Plant City Observer 11.08.12

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PLANT CITY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

SPOTLIGHT IN FOCUS

SPORTS

Durant High’s Hamilton on the right track.

Dance Carousel Plant City YMCA throws victorious at first competition. Fall Festival.

PAGE 13

OUR TOWN

ELECTION

FREE • thursday, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 10

PAGES 9

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

RAULERSON WINS The former Plant City mayor and city commissioner will take on Tallahassee. Al Higginbotham also was re-elected to the Hillsborough County Commission.

+ Pfc. Ben Secor returns to the U.S. Plant City native U.S. Army Pfc. Ben Secor, the first Hometown Hero we featured in the Plant City Observer, is back on home turf after nine months in Afghanistan.

Secor — along with about 230 members of the Fourth Brigade Combat Team, Fourth Infantry Division, received a hero’s welcome Nov. 4, at Fort Carson, Colo.

Even better: Secor’s son, Colt, was born while was overseas. Father and son met for the first time.

As one politician with roots in Plant City’s government vacated his seat in the Florida House of Representatives, voters gave another the nod.

Former Mayor and Plant City Commissioner Dan Raulerson cruised to a victory for the Dis-

trict 58 seat, beating Democrat Jose Vazquez and garnering nearly 57.45% of the vote.

Raulerson who celebrated with family, friends and supporters at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill in Plant City, said he is looking forward to represent-

ing Plant City at the state level.

“I want to make sure the constituents get the most bang for their buck,” he said. “I want businesses to have a chance to do enjoyable business here.

SEE ELECTION / PAGE 4

Amber Jurgensen

Shirley and Dan Raulerson celebrated his win at O’Brien’s in Plant City.

+ Pioneer Days set for Saturday Plant City will take a step back in time at the 35th annual Pioneers Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The event will feature the Southern Belle Stroll, a new Pioneer Heritage Sweetheart Pageant, performances, demonstrations and more.

+ Plant City to honor veterans Students from Springhead Elementary School will take center stage at Plant City’s Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Nov. 10, at Veterans Memorial Monument Park, 703 N. Wheeler St. The school’s choir will perform a variety of patriotic songs, and students also will read speeches they wrote in honor of veterans.

+ Bruton library plants new program Calling all green thumbs: Bruton Memorial Library will host a Master Gardening Program, titled “Florida Wildflowers,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 13, at 302 McLendon St. Gardener Virginia Overstreet will be the guest speaker.

VISUAL EFFECT Michael Eng

Emily Thorston-Riley and the Durant High School marching band competed twice Nov. 3 — first at the FBA District 7 Marching Music Performance Assessment event, at Strawberry Crest High School, and later at the Music in Motion competition in Lakewood Ranch. For more photos, see page 3.

in memoriam

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Plant City remembers Dr. Hal Brewer Dr. Hal Brewer died earlier this week after a stay in the hospital.

Whether he was taking care of patients at his practice or performing comedic sketches on stage, Dr. Hal Brewer always had a smile on his face.

And that’s how many community members will remember him.

Dr. Brewer, longtime physi-

cian, philanthropist and community leader, died Nov. 5. He was 85.

Dr. Brewer had been a patient at the South Florida Baptist Hospital since Oct. 15. He returned home Sunday and was surrounded by family when he died.

“We were glad and happy to all have the time to be right there for his last breath,” son Les Brewer said.

A native of Mississippi, Dr. Brewer was a World War II veteran. He married Lynn Holloway in

SEE BREWER / PAGE 9

INDEX Crossword.......... 19

Courtesy photo

Dr. Hal Brewer was a longtime physician in Plant City.

Vol. 1, No. 19 | One section

Obituaries.......... 12

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

Sports................ 13

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Plant city observer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

3

international spotlight by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Al Jazeera coverage features Plant City The English version of Al Jazeera, the Arabic-language news network, broadcast from Parkesdale Farm Market earlier this week.

Plant City voters made international news this week after a broadcast crew from the Al Jazeera network featured the community as part of its coverage of the presidential election.

Andy Gallacher, a correspondent for the English version of the Arabic-language news network, along with a crew of four set up shop Nov. 5, outside of Parkesdale Farm Market, as part of the network’s package spotlighting the Interstate 4 corridor. The eightweek assignment began in Daytona Beach, and the crew also made stops in Pine Hills and Kissimmee before reaching Plant City.

The crew then completed its assignment on Election Day in Tampa.

“We wanted to focus on the diversity of the I-4 corridor — it’s the battleground within the battleground,” Gallacher said.

“In Daytona, we were there for

Biketoberfest, so we interviewed some folks in full leathers.

“We’ve definitely met some real characters along the way,” he said.

The crew also matched each location with a different demographic. In Daytona, Gallacher focused on seniors, in Pine Hills, African-American voters, and in Kissimmee, Puerto Rican voters.

For Plant City, the crew searched for those who still were undecided the day before the election.

“At first, the I-4 corridor doesn’t look like much, but beneath the surface, you begin to see all the little nuances,” Gallacher said.

“Here, we’ve been just pulling people off the street, and everybody has been passionate and well-informed, and I think that’s a reflection of just how polarizing both of these candidates are.”

Gallacher said Parkesdale’s history as a must-stop location

loud and proud

for candidates made Plant City a natural stop. The market has a rich tradition of attracting attention, including former President George H. W. Bush, 2008 Republican nominee John McCain and former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

President Barack Obama also made a surprise visit to Parkesdale during his 2008 campaign.

Before taking his position with Al Jazeera’s Miami-based bureau, Gallacher worked for more than 15 years as a correspondent for the BBC. He covered the 9/11 attacks from New York City.

During their stay in Plant City, Gallacher and the crew had an opportunity to sample the local fare, including lunches at Buddy Freddy’s and the corner store, and, of course, Parkesdale’s famous strawberry milkshakes.

“It’s by far the best milkshake I’ve ever had,” Gallacher said.

by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Michael Eng

Al Jazeera correspondent Andy Gallacher broadcast several segments from Parkesdale Farm Market earlier this week.

“I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.”

The crew also enjoyed Plant City’s signature hospitality.

While they were there stationed at Parkesdale, Public Relations Manager Xiomara Meeks made sure to keep them fed with the

market’s strawberry cookies and bread.

“Everyone has been so friendly,” Gallacher said.

Al Jazeera reaches an estimated 250 million households.

Contact Michael Eng at meng@ plantcityobserver.com.

upcoming by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Entrepreneur launches event for local startups Amanda Pope, owner of Restored Soul Studios, will host the first ‘Friends Don’t Let Friends Shop Chain Stores’ Saturday.

The Durant band showcased plenty of interesting visuals during its performance.

MUSIC IN MOTION More than 25 high school bands from throughout the area brought their 2012 competitive shows to Plant City for the FBA District 7 Marching Music Performance Assessment event Nov. 3, at Strawberry Crest High School.

All three Plant City bands — Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest — performed along with bands from as as

away as Lakewood Ranch and Tampa. Judges scored each in marching, music, general effect, auxiliary and percussion categories.

Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest all competed in the A division. Durant and Plant City both received an “Excellent” rating, while Strawberry Crest received a “Superior” rating.

Armed with her “buy local” battle cry, Plant City entrepreneur Amanda Pope hopes to bolster local business owners with a new event this weekend.

Called “Friends Don’t Let Friends Shop Chain Stores,” the event will feature about 17 local businesses. It will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10, at The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. In addition to giving entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their goods or services, the event will serve as a fundraiser for Madison’s Mission, a fundraiser for families in need launched by 6-year-old Madison Brewer, and a food drive for the food pantry at Pope’s church, First Free Will Baptist Church, in Seffner.

The idea sprouted from a single email Pope sent to friends after Knotts Hardware closed.

“I envision an evening that ladies can get together and set up a place to show off their wares and services to others in our community,” she wrote. “As many of you know, Plant City has struggled through the current economy, and the grassroots of our community has been hit pretty hard. You know times are tough when a 70-yearold family owned business such

IF YOU GO ‘Friends Don’t Let Friends Shop Chain Stores’

Alex Sykes was a featured soloist for Durant’s show.

Left: The Riverview band performed a show called “Digital Deception: The Swan Virus.”

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 WHERE: The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. INFORMATION: Amanda Pope, restoredsoulstudios@ gmail.com or the corner store, (813) 754-0900.

Michelle Ferguson Photography

Amanda Pope owns Restored Soul Studios.

as Knotts Hardware closes its doors, because it can no longer compete with the likes of Lowe’s and Walmart.”

That email inspired several businesses, including Ego Girl Outfitters, Parkesdale Farm Market, Sister’s & Company and TaylorMade Photography, to sign on as participants.

“It just snowballed,” Pope said.

Each participating business has donated a raffle item, and money raised through the raffle will benefit both charities. Host business The Corner Store will offer wine and food.

“I wanted to do this for (the businesses) but also to charitable causes,” Pope said. “It is important to do good.”

Pope launched her own business, Restored Soul Studios, from her Plant City home. The business specializes in restoring used furniture.

If successful, Pope said she hopes to make the event a quarterly venture.

Contact Michael Eng at meng@ plantcityobserver.com.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

ELECTION/PAGE 1

Even after a long night day yesterday, Higginbotham said he woke up energized and ready to get to work.

“It’s been busy, but I got some rest last night, and I hit the trail with full steam today,” he said. “It’s been a long two years; we’ve been campaigning for that long.

“There’s been hundreds of hours put into this by volunteers, financial contributors. And we couldn’t have done this without the volunteers.

“I’m energized, I’m excited, and I’m really humbled,” Higginbotham said. “I know that is an overused word, but I am humbled by the support of the voters. It makes me feel like we’re on the right track.

We’re doing what’s right.”

Higginbotham was a guest speaker Nov.

And I want to streamline processes.

“I want to give back to the community that’s given so much to me and my family throughout the years,” Raulerson said. “I want to help people of the district.”

The new representative plans to focus his attention on Midtown as his first order of business in Tallahassee.

“The first project I want to work on is the Midtown project and getting the asphalt removed and greening that area up,” he said. “The Midtown project is a good example of where we could have some wiggle room with certain laws or regulations. We have the money, but because of a legislative hiccup, we’re now in a position where we can’t do something good for the community.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and CANDIDATE PERCENTAGE VOTES honored that people have faith in me,” Raulerson UNITED STATES SENATOR Connie Mack (REP) 38.74% 200,361 said. I’m going to go in and Bill Nelson (DEM) 58.62% 303,233 put up a fight.”

Bill Gaynor (NPA) 1.47% 7,589 Raulerson also praised Chris Borgia (NPA) 1.06% 5,467 Vazquez for his campaign.

“God bless Jose Vazquez REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS DISTRICT 12 for stepping up and getGus Bilirakis (REP) 63.59% 34,456 ting in the race and going Jonathan Snow (DEM) 32.71% 17,722 through with it,” he said. “It John Russell (NPA) 1.53% 831 takes a lot of courage to put Paul Elliott (NPA) 2.17% 1,175 yourself out there. I have had an absolute blast camSTATE SENATOR DISTRICT 24 paigning. It’s been educaTom Lee (REP) 54.1% 101,967 tional. It’s been inspiring.”

Elizabeth Belcher (DEM) 45.75% 86,229

GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 58 Dan Raulerson (REP) 57.45% Jose Vazquez (DEM) 42.55%

31,586 Plant City resident and 23,398 former state Rep. Rich Glorioso lost his bid for HillsHILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER borough County SuperviRonda Storms (REP) 42.86% 215,982 sor of Elections. Democrat Bob Henriquez (DEM) 52.43% 264,209 Craig Latimer, who served James DeMio (NPA) 1.19% 6,006 in the office as its chief of Robert Townsend (NPA) 3.52% 17,725 staff, defeated the Republican, garnering 55.95% of HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY the vote.

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS Glorioso and his supRich Glorioso (REP) 44.05% 217,398 porters learned of the outCraig Latimer (DEM) 55.95% 276,171 come at his election party at O’Brien’s Pub & Grill in HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 4 Brandon.

Al Higginbotham (REP) 58.24% 74,380 “We did everything we Mark Nash (DEM) 37.1% 47,382 thought was right, but it Joy Green (NPA) 4.67% 5,961 just didn’t happen,” Glorioso said. “I guess HillsborHILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ough County has decided COMMISSION DISTRICT 6 it’s time for me to move Margaret Iuculano (REP) 42.12% 205,512 on.”

Kevin Beckner (DEM) 57.88% 282,440 Glorioso said he has enjoyed the time he spent as HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 7 Terry Kemple 43.05% 181,524 state representative and Carol Kurdell 56.95% 240,156 will look back with pride.

“I have enjoyed serving PLANT CITY CHARTER CHANGE my country,” he said. “I’ve Yes 59.05% 6,508 been in the military. ProbNo 40.95% 4,514 ably the proudest thing I’ve done as state representative was working with foster kids as they age out of the foster-care 7, at the Istanbul Cultural Center, to promote international trade. system.”

Now, Glorioso said he will be able to CHARTER CHANGE spend more time with his family.

Plant City voters approved a charter “My grandson asked, ‘What if you lose?’

And I said, ‘I’ll get my old boat fixed up, change that eliminates special elections and we’ll go fishing,” he said. “And then he when city commissioners leave office asked what would I do if I won. I said, ‘Get with less than 15 months to serve.

This is the case with Raulerson’s seat on my old boat fixed up and go fishing.’ So, it the commission. was a win-win situation.”

Under the change, the commission will appoint an interim commissioner to hold HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Raulerson’s seat until the term is comCOMMISSION DISTRICT 4 Plant City’s voice on the Hillsborough plete in June. City leaders say the change County Commission will remain strong, will save taxpayers from paying for a speas Republican Al Higginbotham won cial election, which costs $15,000.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ 58.24% of the vote to remain a member of plantcityobserver.com. the commission.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS First Baptist Learning Center and First Baptist School of Music 503 N. Palmer Street, Plant City FL 33563

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admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the organization. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other organization-administered programs.

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Plant city observer

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

5

NEIGHBORS

Richie Long Walk into Richie Long’s apartment, and it won’t take long to figure out he is a huge University of Florida Gators fan.

From signed memorabilia to a Gators throw blanket on the end of his bed, there is no mistaking Long’s love and passion for UF. Long, the office coordinator at Sweetbay Supermarket off South Wheeler Street, says he has supported Florida Gator football as long as he can remember.

“When I was old enough to know what football was, I was a fan,” he said.

Long’s parents, Elliott and Jan, were big supporters of the UF football team and passed their passion down to their son. Long, 33, is originally from Lakeland and has been working for Sweetbay and living in Plant City for the past six-and-one-half years.

Long didn’t have any chances to make the trip up to Gainesville as a child. In fact, his first game came in 2010, and the experience only heightened Long’s passion for Gators football. He returned last year for another game.

“It’s nothing like you see on TV,” he said. “You get goosebumps when you walk

into the stadium. I just enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy Gainesville. Hearing the band play live and taking everything in is just amazing.”

Long admits he also has some family members, including an uncle, who support the Florida State Seminoles, one of the Gators biggest rivals.

“I remember growing up when the Florida-Florida State game would come around; it was always fun,” he said. “The rivalry of the games between the families was always exciting.”

Long’s passion doesn’t stop with the Gators. He also claims to be the No. 1 Tim Tebow fan and supporter in town.

“When he started playing for UF, I just really latched on to him because of his leadership skills and the fact that he’s not afraid to show he’s religious,” Long said.

Long has had the opportunity to meet Tebow several times, even before he was able to take in a Gators football game.

“I first met him in 2008 at Florida Football Fan Day at the campus in Gainesville,” he said.

Long waited in line for almost four hours that day and barely made the cutoff to

As the self-proclaimed biggest Florida Gators and Tim Tebow fan in Plant City, Richie Long bleeds blue and orange.

be able to meet Tebow. Long met him again at fan day in 2009 and even camped out at for his book-signing last year at an Orlando Barnes and Noble.

Among his many pieces of Florida memorabilia, Long’s favorite piece is a mini helmet signed by Tebow.

Long said he still supports Tebow in his NFL career and has followed his progress

with the Denver Broncos and now the New York Jets.

He wishes the Jets would use him more.

“I hate how his time ended in Denver,” he said. “I don’t think they gave him a fair chance to prove himself there, and now with the Jets, it’s even more frustrating, because they have Mark Sanchez as their starting quarterback and aren’t using Tebow

that much. I personally wish that they would trade him to a team that would let him show his true potential.”

Long said he would love to see the Gators win a national championship in person, and it would be a dream to take in an NFL game with Tebow playing, something he never got to experience when Tebow was at Florida.

— Matt Mauney

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REAL ESTATE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

recognition by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

GraceManor community Fire rescue honors one of its own Plant City Firefighters offered their congratulations to Battalion begins leasing phase Chief Vince Kiffner, who was named Firefighter of the Year.

The first residents of a new senior living community in Plant City will move in this month.

GraceManor, situated on five acres off South Hunter Street, has 48 homes available.

Construction on the gated community began in January. The complete campus construction is scheduled to end in December and will not extend past February.

“It’s very exciting,” Executive Director Brady Roberts said. “It’s something that we want to do to help out the community. I can’t stress that enough.”

The idea for GraceManor first came after the two owners, Louis Garrard and Will Smith, noticed there was a need for a senior community in Plant City. Smith is a third-generation Plant City native.

GraceManor features two- and three-bedroom units. All homes are handicap-accessible, with a single-car garage. They also include appliances such as microwaves, dishwashers, washers, dryers and refrigerator. Homes have a front courtyard and back porch, and all maintenance is included.

Residents also will be able to use a 1,200-square-foot clubhouse, a one-half-mile paved trail and a pool, which will feature activities such as water aerobics.

“We want for residents to be able to utilize this place for activities, events and to just shoot the breeze or have a cup of coffee and socialize,” Roberts said about the clubhouse.

An open living space makes mobility easy.

GraceManor at Hunters Creek

ADDRESS: 784 Hunter Creek Drive PHONE: (813) 399-7768 Two bedroom, two bath 1,100 square feet $1,100 per month Three bedroom, three bath 1,300 square feet $1,300 per month Roberts and other management will be living in the community to ensure 24-hour service. He also hopes to have a police officer on-site.

In the future, GraceManor hopes to open up an assisted-living facility nearby to house about 50 residents.

GraceManor at Hunters Creek is part of a network that includes assisted-living facilities in Lakeland and Port Orange.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

Plant City Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Vince Kiffner remained humble when he was named Firefighter of the Year by Interim Fire Chief David Burnett. But the Plant City fire station agrees Kiffner deserves the award.

“He’s one of those (who is) a problem-solver and one that we can really rely on,” Burnett said.

“He’s an individual who is very passionate about what he does and has the respect of his peers.”

Kiffner was nominated by his peers for the award based on his job performance and leadership characteristics. Kiffner said he was surprised by the recognition.

“At first I thought, ‘Is this for real?’ because we do a lot of jokes on each other,” Kiffner said.

Plant City locals have probably seen the Kiffner riding around town in one of the fire department’s red SUVs as a first responder. But Kiffner didn’t always want to be a firefighter. His interest in firefighting was first sparked as a high-schooler at Plant City High School. He volunteered at the Cork/Knight Fire Department in the 1980s.

After graduating, Kiffner joined the U.S. Army and served for four years. He was involved with telecommunications, hoping to work for a phone company after his service. But memories of his volunteer firefighting days hadn’t left him.

“Firefighting is what I really wanted to do,” Kiffner said.

Plant City 10TH Annual

Kiffner went to fire school at Hillsborough Community College, where he climbed tall ladders, navigated through smoke mazes and learned everything he needed to know about firefighting. Kiffner said his prior military training helped him succeed.

In June 1988, Kiffner began working for the Plant City Fire Department and has remained on staff ever since.

“It’s always something different every day,” Kiffner said, citing his first reason why he loves being a firefighter. “You can be outside. It’s like a second family, too, because you’re with them every third day.”

Kiffner has responded to thousands of calls throughout his career. One he specifically remem-

bers. Kiffner was able to help resuscitate a choking baby who had gone into cardiac arrest.

“That’s the job and that’s what we do,” Kiffner said. “I don’t feel special for helping, because that’s just what we get paid to do.

If I were off the clock and saved someone’s life, then it might be something special, but it’s my job.”

Between calls, Kiffner trains at the fire station, works out, makes dinner and plays basketball with the other firefighters.

Kiffner is married to Heather Kiffner and has two daughters, Katy and Kristyn, and two grandchildren, Justin and Lila.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

Plant City Entertainment, Inc. A 501 (c)(3) Corporation

Presents

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Amber Jurgensen

Battalion Chief Vince Kiffner is the 2012 Firefighter of the Year.

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Plant city observer

Cops

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

PLANT CITY

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

OCT. 23

RUNNING MAN

120 block of Oak Brook Lane.

Grand Theft. Unknown suspect(s) stole a treadmill, valued at $1,200, from the front yard of the home.

STONE-COLD THIEF Amber Jurgensen

Jossie Azorin, who has been painting for 68 years, loved to create flowers on the round bowls for the fundraiser.

Behind the Bowls For $10, attendees can enjoy soup in a handmade bowl for the Empty Bowls fundraiser, which benefits the United Food Bank.

Artist Debra Bryant takes a smooth bowl from the pile of assorted vases, plates and pots and places it gently in front of her. Inspecting the tubes of paint next to her workstation, she realizes chartreuse is missing from the array of colors. Instead, she opts for a red, which she squirts on a palate and begins dabbing the paint into the shape of a strawberry on the face of the bowl.

Bryant is just one of many artists donating her talents for the second Plant City Empty Bowls fundraiser. For $10, attendees can pick out a small bowl and fill it with a hearty soup. Proceeds from lunch benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City.

Each bowl included with lunch has a unique story. Since last year, children at local schools have been shaping, firing up and painting smaller bowls for the fundraiser.

“This is to remind everyone of all the bowls that don’t get filled with food every night,” IF YOU GO United Food Bank board memSecond Annual ber Silvia Dodson said.

Plant City Dodson was responsible for Empty Bowls organizing the art project at schools, finding teachers and WHEN: 11 a.m. to artists, gathering bowls from 1:30 p.m. Nov. 10 the schools and firing up those WHERE: Historic that didn’t make it to the kiln at Downtown Train school.

Depot Pottery artists David Dye and COST: $10 for Shawna Everidge have been lunch and bowl going into schools and other centers to teach students how Don’t forget to to shape and glaze their bowls. browse through The schools that do not have art while their own kiln sent their bowls eating your to Florida Brick and Clay for lunch. The Art the final process. In the past Lounge Gallery month, bowls have poured into will have art Florida Brick and Clay to get booths set up ready for the sale on Saturday. at McCall Park About 1,000 bowls have been from 10 a.m. to gathered.

3 p.m.

“I think that’s one of the most fun things about this project — the children’s involvement,” Bryant said. “A lot of times, they don’t realize issues that are out in the community, because they are so well protected. But when they get hands-on, they are able to see the issues and know they can make an impact.”

A group of artists and volunteers gathered Nov. 2, at Florida Brick and Clay to finish glazing and firing up the student bowls and paint other ceramics for the sale, which were shaped by amateur potters.

John Briggs, Jules Burt and Jossie Azorin have been creating artworks on ceramics to sell and auction off at the event on Saturday.

Many of the ceramics for sale have been created by Florida Brick and Clay President Tony Arozin. He took up pottery when he was first married. After a 30-year hiatus from art, Dodson asked him to fire of the potter’s wheel again to make pottery for Empty Bowls. Arozin designated a small part of one of Florida Brick and Clay’s warehouses as his workstation.

“It’s like a stress release,” Arozin said. “I can come in here and forget about the stresses of the day. And it’s a great way to raise money for the United Food Bank.”

Last year the event raised about $6,000 for the United Food Bank. This year the goal is to raise $10,000.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

www.PlantCityObserver.com

300 block of Park Springs Circle.

Grand Theft. Unknown suspect(s) stole a concrete vibrator, valued at $1,000.

OCT. 24

BLIND-SIDED

2500 block of Thonotosassa Road.

Grand Theft. An unknown person stole 17 eyeglass frames from the store. The frames were valued at about $1,000.

BUSTED

Intersection of Cherry and Johnson streets. Drug Arrest. An officer checked out with a suspicious vehicle at the park, located at Cherry and Johnson streets. He made contact with the driver, who was trespass-

Corner ing at the park after closing. At time of contact, the officer could smell a strong odor or burnt marijuana. The officer searched the car and was able to locate two small bags of marijuana in the car, along with a glass pipe and a circular grinder. The pipe and the grinder tested positive for marijuana. The combined weight of the two bags of marijuana was 9.6 grams. The suspect was arrested and released on his own recognizance. He also was cited for possession of alcohol by a person under 21.

ALMOST GOT AWAY WITH IT

4600 block of S.R. 574. Shoplifting/Petit Theft. Officers responded to the convenience store in reference to a shoplifting in progress. While en route, officers received information the suspect left in a white Chevy Colorado. Officers were able to locate the vehicle and confirm the driver was the person who took the merchandise. The suspect was arrested and later released on his own recognizance.

OCT. 25

OCT. 23

GONE FISHIN’ 1000 block of North Palm Drive.

Residential Burglary. Unknown suspect(s) stole five fishing poles, valued at about $100.

pulled up and parked on the north side of the gas station. He noticed someone walking toward his truck from behind. The suspect opened the driver’s door, grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the truck, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspect got into the truck and drove northbound on North Wheeler Street. The suspect was described as a male wearing a hoodie and camouflage hunter’s-style mask. The victim’s vehicle is a 2012 Dodge Ram with Florida tag G944FV.

MISSING MUSIC

1200 block of Goldfinch Drive.

Residential Burglary. The victim reported her apartment had been burglarized and an iPod, valued at $300, had been stolen.

SCARY SITUATION

2000 block of North Wheeler Street.

Carjacking At about 5 a.m., the victim

See more Cops Corner reports online. www.PlantCityObserver.com

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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 Associate Editors / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver. com; (Sports) 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

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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.

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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

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

observed | Antioch Days

Kids kick dear old Dad back to reality I could feel my 2-year-old powdered sugar after we all daughter’s grip tightening shared a funnel cake. around me with every step.

But here’s the reality: The And even though — in my head four of us packed ourselves like — I knew the outcome, I kept sardines on a train seat built for convincing myself it would be two, and both of our children different. zig-zagged through the crowd I had to. It was the only way I and constantly tried to wiggle could justify standing in such a their fingers from our grasp. At long line so Aria could take one one point, our 4-year-old son, little lap atop a pony.

Lyric — even after After all, it was all she performing his telltale could talk about — even pee dance — flung before we climbed into himself into the dirt, the car to go to Antioch screaming that he Days last weekend. And didn’t have to use the even as we stood in line, facilities. she reiterated to me her (It’s not that he intentions. didn’t have to use it.

Of our two children, Rather, he was afraid MICHAEL of the port-o-lets. This she’s the daredevil, so I ENG was optimistic her bravery is the same boy who would squelch any apprewon’t use a public toihension a tiny horse possibly let if it automatically flushes.) could bring.

Oh, and we never got that Boy, was I wrong. funnel cake.

With her arms clamped It’s not Antioch Days’ fault. firmly around my neck, she With everything from cloggers screamed in terror as we apand balloon animals to a dunk proached the pony. I looked up tank and paddle boats, the helplessly at the ride attendant, Plant City tradition is packed who only could smile and with family fun. It’s a time shrug her shoulders. when The Church at Antioch “I guess we’ll have to try anpays homage to the generaother time,” I told her. tions who came before — the Aria buried her face in my founders of the church, which shoulder as we made our way was established in 1854. out of the line.

And, frankly, it’s not even our In hindsight, that was the kids’ fault. Sure, they weren’t only way our outing could have the model of perfect behavended. ior my wife and I absolutely Like many dads, I’m guilty deserve 24/7, but they also are of harboring sky-high expecta2 and 4 years old. Truthfully, tions, so when I perused the they weren’t behaving in any Antioch Days website, my mind other way than they knew how. created all kinds of Norman Their world is governed by the Rockwell-ian images: My chilsimplest rules: Hunger, exhausdren gleefully shouting “chootion, fear, impulse. choo!” as we chugged along on Rather, I was the one with the the train; the four of us walkextraordinarily lofty perception ing hand-in-hand through the of how the outing would go. I festival grounds; our children’s was the one trying to shoehorn faces and fingers dusted with my children into a morning

Michael Eng

Our children, Lyric and Aria Eng did enjoy sifting for treasures at their first Antioch Days outing. that fit my own ideals. And, yes, I was the one who decided not to focus on all the perfect memories Antioch Days actually brought.

We started the day sifting through sand for treasures, and both kids worked together to find their keepsakes.

While waiting in line for the train in my wife’s arms, Lyric placed his head on her shoulder and snuggled just a little closer. He remained still for several minutes, as my wife beamed. As he grows older, those moments are becoming less frequent.

And for me, as Aria’s fear of the pony overcame her, she clung to her dad for protection. Throughout her life, there likely will be many, many more times when I won’t be right there to comfort

her. But in that day, in that moment, I was there for her.

A father can’t ask for much more than that.

Later that night, as Aria and I read her bedtime story, we came across a page with a horse.

“Look!” I said. “Don’t you want to ride one?”

“Nope,” she said.

“No? Isn’t he cute?”

“Nope. Don’t want to.”

“Well, why not?”

“He’s going to bite me,” she said.

Then, she thought for a minute.

“I’ll ride him when I’m 4,” she said.

“I’m sure you will,” I replied.

“That sounds like a great plan.

Can Daddy come, too?”

“Yep, you can come.”

COMMISSIONER’S UPDATE

Economic council seeks new manager With the joint efforts of Hillsnational leader in agribusiness, borough County and the City of Plant City major crops include Plant City, the Tampa Hillsborstrawberries, aquaculture and ough Economic Developtomatoes. In addiment Council currently tion to its agribusiness is recruiting a Project strength, Plant City Manager for Plant City has put concerted efand eastern Hillsborough fort into an economic County. development plan to Funded by a joint identify strengths and agreement between the opportunities for inEDC, Plant City and dustries such as nutraTampa Electric Company, ceuticals and manufacAL the project manager will turing. With more than HIGGINBOTHAM 3,000 acres available focus on growth in our community. The Tampa for new development, Hillsborough EDC is officially Plant City is ready to recruit recognized as Hillsborough new businesses.

County’s primary business “We believe there are signifirecruitment and retention cant opportunities for ecoeconomic development team in nomic growth in Plant City,” partnership with Hillsborough said Rick Homans, president County and the cities of Tampa, and CEO of the Tampa HillsborPlant City, Temple Terrace and ough Economic Development private investors.

Corporation. “This new posiAs the county commissioner tion allows us to realize that for District 4 and a Plant City potential and maximize our native, I am pleased to repreefforts in eastern Hillsborough sent this strong community.

County. We appreciate the conPlant City is a vital stop along tinued support of the county the Interstate 4 corridor. For and thank the City of Plant City more than 10 years, Plant and TECO for providing the City has had a growth rate of necessary funding to make this 10% and boasts easy access to happen.” airports, major freight rail corThe project manager for ridors and the Port of Tampa. A economic development efforts

Plant City and eastern Hillsborough County will be responsible for outreach to corporate CEOs in the Plant City area. The manager will focus on the targeted industries through company visits, industry specific trade organization meetings, phone calls and face-to-face meetings.

In addition to helping existing businesses with retention and expansion efforts, the project manager will work to generate new business recruitment opportunities. This position will work closely with city officials to identify incentives or proposals that can enhance the city’s offerings to prospects.

The project manager will maintain a list of available sites in Plant City and eastern Hillsborough to ensure they are listed on the EDC’s online commercial real estate directory. If you know of an available site, please work with the EDC to include it in the database.

“Plant City is focused on economic development and we are ready for new growth,” said Mayor Michael Sparkman. “The city is pro-business with a great workforce, an excellent school system and public services

second to none. Now that the Tampa Hillsborough County EDC has a new position specific to Plant City, we are ready for the challenge of 2013.”

The Plant City Commission has partnered with Hillsborough County commissioners to identify potential obstacles and ways to resolve those issues. Through the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, of which both the City of Plant City and Hillsborough County are members, we can recruit businesses on a national scale to our communities. EDC’s efforts recruited 4,176 jobs to Hillsborough County in 2011, and we look for an even higher number in 2012.

WORKING FOR YOU

Working together with the residents of District 4, I have found that we truly can make a difference for the future of Hillsborough County.

If you need anything or would like to share your opinion on Hillsborough County issues, please do not hesitate to call my office at (813) 272-5740 or email HigginbothamA@ HilllsboroughCounty.org.

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

COMPETITIVE EDGE

9

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Dance Carousel takes new turn With a new location and cheerleading competition team, Dance Carousel is spinning straight to the top.

For years, parents of her students had been asking her to create a competition team.

After meeting former cheerleader Lindsey Baxter, the two decided to tackle the idea. Baxter introduced Matta to Courtney Browning. Together they created a teaching trio. Baxter and Browning both cheered for their former high schools and have qualifications in stunts, tumbling and injury prevention.

Matta was a gymnast. After blowing out her knee for a third time in college, she furthered her education and got a master’s degree in sports medicine and exercise physiology from California State University. She ran Olympian Cathy Rigby’s gymnastics school and has been teaching for 35 years.

“We love what we do and we are very passionate at what we do,” Matta said. “It’s about being with the kids and building those childhood memories and building their self confidence.”

BREWER/PAGE 1 1951. He moved to Plant City in 1960 after graduating from medical school at the University of Mississippi.

His family was selected as Family of the Year by the Plant City Woman’s Club in 1971 and have since remained involved in the community.

Dr. Brewer was a charter member of the Toastmasters and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Plant City, Friends of the Library and the Plant City Entertainment community theater. He had been a Sunday school teacher, Spring of Tampa Bay board member, director and president of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, member of the East Hillsborough Historical Society, and South Florida Baptist Hospital board member.

Dr. Brewer had also been honored as Outstanding Citizen of the Year and received a Heritage Award.

“I’ve always been very proud of my dad,” Les Brewer said. “He’s seemed to have an impact on many people. He always liked to tell stories, entertain and make people happy.”

Kim Mitchell, who knew Dr. Brewer for 40 years, agreed.

“I have so many wonderful memories of him — from him playing in the junkyard band at the hospital picnics many years ago, to him playing a ‘G Man’ in Plant City Entertainment’s production of ‘You Can’t Take it With You,’ to all the wonderful jokes and stories he told, in a true Mississippi Southern gentleman style,” she said.

“He helped me to overcome the fear of public speaking as well as countless others as our mentor (at Toastmasters),” Rick Norman said.

“He was a wonderful doctor, but beyond that, he is a marvelous person,” Jane Poppell said. “He always listened to you, and he was always smiling.”

Dr. Brewer had been Poppell’s doctor since he came to Plant City.

“If there was anything he could do for the community he would get involved,” Poppell said. “Just an incredible person. I can’t say enough about him.”

In recent years, he suffered from an anemic condition and brain cancer.

“I don’t think I ever saw Dr. B without a smile on his face,” Mitchell said. “He was always so kind and gracious. In all the time that he was battling his health problems, he always kept up his happy demeanor.”

“He was a wonderful person and will be missed by the community,” Poppell said.

Mr. Brewer is survived by his wife, Lynn Brewer; children, Cindy Gutowski and her husband, Gregg, Rodney Brewer and his wife, Karen, Les Brewer and his wife, Saira, and Dan Brewer and his partner, Robert; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at Wells Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Dr. Brewer’s name to the Bruton Memorial Library, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, Plant City Entertainment and Madison’s Mission.

Amber Jurgensen

Members of the Senior All Stars competition team work hard on perfecting their stunts.

“It was a good fitness thing for me, and it was a good way to express my love for cheer,” senior team member Kaitlyn Sullivent said. “The first competition was fun. I had so much adrenaline; it was crazy.”

In addition to the competition team, Dance Carousel offers recreation cheer and tumbling classes and jazz, tap and ballet classes on its 2,300-square-foot dance floor.

Matta’s mother has run two dance studios and a gymnastics center for 50 years in New England. Matta gets her passion for coaching from her family.

“My mother always said, ‘You want those kids to run through that door and hug you,’” Matta said. “And that’s what they do here.

It’s about the kids. The kids come first. I live for those kids.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

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Walking into the new Dance Carousel studio at 402 S. Ball St., one can see three glittering trophies displayed proudly on the middle shelf over the dance floor mirror. The All Stars cheerleading competition team went to its first competition Oct. 28, at the Lakeland Civic Center, and took home two first-place awards and one second-place out of 192 teams.

“The Minis only lost to first place by one-seventh of a point,” owner Lori Matta said.

Matta, a former New England Patriots cheerleader, has been teaching dance, cheerleading and tumbling in Plant City for years.

After moving from the Boston area about seven years ago, she taught dance at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, before purchasing the old Garden Club building, 1112 N. Wheeler St., for her own studio.

Matta has expanded her dance empire by creating a competition team in January and along with it, moved to a bigger facility in May.

The All Stars practice their twominute, 30-second routine about three to five hours per week.

“We tell them we’re developing athletes — not cheerleaders,” Baxter said. “We’re always pushing them to the next level. If they don’t leave here with a red face and pouring sweat then you’re not woking hard enough.”

But it’s not all work and no play at Dance Carousel.

The girls have a lock-in about once every two months, during which they can bond and have time to be kids. They also have “Secret Stallion Sisters,” where the girls are paired up and write secret encouraging notes to each other about their skills.

“It’s more than just cheer and tumbling,” Baxter said. “The girls are like family. Courtney, Lori and I are almost like their moms, because we spend so much time with them. We require them to have good grades and stay out of trouble.”

The All Stars consists of three teams divided by age — Mini Team, Youth Team and Senior Team. About 70 girls showed up at tryouts.

10

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

jailhouse rock By Michael Eng | Managing Editor

festive atmosphere

Lily Stafford loved playing all the games at the Fall Festival.

By Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Alex Gonzalez mastered the hula hoop.

Rylan Precott found some treats in the hay pile.

Plant City Family YMCA ‘The King’ shakes, rattles, ushers in new fall season

Laquisha Smith, front, Josie Porter, Jenise Travers, Jackie Brower and Reyna Alejo had a blast at the event.

rolls into Plant City center

The Plant City Family YMCA was alive with activity Nov. 3, when the organization hosted its Turkey Trot, Drive One and Fall Festival events.

The YMCA kicked off its Saturday with Turkey Trot 5K and One-Mile Gobble

Residents and employees at The Health Center of Plant City enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun and Elvis Presley at the center’s car show Nov. 2.

The event featured barbecue, a classic car show and a live performance by an Elvis impersonator.

Walk. Then, kids headed inside to enjoy games and other activities at the Fall Festival. Jarrett Scott Ford hosted its Drive One 4 UR Community, and donated money to the YMCA for every test drive. The fundraiser earned $4,000 for the YMCA.

An Elvis impersonator was the highlight of the event.

The event featured a classic car show.

Christmas Open House Saturday, Nov. 10 10am-5pm

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2. This is quite hilarious: a Q-tip goes easily into an ear, yet a good, practical tip can go in one ear and out the other.

CROSS_ANS_110812

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

OBSERVEROBITUARIES Chamber, EDC honor local STANDOUT SUCCESS

Gerald Norman DeLisle, 83, died Oct. 29, in Lakeland, Florida.

He is survived by his daughter, Joan DeLisle.

Condolences may be offered at wellsmemorial. com.

Helen W. Doepke

Helen W. Doepke, 99, of Plant City, died Oct. 12, in Lakeland.

Born Nov. 16, 1912, near Marshalltown, Iowa, she was the daughter of Louis and Louise Voege Wiese.

Survivors include sons, Chuck (Leslie) Doepke, of Plant City, and John (Robin) Doepke, of La Mesa, Calif.; grandchildren, Debra (Brent) Edwards, Plainfield, Ind., Scott Doepke, Chandler, Ariz., Scott Hulme, Bellevue, Neb.; greatgrandchildren, Ally Edwards, Reese and Charlie Hulme, and Cash Doepke; and a nephew, Lester Wiese Jr., Palm Desert, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Doepke; brothers, Lowell and Lester Wiese; niece JoAnn Wiese Zang; and a great-granddaughter, Sara Elizabeth Hulme.

A Celebration of Life will be held on the 100th anniversary of Mrs. Doepke’s birth, at 3 p.m. Nov. 16, at Haught Funeral Home, 708 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Plant City YMCA Silver Sneakers Program, Good Shepherd Hospice, or the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Vivian L. English

Vivian L. English, 79, of Plant City, died Nov. 3.

She is survived by children, Lamar English, Carol Brookheart (Bob) and Marilyn Eady (Mike); six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Jesse English.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8, at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 C.R. 39 S., Plant City. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 9.

Online condolences may be made at hopewellfuneral.com.

businesses at awards banquet The Plant City Economic Development Council and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce presented awards to five business at the 20th annual Business of the Year Awards Banquet Nov. 1, at the John R. Trinkle Center.

Former Plant City mayor and City Commissioner Dan Raulerson gave a welcoming address, and attendees enjoyed dinner and watched short films on all the businesses nominated for awards.

And the winners are...

Growing Business of the Year WorkComp Partners Also nominated: Helicon Foundation Repair, Plant City Handyman Inc.

Helen Louise Futch

Helen Louise Futch, 88, of Plant City, died Oct. 29, at her home.

Born June 23, 1924, in Douglas, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Lutha Griffin and the late Mattie Smith. She was the wife of the late Millard Futch.

Mrs. Futch was a member of Eastside Baptist Church, Ladies Auxiliary at South Florida Baptist Hospital, former member of B.P.O.E. No. 1727 and American Auxiliary.

Survivors include a son, Don Futch; daughters, Brenda Futch, Judy Dayton and Lynne Futch; seven grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Small Business of the Year Brewington’s Towing and Recovery Also nominated: Homestars Insurance, On-Site Accounting Inc. Mid-Size Business of the Year Myers Cleaners Also nominated: GT Grandstands, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant Large Business of the Year Paradise Inc. Also nominated: Gordon Food Service, Stingray Chevrolet

Carl Allen Howard

Carl Allen Howard, 63, of Tampa, died Oct. 29, at Sun City Center Hospice House.

Born Dec. 25, 1948, in Tampa, he was the son of the late Allen Howard and the late Louise Beazley.

Surviving is his daughter, Cassandra Howard.

Special Business of the Year Plant City Entertainment

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Chamber Chairman Mark Buzza presents the Special Business of the Year award to Plant City Entertainment’s Dodie White.

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Sports

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Cheerleader Madison Simcox flies high. 18

PLANTCITYObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

basketball by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Girls take court for new season The varsity girls basketball teams at Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest all will feature young, up-and-coming players.

Matt Mauney

Durant senior Kera Kurns will be a key to the success of the Lady Cougars this season.

Changes highlight the upcoming girls’ high school basketball season for area teams this year.

Plant City will usher in a new era with new head coach Stephen Eatman, who replaces Marc Boswell. Strawberry Crest is coming off a .500 season and will be looking to take the next step for the young program that returns every player from last year’s team.

Durant is coming off a suc-

show me the mauney

SEE MAUNEY / PAGE 15

DURANT

Coach: Kyla Donlevy Years as head coach at Durant: 7 2011-12 overall record: 23-5 2011-12 district record: 8-2

District finish/playoffs: Lost in district semifinals Durant is coming off a great regular season with a disappointing end. The Lady Cougars took the No. 2 seed in the Class 8A District 7 tournament but fell to No. 4 seed Wharton 52-49 in the semifinals, after receiving a first round

SEE SOCCER / PAGE 15

GAME OF THE WEEK King at Durant | 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9

Winter season promises excitement Yes, the high school football season is coming to a close here, soon. Durant will be the only area team playing more than 10 games this season, but there is plenty to look forward to for high school sports fans out there.

Let’s start with those football Cougars. Durant is 9-0 going into the regular season finale this week against King. Durant is building a special program out there in the rural country, and it will be interestMATT ing to see how MAUNEY far the Cougars can go once the postseason begins.

Football tends to get most of the attention, and for cases such as the magical season Durant is having, rightly so, but there is plenty of other things that will be interesting to watch for in the coming weeks.

I’m looking forward to the upcoming basketball seasons.

As most of you know by now, I came down here from Atlanta, where I was born and raised.

Football is certainly king up there as it is in Florida, but when basketball season rolls around, things are equally exciting.

I’ve heard that this area “isn’t big on basketball” from chatting with several coaches and parents, but I think there is more to it than that. I’m excited to see first-hand what this area has to offer on the hardwood.

Almost more than with football, when a special player is in action during a high school

cessful winning season that had a bitter end because of injuries.

The Lady Cougars will now move forward and regroup after losing several key contributors to that team.

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Michael Eng

Fullback Jamarlon Hamilton and running backs coach Matt Stwan are two of the best backs Durant has had since the school opened in 1995.

The Right Direction Durant’s Jamarlon Hamilton hasn’t had an easy path to where he is today.

If you look at the stat sheet now, it’s hard to believe that just four years ago, Durant senior fullback Jamarlon Hamilton didn’t know his right from his left.

“We had to put ‘R’ and ‘L’ on his shoes, so he would know which direction to run,” said offensive coordinator Mike Bradley.

Hamilton was convinced to play football by some friends and came to the Cougars as a freshman defensive lineman. After seeing potential

and raw talent, Hamilton’s coaches decided to move him to fullback.

They described him as a “pudgy, out-of-shape and raw” version of the player he is today.

“When he started on JV, he was kind of goofy, and we were always worried if he was going to run the right way,” said running backs coach Matt Stwan. “He’s come a long way, and it’s amazing to watch the film

SEE GAME / PAGE 16

King (2-7) at Durant (9-0)

Outlook: This will be a non-district match-up, but Durant has plenty to play for despite having its district title clinched. Durant will be looking to go undefeated in the regular season for the first time in school history, along with getting a win over the Lions, a team that defeated Durant 28-20 in the season finale last year. King has struggled this season, with its only wins over Leto and Strawberry Crest. The Lions are on a three-game skid and have been outscored 106-23 in those three games. Durant is averaging more than 200 yards rushing per game.

14

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

fore! by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

TEAM SPIRIT

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Optimist Club tees off with annual golf tourney The Plant City Optimist Club was blessed with a sunny day for its annual golf tournament Nov. 3, at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club.

Along with the Christmas Tree Lot, the golf tournament is another major fundraiser for the club and raises about $3,000 to $4,000, annually.

Golfers came to support the Optimist Club and have some fun on the green. Zaxby’s was present to pass out free chicken lunches, and participants also enjoyed a variety of raffle prizes, from outdoor equipment to puzzles.

The Turkey Creek Trojans had a blast competing at the Cheer Off.

Competition showcases Plant City cheerleaders

Alexis and Victor Waldron organized the putting competition.

Cheerleaders from several area squads took the stage at the 2012 Florida Youth Football and Cheerleading Association’s Cheer Off competition Nov. 3, at the Evelyn and Batista Madonia Agricultural Center on the Florida Strawberry Courtesy photos Festival grounds.

The Antioch Redskins earned Plant City several trophies. squads included the Antioch Redskins, Dover Patriots, Pinecrest Pilots, Plant City Dolphins and Turkey Creek Trojans.

Mike Schmidt took a spot in the shade before the start of the tournament.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS Brandon Broncos Pinecrest Pilots Turkey Creek Trojans Brandon Lions Eastbay Bucs Antioch Redskins Wesley Chapel Cowboys Lakeland Gators Dover Patriots Lakeland Eagles Valrico Rams Plant City Dolphins Brandon Bears Brandon Cowboys

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

15

MAUNEY/PAGE 13 basketball game, it is hard to overlook. From what I’ve gathered in my exposure to basketball in this area, there is plenty of talent to go around and even more young talent coming through the ranks. I’m hoping to see this continue and urge everyone to go support your local high school basketball teams this season.

Wrestling is one of those sports I didn’t know much about and wasn’t very passionate about when I began my career as a high school sports writer. Wrestling was pretty big with the area schools at my old paper, including a program that had won the individual and dual state championships every year for more than a decade.

From what I’ve gathered from my time here, there is some good talent in Plant City on the mats. Trust me when I tell you to not judge a book by its cover. Wrestling is one of those sports that tends to get overlooked, especially early on in the season and with smaller dual matches.

If you have a classmate, student, son or family friend who wrestles, try to make it out to at least one of the matches and show them some support. Once you pick up on how tactical the sport is and start to understand individual and team scoring, it becomes quite intriguing.

The last sport that takes up the winter season is soccer. This is one I’ll have to get used to, because, in Georgia, soccer is a spring sport. Honestly, I might have to rethink my career choice if that wasn’t the case — it gets pretty cold up there. But, I’m looking forward to enjoying cooler but pleasant Florida weather while covering area soccer teams this year.

Soccer is another sport that typically doesn’t see a whole lot of support, especially at the high school level, but fans and especially students can help motivate a team with chants, cheers and the constant blowing of vuvuzela horns.

The point is this: Try not to be narrow-minded with sports you may not find entertaining at first. Give them a chance, and kudos to all of you who already do. I know I’m looking forward to the upcoming winter sports season and wish good luck to all area teams.

JUSTTHESTATS

2

The number of frozen turkeys given away to the top male and female finisher at the Plant City Family YMCA’s annual Turkey Trot 5K. The event also included a one-mile Gobble Walk for the kids.

151 607 The total number of kills this season for Plant City volleyball player Alex Arnold. She led the team in that category. The Lady Raiders ended the year 8-9 overall, after a 3-0 loss to Jenkins in the regional quarterfinals last week.

The total number of digs the Strawberry Crest volleyball team notched this season. The Lady Chargers ended the year 14-8 with a loss in the regional quarterfinals to Lakewood Ranch.

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The number of shutouts from the Plant City Dolphins youth football team in the first round of the playoffs. Four of five teams advanced.

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GAME/PAGE 13 now and see how fundamentally sound he is.”

Stwan knows a thing or two about the running back position.

He currently holds the school record for most rushing yards in one season. He ran for 1,855 yards his senior year during the 2004 season and came back to coach the position at his alma mater in 2008.

“He was a great back and knows what we’re all about and does a great job with them,” said head coach Mike Gottman about Stwan.

Currently, Hamilton has 1,089 yards this season on 139 carries, a 7.84 yard-per-carry average, to go along with 17 touchdowns. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in seven of the eight games he’s played in this season and is well on his way of eclipsing his 1,117 yards as a junior. Durant is 9-0 on the year and will host the regional quarterfinals after Friday’s regular season finale against King.

“He’s been our workhorse, and when we need him to get us a first down, score when we’re close to the end zone or eat up clock, he

BASKETBALL/PAGE 13 bye and with two starters out with knee injuries.

Defensively, the Lady Cougars should be sound, with the return of Kera Kurns. The 5-8 senior will transition from shooting guard to point guard this season, according to head coach Kyla Donlevy.

Magan Lee also returns to the team after two years in Miami.

The senior started her freshman year for Donlevy before moving to Miami. Lee stands at 6 feet tall and will return this season as Durant’s center.

“She has a strong inside game,” Donlevy said.

Donlevy said Akacia Nelson is rehabbing a torn meniscus from a step injury earlier this year, and the team hopes to have the senior back in action sometime in December.

The Lady Cougars lost sisters

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

gets it done for us,” Gottman said.

Barring a deep playoff run, Hamilton likely will fall short of breaking Stwan’s record, but that won’t take anything away from what the 5-foot-10, 235-pound fullback has accomplished this season.

Aside from being a talented runner with solid fundamentals, another key quality Hamilton possesses is his heart.

“I don’t think there’s anybody on the field that has as much heart as him,” Stwan said.

That heart transcends more than just football. Hamilton has overcame many personal challenges in his life. Hamilton lost his mom several years ago before losing his uncle, who he was staying with after his mom passed.

“I learned that life was too short and that you have to make the best of the moment that you’re in,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton also overcame adversity in November of 2010, when the then-15-year-old was severely injured in a car accident at State Road 60 and Horton Road. Hamilton was driving without a license and failed to yield the right of way while crossing S.R. 60 when he

and a 16-year-old passenger was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Hamilton and the passenger, Javonte Shaw, were flown to Tampa General Hospital.

“It was a hard thing to go through, but you have to move on, because that’s how life is,” he said. “It’s an obstacle, and once you get over those obstacles, it makes you a better person, because you learn from it,” he said.

Hamilton said football was his outlet for those troubled times.

The sport made him a better person on and off the field.

“Being able to come to my Durant football family every day helped me cope with those things,” he explained. “I feel so blessed that I have that. Football became my new best friend.”

Hamilton’s “friend” has been good to him, but as of Tuesday, Hamilton has no college offers.

That’s something that Stwan hopes will change soon.

“He wants to play in college and is a great player and just a great person,” Stwan said. “He’ll be a great addition wherever he goes.”

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver. com.

Asia and Ashley Nelson to graduation. Both were four-year starting guards, with Ashley holding the three-point shooting record for most in one game.

According to Donlevy, the team will have to overcome being young and inexperienced at some positions, with the goal of a strong district finish.

Durant is known for its highintensity man-to-man defense, something Donlevy said will be a key to finding success.

“We are working on getting in shape so that we can finish games with a small bench,” she said.

Plant City will return a young team this season after a 7-14 season last year.

Head coach Stephen Eatman will replace Marc Boswell as the head coach at PCHS this season.

The Lady Raiders should be solid at the guard position with the return of sophomore point guard Avery Brown and senior guard Delazia Jones.

“We are a young team, so our goals are to grow, mature and develop as a team and to take advantage of young talent,” Eatman said.

The Lady Raiders lost two seniors — forward Whitney Sanford and guard Morgan McGavin.

According to Eatman, the key this season will be to be a disciplined team that plays strong defense.

In addition to Jones, Janeisha Kelly and Brooke Leonard will round out the three seniors on this year’s squad. Half of Plant

PLANT CITY

Coach: Stephen Eatman Years as head coach at Plant City: Entering first season 2011-12 overall record: 7-14 2011-12 district record: 3-6 District finish/playoffs: Lost in first round of district tournament.

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Last week: Plant City (4-5) fell to Newsome last week 40-7, in FishHawk Ranch. Will Worth carried the load for Newsome in the win. The quarterback carried the ball 23 times for 121 yards and rushed for two scores, along with throwing for another touchdown. The Wolves clinched the runner-up spot in Class 7A District 8 behind champion Durant. Plant City quarterback Nick Rodriguez connected with Joe Davis for 22 yards for the Raiders only score of the night. Tampa Bay Tech (6-3) is coming off a close 35-32 loss to Gaither last week. Sophomore Deon Cain passed for 214 yards and two touchdowns in the loss, along with rushing for 58 yards. Deon Thompson led the Titans with 135 rushing yards.

Last meeting: TBT beat Plant CIty 31-28 in the 2011 regular-season finale before advancing to the regional semifinals.

the playoffs and become a wellrounded team.”

Key players returning include Aliyah Gregory and Maiya Trigg.

Gregory, a 5-11 junior shooting guard/power forward, was named 1st Team Western Conference last season and set a team record for most points in a game with 31, along with 12 rebounds.

Trigg, a 5-9 sophomore guard, was an honorable mention on that team and holds the record for assists in a single game with 13.

Sophomore point guard Dominique Butler also returns.

“She has good handles and court vision,” Lewis said.

According to Lewis, her team wants to run a fast-pace, run-andgun offense and pressure defense.

“It takes a lot hard work conditioning and strength training to play this up-tempo game,” she said.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver.com.

City’s roster this season features freshman or sophomores.

STRAWBERRY CREST

Coach: Latosha Lewis Years as head coach at SCHS: Entering fourth year 2011-12 overall record: 11-11 2011-12 district record: 4-6 District finish/playoffs: Finished fourth in Class 6A District 11, losing to Jefferson in the district playoffs Head coach Latosha Lewis has been with the Lady Chargers since Strawberry Crest opened its doors in 2009.

The Lady Chargers return all of the main contributors to their .500 campaign last season and will be looking to further establish the young program.

“We want to become a powerhouse team in the upcoming years,” Lewis said. “We want to win districts and advance in

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Last week: Jefferson’s Shaquille Speights scored four touchdowns last week to hold off Strawberry Crest 35-31. Speights scored his final touchdown with just five seconds remaining, as Jefferson overcame the Chargers (3-6), who took a late 31-28 lead. Tristan Hyde passed for two touchdowns, and Chris Perez ran for two scores in the loss. East Bay (4-5) narrowly escaped a 7-6 win against struggling Brandon High last week. Chris Carpentier hit Brandon Byrd for a 63-yard touchdown in the second quarter to put the Indians up 7-0. They then held on, despite two field goals from Brandon.

Last meeting: Strawberry Crest fell to East Bay in last year’s season finale 20-17.

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Plant city observer

wrestling by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Area grapplers prep for 2012-13 season some valuable experience to a young group. Durant will return a solid group and features a schedule that will have the Cougars competing against some of the best teams in the state and the nation, including the 17th annual Cougar Invitational Nov. 30 to Dec. 1.

The tournament will feature 32 of the top teams from around Florida and Georgia in what has grown to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in the state. Here is a breakdown of area teams.

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Outlook and goals for season: Joyce enters his first season as the head coach of Strawberry Crest after replacing Anthony Peace. Joyce takes over a fairly young team and said this year’s group of seniors will have high expectations on them and will have to begin to step up. McNamee enters his junior season after posting a 25-12 record as a sophomore, while Colman posted a 22-15 record last season.

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From the coach: “This is going to be a building year getting young guys experience and mat time.”

Key wrestlers returning (weight class, class, record last season): Steve Colman (120, sophomore, 22-15), Cam Patisaul (126, junior, 16-15), TJ McNamee (138, junior, 25-12)

From the coach: “We’ve been working hard and should be solid from 120 to 185 with skilled veterans.”

Team strengths: The Cougars enter the season with a talented and seasoned group of wrestlers.

Needs for improvement: Durant will

Team strengths: Ferrario said there are plenty of young wrestlers he will be looking to step up this season.

LV4136

Key wrestlers returning (weight class, class): Reagan Haley (120, junior), Austin Haley (126, junior), Jordan Evers (138, junior), Kip Wynn (160-170, junior), Darrien Kelly (132, senior), Evan Booher (152, junior), Matthew Millard (160, senior), Levi Williams (160, sophomore), Keith Watford (170, senior)

Key wrestlers returning (weight class, class): Craig Knight (160-170, senior), Lane Benton (120 junior), Jordan Evers (138, junior), Kip Wynn (160-170, junior)

Coach: Ryan Joyce Years at school: First Match record last year: 17-2 Postseason finish: Third in districts; two wrestlers made state

Outlook and goals for season: Millard was the first head wrestling coach at Durant when the school opened in 1995. He served as head coach for four years and most recently led the USA Wrestling program at the school.

Millard said he is excited about the upcoming season, saying his team is a highly skilled, experienced group. Haley placed first at the Super 32 qualifier last season, while Kelly, a team cocaptain, finished fourth at FHSAA state meet last year.

to Ferrario, so learning some things as the season progresses will be key to improvement and growth as a team.

Outlook and goals for season: According to Ferrario, the Raiders hope to build on last season and hopefully give some quality experience to some of the younger wrestlers. Knight will enter his senior season and likely will be a key in leadership. Plant City also will rely on Benton, Evers and Wynn, who return with varsity experience.

Strawberry Crest

have a tough schedule ahead of it, including the Buzz Hill Invitational and the annual Tiger Invitational.

Coach: Drake Millard Years at school: Returns as Durant’s head coach after 13 years Match record last year: N/A Postseason finish: N/A

Coach: Nick Ferrario Years at school: Entering seventh year Match record last year: N/A Postseason finish: Did not send any to postseason tournaments

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Durant

Plant City

LV3922

The high school wrestling season is right around the corner, and area wrestlers are making their final weight adjustments and prepare for the season that lies ahead.

Two area teams will have new head coaches this season, with Durant welcoming back Drake Millard to the varsity coaching spot.

Strawberry Crest will look to build a young program that saw success last season, while Plant City will look to get

Professiona

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

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PlantCityObserver.com

SWIMMING + Area swimmers qualify for state meet Several area high school swimmers are state-bound after their performances at the regional meets last weekend.

For Strawberry Crest, three swimmers will head to the Class 2A state FHSAA state championship meet Nov. 8, at the YMCA Aquatic Center, in Orlando. Angelina Gallastegui qualified in the 200 free and 500 free. The junior will be seeded 16th and 14th, respectively.

On the boys side, Cole Wisecarver qualified in the 50 free and the 100 free. The junior placed fourth in both events at the regional meet. Zach Kitzis also is headed to state after qualifying for the 500 free.

For Plant City, Bailey Bowden will represent the Raiders in the 500-yard freestyle in the Class 3A meet Nov. 9, in Orlando. The junior was the only member of the Plant City program to qualify. She will be seeded 11th in the event.

Preliminary races both days are set for 9 a.m.

CROSS COUNTRY + Crest runners successful at districts The results are in for area high school cross country teams’ performances in their respective district meets.

On the boys side, Strawberry Crest finished third as a team, with 63 points, at the Class 3A District 9 meet Oct. 30, at Dover Park.

Cody Williamson placed fifth over-

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

athlete of the week

all, with a time of 18:07.20, while Scott Bartlett placed seventh.

Plant City placed fifth as a team, with 153 points in the Class 4A District 6 meet. Plant High dominated the meet, taking the top six spots. Francisco Salas was the top performer for the Raiders, finishing 17th, with a time of 18:27.71.

Durant finished at the bottom of the standings in the Class 4A District 7 meet at Newsome High School. Daniel Butler was the top performer for the Cougars. The senior placed 11th, with a time of 17:46.95. He was the only Durant runner to finish in the top 30.

On the girls side, Strawberry Crest also had a big day at the Class 3A District 9 meet, placing second, with 46 points. Brandon High took first with 30 points and took the top three individual places in the race.

The top finisher for Strawberry Crest was freshman Christina Cauthen, who placed fourth, with a time of 23:58.59. Nancy Watkins placed sixth (24:16.23), and Nastassia Cordero placed 10th (24:40.21). Melanie Sexton, Meghan Pommier and Katherine Martinez also had good days for the Lady Chargers.

Plant City also placed fifth as a team, with 145 points. Plant High again dominated, with a low-score of 15 points as the top six finishers were from the school.

Diana Corzine was the top finisher for Plant City, placing 20th.

The Durant girls finished fifth out of five teams in its district meet.

Lexi Faliero was the top finisher for the Lady Cougars, with a 29th-place finish. Newsome High took the girls title in Class 4A District 7 to go along with the school’s boys title.

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Madison Simcox Madison Simcox, 13, has been cheering for nine years and is one of the most experienced member of the Plant City Dolphins 13- to 15-year-old varsity competition cheer team. Simcox’s team placed third at the F.I.F.C.A. conference competition Nov. 3, at the Strawberry Festival grounds and fourth two weeks ago at the Gulf Coast Conference in the intermediate division.

What do you like about cheering?

Everything. I’m a flyer, and I’ve been a flyer for nine years, so I get tossed up in the air, and it’s just fun for me.

What’s it like being a flyer?

It’s actually really scary, because you have to keep balance, otherwise everybody could get really hurt. You have to have good agility and everything to be a cheerleader. People think it’s easy being a cheerleader, but it’s really hard, actually.

I’ve actually been to Mexico. I was actually doing research on Mexico as a research project, and my mom said, ‘Well then, let’s just take you to Mexico.’ We went, and I brought back pictures and everything, and I got an “A.” When was that?

In fifth grade, I believe.

If you travel anywhere and do anything, where and what would it be?

Probably California, because they have All-Star cheer team there that I would like to go for.

Would you like to cheer in college?

Yeah, probably for either Florida or USF, because they major in stuff I’m interested in.

What’s the hardest thing about competition cheerleading?

It’s really stressful, because we only get one chance to do the routine perfectly.

What are you interested in?

I’m an FFA officer for Marshall Middle School. I’m the secretary, and we do a lot of outside work helping people that aren’t as fortunate as us.

That’s what interests me and agriculture.

Do you have any hobbies other than cheering?

I play soccer, too.

Do you have a favorite TV show?

“Honey Boo Boo,” actually.

That’s my favorite show, ever.

Do you have any pets?

Yes. I have four cows, a pig, chickens, a dog and a cat.

What do you like about it?

That little girl is just hilarious.

Do you have a favorite out of those?

Probably my pig. His name is Chubbs, and I’m going to show him in the Strawberry Festival in February.

What are some cool places you’ve traveled to?

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

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kickoff by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Plant City bests Durant in rivalry matches Both Plant City teams picked up big wins over rival Durant Nov. 6. The Plant City boys team shut out Durant 3-0, thanks to two goals from Edgar Morales and one from Gerson Herrera. Jorge Navarrette had an assist on the night.

The Plant City girls team held off the Lady Cougars 3-1 Tuesday. Ericka Lott scored two goals, with one assist. Stephanie Galloway scored the other goal, and Dianna Corzine picked up an assist. Rebekah Anderson scored Durant’s lone goal of the night.

Right: Rebekah Anderson and Tori Nizamoff played tough in the midfield.

Left: Trey Langston went for the header on this play.

Both Plant City and Durant played hard Tuesday.

Jacqueline Thompson crossed this ball over, while Nidia Castro defended.

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

2

CRYPTOGRAMS 1. C N C L L K O T V H R G O E D F V Z C L X X R S L Z R H J T H D : Q D Q R J X T L SECO KRF ZOCLX HRG — CLX NCGDHFJ SECO KRF HCJJ HRG.

2. Y J P N P N F H P Y V J P G U T P R H N : U F - Y P C I R V N V U N P G W P E Y R U E V U T, W V Y U I R R B , C T U K Y P K U G Y P C K U E I R P E R E V V U T U E B R H Y Y J V RY J V T.

ACROSS 1 Second word of the Golden Rule 5 Gerald replaced him as veep 10 Japanese swordfighting 15 O’Hara’s plantation 19 Not imaginary 20 Wreck beyond repair 21 Miscellaneous collections 22 Tavern offerings 23 Words of alarm 25 “Heavens!”

27 Place into bondage 28 Drescher of “The Nanny” 30 Least healthy 31 Salute for Caesar 32 Prickly plant (var.)

34 Seven in Spain 35 Like many limericks 38 Deliver in person 39 Dog-food container 40 Make up, as a speech 44 Like some fireplaces 45 Spotted 46 “___ first you don’t succeed ...”

48 One of Lyons’ rivers 49 Handwoven Scandinavian rug 50 Prized violin, briefly 51 Protests without marchers 54 Trigonometric function 55 Was disloyal to 57 NYC subway overseer 58 Have-___ (the needy) 60 Actress Peeples or Long 61 Seat without a back 62 Desiring water 65 Respond to depleted stock 67 ___ Scotia 69 “Did you see that?!”

71 Country music’s “Texas Troubadour” Ernest

Greg Bricker sped away from Parker Suarez.

SHOUT IT OUT by Kathy Islund dOwn

72 Flowerlike sea creature 75 Hit, as a Texas Leaguer 77 Nobel Prize-winning physicist Bohr 80 U.S. president after J.A.G. 81 ___ terrier (Scottish breed) 83 “No ___, ands or buts!”

84 Peer’s title of respect 86 Places for playlists (Abbr.)

88 Concerning this, to lawyers 90 Picked-out haircuts 91 Bill below a five 92 In shabby shape 94 Noblewoman in India 95 The best-___ plans ...

96 Country singer Campbell 97 Where 4-Down lived 98 Word-word link 99Charmer’s snake 101 “In case you ___ noticed ...”

102 Bottommost point 104 Conserve, in a way 105 Aykroyd of “The Blues Brothers” 106 Especial to special, e.g.

109 90 degrees right of north 110 Improves, as oneself 114 “Yikes!”

116 “Wait, already!”

119 ___ Kong (Chinese port) 120 Wouk’s “The ___ Mutiny” 121 Very small amounts 122 Exile island for Napoleon 123 Rounded church area 124 Earthenware cooking pots 125 Identifying name 126 Merged news agency

1 Sudden impulse 2 Sign of nightlife?

3 New Mexico tourist town 4 Nursery rhyme character with many children 5 Legendary McQueen 6 Mug for the cameras 7 “... for what ___ worth” 8 Hit headfirst 9 Type of hydrocarbon 10 Cleveland QB legend Bernie 11 Spirited confidence 12 Ending for “beat” or “neat” 13 Bumps off 14 Davis of “Do the Right Thing” 15 Had a one-sided conversation with 16 What George Washington couldn’t tell 17 Races, as a motor 18 Play ___ (perform some songs) 24 Commodore’s branch of service 26 Serve in place of 29 Where births, deaths and marriages are recorded in Britain 32 Spaciousness 33 Watermelon waste 34 Shimmery sheet material 35 Cutting remarks 36 Up to this point 37 “Do my eyes deceive me?”

38 Kentucky college or its town 39 Dr. Seuss title character 41 “What do we have here?”

42 Common bellybutton type 43 “The View” co-host Joy 45 Hog’s home 47 Catastrophes 50 Series of shots, as from warships

52 “... ___ gloom of night ...”

53 Leave-as-it-was notation 56 Word with “back” or “breathing” 57 One thousand thousand 59 Auditory sensations 63 Fireplace ledge 64 Word with “seed” or “banana” 66 Slugger’s stats 68 Egyptian cross with a loop 70 Aid for the poor 72 Capital of Ghana 73 Nothings, in Mexico 74 It has one pupil 76 Andrea ___ (ill-fated ship) 78 Housekeeping supply 79 Lightened one’s billfold 82 Infielder’s miscue 85 Aid for anglers 87 Fred Flintstone’s time 89 Teacup part 90 They’re in a clergyman’s closet 93 Dough additive 96 Section of railroad track 98 Type of year used by accountants 100 Prove shrewder than 101 Opposite of love 103 “Saturday Night Fever” dance genre 104 Motel figures 105 Packed tight 106 Turkish honorific 107 Stagehand’s concern 108 Farm layers 109 Volcano in Sicily 110 Canaanite’s deity 111 “___ Enchanted” (Anne Hathaway movie) 112 Messy barbecue offerings 113 “High” places for pirates 115 Engine essential 117 ___ polloi 118 Mel the Giant who wore “4” CROSSWORD_110812

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