whom are new and have been going through orientation in Brandon. According to Eng, about 15 of the 40 employees are Plant City residents who will be transferring from the Brandon location.

“That includes everything

oNsitE

813.787.2503

adamsnetworkservices@gmail.com www.adamsnetworkservices.com

sErviCEs

• Full Service Computer Repairs & Diagnostics • Full Service Network Infrastructure Support • Virus Spyware Removal 91124

ATTENTION ATTENTION

Hauling & Lawn Care 91110

Plant City, FL

from nurses to lab and even a security guard,” Eng explained.

With the center licensed under Brandon Regional Medical Center, the same administrative staff will oversee operations at the Plant City location.

The emergency center will hold a community open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 22.

Community members will be able to tour the new facility and meet the staff.

For more information, visit plantcityer.com.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver. com.

CommerCial & residential

ComPUtEr/NEtwork ADAms NEtwork sErviCEs

Redman Parkway OPEN HOUSE: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 22 OPENING: Late September/ early October OFFERED CARE: 24-hour emergency care, including a certified emergency-room physician on staff at all times.

SPECIALTIES: Neurology, heart and stroke, among others.

WEBSITE: plantcityer.com

Rick kyleR

free estimates •Full Lawn Service •Landscape Design & Install •Trimming of Trees, Palms, Bushes & Hedges •Mulching •Irrigation Repair •Pressure Washing

(813) 376 - 0302

New owNers

Want to avoid checked luggage?

David & Bradley sullivan

PLANT PLANT CITY CITY RESIDENTS RESIDENTS If you have received bad news about your Homeowners policy being non-renewed....

Let us give you a hand.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!!!

Avoid airport hassles, sidestep long lines at baggage claim and get everything you need shipped to your destination on time and intact.

Package tracking comes standard with all shipments.

We have thousands of convenient locations with one near you. So next time you travel, come see us first.

d We never stoppe a id or Fl writing in

SAVE UP TO 23%

Like Many of your Neighbors Already Have!

Act now and have a dedicated Neighborhood Agent help protect your Home and be with a credible carrier.

We also offer GREAT RATES for Auto, Boat and Commercial Insurance

CALL NOW 813-707-1000 WWW.ROLLYSONFEARNOW.COM OR EMAIL: RHETT@FEARNOWINS.COM

Mail boxes with street address.

Pay for 6 months, get 6 months free.

Notary services available.

See what we have saved others in you area...

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 6:30 pm | Sat. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Sun. Closed

91062

I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the improvement in the cost of Homeowners Insurance. The reduction of $1,400 per year was a great relief considering all of the cost increases that families are faced with today! I feel like I have much better coverage and saving money helps to make it even better. I was just surprised by the savings considering I have not researched Homeowners Insurance in 10 years. Thank you for taking care of my insurance needs. You now have a very happy customer for a long time. –Roy Peterson

New locatioN - Next to Papa John’s Pizza 1808 James L. Redman Parkway| Plant City, FL 33563-7155 813-754-5533 | store1823@theupsstore.com

91080

Rhett Rollyson President Rolly Rollyson Sr. Advisor

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

a few good women

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

5

house call by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Events Ice Cream Social WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 20 WHERE: 1110 N. Wheeler Street, Plant City

Annual BBQ Dinner WHEN: Oct. 18 WHERE: Plant City Train Depot COST: $10 per ticket available through members

Spring BBQ Dinner WHEN: March 23, 2013 WHERE: Browlee’s Barn

Courtesy photo

New officers Mary Jane Parolini, corresponding secretary; Peggy Hyde, first vice president; Judy Glorioso, president; Barbara Miller, third vice president; and Betty Astin, treasurer, took office in May. Not pictured is Brenda Lauber, second vice president.

The Woman’s Club of Plant City is part of the The General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The GFWC is an international organization with more than 100,000 members.

The national headquarters are in Washington, D.C.; the state headquarters are in Lakeland.

cers’s Wives’ Club, President Judy Glorioso always has been active in service. Upon coming to Plant City, she learned of the Woman’s Club and felt it was a perfect fit.

She has been involved for 12 years.

“There is a niche for anyone,” Glorioso said of the club’s six different committees: International, Homelife, Public Issues, Education, Conservation, and Arts and Crafts. Each committee explores different issues, such as domestic violence, recycling and art. Current projects include adopting a girl in need from Indonesia and helping wounded warriors find canine service dogs.

“People need to know it’s not just a bunch of silly women having lunch,” Glorioso said. “You have to work and provide service.”

The Woman’s Club of Plant City ADDRESS: 1110 N. Wheeler Street, Plant City PHONE: (813) 752-4871 MEMBERSHIP: Barbara Miller, (813) 752-2847.

This year, all clubs will raise money for four scholarships.

The Plant City club hopes to complement the focus by completing 100 hours of service in schools.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

D owntown B usinesses

the

State Sen. Ronda Storms was the keynote speaker during the Plant City Republican Women’s Club Sept. 12, at the home of the Plant City Victory Office Director Judy Wise.

Storms won the GOP primary earlier this summer for Hillsborough County property appraiser over incumbent Rob Turner. In the November election, she will face Democratic former state Rep. Bob Henriquez and two no-party candidates.

“I like to speak from my heart,” Storms said, pulling up a chair for a casual speech to an intimate group.

Dan Raulerson who is running for District 58 state representative, also spoke.

“We can’t run a government like a business,” Raulerson said. “They’re two different things.”

5

r2 eptembe S , y a d s Tue

of

5

LV3916

7-573

pa.com

wn

to c Down

Histori

0% Save 1

l d Loca with A

ELLEN GARR ET

ry Only

Delive

CITY PROPERTIES COMPANY

T

MANAGEMENT • SALES • RENTALS Your Hometown Property Management Company

ellen@ca

melliaro se.com 120 N. Collins Street Plant C ity, 813.659 FL 33563 .TCUP (8 287)

(813) 752-5262

Post Office Box 1118 • Plant City, FL 33584

ose.co

Sept. 22

• 10am

-5pm

LV3914

m

G Sat.,

101 N. C www.inspireq u ollins St reet • P ilting.com 813.704 lant City, FL 33563 .4867

LV3918

lliar

Openin

We Ha Strawbeve r Fabrics! ry Florida destina ’s newest tion sho p.

40 years in Plant City • Philip Balliet - Manager

Came

www.

Grand LV3922

owner

-01

808247

LV3915

omtam

ablo www.all

Judy Wise, director of the Plant City Victory Office, and Diane Fleming, president of the Plant City Republican Women’s Club

h istoriC P lant C ity ...

t Stree ollins orth C 563 3 3 L 116 N City, F Plant

6 813-5

State Sen. Ronda Storms

LV3921

C ome V isit

GOP candidates stump in Plant City

About the Club

Woman’s Club of Plant City seeks new members The Woman’s Club of Plant City will sweeten the fall season with an ice cream social from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 20, at its clubhouse, 1110 N. Wheeler Street, Plant City.

The club is looking for new members to join the 90-year tradition of service it has brought to the community. The club has long been involved in beautification projects and raising scholarship funds for local students.

One of the club’s crowning achievements is the Bruton Memorial Library. In 1932, the club made a proposal to the city to donate more than 2,000 books that belonged to the club’s library collection and offered to renovate and repair an old tax-foreclosed residence serve as a library.

As a past member of the Offi-

Mike Wolfe, Ed Wise, Debbie Wolfe, Jamie Burgin and Dan Raulerson

Millie’ s

red n of A Salo et Your Tailo e M to

LV3917

023 Designed 1 .

9 5 7 nce 813.

Excelle Looks

LV3920

e c a n i t ’ r l s a P M

New 111 S. C to Downtow n Plan ollins t 813-75 4-8822 St. • Plant Cit City • www .Millie y, FL 33563 sGiftSh op.com

...where everone loves to shop

91336

110 E. R Ste. 400 FL 30563 ity, Plant C

LV3919

Gifts & New & Candles V Home intage Decor

wn Downto ding il u B e Le St. eynolds

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

Morgan Pierce and her older sister, Ally, are best friends.

YELLOW/PAGE 1 for 7.8% of all cancers among children younger than 15 years.

Since her diagnosis, Morgan has undergone surgery to remove the tumor, five rounds of chemotherapy, which has caused her to lose her hair and scans every three months.

She has relapsed twice.

In addition to financial strains and constant traveling to doctors offices and hospitals, Pierce said the battle also has affected Morgan’s older sister, Ally.

“Emotionally it was difficult on her sister,” Pierce said. “She lost her playmate, because a lot of times, Morgan is too tired to play.”

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and Pierce doesn’t want that to be forgotten. She Play for a Cure is hosting the second WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4 Play for a Cure on Sept. p.m. Sept. 22 22, Dolphin Field at the WHERE: Dolphin Field Otis M. Andrews Sports at the Otis M. Andrews Complex.

Sports Complex, 2602 “There are several kids E. Cherry St. in Plant City who have CAUSE: Pediatric cancer and they don’t get cancer coverage,” Pierce said. “I just want people to know about our kids. They are battling cancer while trying to go to school and while they’re parents are working.”

The free event will have a bounce house and slide, colored hair spray booth, cookie decorating station and face painting.

“We’re going to play for a cure,” Pierce said. “Kids are supposed to play, not be getting treatments.”

Emily also will be hosting a 5K run and 1-mile walk Sept. 29 in downtown Plant City. A bake sale will be going on at the same time, benefitting Cookies for Kids Cancer. The race starts at 7:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

PURPLE/PAGE 1

GREEN/PAGE 1

To make matters worse, on one of her recovery days in an Orlando hospital ICU, her teenage daughter, Gabrielle, was diagnosed with Chiari too.

“It was the worst day of my life,” Harper said.

Harper has problems others in their 30s shouldn’t have.

She has to think about how to swallow her food. She has to worry about walking down the hall without her knees buckling. She has to fight all-over pain.

Despite her troubles, Harper works full-time as a human resource manager and uses walks and taking care of her children to deal with her disease. Even more amazing, she is put together the 2011 Conquer Chiari Walk Across America event in Tampa and currently is organizing the 2012 Conquer Chiari Walk Across America event in Tampa on Sept. 22., along with friend and fellow Chiari carrier, Vonda MaxSerenity Harper and well. her daughter, Gabrielle “We’re just trying to Sullivan, both have Chiari. bring as much awareness to Chiari as we Conquer Chiari can,” Harper said.

Walk Across Harper knows of America 2012 eight people in the WHEN: Sept.

22.

Plant City area with Registration begins at 9 Chiari. Few federal a.m.; walk begins at 10:30 funds have been dia.m.. rected towards reWHERE: Al Lopez Park, search for Chiari, 4810 N. Himes Ave., because only about Tampa 300,000 people have it DONATION: Minimum in the U.S. But Harper donation of $25 thinks it is under-diagnosed.

CAUSE: Chiari malformation “They always push it as something that it so rare,” Harper said. “But the numbers are growing, as technology gets better and is able to recognize it.”

All the Conquer Chiari Walks happen on the same day at the same time. Last year, the event raised a collective $405,000 for research. This year the goal is to raise $450,000.

“It’s a really neat experience,” Harper said. “We’re excited about it.”

look at her and she doesn’t look sick,” her mother, Gloria Hastings, said.

But since Hastings was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in June 2011, she has been on a cocktail of medications.

FSGS is a rare disease that attacks the kidney’s filtering system, causing serious scarring.

Eventually, Hastings will have to have a liver transplant once her body becomes immune to the medicine.

So far, the family has raised $5,000 for the future.

The Hastings will have a chance to meet anothAvery Ranieri will be helping er Plant City family facher little brother, Evan, who ing a similar situation at has kidney disease, by sellthe Mud Run. ing lemonade at the run.

Melissa Ranieri’s 18-month-old son, Evan, has hypoplasia.

His kidneys are underdeveloped and are too small for his body.

Ranieri found out Evan had the condition during her pregnancy.

Doctors did not know if Darby Hastings always has a the baby would survive positive outlook. or what kind of quality of life he would have if Blueberry he survived. After Evan Stomp Mud Run was born, he endured WHEN: Sept. 22. First heat three surgeries for a dibegins at 8:30 a.m. alysis catheter. Although he didn’t need dialysis, WHERE: Keel and the family is still dealCurley Winery, 5210 W. ing with effects of the Thonotosassa Road disease. Evan has a feedCAUSE: Evan Ranieri and ing tube and takes nine Darby Hastings, who have medications daily. focal segmental glomeruloEvan will need a kidsclerosis, a kidney disease ney transplant once his body outgrows his kidney. They expect this to be sometime next year.

“He will get a second chance at life, but the transplant isn’t a cure,” Ranieri said. “This is a forever thing.”

ss Don’t MiG olf the “Bestnt Ever” Tourname

10:30 a.m. Registration 12 Noon Shotgun Start 5 p.m. Awards Ceremony

Walden Lake

Our Famous Watering Holes provide food/beverage throughout the event!!!

Golf & Country Club 2001 Clubhouse Dr. Plant City, FL 33567

For more information, please call Tony Lee at 813.752.7202.

LV3925

6

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

7

In an Emergency

Choose Your Community Hospital

Don’t be taken for a ride ... to Brandon We have:

• On-site operating rooms • On-site team of physician specialists • On-site Heart Center • On-site Intensive Care Unit

With minimal wait times, our ER is designed to treat your little emergencies as well.*

Support your local community hospital *Your individual wait time may vary.

301 N. Alexander St. • Plant City

For a physician referral or more information:

(813) 443-2037 or PlantCityEmergency.org BC1203600_0912

91104

REDMAN EMERGENCY CENTER REDMAN EMERGENCY CENTER

8

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

Observer

PLANT CITY

“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

Publisher / Felix Haynes, fhaynes@ PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com; Matt Mauney, mmauney@PlantCityObserver. com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Ronda Kyler, rkyler@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Coordinator / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Accounting Manager / Petra Kirkland, pkirkland@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@ yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@ yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver. com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@ yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@ yourobserver.com; Chris Stolz, cstolz@ yourobserver.com



CONTACT US

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

 

TO ADVERTISE Call Veronica Prostko or Ronda Kyler at 704-6850.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

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

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100A, Plant City, FL 33563

The Plant City Observer LLC Locally Owned

Publisher of the Plant City Observer and PlantCityObserver.com

President / Felix Haynes Directors / Nate Kilton, Ed Verner, Matt Walsh

110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100A Plant City, Fla. 813-704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Observer LLC 2012 All Rights Reserved

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

observed | philanthropy

Helping hands uplift our community As my wife and I sat down for FLORIDA ON FOOT lunch at The Corner Store earlier First-year Bailey Elementary this week, we saw the perfect School fourth-grade teacher example of why we have fallen so Aviva Baker wrote to me a few in love with Plant City. weeks ago. She has launched A younger female was just a new program in her class, about to leave to walk home in Florida on Foot, which tasks the middle of one of our midday her students with choosing a thunderstorms. But, an employdestination city in the Sunshine ee stopped her.

State, monitoring their You can’t walk home in footsteps to “walk” to this, she said. It’s pouring that city of choice, and out. then, finally, researchJust then, one of the ing the destination shop’s regulars, an older city, its economy and gentleman, was paying for its history. In one projhis lunch. ect, Baker is teaching I can take you home, he writing, reading math, volunteered. social studies and To be clear: I am not adMICHAEL physical fitness. vocating getting into a car There’s just one ENG with a complete stranger. problem: She needs 20 But after some pleasantries pedometers to help the (and Corner Store employees students calculate their steps. So vouching for the regular), the far, she’s tried to contact some two left the shop together — larger retail outlets and corporaone Plant City resident helping tions, with no luck. another.

“I’m big on physical educaOurs is a city in which these tion; I completed a half-maraacts of kindness don’t have to be thon in February,” Baker said. prompted by a plea from Oprah “And so in the classroom, I’m Winfrey. My family has been the trying to teach health and prorecipient of many generous help- mote physical fitness, too.” ing hands since we began the Teaching is Baker’s second Plant City Observer in June. career. She spent 15 years in the And now, as our fall season corporate world in marketing begins to swing, the sheer for Outback Steakhouse. She number of benefits, fundraisers started as a server in Maryland and opportunities to help others and worked her way up the in need is astounding. Look no ranks, but her heart always was further than our cover story this in education. She completed week. This Saturday, three differthe education program at the ent events will take place — all University of South Florida in for the sole purpose of helping January and began teaching fullPlant City families with children time this year. battling rare medical diagnoses.

“I just wanted to make the That’s not all. There are many world a better place,” she said. more ways to help your neighIf you can donate money or bors and this community. What sponsor the Florida on Foot follows are just two. project, please email Aviva

Courtesy photo

From left: Artists Kim Wells, Beverly Farley, Robert Woods, Leo “Punk” Watson and LouAnn Creel Watson. These pieces of art will be available at this year’s Diamonds & Denim Gala.

Baker, avivabaker@sdhc.k12. fl.us.

DIAMONDS & DENIM

Late last week, Mango Cleaners owner S. Marc Poling stopped by our office to tell me about a donation his son-in-law, Jay Silver, and his company, Helicon Foundation Repair, is making as part of this year’s Diamonds & Denim Gala, which benefits the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation.

Instead of making a cash donation, Silver and members of his staff visited Art Lounge Gallery Sept. 15, to purchase several pieces of art for the gala’s silent auction. That way, Helicon would be able to support not only the hospital but also Plant City’s art community, Poling said.

The final selection included works from artists Beverly Farley, Leo “Punk” Watson, LouAnn Creel Watson, Kim Wells and

Robert Woods. Each selected piece showcased the unique talents of the community of artists who created them.

“The purpose of our visit to the Art Lounge Gallery was twofold,” Silver said. “We wanted to support the fundraising efforts of the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation in a singular way.

In addition, we wanted to fulfill one of our company’s core values — the promise to give back to the community that has contributed to our success.”

Organizers expect more than 500 people at this year’s gala, which will be from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sept. 27, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave Plant City. And although the gala itself is sold out, anyone who wishes to make a donation to the foundation can do so by contacting Jana Butler, executive director, at (813) 7571277.

PAST AND PRESENCE

We remember Raiford ‘Shorty’ Brown It was a year ago in July that friend to the Photo Archives and we lost Raiford “Shorty” Brown, History Center and has told many a pharmacist whom everyone an interesting story here. seemed to know. He was active in community affairs AL BERRY — fundraising with the Al Berry is probably a Plant City Lions Club and man most people know president of the Plant City for many different reaRotary Club. sons. He is now associAfter serving as a pharated with In The Field macist’s mate during World magazine, published by War II, Shorty returned to Al’s and Patsy’s daughenroll at the University of ter, Karen Berry. He also Florida. His roommates GIL can tell a good story were Dick and Jack White, about Plant City’s only GOTT who later ran White’s Cenradio station — WPLA. tral Pharmacy. Brown reThat station, owned by turned to Plant City and worked W.A. Smith and his brothers, was for Henry Moody at the Magnolia managed for a time (1951-1968) Pharmacy. Around 1954, he and

by George Friend. After Friend his wife, Liz, opened Brown’s Presuffered a fatal heart attack, Al scription Center, where they were Berry and Ercelle Smith began to the only two employees. run things.

Brown’s PreThe name of the program most scription Center old-time Plant City residents readvertised, “Call member is “This ‘n’ That,” which anytime day grew to a two-hour talk show or night,” and covering all things local — items would deliver at to sell, local call-ins, communo extra charge, nity activities and news. “This sometimes in ‘n’ That” became a community the Ford station icon radio program and retained wagon with the this popularity for more than 20 Brown illuminated mor- years. In 1987, the station was tar and pestle on the roof. Shorty sold, and Plant City lost its only also took flying lessons and radio station. joined the Flying Pharmacists of And if you are wondering, Florida, helping to ensure no one George Friend and Bill Friend was too isolated. He was a special were brothers and both were

Courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives

WPLA was Plant City’s only radio station. Owned by W.A. Smith and his brothers, the station was popular for its local programming. from Lakeland. When Bill Friend returned from duty with the U.S. Marines as an official Marine photographer, he came to Plant City and opened his photography studio in the early 1950s.

OUR STORY CONTINUES

Other stories we are interested in include the last lynching in Hillsborough County, that being John Hodacz (or Hodaz), who was hanged (and shot) in 1930, Marie B. Ellis and Ellis Park, the Laura Street businesses, Theo McCall, Mike Sansone, the community of

Bealsville, E.L. Bing and Sam Horton, Janie Bing and the Bing Rooming House, the full story of The Courier, and the Plant City Enterprise, a newspaper published just down the street from The Courier in the 1930s, and the Morgan family — L.E. “Rat” Morgan, Mrs. L.E. “Sulky” Morgan and daughters, Panky and Dodo Morgan.

Please send your questions, documents and photos to Gott, gil@plantcityphotoarchives.org.

Gil Gott is executive director of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

common ground by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

taking root

9

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Plant City Gardenfest springs into bloom

Sue Horton, Summer Pradera, Ava Pradera, Dr. Sandra Gompf, Mary Masciocchi, Bob Abbenzeller, Karen Elizabeth, Sally Kimbrell and Susie Poppell

Plant City leaders sew seeds for new community garden Plant City’s most eager green thumbs dug in for a morning of fun Sept. 15, during the Plant City Commons community garden’s first Planting Day. “A garden helps to slow us down and communicate with each other,” said founding member Karen Elizabeth.

The garden, located next to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Carey Street, is meant to be as organic as possible. No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers are allowed. The group is even trying to catch rainwater to aid in the watering of the garden. But, the group stills need someone to take a look at the two wells on the property to see if they are usable.

There are several ways to get involved. A “Gardener” has his or her own plot. A “Worker Bee” works a shared plot. The garden also offers different levels of sponsorship.

In addition to inviting people to enjoy the gardening process, the group seeks to teach people about the origins of their food and make connections with their neighbors.

“This is something that grows an attitude that can be spread throughout the community,” Rosalind Baker, another founding member, said.

For more information, contact Elizabeth, karene888@yahoo. com.

Photos by Amber Jurgensen

Rosalind Baker brought her wheelbarrow to help in the planting process.

Grab your tools and sunhat: The Plant City Garden Club and the Plant City Downtown Merchants and Business Association are working together to host the Gardenfest and ETC, which will take place Sept. 22, at the Plant City Train Depot and McCall Park.

More than 40 vendors, both returning and new, will be present selling gardening tools, art work, antiques, food and seeds.

“One of the things I love about the vendors is that they are willing to share information and give advice,” Garden Club member Cassandra Banning said.

“Even if you’re not into plants, you should come because there will be art, antiques and crafts.”

Bill Herbert will have a booth to sharpen kitchen and hunting knives and garden tools.

“We’re excited to have him, because people were looking for that type of thing,” Banning said.

Two speakers will talk about a variety of plant-related topics at the Train Depot. Phil Elting, from Elting’s Exotic Plants, will talk about tropical plants and flowers at 11 a.m. He has spoken at Garden Club meetings before.

“I didn’t want him to stop talking, (because) he was so interesting,” Banning said.

Dennis Gretton from D and D Growers will be sharing his knowledge on growing and cooking with herbs at 1 p.m. Gretton has been a vendor at Gardenfest

FOR THE BEST QUALiTy WiTH THE BEST PRiCES! View Our Weekly Ad On Our Website Heavy www.feltonsmarket.com Western Beef

CHOiCE MEATS PRODUCE GROCERiES

Courtesy photo

This is the first time the Plant City Garden Club and the Plant City Downtown Merchants and Business Association are working together to host the Gardenfest and ETC.

if you go Gardenfest WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sept. 22 WHERE: Plant City Train Depot and McCall Park COST: Free INFORMATION: Cassandra Banning, (813) 716-0950

in the past. Banning said many people ask about cooking with herbs. Banning thinks he will be a popular speaker.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

Fresh Lean

Top Sirloin Steaks

$4.99 lb.

Boston Butt

Fresh Lean

Ground Beef

(Bone in)

1.59 lb.

$

1.79 lb.

$

(Jumbo Pack)

Fresh Lean Meaty Country Style

SpArE riBS 1.69 lb.

$

Frozen

TilApiA

6.99 each

2 lb. bag $

Smoked

porK nECKBonES 1.49 lb.

$

lEG QUArTErS .59 lb.

10 lb. bag $

Fresh Boneless Skinless

ChiCKEn BrEAST 1.89 lb.

$

Heavy Western Beef Whole

Sirloin Tip $3.69 lb.

(Cut Free)

Fresh Lean Whole

BonElESS porK loin $2.59 lb.

(Cut Free)

GROCERy

FARM FRESH PRODUCE

Shoppers Value Cookies 12 oz. ��������������������������������������������� 2 for $4.00 Sweet Bay Rays B.B.Q. Sauce Bonus Size 28 oz ������������������ 2 for $5.00 Mountain Dew 16 oz. cans 6 Pack ������������������������������������� 2 for $4.00 Family Style Hamburger & Hot Dog Buns 6 Pack ������������������������ $.99 Pepsi-Mt Dew-Crush 18 Packs ���������������������������������������������������� $3.99 Riceland-Rico Rico-Canilla Rice 20 lb. ���������������������������������������������� $9.99 Select Jumbo Paper Towels �������������������������������������������������������������� $.69 JIF Creamy or Crunchy Peanut Butter 18 oz. ������������������������ 2 for $5.00 Essential Pasta Sauces 24 oz. ���������������������������������������������� 2 for $3.00 Essential Mayonaise 30 oz. ������������������������������������������������� 2 for $4.00 Stoneridge ice Cream 48 oz. ������������������������������������������������� 2 for $7.00 Essential Garlic Toast 11.25 oz Box ��������������������������������������������� $1.69

Bananas ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $.49 lb.

Russett Potatoes 10 lb. bag ������������������������������������������������������ $2.49 Golden Ripe Pineapples ������������������������������������������������������������� $1.89 Carrots 2 lb. bag ���������������������������������������������������������������������� $1.29 Sweet Potatoes ��������������������������������������������������������������������� $.39 lb� Haas Avocadoes ������������������������������������������������������������������ $.79 each Large Limes ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 6 for $1.00

COLD DELi

Lean Deli Ham ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $1.99 lb� Deli Roast Beef ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� $5.99 lb� Farmland Chopped Ham ��������������������������������������������������������������� $2.99 lb� Old Fashioned Liver Cheese ������������������������������������������������������� $3.99 lb�

SMOKER

Smoked Ribs (Slab) ����������������������������������������������������������� $15.99 each Smoked Boston Butt ����������������������������������������������������� $16.99 each Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters ������������������������������������� 6 for $5.99 Pulled Pork ������������������������������������������������������������������������ $5.99 lb� We have available for you all year round

Paradise Candied Fruit * Dixie Lilly Flour • Meal-Grits * Dry Beans Hoover Flour * Carvel Ice Cream Cakes

WALKER PLAZA • 617 N� Maryland Ave�, Plant City • (813) 752-1548 Mon�– Sat� 7am – 9pm Sun� 7am – 8pm • www.FeltonsMarket.com • Prices Valid Sept� 19 - Sept� 25, 2012

91112

’S FElTon S rD GiFT CA lE B AVAilA

Chicken

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

OBSERVEROBITUARIES

store around the corner

Oh My! Consignments and Boutique Consignment shopping has been a longtime hobby for friends Susan Rafalco and Nancy Coggin.

And with Susan living in Tampa and Nancy in Lakeland, the pair would often meet in Plant City.

“We love Plant City, and we kind of romanticize Plant City a little bit,” Rafalco said. “I always tease and say that there’s something in the water here, because everyone is so wonderful.”

Rafalco and Coggin shopped at a lot of the shops in Plant City, including Stacy’s Consignment on West Reynolds Street in the Historic District. They beBASICS came friends with Oh My! owner Valerie Consignments De Armond and and Boutique mentioned that Address: 116 W. they were thinkReynolds St. ing about opening their own store.

Hours: 10 a.m.

“We asked her to 5 p.m. Monday how she would through Saturday feel about that, Phone: (813) because obvious704-4899 ly we don’t want to Email: OhMy hurt anybody, and Consignment@ she said go open gmail.com a store across the street,” Rafalco said.

So, that’s exactly what they did.

Oh My! Consignments and Boutique opened in August and held its grand opening with the Plant City Chamber of Commerce last week.

“We decided to wait a little bit to have

Bruce Martin Culpepper

our grand opening to get our feet wet a little bit,” Rafalco said.

With the De Armond’s help, Oh My! has amassed a healthy assortment of items, including low-cost to high-end fashion, artwork, jewelry and even a set of golf clubs.

“We’re carrying perhaps a little more clothing than some stores, but we have a variety of accessories and home décor items,” Rafalco said.

Rafalco also noted that with consignment shopping, variety can be a positive thing.

“You can have three of us, and it actually can help drive business, because people will come and want to shop at more than one,” she said.

For Coggin, the store is a chance for her to connect with people and give customers an inviting consignment shopping experience.

“I’m not in this to make a fortune,” she said. “We want to provide a place where customers can go to and feel comfortable.

It’s not really about the money as much as it is about getting out and talking to people.”

— Matt Mauney

Bruce Martin Culpepper, 77, of Dover, died Sept. 13, 2012, after a long illness.

Mr. Culpepper was born Sept. 25, 1934.

He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. He recently moved back to the area after living in Blackshear, Ga., for many years.

Mr. Culpepper was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired from TECO in 1994 after many years of service. He always could be found working on and restoring antique cars, and he could fix just about anything that was broken.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Hannelore Culpepper, of Dover; two brothers, Douglas Culpepper of Parma, Mich., and David (Janice) Culpepper of Blackshear, Ga.; four children, Bonny (David) Harrell, of Dover, Debbie (William) Mathieu, of Valrico, Patrick (Angela) Culpepper, of Thonotosassa, and Allen (Jo Lynn) Culpepper, of Gunter, Texas; eight grandchildren, Michael Harrell (Leslie Cunningham), of Dover, Amanda (Dustin) Watkins, of Plant City, Ciara (Jason) Southerland, of Thonotosassa; Rob Mathieu, of Valrico; Daniel Harrell, of Dover, and Skylar, Taylor and Oliver, of Gunter, Texas; one great-grandchild, Josiah, of Thonotosassa; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Sept. 29, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, in Blackshear, Ga.

Milo R. Grabow

Milo R. Grabow, of Plant City, died Sept.

6, following a courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Born in Oshkosh, Wis., Mr. Grabow was raised in Milwaukee and graduated from Washington High School in 1959. He studied mechanical engineering at Marquette University before moving to California, where he met an married the late

Irma Jones Grabow in 1967.

They moved to Tampa in 1968, where they raised their children, Wayne and Leah. Milo retired as an electrical engineer from Safeline Mettler Toledo in September 2009. Mr. Grabow was a giving, thoughtful man who loved people and was a born problem-solver who liked to work with his hands.

He is survived by brother, Glen Grabow, of Indiana; son Wayne Gabriel (Kellie), of Zephyrhills; daughter Leah Dixon (Todd), of Plant City; grandsons Spencer, Tyler and Rob; and a large extended family.

The family wishes to thank everyone at Patty’s House ALF and the nurses, staff and volunteers at LifePath Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to CurePSP.org or LifePath Hospice, ChaptersHealth.org/giving.

Ralph Hamlin Mann

Ralph Hamlin Mann, 89, died Sept. 7.

Born Thursday, Nov. 2, 1922, to the late Frederick B. and Aline Goehagen Mann, he was the beloved husband of the late Velna Inez Mann.

Mr. Mann was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He went on to work as an aviation mechanic with the civil service and retired from U.S. Naval Air Station at Jacksonville.

He was a Boy Scout and a member of the Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church, where he had been active in the church’s youth group.

Survivors include grandsons, Terry Mann, Garry (Stephanie) Mann and Jerry (Kari) Mann; sisters, Frances Smith and Inez Cobb; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth, and a grandson, Larry.

Contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or to the Welcome Church Cemetery.

Don’t give up thousands of dollars in retirement benefits to which you are entitled.

Better Services, Better Prices.

Your Home Town Funeral Home.

Demystify Social Security with our FREE Information Package.

You owe it to yourself, to call us before you make a mistake that could cost your family hundreds or thousands of dollars, on a cremation or a funeral.

If you are 57 years of age or older, let us show you how to maximize your Social Security benefits today.

FamilY owned and oPeraTed

david w. wolf Owner Timothy J. Haught Founder

Call for a FREE, no obligation information package.

813.719.9289

we Honor all exiSTing Pre-need Funeral arrangemenTS

91131

www.haughtfuneralhome.com 91106

10

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

spotlight

11

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Brynne Presco, Abby Moore, Sydney Harber and Sarah Pupillo starred in “The Marvelous Wonderettes.”

Durant High School thespians shine on stage

Stage Manager Marisa Eckley prepared the props during intermission.

Four vintage beauties performed in “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” Sept.

13 and 14, at Durant High School.

Brynne Presco, Sarah Pupillo, Abby Moore and Sydney Harber starred in the production as four high school girls in the 1950s who are called upon at the last minute to sing for their classmates during prom. The musical comedy had audience interaction.

Courtney Hogue and Cody Haynes loved the show.

Sydney Harber’s character got engaged in the second act.

Left: The performance even included some audience participation.

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Cryptogram answers

2012

CROSS_ANS_092012

91111

1. Several surveys have shown that hard work never killed anybody. But why take the risk?

2. This classified ad did not get a lot of responses: “Guitar for sale. Pure sound and no strings attached.”

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | SENIORS | COMMUNITY | TENNIS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Kellyanne Hurst leads Raiders golf team. 14

PLANTCITYObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

something special by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Special Olympics finding success The Plant City High School program is one of the largest in the county, and one of its basketball teams may have the chance to compete on a national stage.

Courtesy photo

Bailey Lemelin, 10, took first place in her division during her first race as a member of the Plant City High School Special Olympics swimming program.

show me the mauney

SEE MAUNEY / PAGE 13

too competitive for Bailey, who is diagnosed with microcephaly, a neurodevelopment disorder in which the circumference of the head is more than two standard deviations smaller than the average person, causing abnormal brain growth.

Swimming and horseback riding are two favorite activities for Bailey, now 10. While searching

for programs that Bailey would fit in with, Lemelin learned about the Special Olympics program at Plant City High School. The Plant City chapter offered swimming but not equestrian activities — which are held in Wesley Chapel.

“We figured we would give swimming a try and see how that

SEE OLYMPICS / PAGE 13

GAME OF THE WEEK

Blast from the past There once was a time when I was a runner. I’d wake up early and put in a few miles, shower, and then head off to high school.

After classes were done, I’d practice again for three to five hours.

I ran track as a middle distance runner in high school for three years, before taking up cross country my senior year to rehabilitate my right knee and ankle, which I injured during the final stretch of my junior track season.

Looking back, I wish I had taken up cross MATT country earlier in MAUNEY my high school career.

Now covering high school and youth sports for a living, I occasionally have the chance to go out and take in a cross country meet. They are often early in the morning and usually off the beaten path, but I always try to give the appropriate attention, respect and coverage to my former sport.

I had the opportunity to do just that last weekend at the East Hillsborough Invitational at Newsome High School.

Being out there and seeing area teams warm up, joke around and participate in pre-race chants and rituals really took me back.

Cross country is a sport that is often overlooked and eclipsed by other sports — especially football. Sure, cross country isn’t quite the spectator sport that football is, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be enjoyed. I know how hard these athletes are working and the day-to-day training and struggles they face.

I remember my coach used

By the time Bailey Lemelin was 6 years old, her parents realized she couldn’t participate in a Plant City youth soccer program any longer.

“She didn’t have the ability or mentality to keep up with the other kids,” Bailey’s mom, Deanna Lemelin, said.

She twirled batons for four years, but soon, that too, became

DURANT at BRANDON | 7:30 P.M., Sept. 21

By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor Matt Mauney

The Durant offensive line has some newcomers but has held strong so far. Form left: Nick Insley, Cody Martin, Alex Wood, Dalton Wilkerson and Michael Watkins.

BIG GUYS

UP FRONT Durant has put up some big numbers on the ground so far this season, and it starts with the Cougars’ impressive offensive line.

Durant came into the season with a solid group of returners on a quest to repeat as district champions.

Other than replacing their standout quarterback, the Cougars’ biggest question mark came from the guys responsible for protecting that position, because their offensive line lost three senior starters.

Entering district play this

week against Brandon, Durant not only seems to be solid up front, but also the Cougars’ line has been the focal point of offensive success this season.

“We lost three seniors last year, so that’s obviously a big deal, but a lot of the kids that came up and stepped up this year played with us last year, even if they weren’t the starting five,” said senior center

Alex Wood, one of two returning starters on the O-line. “We were all best friends, so I think that unity we had last year just carried over to this year, even though we lost of few. I think that’s why its starting to look successful.”

The Cougars (2-0) have outscored opponents 86-7 in their

SEE O-LINE / PAGE 13

AT A GLANCE Last week: Durant enters its Class 7A District 8 opener with plenty of rest after a bye last week. The Cougars are 2-0 this season and have outscored opponents 86-7 in those two contests.

Brandon is coming off a 20-14 loss in overtime against Freedom last week.

The Eagles are 0-2 on the season after suffering a 55-0 defeat at Armwood in the season opener before an early bye week. Freedom quarterback Taylor King scored the winning touchdown on a 1-yard run in overtime. Brandon had a chance to put the game away in the fourth quarter, but kicker Willie Burkhart’s 20-yard field goal attempt went wide as time expired.

Last meeting: Durant hosted Brandon last year and escaped with a 36-24 win.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

MAUNEY/PAGE 12

O-LINE/PAGE 12

to joke that our sport was the punishment of every other sport.

Anyone that is a distance runner, whether for sport or even just recreationally knows that to be true.

I know many people say, “Live without regrets,” but I have several regarding my running career in high school.

The first would be that I didn’t take up cross country earlier. I found it much more enjoyable than track. We would always say that cross country was fun, and track was business, mainly because in track the races are shorter and usually only include five to seven other runners.

The next would be my level of dedication. I was named the captain of my team my senior year — my first on the cross country team. I took the title for granted and probably could have been a better leader and example.

Individually, if I put in the work I should have, I could have had better results. Heck, I might have even run in college.

The final regret was completely out of my hands. I grew up in metro Atlanta, so finding land to train on was tough, with more shopping centers and traffic lights than trees and trails.

Our team trained by running up and down the highway, which wasn’t always an easy task during rush hour. I remember jumping on the hood of a Dodge truck (which I found ironic) to avoid being sideswiped by a driver that didn’t yield, while my team was crossing the intersection across from my school.

To all the runners out there: Keep up the hard work, stay positive and make the most of the moments while you still can.

two games this season and are averaging nearly 250 yards per game.

Along with Wood, junior right tackle Nick Insley, who has started since his freshman year, also returns to the Cougars O-line.

“We’ve still got a long way to go, but I’ve been fairly pleased with the play of the offensive line guys so far,” said coach Mike Gottman.

Offensive line coach Wesley Wyatt, who starred as a lineman at Durant as a 2001 graduate, said one of his focuses with the line is to build a bond and camaraderie among the players.

“We do a lot together, always,” said Wyatt. “Starting a couple years ago, I started taking the Oline canoeing every summer, and now, it’s turned into a team thing that ended up with 35 guys going this year.”

The O-line also had a chance to participate in several camps this summer, including one at South Florida and the Down and Dirty camp in DeLand.

“I think those two camps are a big reason why we are where we are right now,” Wyatt said.

OLYMPICS/PAGE 12 worked out,” Lemelin said.

Bailey competed in her first meet the last week of August and fared well.

“She won her first race in her age division,” Lemelin said. “It was great to see her have that kind of determination and drive.”

Bailey also qualified to compete in the state competition Oct. 6 and 7, in Sebastian.

Through Bailey’s swim coach, Sandy Denham, an ESE teacher at PCHS who has been involved

According to Wyatt, after the season opener — a 57-7 romp over Freedom — almost all of the Cougars’ rushing yards were coming on the right side, with Wood, Insley and right guard Cody Martin leading the way.

“We were averaging 10 yards to the right side of the carry and to the left we were averaging zero,” he said.

Wyatt said it was an eye-opener for that left side, comprising seniors Mike Watkins and Dalton Wilkerson.

“I think they did a much better job against Alonso,” Wyatt said.

For Wood, teaming up with Insley to lead the rest of the line is key.

“We’ve been playing together since Little League, so we have that experience to help the other guys keep their composure in game situations,” Wood said.

Running backs Jamarlon Hamilton and Chris Atkins have combined for more than 500 yards this season. Atkins said none of it is possible without his blockers.

“I couldn’t do it without my offensive line,” he said.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver.com.

with Special Olympics for more than 30 years, Lemelin also learned the program’s other offerings. Bailey now competes in swimming and bowling as one of the youngest members of the PCHS program.

With about 50 members, the PCHS Special Olympics chapter is one of the largest in Hillsborough. Denham said the program has some members that participate well into their mid 30s.

“It’s a great thing for our athletes, because they build lasting friendships,” Denham said.

13

OTHER AREA ACTION Riverview at Plant City

Last week: Plant City got its landmark win of the season in a 23-21 upset over visiting Gaither High. Receiver Dontavious Johnson had 116 yards on three catches, including a 79-yard score in the first half and another big grab late in the game to set up the go-ahead score, which freshman Tavares Chase took in from six yards out.

Quarterback Nick Rodriguez threw for nearly 250 yards in the win. The Plant City defense held the high-powered Gaither offense to just seven points in the second half.

Riverview improved to 2-0 last week with a 21-6 win over winless Leto. After a scoreless first quarter, the sharks scored 14 points in the second and another score in the third to take a commanding 21-0 lead going into the final quarter of play.

This will be the Class 7A District 8 opener for both teams.

Last meeting: Plant City rolled to a 56-0 win over Riverview last year on the road.

Hillsborough at Strawberry Crest

Last week: Strawberry Crest improved to 2-1 with a 21-14 win over Steinbrenner last week. Tristan Hyde continued a stellar sophomore season, completing 21-of-43 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. His brother, Joshua, tallied nine catches for 93 yards.

Brendon Headley, Andrew Zuluaga and Cesar Abadia each had 10 or more tackles for the Chargers defense, and SCHS tallied five sacks on the night.

Hillsborough comes in at 2-0 with a 37-23 win over Newsome last week.

Last meeting: The Chargers were shutout 43-0 last year at Hillsborough. This will be the Class 6A District 8 opener for both teams.

The Special Olympics program at PCHS teams up with the Best Buddies program, in which students and athletes help and mentor Special Olympics participants. Lemelin’s oldest daughter is one of those volunteers.

“They help the athletes with pointers and hive-five them and encourage them,” Lemelin said.

“Really, anything to lift their spirits and make them feel like they’re doing a great job.”

Denham received good news last week when she found out one of the basketball teams was

selected to compete on the national level in New Jersey during the summer of 2014. The team took gold at a recent state competition.

“The core of that team has been together for five years, so they deserve to go,” said Denham, noting the focus now is to raise the funds for the trip.

For more about Special Olympics in Hillsborough, visit specialolympicshillsborough.org.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver. com.

You can’t get any closer to home than Sunshine State.

We are Plant City’s oldest and largest hometown financial institution. We’ve been helping our neighbors since 1954.

We make all decisions locally and offer all the modern banking services you expect.

“Banking on a First Name Basis”

If you like the idea of doing business close to home, visit us and see how easy and friendly hometown banking can be.

91076

PLANT CITY – Main Office, 102 W. Baker Street, 752-6193 • WALDEN WOODS – 2400 Jim Redman Parkway, 754-1844 Also offices in: BRANDON, RIVERVIEW and ZEPHYRHILLS

14

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

athlete of the week

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Kellyanne Hurst Oil Change Only

(Up to 5 quarts of premium oil)

Tire Rotation, Air Pressure Check, Courtesy Inspections

813-754-8473 www.mcgeetire.com

9995

$

2102 James Redman Pkwy., Plant City, FL 33565 Fax 813-754-8381 • Email plantcity@mcgeetire.com M-F 7:30am-6pm • Sat 8am-4pm Store Manager Greg Southard • Service Manager Andy Pruett

In this last three matches and so far this season, what do you credit for your successful play?

Over the summer, I worked on chipping and putting, and that’s really helped with these matches during the season.

My putting has been pretty good in these last few matches, and two weeks ago, I shot a 37 or a 38, and I only hit two greens, so my up and downs really helped me then to still shoot a good number.

91051

1795 FREE FREE

$

Last week was a big one for Plant City High School golfer Kellyanne Hurst. The junior took low-medalist honors in all three matches with scores of 37, 35 and 42 in nine-hole rounds.

The 35 shot against Steinbrenner Sept. 10 was the lowest of her high school career. In addition to golf, Hurst stays busy with a rigorous academic schedule, with dual enrollment at Hillsborough Community College and a high school schedule of honors and AP classes.

Auto rates just got lower.

How long have you been playing golf?

Six years.

Stop by a State Farm® agent’s office, or call one of us today to find out how much you can save.

In the Steinbrenner match at Heritage Harbor, how did you achieve such a great score?

That was actually the first time I played it. My approach shots were accurate. They have small greens, so I was hitting good shots and making my putts.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CONTACT AN AGENT TODAY.

Courtney Paat Ins Agcy Inc Courtney Paat, Agent 1805 James Redman Pkwy, Suite 101 Plant City, FL 33563 Bus: 813-754-1725 Fax: 813-707-9476 www.paatinsurance.com

Tony Lee, Agent 1702 S Alexander Street, Suite 1 Plant City, FL 33563 Bus: 813-752-7202 Fax: 813-752-8228 www.tonyleeagent.com

What’s your best score for an 18-hole round?

A 74. That happened this summer at Bartow (Golf Club).

1001011.1

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company Bloomington, IL

91084

statefarm.com®

What are your goals for this high school season?

I want to try to make it as far as we can as a team, but if we can’t make it to state as a team, I want to make it as an individual. Hopefully, within the next two years, I can win a state championship.

What do you hope the future has in store when it comes to golf?

I would like to play D-I golf.

How did you get started playing?

My brother and my dad played golf and wanted me to play. I was actually in gymnastics, and I almost broke my finger, so I had to stop, and I figured that was a good time to start up golf.

What do you like about the game?

I’ve like it from the start. I like how it’s individual and how everything goes on you. I also like the competitiveness of it.

If you could play any course in the world, where would it be and why?

St. Andrews in Scottland.

What about in America?

Probably Pebble Beach in California.

WHEN IT COMES TO TAXES, ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL PLANNING, MY JOB IS TO HELP YOU SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT!

Ray Mathews, Owner, State Farm (middle) with Steve Lane, TEDCO Vice President and E.J. McCargar, President

With financial support of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO), I was able to build an office in the prestigious Somerset Professional Park and relocate my State Farm Agency almost effortlessly. The new location has afforded me the opportunity to better serve my clientele and to grow my customer base.

SK

Sedita Kilton Life & Wealth Management, LLC Sedita Kilton & Company, Certified Public Accountants, P.L.

TEDCO

Tampa Bay Economic Development Corporation Empowering Small Business for Success

ejmcargar@tedcoloans.com slane@tedcoloans.com 813-831-8600 2907 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. Suite 302, Tampa, FL 33629

Nate Kilton

CPA/PFS, CFP®, MBA, REALTOR®

www.seditakilton.com Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc.

86068

91099

813-752-4197 x24 Office: 813-732-3113 Cell:

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

CROSS COUNTRY

15

By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Squads compete in East Hillsborough Invitational

New Plant City head coach Luke Beevor made sure to explain the layout of the course to his team before the race.

Equity Auto SAlES $$$

Buy Here!

Pay Here!

Trade!

$$$

813-527-5515

863.860.8136 cell 813.752.5577 office 813.752.8650 fax

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D Edited by Timothy E. Parker

2

CRYPTOGRAMS APCNXZA

GHNX

AGEBO

IGHI

GHCJ

BECQ

OXNXC

Q RV V X J H O Z D E J Z . D P I B G Z I H Q X I G X C R AQ ?

2. G B F Y L E T Y Y F Q F M V T V V F V H P G I M G T E P G P Q Z M Y D P H Y M Y : “IKFGTZ

QPZ

T G G T L B M V. ”

YTEM.

DKZM

YPKHV

1302 S. Collins St., Ste. A, Plant City, FL 33563

$$$

310 N. Collins Street, Plant City

1. A X N X C H V

LUTCF, Agent bill.williams@ffbic.com

ee Come S Brent!

Family Owned & Operated

THV

HP

Real service by real people.

Bill Williams

91360

$$$

Durant teammates Jacob Scolaro, Jesse Jones and Austin Parker did a nice job staying in a pack together.

YGZFHIY

91077

The girls varsity race kicked off the morning at Newsome High.

Cross country teams from all three Plant City schools participated in the East Hillsborough Invitational Sept. 15, at Newsome High School.

This was the first large meet of the year for area schools, including Plant City, as they usher in a new era under head coach Luke Beevor. Strawberry Crest’s Ashley Murray was the top overall finisher for area schools. She took eighth in the varsity girls diviPhotos by Matt Mauney sion with a time of 22:28.08. Diana Strawberry Crest’s Austin Le kept up Corzine finished 11th as the top fin- a good pace. isher for Plant City, while teammate Hannah Whitmore finished 24th, just of 19:16.38. Cody Williamson of ahead of Strawberry Crest’s Christina Strawberry Crest (20th, 19:21.94) Cauthen. Sophomore Lavena Kim- Plant City’s Nick Zimmerer (21st, mel was the top finisher for the Du- 19:29.81), Strawberry Crest’s Jon rant High School varsity girls team, Browning (23rd, 19:36.66) and Dufinishing 31st with a time of 25:36.41. rant’s Kibrom Fliegelman (26th, Strawberry Crest finished in fifth 19:59.69) rounded out the top finas a team, with 131 points, trailed ishes for area competitors.

The Strawberry Crest boys’ finby sixth-place Plant City (143). Durant came in eighth in the nine- ished fifth as a team with 162 points, team field, finishing with 208 points, ahead of East Bay (166), Durant (171), Lennard (193) and Spoto ahead of Lennard High (231).

On the boys side, Durant’s Dun- (259). The Plant City boys did not can Fisher was the top area fin- have enough runners participate to isher, coming in 17th, with a time qualify for the team standings.

Life | Annuity | Home | Farm | Auto

TO THE ER, STAT! by Potter Stern

ACROSS 1 Transparent, as stockings 6 Skull caps?

12 This and taxes are certain 17 Stadium munchie 19 Washed-up fighter 21 Former White House pooch 22 Bearlike 23 Horse breed 24 Comments to the audience 25 Makes additional changes to text 27 Carpenters or army bugs 28 Handles the food for the party 29 Davy the frontiersman 33 Rabbit homes 35 Ambulance letters 38 Where Michael rowed his boat 39 Mild cheese 40 Spingarn Medal org.

43 Pint contents 44 Computer drive insert 46 “Get outta here, cat!”

50 Boston Pops, e.g.

53 “Murder, ___ Wrote” 54 Stuffed full 56 Nerd from “Saved by the Bell” 57 Old West group 59 Littlest litter members 60 Provides coverage for 63 Partner of “famous” 64 Pertaining to the largest human artery 65 British fliers of WWII 67 Dog breed

70 71 74 75 78 79 80 83 85 86 88 89 91 92 93 94 97 98 101 103 104 106 111 112 116 117 118 119 120 121 122

developed in England Relative of a Keogh plan Puzzling situation Italian coin Sail support part Ski lodge quaff Like chalet roofs Most bloody Tissue near the tonsil Two for tennis?

Sunday singer Father in Montreal Night watchman Moo ___ pork (Chinese dish) Big name in tractors “___ upon a time ...”

Jefferson and Voltaire, religiously Boxing official, briefly Cowboy, at times More splendid, in the ‘50s Sauce for seafood It may be deserted or uncharted Mentor’s tutee Mammoth film of 2002?

Three-syllable foot, in poetry Read through Used a foil Tackle or center Nosing out, as in a race Unravels Syllable before the last After-Christmas store events

dOwn

1 ___-of-the-moment 2 Where the buck

stops 3 Ill at ___ (uncomfortable) 4 “National Velvet” author Bagnold 5 Mysterious, as some old inscriptions 6 Mud bath venue 7 It often gets in a jam 8 What’s put before the carte?

9 Like some oak leaves 10 Free-throw reward 11 Trick-taking game with 32 cards 12 Remove weaponry from 13 A-list members 14 John on the Mayflower 15 Layers, as of a wedding cake 16 Brand name on some toy trucks 18 Kind of tropical fish 20 Reply 21 Knotty craft 26 Distress call at sea 30 Scorch 31 Nuts for Coke?

32 “... ___ he drove out of sight ...”

34 More than like 35 “Dukes of Hazzard” deputy sheriff 36 He eulogized Julius 37 Martyr, essentially 41 “Big Brother” host Julie 42 Shopping center?

44 It performs on Sunday 45 Perceive 46 Evidence of drunkenness 47 Small metric unit 48 Essence from rose petals 49 Electrical coil inventor 51 Deep-sea diver’s device 52 Drive-___ window 53 Bookmaker’s margins?

55 Amateur’s antonym

58 LaBeouf of Hollywood 61 Fitzgerald of jazz 62 Wood fragment 64 Deep passion 65 News broadcast summary 66 Battery end 68 It’s indicated by a line on a chart 69 Cogito ___ sum 72 “Going, going, ___!”

73 Former Chinese chairman 76 Dry as a desert 77 Opposite of sink 79 Draw forth, as something latent 81 Dried and withered 82 Not kosher 84 Turned a blind eye toward 86 On the best-dressed list 87 “Don’t say a word!”

90 Common rooftop item, once 91 Black or Red body of water 93 American Indians relocated from Missouri 94 Excavate further 95 Fifteen percent of a bill, often 96 Type of twill 98 One who puts the punch in punch 99 Venue for some basketball games 100 Keach of “Mike Hammer” 101 Nonelectric shaver 102 Four make an acre 103 Minor quarrel 105 Short cut 107 Roman getup 108 Vile’s apt anagram 109 Heredity unit 110 Fractions of joules 113 Ostrich relative 114 “Erie Canal” mule 115 Cause of some blowups

CROSSWORD_092012

PlantCityObserver.com

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

91060

16