Plant City Observer 12.06.12

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PLANT CITY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

FREE • thursday, DECEMBER 6, 2012

in THIS ISSUE SPORTS

EXCLUSIVE

Nature photog to be featured in 2013 calendar.

Strawberry Crest Country’s top youth thespians take football squads center stage. invade Plant City.

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PAGE 11 PAGE 15

spotlight

OUR TOWN

UPCOMING

By Michael Eng | Managing Editor

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Parade to usher in holiday season Plant City’s spectacular Christmas tradition will roll at 7 p.m. Friday.

+ Hope celebrates music director Members and staff of Hope Lutheran Church celebrated longtime Director of Music Christine Mansell for 40 years of music ministry.

As a part of the congregation’s morning worship services Nov. 18, the church honored Mansell during a special Recognition of Faithful Service. Staff members and Hope’s Elders Ministry Team joined Mansell in prayer for her music ministry.

As a part of the reception, Mayor Michael Sparkman read a proclamation from the City of Plant City, and state Rep. Dan Raulerson presented Mansell with a proclamation recognizing her ministry from the Florida State House of Representatives.

Greetings honoring Mansell also were received and read from the Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod president, and the Rev. Greg Walton, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod-Florida Georgia District president. Mansell also received a dozen red roses and a special gift from the congregation.

+ PCE to host one-woman show

Theater veteran Kim Mitchell will take the stage at Plant City Entertainment for the one-woman show, “Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class,” beginning this weekend.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Dec. 8, 2 p.m. Dec. 9, and 8 p.m.

Dec. 13, 14 and 15, at the theater, 101 N. Thomas St. Ticket are $10 for members or group advance sales; $12 for seniors, non-members and students through the 12th grade; and $14 for general admission.

For more information or tickets, visit plantcityentertainment.com.

Courtesy photo

N.R.G.’s older singers, top row, from left: Arie Fry, Ashtyn Steele, Marlee Arn and Benji Padgett.

Bottom row: Bryson Keel, Lauren Daly, Emmy Menia, Ellie Shouse and Victor Figueroa.

SINGING

Sensations The members of Next Radical Generation, the Plant City youth performing troupe better known as N.R.G., balance homework and family life with a full schedule of rehearsals and gigs.

Behind the stage at their recent performance at The Shops at Wiregrass, in Wesley Chapel, four members of Plant City’s Next Radical Generation gather together for an impromptu rehearsal. Decked out in coordinated silver costumes, the singers lean in. And even without microphones, their harmonies break through the white noise of Christmas shoppers buzzing through the plaza.

Hundreds gather for the evening performances in front of the stage. A less-experienced group could succumb under this

pressure-cooker atmosphere.

But with dozens of performances already in the books — including two television appearances in the last three weeks — the members of N.R.G. thrive in the spotlight.

“Oh, they’re ready,” Director Yvonne Fry says. “They’re excited.”

This week, N.R.G. brings its Christmas repertoire home with two performances in Plant City. The group will perform at Lights of Love

SEE NRG / PAGE 4

INDEX Briefs....................6

As Plant City’s annual Christmas Parade takes to the streets this Friday, it will do so with some significant changes.

Parade organizers met with participants Nov. 26, to discuss several new rules and regulations.

Perhaps the most exciting change is the addition of a judges panel, which will score each participant. Three mystery, out-of-town judges will be seated near McCall Park. Performing participants, such as high school bands, dance and cheer teams, will perform their routines in an area in front of the judges.

Floats also will be judged in this area.

Float judging will be based on the time and effort put into the float, its appearance and whether it represents Plant City and its hometown feel. An award will go to one overall winner, which will receive the best spot as a featured float in the Christmas Parade next year. If the competition turns out

SEE PARADE / PAGE 4

IF YOU GO Christmas Parade WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 WHERE: Parade will start at the corner of Grant and Alsobrook streets. It ends at the corner of Reynolds and Michigan streets.

PRIME LOCATION Davy Miles, chairman of the Christmas Parade board, hinted at the best place to stand.

“Anywhere by McCall Park,” he said.

Vol. 1, No. 22 | One section

Crossword.......... 19

Obituaries.......... 24

Sports................ 15

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

construction by Amber Jurgensen |

upcoming

Associate Editor

Improvements slated for exit Plant City, Lakeland, Polk County and the FDOT worked together to create the improvement package for the County Line Road exit, which will cost about $2.2 million. Construction will begin in April 2013.

Officials from Plant City, Lakeland and the Lakeland Ecomonic Development Council believe a $2.2 million improvement package for County Line Road near Interstate 4 will help existing businesses as well as attact new ones to the area.

Construction will begin in April 2013. The changes include: • A second eastbound rightturn lane on the eastbound I-4 off-ramp at County Line Road; • A second southbound leftturn lane on County Line Road at South Frontage Road, with the construction of a second eastbound receiving lane on South Frontage Road; and • Traffic signals on County Line Road at the I-4 eastbound ramps and South Frontage Road Intersections.

Lakeland and the Lakeland Economic Development Council requested funding from the

BY THE NUMBERS

State Economic Development Transportation Fund in 2008.

The request came after GTECH Corporation approached Lakeland officials asking for improvements to help serve its new manufacturing facility on 4100 South Frontage Road. GTECH, a gaming technology and services company that employs 8,000 people in 60 different countries, has had its facility on South Frontage Road since 2009.

“The improvements to be constructed are certainly needed to accommodate future growth in the County Line Road corridor and existing safety/operational concerns in the project area,” Chuck Barmby, a Lakeland transportation planner, said. “Area businesses and the public have noted that exiting traffic periodically backs up onto I-4 and that turns at the County Line/South Frontage Road intersection pres-

‘TIS THE SEASON

out the course of this project.”

County Line Road is under Polk County jurisdiction, but for the past decade, Plant City has been involved in negotiations regarding changes and improvements to the road.

“It’s going to benefit that corridor, and it’s a good thing for Plant City for future development and growth,” Plant City Manager Greg Horwedel said.

“We have a lot of development planned, and they will need access to that road.”

The interchange improvements were developed to accommodate growth in the Lakeland and Plant City areas in the next 25 years because of economic development projects such as the Lakeland Central Park, located south of Old Tampa Highway; Eagles Landing, in the northeast corner of County Line and I-4; and distribution center projects in West Lakeland such as those completed this year by Publix and Rooms-To-Go. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

ent safety challenges (because of) high volumes and amount of large trucks.”

The City of Plant City, Lakeland, Polk County and the Florida Department of Transportation worked together to create the improvement package, which will cost about $2.2 million. The Polk Transportation Planning Organization has requested $400,000 of additional funding to design and construct the project under one contract.

The plan was approved by the Lakeland City Commission Nov. 5. Work is scheduled to be completed by December 2014.

“It was a pleasure working with the Plant City staff on this plan,” Barmby said. “We had common goals regarding the accommodation of full access for the County Line Road/South Frontage Road intersection and received their support through-

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

19,161 The

number of children Christmas for an Angel has helped since its inception.

$452,939.11

The dollar amount of all the presents donated since 1989.

6,481 The num-

ber of Priority 1 children, ages 5 and under, who received gifts since the program’s inception.

16 The number of elementary schools participating in Christmas for an Angel.

HOW TO HELP To donate a present to Christmas for an Angel, take an ornament specifying the age, gender and wish list of a child from a Christmas tree in a participating store and return the gift, unwrapped, to the same tree.

Trees are located at: • Sweetbay, 205 W. Alexander St. • South Florida Baptist Hospital cafeteria, 301 N. Alexander St. • Sunshine State Bank, 102 W. Baker St.

Henry Falcon, of Sweetbay, and Anna Reitz are passionate about the program.

Amber Jurgensen

Angels All Around For some local families, the gifts received from this Plant City program are Christmas miracles.

The kindness in Anna Reitz’s eyes and the passion in her voice is unmistakable when she talks about the Kiwanis Club’s gift-giving charity, Christmas for an Angel.

The program involves gathering thousands of toys for hundreds of local children in need.

“These kids, if they didn’t get a gift from us or an agency like us, they wouldn’t get anything for Christmas,” Reitz said. “It’s needed in Plant City. We have many children who are in need.”

Reitz has been heading up the program for 10 years. She took it over from Robert Brown, who started the program in the late 1980s.

“Children were his No. 1 priority, and he saw the needs of children in the community,” Reitz said. “On Robert’s deathbed, I promised him I would do it until I couldn’t anymore.”

Since 1989, Christmas for an An-

3

gel has delivered toys to 19,161 children. Each year, 16 Plant City elementary schools send in lists from 30 anonymous students who are in need of a Christmas miracle.

Many toys on the list are popular items, such as LEGOs, craft kits and Barbies. Three Head Start programs also participate in the program, and each girl from Steppin’ Stone Farm, a home for at-risk girls, receives a present, too.

But the program also reaches beyond schools and organizations.

Reitz gets many calls from friends who know a family in need. Families also come to her for help. Reitz remembers one specific call made to her on Christmas Eve about a family with seven children that was living in an RV with barely any food and unemployed parents. She made some calls, gathered some toys and food and delivered them to the family.

“I accept toys until the very end,” Reitz says. “And I will find a place for them.”

Throughout the month, Reitz gathers the toys with the help of sponsors such as South Florida Baptist Hospital, Stingray Chevrolet, Sweetbay, Progressive Insurance and more. On specific days, Reitz and her volunteers go shopping, driving big black trucks and vans to carry all the goods, driving security nuts, according to Reitz.

Volunteers will collect toys Dec. 9, at the Randy Larson Sports Complex, and they will partner with Black Heritage Celebration Inc. for the Santa Sled program at 2 p.m.

Dec. 22, in Sam Cooper Park.

“It’s just one of those things that works out nicely,” Reitz says. “So many of those kids know they will have something under the tree and know that someone cares. This is the kind of thing that warms your heart, makes you cry, and you’ll do it again and again.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Organizers begin search for Citizen of the Year The 2013 Citizen of the Year event will take place Feb. 13, at the John R. Trinkle Center at HCC. If you’re part of a participating civic club in Plant City, begin to think about your nomination for the Citizen of the Year award.

Clubs will gather to hold a blind vote at 6 p.m. Jan. 8, at the Hillsboro Bank, 509 W. Alexander St., to decide which local leader will join the previous 53 titleholders.

Only three people, Anna Reitz, Kenneth Gibbs and Kenneth Hawthorne, will know the winner before the Citizen of the Year event Feb. 13, at the John R. Trinkle Center.

“It is a very guarded secret,” Reitz said. “You couldn’t bribe us with anything.”

Reitz has been involved with the program for 10 years. Her favorite part is the secrecy of the winner.

Last year, 149 people attended the event, which includes a breakfast and presentation. The event not only recognizes the Citizen of the Year but also past recipients, an outstanding youth of the year and the Strawberry Queen court and festival directors.

The First National Bank of Plant City started the program in 1960.

The first recipient was Arthur Boring, a prominent local bank president. Later, the Kiwanis Club took over the ceremony. It has grown throughout the years to include other civic clubs.

The program isn’t a fundraiser for any of the sponsoring clubs.

Each club donates funds to help cover the cost of the ceremony.

When nominating a candidate, each club is asked to submit a written biography of the candidate, who should be considered for his or her local community contributions above and beyond the functions of his or her job.

Candidates do not have to be a member of the club.

The candidate can’t be seeking political office, and a résumé or personal information should be acquired through friends or relatives, because the candidate can’t be contacted directly. Posthumous awards aren’t allowed, and current civic club presidents should not be nominated.

“It’s a big part of the community,” Reitz said. “If it wasn’t important, it wouldn’t have lasted 53 years.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Participating Civic Clubs American Business Woman’s Association Civitan Club Daybreak Rotary Club GFWC Woman’s Club Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Kiwanis Club Lions Club Optimist Club Noon Rotary Club GFWA Junior Woman’s Club

4 PlantCityObserver.com

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

NRG/PAGE 1

l

loca

at 6 p.m. Dec. 6, and again at the Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Both events take place in Historic Downtown Plant City.

Watching the youth singing group perform, it’s hard to believe N.R.G. is less than three years old. The group began in 2010, after Fry learned several young artists were searching for a group with which to perform. Some Plant City students were traveling out of town just to showcase their talents, and Fry decided to spearhead an effort to keep those talents in the community.

“We wanted to be a wholesome Glee,” she says. “Plant City has a lot of people interested in the arts. This was a group of kids with diverse backgrounds. Some had musical theater training, others were dancers or solo artists.

“I pitched the idea, and they were absolutely in,” Fry says. “This is such a labor of love.”

Originally launched as a singing group, N.R.G. has since expanded into a fullfledged production company. In addition to the singers, the group also now features a live band, full tech crew, costume and makeup crew, and business management and networking departments. Furthermore, other than parents serving as chaperones and assisting with logistics, N.R.G. is entirely run by the students themselves.

“The kids run this business,” Fry says.

Business Manager Jourdain Cole, 13, spends as much as 20 hours each week helping with everything from scripting the shows and making cue cards to managing the rehearsal and performance calendars.

N.R.G. participants maintain a rigorous schedule. By year’s end, they will have

local

local

Dec. 6: Lights of Love, Historic Downtown Plant City Dec. 7: Christmas Parade, Historic Downtown Plant City Dec. 19: Christmas Lane, Dover Dec. 22: Now Snowing, Downtown Celebration

performed more than 30 shows in 2012, including appearances at the Strawberry Festival in March, the Mitt Romney rally in October, in St. Petersburg, and the Empty Bowls Luncheon and Pioneer Days events in November.

“It’s important for (the kids) to participate in community events,” Fry says. “It’s important for them to know what it takes to make a community.”

The group creates custom set lists for every performance — including everything from popular hits on the radio today to specially themed programs such as their current Christmas performance. In addition to its cover material, N.R.G. also has written an original tune, “Never Gonna Stop Us.” Although only some of the N.R.G. performers may pursue a career in the performing arts, Fry says the life lessons the group teaches will benefit each participant for years to come.

“This is not about building a career,” she says. “This is about building a person. They learn accountability, teamwork and attitude. ... These kids will be the leaders in our community in the future.”

Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.

For more information, check out N.R.G.’s website at pcnrg.com. You also can become a fan on the group’s Facebook page, facebook.com/pcnrg.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE

OTHER FESTIVITIES

The parade is just one of many Christmas celebrations taking place this week in Plant City.

Lights of Love WHEN: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at McCall Park, Historic Downtown Plant City INFORMATION: (813) 757-8478 “Christmas by Candlelight” WHEN: 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 8 WHERE: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road, Plant City INFORMATION: (813) 444-8863 Christmas in the Park WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 WHERE: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City INFORMATION: (813) 659-4255 East Hillsborough Historical Society 20th Holiday Celebration WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 WHERE: 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. INFORMATION: (813) 757-9226

Molly Berberich, Owner. We’re in Stitches with Steve Lane, TEDCO Vice President and F. J. McCargar, President

Santa’s Workshop WHEN: 9 a.m. Dec. 8 WHERE: First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St., Plant City INFORMATION: (813) 754-3519

“After 10 years of renting retail space, my husband and I started looking to buy our own building. Our corporate embroidery business needed room to grow for both wholesale and retail customers. We found the perfect property and TEDCO to partner with us to make our plans a reality. We continue to pursue growth opportunities with TEDCO to enhance our business development.

Now almost 10 years in our new home we are very thankful. We are proud to be small business owners in Tampa since 1993.”

“Christmas on Gilligan’s Island” WHEN: 6 p.m. Dec. 9 WHERE: First Baptist Church of Dover, 3223 N. Gallagher Road, Dover INFORMATION: (813) 719-2273 Season of Joy WHEN: 9 to 10:15 a.m. Dec. 9 WHERE: Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road, Plant City INFORMATION: (813) 752-4591

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

96533

TEDCO

Strawberry Crest Band Holiday Concert WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 WHERE: Strawberry Crest High School, 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover INFORMATION: (813) 707-7522

PARADE/PAGE 1 to be successful, more awards and more prizes will be added in the future.

“We’re very excited about it,” Dodie White, committee member, said.

“Each year we want to make better and improve the quality of the parade and raise the bar,” Davy Miles, chairman of the Christmas Parade board, said.

Another change to the parade is the addition of a safety inspection before the start of the parade. Each float will have to be inspected in a roped off area around the corner of West Grant and South Evers streets.

In previous years, parade floats and participants gathered in the Big Lots parking lot. This year, the store will not allow participants to gather in their parking lot; the new staging area is on Grant Street.

Furthermore, each float must comply with city code. Any trailers must have wheels underneath the frame or platform. No outrigger or protruding-style wheels will be allowed. The wheels can’t be boxed in if they protrude, but the float design can have something covering protruding wheels as long as it runs the total length of the trailer, from the tongue to the end.

If the float doesn’t pass the safety inspection, it will not be able to be in the parade.

“As everybody knows, safety is the most important thing,” Miles said.

In 2007, 9-year-old Jordan Hays died after an accident involving a float as he was passing out candy.

A report by the city states the float’s design played a part in the death.

In addition to the safety inspections, walkers also will have to be 13 years of age or older. They also must pass out candy, not throw it, to the crowd.

“The committee has put a lot of time and effort into this parade,” Miles said. “I always joke that the meetings take longer than the parade. I think it’s great that the city lets us have a true Christmas parade.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

5

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!

NORTH CAROLINA: Plant City couples Larry and Virginia Tharrington, left, Mayor Mike Sparkman and his wife, Diane, and David and Emma Miller enjoyed their favorite hometown newspaper while on a recent vacation to Dillsboro, N.C. The couples enjoyed the cool weather, fall leaves and good food at the Jarrett House, as well as a relaxing time at the Sparkmans’ mountain house.

If you’re going on vacation, remember to grab a copy of the Plant City Observer to take with you. Snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Managing Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com. Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.

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Plant city observer

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+ Bealls shoplifter crashes while fleeing Call it instant karma.

A shoplifter fleeing Nov. 30, from the Walden Woods Bealls store crashed into another vehicle while attempting to escape.

According to Plant City Police Department officials, the shoplifter was arrested after he crashed his green Dodge Ram pickup into a white GMC Denali pickup on James L. Redman Parkway. The shoplifter’s vehicle then crashed through the hedges of the shopping plaza as he was attempting to flee.

The crash slowed traffic on the busy Plant City thoroughfare, while tow-truck drivers worked to remove the vehicles.

Additional details were not available as of press time.

+ U.S. Rep. Bilirakis earns appointment Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) has been appointed to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.

The committee is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and oversees a variety of national policy issues, including health care, energy, telecommunications, consumer protection, and interstate and foreign commerce.

Bilirakis is the only Republican from Florida on the committee in the 113th Congress.

The appointment was made by the Republican Steering

Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission. Its history includes legislative milestones, such as the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Clean Air Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act.

+ Church bus crash closes Interstate 4

Committee and is expected to be ratified in a pro-forma vote by the full House GOP conference before the start of the new session of Congress.

“I am humbled to have been selected for Energy and Commerce, and I want to thank Speaker (John) Boehner, Chairman (Fred) Upton and my colleagues in the House for providing me this opportunity and placing their trust in my ability to serve our state and country in this capacity,” Bilirakis said.

“Our Nation faces a number of critical challenges, many of which will be addressed by this committee. With the fourth largest GDP of any state, Florida is an important and robust economic engine that should carry great consideration when Congress examines ways we can create jobs and drive this economy forward.

“Furthermore, our state has the greatest proportion of residents 65 years and older, making it even more important for Congress to ensure a quality and affordable healthcare

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system for current and future generations,” he said. “Finally, with the highest per capita residential electricity demand, Florida has a vested interest in ensuring our country becomes energy independent and has reliable access to a broad array of energy sources.”

Upton added: “I am excited to have a hard-working and dedicated public servant, like Gus, join the Energy and Commerce team. We have a talented group of leaders who are committed to creating jobs, protecting consumers and strengthening our energy security, and I look forward to working with Congressman Bilirakis as we tackle the important work that lies ahead in the next Congress.”

The House Energy and Commerce Committee also oversees multiple cabinet-level departments and independent agencies, including the departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection

A bus crash forced Florida High Patrol officials to close eastbound Interstate 4 for several hours Dec. 3.

According to FHP reports, at 11:09 a.m., a bus owned by First Baptist Church of College Hill, of Tampa, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 4 in the center lane near Mango.

The driver, Martin Rufus Silas Jr., of Seffner, suffered a medical emergency and lost control of the bus.

The bus veered to the left, then right until the bus collided with a crash attenuator located at the entrance ramp to the eastbound FDOT weigh station.

Post-collision, the bus caught fire and was partially burned.

Silas suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash itself and was taken to Tampa General Hospital for medical care.

The crash closed the east-

bound lanes of Interstate 4 from the Interstate 75 junction.

The eastbound lanes reopened at about 1:15 p.m.

+ Elia receives honorary degree Hillsborough County Superintendent MaryEllen Elia received an honorary doctoral degree from Argosy University at the inaugural Night of Excellence awards event Dec. 4, at Argosy’s Tampa campus.

“We are proud to honor MaryEllen Elia for her commitment to education,” said Argosy University’s Tampa President Daniel Richins. “Our goal as a university is to develop professional competence, provide opportunity for personal growth and foster interpersonal effectiveness with our students. We feel no one represents that goal better than Ms. Elia, who serves as a distinguished, dedicated, innovative educational leader.”

Elia was appointed as superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, the nation’s eighth largest school district, in 2005 after a national search. She received a bachelor’s degree from Daemon College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Buffalo.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

VATIONS

+ The big 1!

Elaina Marie Masek, granddaughter of Don and Mary Humphrey, and Charles Jr. and Margie Masek, of Plant City, celebrated recently her first birthday at the Humphrey home with friends and family.

Elaina is the daughter of Seth and Caroline Humphrey Masek, of Mango. Ethan Daniel Masek, Elaina’s 5-yearold brother, wished her the best for her first birthday.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER

+ Police department welcomes new leadership The Plant City Police Department celebrated several retirements and promotions last week.

The department honored outgoing Police Chief Bill McDaniel and Dep. Chief John Borders. Borders was honored during a retirement ceremony Nov. 21, and McDaniel Nov. 30.

McDaniel has accepted the newly created position of assistant city manager of public safety. He will oversee the city’s police, fire and emergency medical services departments.

Command of the department was transferred to InterimChief Steven Singletary at 5:01 p.m. Nov. 30. Singletary has served as the department’s Uniform Patrol Division commander for the past two years and as the information services commander prior to that assignment.

The department also celebrated several promotions Dec. 1: • Sgt. David Millich was promoted to police captain.

Millich will fill the vacant position left by Singletary and will command the Uniform Patrol Division. Millich was assigned to Investigative Services Division prior to his promotion, where he supervised the department’s Major Crimes Unit, which is responsible for the investigation of homicides, robberies, sex crimes and computer crimes.

• Officer first-class Mark Mathis was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Mathis has served as a field training officer within the department’s Uniform Patrol Division, where he was responsible for training and evaluating newly hired police recruits. Mathis will remain in the Uniform Patrol Division and will supervise a patrol squad.

• Senior officer Tray Towles was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Towles has served as the department’s accreditation manager and public information officer within the Professional Standards Unit for the past three years. Towles will supervise the Professional Standards and Records units.

7

+ Boy Scouts collect donations ‘Tis the season for giving, and members of Boy Scout Troop 628 took that message to heart as they hosted a recent food drive for the United Food Bank of Plant City. In all, the scouts collected 428 pounds of food, which will help provide meals to families in need this holiday season.

+ Rotary Club donates $1,000 to food bank Billy Keel, president of the Plant City Noon Rotary Club, presented recently a $1,000 check to Christine Miller, executive director of the United Food Bank of Plant City. In the past five years, the club has donated more than $30,000 to the food bank.

+ Do we hear wedding bells?

Michael and Nancy Heckerman would like to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kara Elyse Heckerman, to Matthew Pepito, of Crystal River.

Matthew proposed to Kara this past New Year’s Eve while vacationing in Dubai, U.A.E. Kara is a PCHS 2006 graduate. She currently is working for Beth Ingram as a speech therapist assistant while studying, online, for her master’s degree in speech-language pathology through Florida State University.

Matthew has his degree in long-term health care administration and is working in the human resource department at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino.

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Gray Greene, of Plant City, snagged an 11-point deer during a recent hunting trip to Bamberg County, South Carolina. Greene holds the record in Bamberg for the largest to date.

And it seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Greene’s son, Kade, got his first-ever deer, a six-pointer, on Labor Day, also in Bamberg.

8

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

Observer

PLANT CITY

RUNNING WILD

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

“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

Founding 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 / Peter Carlson, pcarlson@yourobserver. com; 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.

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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

Courtesy of George Veazey

Eight of George Veazey’s photos were chosen for an upcoming calendar featuring local wildlife. The bobcat in Bell Creek is Vezey’s favorite.

Artist’s photos selected for ’13 wildlife calendar This is ELAPP’s first calendar contest, which was meant to garner interest in nature and the organization.

When wildlife photograthe wild, let alone walking pher George Veazey set out through woods at noon,” one sunny summer day on a Veazey says. “And when that hike at Bell Creek, a wooded stinker crossed my path, it preserve southwest of Plant was the crown and glory.”

City, he was just wandering Veazey submitted some of around to see what he could his photographs to the concapture with his lens. The test which had a total of 187 outdoorsman already had entries. They were displayed snapped images of vibrant on Hillsborough County’s sunsets, pairs of deer, a blue Facebook page, where fans heron and a flittering butcould vote for their favorterfly for a calendar compeites from August through tition organized by the EnviSeptember. From those, the ronmental Lands Acquisition top 20% were evaluated by and Protection Program of the county. Then the chosen Hillsborough County. photographs were put up in But what he was about to front of another review comfind would top them all. mittee which picked the fiAs he quietly made his way nal 12. down the path, a 45-pound Once he retired, George Veazey had more Veazey had a whopping bobcat emerged from the fo- time to devote to his photography. Bruton eight of his photographs liage. The furry beast looked Memorial Library will host an exhibit of chosen to be in the calendar, Veazey, who stood in awe, his work in January. which will have 10,000 copdead in the eyes. ies printed. His photograph “It was as if he said, ‘What are moment of face time before of a couple silhouetted against you doing here?’” Veazey says. continuing his trek through his an orange sunset was chosen as The cat continued to cross territory. the cover. over the path and scooted into “I think it’s his patience that Reviewing the photos on the the underbrush on the other way back to the preserve’s lodge, sets him apart,” Dickerson said. side. Veazey wasn’t going to let Veazey knew he got a rare shot “And most people in the calenthis perfect photo-op run away. for the calendar contest and dar have that patience.”

He followed the animal into the couldn’t wait to show it to the The free calendars will be forest. preserve’s manager, Ross Dick- available by Christmas at all “The fear I had wasn’t that I erson, who Veazey later learned three of the ELAPP offices, but could be hurt by the bobcat,” was also the point of contact for Veazey’s photographs are also Veazey said. “I had been a cop the contest. on display at the Art Lounge Galfor 40 years. My fear was that I “The wonderful thing about lery in Historic Downtown Plant wasn’t going to get a shot.” that photo is that bobcats aren’t City. In January, Veazey will have Snapping away with his Can- out very often in the daytime,” an art exhibit at the Bruton Meon 5D, hoping to get the per- Dickerson said. morial Library. fect shot, the bobcat turned to A lifelong resident of Hillsbor“You can go an entire lifeVeazey and gave him a fleeting time without seeing a bobcat in ough County, Veazey was born

Art Exhibit WHEN: January 2013 WHERE: Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St.

Calendar Availability Lake Frances Office 10225 Woodstock Road Odessa, FL 33556 Bell Creek Office 10940 McMullen Road Riverview, FL 33569 Cockroach Bay Office 3709 Gulf City Road Ruskin, FL 33570

in Tampa in 1946 and served as a Hillsborough County police officer for 35 years. His first duty assignment was in Plant City.

That’s why, when he thought about putting his work on display after retiring in 2006, he chose Plant City and the Art Lounge Gallery as the perfect venue.

“A vast majority of my life was here serving the people of Plant City,” Veazey says. “I’m an ol’ country boy. This is what I like and where I want to be.”

Veazey always has enjoyed photography. As a student as the University of South Florida, he was a yearbook staff photographer and has since worked in the fields of commercial and wedding photography. But it wasn’t until after his retirement that he took up wildlife photography.

“One of the reasons I enjoy photography is to take God’s splendor and share it, but also, if we just slow it down a little, you can see the beauty in life,” Veazey says.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

9

PAST & PRESENCE

Wilbur Fisk Burts’ impact remains Editor’s note: This is the second part of our series chronicling the life of early settler Wilbur Fisk Burts. To read the first part, visit PlantCityObserver.com.

In Part One, we wrote about Wilbur Fisk Burts and his various activities, closing with some of his business activities. We also quoted from a letter written

by G.B. Wells to The Courier in 1931. Wells was a well-respected attorney in town, a former mayor and former state legislator, and knew the Burts family. We continue with certain referGIL ences from that GOTT letter.

It is interesting to note that Wells mentions Burts “was elected and served at (sic) Tax Collector for the County of Hillsborough for two terms, and his administration gave satisfaction.” There are no years mentioned. Burts also served as postmaster in 1886, following E.S. Tyner, 1883 to 1885, and C.W. Andrews, 1885. There was some controversy about Andrews and after some attempts to get into local banking he left town.

About 1887, Burts built The Tropical Hotel, frequently referred to as “The Tropical,” at the corner of Reynolds and Palmer streets. This was the best hotel the young town had yet seen.

Wells called it “quite a commodious hotel,” and it became the

Wilbur Fisk Burts

Courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center

Wilbur Fisk Burts built The Tropical Hotel at the corner of Reynolds and Palmer streets. gathering place for some of the early businessmen.

In 1887, the yellow fever problem grew to epidemic proportions. The Plant City council set up quarantine lines, and The Tropical became a refuge for Tampa residents fleeing the threat. Burts had the hotel fumigated and would remove all suspect bedding, taking it to his farm for treatment or destruction.

Burts also served as mayor, and Wells describes this peculiar election in his letter.

“In 1888, Mr. Burts, at the time not being a citizen or registered voter of the town and residing outside the corporate limits of the town, was elected mayor of the town, defeating a prominent merchant of the time.”

James R. Edmondson, a well-

known merchant in town, had been elected mayor from 1886 to 1888. Burts, a non-resident of the town of Plant City, served as Plant City’s fourth mayor in 1889.

Burts’s oldest son, Charles Oliver Burts (1863 to 1930), began working at The Tropical shortly after it opened in 1887. Wilbur Fisk Burts died Sept. 9, 1890, and Charles Oliver Burts became proprietor. Charles Burts married Frances Virginia (“Jennie”) Evers in 1891, and they had one daughter, Melvine Burts.

Wilbur Fisk Burts’ second daughter, Ella Rosa, who also was known as Ella Rose, was born in 1867 and married Vincent Strickland about 1887 or 1888. He was a local merchant (Strickland Brothers store) and also served on the town council in 1886 and 1888.

Give a Gift of

They had two children, Louis Strickland and Lucile Strickland.

Vincent Strickland died in 1892; Ella married David R. Crum about 1898 and cared for Louis and Lucile, along with her and David Crum’s children, Evelyn and Ralph. David R. Crum’s father, David L. Crum, was a friend of Burts and referred to his friend as “Captain Wilbur Fisk Burts.”

While he served with the Florida Seventh Infantry, there is no evidence that Burts was a captain.

Ella Rosa Burts Strickland Crum bought out her siblings’ interest in The Tropical probably in the early 1900s and set out to transform it. And she did. Much enlarged and now named the Roselawn Hotel, it became the talk of the town when it reopened in 1908. It extended from Reyn-

olds Street to Mahoney Street and covered half a block. It is said “its porches, swings and food were very popular with traveling salesmen, and the hotel became wellknown as the stopping place for produce men all over the United States.”

The popularity of the Roselawn continued for only another decade. In about 1921, Ella Rosa Crum sold the property to William Lee, who demolished the Roselawn and constructed the Lee Building in 1922.

The legacy of Wilbur Fisk Burts was short-lived; as Wells wrote, “It seems that Mr. Burts did not receive at the hands of his fellow citizens the recognition that his energy and ability entitled him.”

Perhaps we can change that.

Sources include Quintilla Geer Bruton and David E. Bailey, Plant City; Its Origin and History; U.S. Census Bureau; Ancestry.com; The Courier, (June 17, 1931); and William Magann, oral interview.

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

SPRING MUSIC LESSONS

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Plant City’s First Baptist Church

10 PlantCityObserver.com CHRISTMAS TRADITION

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

First United Methodist singers spread holiday cheer A joyous congregation gathered to celebrate Christmas early with a special Children’s Pro-

gram Dec. 2, at First United Methodist Church.

Youth singers sang traditional Christmas melo-

dies, such as “Silent Night!

Holy Night!” and “We Wish you a Merry Christmas.”

Some of the children performed solos or read Scripture that told the story of Christmas.

Gabby Morin shared the story of Christmas.

Children sang Christmas songs for the First United Methodist Church’s Children’s Program.

Children’s Choir and Readers Alyvia Amaro Zee Amaro Katelynn Briggs Robert Briggs Brent Calero Logan Calero Michael Calero Darius Dunphy Alicia Duarte Daniella Duarte Lizbeth Duarte Miriam Duarte Rey Duarte Micah Funk Brittany Fussel Emir Garcia Nelizabeth Garcia Tyler Goethals Noah Huffman Jamie Jimenez Helen Juarez Rachel Juarez Ian Lane Becca Morin Gabby Morin Ethan Parrish Daniel Perez German Perez Chaz Petersen Colleen Petersen Collin Petersen Lilly Scheuerle

Tyler Goethals also performed a solo.

Left: Colleen Petersen had a solo.

keepsakes by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Our community’s next generation of firefighters will be prepared to save lives.

Students in Hillsborough Community College’s fire academy learn the lifesaving and structure-saving skills to prepare them for real-life situations. By combining classroom instruction with simulated emergency conditions, our students gain the advanced knowledge and techniques needed to successfully answer the call of duty. With small class sizes, affordable tuition, and guaranteed transferability to state universities, it’s easy to see why more than 47,000 students choose HCC.

Vince Williams admired this homemade ornament.

Grace United hosts Candy Cane Lane

Hillsborough Community College is an equal access/equal opportunity educational institution. hccfl.edu/equity

Visit hccfl.edu/registernow.

HCC_PlantCity_OBS_6.8x10BW_Fire.indd 1

97270

Crocheted animals, jewelry and other knickknacks and collectibles filled tables for Candy Cane Lane Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, at Grace United Methodist Church.

The church, located off Cherry Street across from the Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus, has held the event for more than 30 years.

Some items are donated to be sold, while others are made by members of the church.

Nancy Williams loved Proceeds benefit the women’s this cute snowman group of Grace United Method- decoration. ist, which provides backpacks to students in need at the beginning of the school year, and the United Methodist Children’s Home.

Grace United Methodist Church holds a worship service at 10 a.m. Sundays. A special Christmas Eve service will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 24.

11/27/12 2:59 PM

Nelda Johnson was the woman responsible for making these adorable crocheted animals.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

acting up

11

by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Annika Ellenbogen starred as Emma in “The Role of Della.”

Right: The Night of One Acts featured student actors of all skill levels.

Strawberry Crest thespians shine Students enrolled in Strawberry Crest High School’s drama classes took center stage Nov. 30, during the school’s Night of One Acts.

The night featured four different one-act productions — “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fifth Period,” “The Role of Della,” “Perfect Score” and “Dinner with the MacGuffins.” Each production was directed by a student and featured casts comprising both veterans and stage newcomers.

Olivia Houghtalin starred as Shelly in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fifth Period.”

CHOiCE MEATS PRODUCE GROCERiES

Sinead Stephens portrayed the hippie Ivy in “Perfect Score.”

Katrina Grosskopf portrayed Hannah in “Perfect Score.”

Harrison Strickland and Aaron Grinsley were two of the stars in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Fifth Period.”

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WALKER PLAZA • 617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City • (813) 752-1548 Mon.– Sat. 7am – 9pm Sun. 7am – 8pm • www.FeltonsMarket.com • Prices Valid December 5 - December 11, 2012

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12 PlantCityObserver.com

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

WELCOME

all aboard submitted by Gil Gott | Contributor

By Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Photo Archives Admirals Club sets sail with evening reception Members of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center’s Admirals Club enjoyed a nautical-themed reception Nov. 29, at the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, in Historic Downtown Plant City.

Guests donned their best nautical attire and enjoyed an evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine and good company.

Residents and their guests enjoyed an afternoon of live music, prizes and snacks.

Plant City Observer owners Felix Haynes and Ed Verner, former state Rep. Rich Glorioso and City Commissioner Bill Dodson

Stone Ledge Manor hosts open house Stone Ledge Manor, an assisted living and memory care facility in Thonotosassa, treated residents and guests to a fun-filled open house Dec. 1. The event featured plenty of treats, raffle prizes and live entertainment.

Nedine Sims loved listening to the music.

The dining room at Stone Ledge Manor is decked out for Christmas.

Courtesy photos

Plant City Photo Archives & History Center Executive Director Gil Gott, Darcy Stottlemyer, Amanda Verner and Anne Haywood

Right: Glenda Northcutt provided musical entertainment.

First Baptist Church Dover

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!

Merry Christmas From Our Families To Yours!

Left to Right: Rev. Rolla Utley, Rev. Kevin Parker, Rev. Ken Caffey, Dr. Benny E. Keck, Rev. Billy Bellott, Rev. Luis Ramirez

97264

3223 N. Gallagher Rd. • Dover, FL 33527 www.firstbaptistdover.org

An Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 16, 2012, 10:30 a.m.

Childcare provided.

First held on Christmas Eve, 1918, at King’s College, Cambridge, this holiday tradition has spread throughout the world as a blessed way to prepare for the arrival of our Savior on Christmas morning.

You are invited to join our congregation and gifted choir as we ‘look forward to the yearly remembrance of Christ’s birth with hymns and songs of praise.’

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302 N Carey Street, Plant City 813 752-5061 On Baker Street (92 West), 1/2 mile west of Wheeler Street (SR 39), at the corner of Carey Street

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St Peter’s Episcopal Church

813.719.2273

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

13

one fine day by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Margret Vest, Craig Albertson and Freddie Walters enjoyed the event.

Richard Damschen, Richard Parrish, James Selvey and Richard Diaz. All are Realtors or former Realtors.

MacDonald Training Center celebrates Christmas luncheon The MacDonald Training Center at James Ranch held its 34th annual Christmas luncheon Dec. 3, at Plant City’s First Baptist Church.

The luncheon was sponsored by the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors Inc. Nancy Wingate was the mistress of ceremonies, and foun-

dation chair Richard Diaz welcomed guests with a few words.

“This event is a way to celebrate the Christmas season and is also a fundraising event to raise money to support the MacDonald Training Center,” Diaz said.

MTC is a non-profit organization that empowers people with disabilities to live the lives they

choose. MTC is dedicated to continuously improving the quality of the vocational, employment and residential services they provide to people with developmental disabilities in the Tampa Bay area.

The Plant City location, called James Ranch, is located at 2902 Cork Road.

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Don’t Miss These Special Editions!

Eric Gooms and Sawn Liebler enjoyed the luncheon.

GET YOUR ADVANCE TICKETS TODAY • www.flstrawberryfestival.com

Early Holiday Deadlines for

The Observers

William Corsi came dressed for the special occasion.

FEB. 28 - MAR. 10, 2013 • PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

®

December 20, Christmas Issue Deadline: Tuesday, December 11, 4pm December 27, Year in Pictures Deadline: Wednesday, December 12, 4pm January 3, Look Ahead to 2013 Deadline: Thursday, December 13, 4pm To reserve space or for questions, contact your Observer advertising representative

BLAKE SHELTON

813.704.6850 Happy Holidays from all your friends at The Observer The Observer office will be closed from Dec. 24 until Jan. 2 PLANT CITY

Observer This week’s Crossword answers

SCOTTY McCREERY

DWIGHT YOAKAM

Artists Appearing on the Soundstage: Order: www.flstrawberryfestival.com or 813-754-1996

Thu. Feb. 28 10:30 Thu. Feb. 28 3:30 Thu. Feb. 28 7:30

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14 PlantCityObserver.com

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

OBSERVEROBITUARIES Tomlin’s Bethanne Pearce remembered for dedication tribute by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Robert E. Garrett

Robert E. Garrett, 87, of Plant City, died Nov. 22.

He was born April 1, 1925, in Baltimore, Md. He married Helen L. (Thompson), who is deceased.

Mr. Garrett was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked as a printer for the federal government for more than 30 years, including working on the Manhattan Project during World War II. Robert and his wife, Helen, will be interred together at Florida National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 302 Carey St., Plant City, FL. 33563.

Leota Cain Miley Mauersberg

Leota Cain Miley Mauersberg, formerly of Plant City and North Fort Myers, died Nov. 29, in Easton, Md., from stroke-related complications.

Mrs. Mauersberg was born Dec. 29, 1934, in Plant City, to Athal and Quincy Cain. She later married her childhood sweetheart, Kenneth Miley, and moved to North Fort Myers, where they founded Miley’s Diesel Service Inc., a Caterpillar marine parts and service dealership.

They also raised their son, Steve, who worked with them in the family business.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Mauersberg, of Easton, Md.; a son, Steve (Donna) Miley, of North Fort

Myers; a brother Harold (Betty) Cain, of Lake Wales; a grandson, Greg Miley, of North Fort Myers; and a multitude of extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Athal and Quincy; grandson, Stephen Miley; and her beloved first husband, Kenneth.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Dec. 7, at Haught Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

For 33 years, Bethanne Pearce was a favorite teacher and beloved faculty member at Tomlin Middle School.

On Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day, Pearce died after a short battle with cancer.

“She loved her kids, she loved her community and she was a very good teacher,” Tomlin Principal Susan Sullivan said.

Pearce began as an ESE teacher at Tomlin, teaching special-education students. After 10 years, she became the ESE specialist, in charge of the department, and handled schedules, testing and ensuring the classes were following state and federal guidelines — all while still teaching three classes.

In the classroom, she upheld her rules but offered fun incentives to push the students to achieve. Pearce also was active outside of her classroom. She organized the eighth-grade dance. She matched any funds her students raised for Relay for Life. She led the annual canned food drive for the United Food Bank of Plant City. Last year, she helped collect 7,400 pounds of canned food. This year, the school is trying to reach a goal of 8,000 pounds.

“That’s the thing I remember most about her, was the canned food drive,” Sullivan said. “She always volunteered whenever I needed her, and she never wanted recognition for all of her work.”

Pearce was diagnosed with cancer in August. She waited to start chemotherapy in October, because her mother recently had heart surgery. Pearce wanted to take care of her before starting her own treatment.

Dedicated to her job, Pearce was still at school the week before school let out for the Thanksgiving holiday.

“The last thing she said to me is, ‘I’ll see you on Monday,’” Sullivan said.

The sudden shock of Pearce’s death stunned the school.

Farrell Norton Roberts

Farrell Norton Roberts, 81, of Plant City, died Nov. 20.

Born July 15, 1931, in Gloucester, Mass., he was the son of the late Oscar Roberts and the late Kathleen Gray. He was the husband of Carolyn Swift Roberts.

Mr. Roberts was a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 until 1975, serving in Vietnam and receiving the Bronze Star Medal.

Mr. Roberts was active civically, with memberships in the Elks Lodge of Plant City (exalted ruler), American Legion, VFW and AMVETS. He was a superintendent of the Walden Lake Country Club.

Survivors include sons, Farrell, Lee, Bruce and Dean Roberts; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A graveside service was Nov. 30, at Florida National Cemetery, with full military honors.

The family wishes to acknowledge the outstanding care received by Cornerstone Hospice and asks that in lieu of flowers any who wish may donate to them in Mr. Roberts’ name.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Courtesy photo

Bethanne Pearce was a popular ESE teacher at Tomlin Middle School.

“It probably hit the faculty more than the kids, because some of them have worked with her for so long,” Sullivan said. “It was just so sudden. When I found out, I felt I had been kicked in the stomach.”

A crisis team was on Tomlin’s campus Nov. 26, for students and faculty. Former principals, students and teachers attended a service for Pearce Nov. 27, at Hope Weaver Church.

“She was a very giving, very generous person,” Sullivan said. “She was very loved and will be missed.”

In addition to teaching, Pearce loved her two dogs, traveling and her family: husband Richard and stepsons Trevor and Greg.

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Sports

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Plant City High’s kicker impressive at One Buc Place. 19

PLANTCITYObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

girl basketball by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Strawberry Crest team is young but talented With no seniors and only two juniors, the Lady Chargers are one of the youngest teams in the county but have talent beyond their years.

Matt Mauney

Aliyah Gregory is one of the leaders on a young Lady Chargers basketball team this year.

There’s zero seniors and just two juniors. The rest is filled out by freshmen and sophomores.

When looking down the roster, you would think you’re looking at the roster of a junior varsity team.

But, this is the varsity roster of the Strawberry Crest girls’ basketball team.

Despite not having a veteran group full of three- and four-year starters, the Lady Chargers bring plenty of talent to the floor.

Strawberry Crest began the sea-

son on a roll, going 5-0 and outscoring opponents 323-134. Since then, the Lady Chargers have dropped three straight, including a hard-fought loss to undefeated Sickles Tuesday night at home.

Talent can go a long way, but experience generally goes further.

There are several players on this year’s team who have some quality playing experience, but according to head coach La’Tosha Lewis, her team will have to start relying on that experience and believing

in themselves.

“We’re a very talented group, but sometimes, my players are lacking confidence on the floor and are unsure of themselves,” she said.

“What has really cost us in most of the games is our free-throw shooting and turnovers.”

Both of those negated a possible win over Sickles for their first loss of the season. Strawberry Crest missed 15 free throws, including

SEE BASKETBALL / PAGE 16

show me the mauney

Small town attracts big sports events

When I first got this job at the end of May and learned I would be moving to Plant City and covering the sports scene there, I started scouring the web to find out what exactly that scene entailed.

From descriptions in my interview and with a little research, I saw many similarities between Plant MATT City and the MAUNEY three small, hometown cities I covered in Northeast Georgia for my previous newspaper. It was obvious high school football was a big deal down here, as well as high school sports in general.

Prep sports is a natural beat for a community newspaper, but I also wanted to find out what else Plant City had to offer.

What I found then — and what I continue to see — is that Plant City is a major player as a host city for big events, and that’s impressive for a city of our size.

Take, for instance, the United Youth Football League national championship tournament going on this week at the Otis. M. Andrews Sports Complex. That event brought around 140 teams from around the country to compete, along with their family members and friends.

On top of bringing in a

SEE MAUNEY / PAGE 16

CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor Photos by Matt Mauney

Zamir Knighten (4) was one of the smaller players on the field for the Plant City Raiders, but he had some nice moves against the Oak Leaf Knights (Jacksonville).

PIGSKIN PARTY Youth teams from throughout the country migrated to Plant City for the United Youth Football League National Championships.

Gunner Thomas and Chase Lawson recovered this onside kick for the Plant City Dolphins junior varsity team in its game with the Buffalo Ravens (Buffalo, N.Y.).

The next crop of national high school, college and maybe even NFL stars are lacing up their cleats and strapping on their shoulder pads this week, at Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex.

The Plant City complex is hosting the United Youth Football League National Championships, which features 110 youth football teams from 22 states. Players, ranging from ages 6 to 16, came to Plant City for the second consecutive year through a partnership

with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department.

The tournament began Dec. 2 and will conclude Saturday with the final championship games. A national cheerleading competition featuring 110 cheer squads also will be held in Hillsborough County Dec. 8, at the University of South Florida Sun Dome in Tampa.

SEE FOOTBALL / PAGE 18

16 PlantCityObserver.com

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

MAUNEY/PAGE 15

MAUNEY/PAGE 15

A total of 140 teams registered for the UYFL tournament, with 110 actually making the trip down to Plant City. That total eclipses last year’s tournament, which drew 99 teams.

The large field consisted of teams from Chicago, New York, Charlotte, Detroit and more. In that field, some of the best young football players competed on the Otis Andrews multipurpose fields, which were converted into six regulation football fields.

Several local team also got into the action, with the benefit of competing against some of the best teams in the nation without having to travel far to do it.

Local teams included two Plant City Dolphins teams — Mitey-Mites and Junior Midgets — two Plant City Eagles teams (Beesville) — Cadets and 15U — and the 10U Plant City Raiders, who will be playing for the championship Friday.

Ron Maxwell, the president of the UYFL, said many of the programs that are currently involved with the organization used to be involved with similar organizations, such as Pop Warner, and that those organizations also have their national tournaments in Florida because of the state’s weather.

“We decided, rather than competing with those tournaments, let’s

great and prestigious tournament, this also means big money for the local economy here, with hotel stays, gas purchases, entertainment and shopping.

With the International Softball Federation calling Plant City home, there are several big softball tournaments on the calendar that will take place at the impressive Plant City Stadium and Randy L. Larson Softball FourPlex, including the ISF men’s fast and slow pitch tournaments in January that will bring teams from across the nation.

The complex also will host the National Softball Association Winter World Series for men’s softball in February.

When it comes to hosting large baseball tournaments, Plant City has that covered, too. Five USSSA youth baseball tournaments will bring hundreds to our city in February and March.

Also during that time, the National Club Baseball and Softball Association will hold their college spring training here. More than 60 teams are expected during a four- to five-week timeframe this year. Participants will include baseball teams from Michigan State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Kentucky and the University of Missouri, just to name a few.

It doesn’t stop there.

The Florida Suncoast Sports youth baseball tournament will be held here in March, along with an Amateur Athletic Union travel ball youth baseball tournament.

The Florida Suncoast Sports President’s Cup soccer tournament also will call Plant City home in February.

So how why does Plant City attract so many statewide and national tournaments? It’s rather simple.

The facilities here are just top-notch, and that’s something that is notable in its own right considering the relatively small size of the Recreation and Parks Department. On top of great facilities, Plant City is blessed with a great location.

Plant City is close enough to the hustle and bustle of the major Tampa Bay market — but far enough away so teams can feel at home and comfortable while they are down here.

The economic impact that these events bring is significant. Even if teams end up staying in hotels outside of Plant City, they still are likely to fill their gas tanks and grab a few bites to eat while they’re here.

Plant City may be small compared to some other regional spots, but when it comes to sports, this town is setting a high standard.

Matt Mauney

Alex Ramirez ran tough for the Plant City Eagles (Beesville) 15U team in their game against the Eastside Ravens (Baltimore, Md.).

adds a boost to the local economy.

“With the teams staying in hotels and going to the store and buying Gatorade or water and, of course, fuel, or going out to eat, it’s a huge impact to our community to help our local businesses,” Holland said.

Maxwell said that he has been pleased with Otis M. Andrews Park.

“It was basically a soccer complex that we turned into a football complex with the help of Plant City, who have been tremendous in helping us make this happen,” he said.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver.com.

BASKETBALL/PAGE 15

97243

go to the other coast and hold ours there, so we contacted the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and they’ve been great in setting us up here for the past two years,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell noted that Plant City had the ideal location — close to Tampa and still not too far away from the Orlando attractions.

“It’s right off the highway and is just a perfect location,” he said.

Jack Holland, director of the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department, said being able to provide the facilities for the UYFL national championship is a boon for Plant City and

key ones in the fourth quarter, and turned the ball over late in the game that led to easy transition points for Sickles.

“When some of our key players started to foul out, we started to give up transition baskets,” Lewis said.

The program Lewis is building has grown steadily since the school opened in 2009. After a 0-21 inaugural season, the Lady Chargers went 15-12 in 2010-11.

Last season, Strawberry Crest went 11-11 after moving up from Class 4A to 6A. Both of those .500-or-better teams only had one senior each, so this year’s senior-less group is not unfamiliar territory for Lewis.

“I had five freshmen last year and four starting for me,” she said.

This year’s 5-0 start was the best in school history, but the Lady Chargers now find themselves at 5-3 after their threegame skid against Steinbrenner, Armwood and Sickles.

Those three teams have a combined 17-1 record this season.

Despite the losses, those powerhouses serve as an inspiration for Lewis and her Lady Chargers, and she expects to make her young program into a powerhouse team in the upcoming years.

With a young but talented team, that outcome is likely.

Junior Aliyah Gregory is one of the leaders for the young Lady Chargers. The 5-11 shooting guard/power forward was a First Team Western Conference selection last season and set a school record for 31 points in a single game.

Gregory scored 22 in a valiant effort against Sickles Tuesday, while sophomore Maiya Trigg contributed 19 points.

Gregory is just one of two juniors on this year’s team, with point guard Sonia Correa as the other. The rest of the team comprises four sophomores and four freshmen.

What those younger players may not have in varsity playing experience, they make up for in talent, including 5-9 freshman Terra Brooks, who was also a standout for the Strawberry Crest varsity volleyball team this year.

The road ahead isn’t an easy one for the Lady Chargers, with rematches against Sickles and Armwood and the Seffner Christian Christmas Tournament Dec. 21-22, but Lewis remains optimistic her team can go far.

“My younger players coming up are unsure right now when it comes to confidence,” she said. “The only thing I can do to get them more mature is practice. In practice, I’ve got my older ones going up against my younger players to push them and emulate a game. I told them that if you don’t have confidence in yourself, no one else can have confidence in you.”

Strawberry Crest will look to snap their three-game losing streak and pick up their first Class 6A District 11 win Friday at home against King.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver. com.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

BEST OF THE BAY

17

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Durant’s Austin Haley fought hard against last year’s state champ.

Teams learn, improve at Cougar Invitational Osceola High (Kissimmee) was dominant at the 17th annual Cougar Invitational wrestling tournament Dec. 1, at the Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr. Agricultural Show Center on the Strawberry Festival grounds.

The Cowboys took first place at the 26-team tournament, which was hosted by Durant.

The 26-team field consisted of some of the best teams from Florida and Georgia.

Osceola scored 258 points as a team, well ahead of second place Camden County (Ga.) and Winter Springs.

Host Durant finished in 13th place as a team with 92 points.

Austin Haley, of Durant, finished third at 126, beating Palm

Durant’s Darrien Kelly was coming off a first-place finish at the Tiger Invitational Nov. 17.

Harbor’s Mike May by a 3-0 decision in the third-place match.

Darrien Kelly finished in fourth in the 132-pound weight class, while Matthew Millard took sixth at 160.

Strawberry Crest joined the Cougars as the other local team to take part in the individualbracketed tournament. The young Chargers team finished in 25th place, but new head coach Ryan Joyce saw some things he liked about the way his team Durant’s Keith Watford would be eliminated Durant’s Evan Booher won this match over Springstead competed. in a 7-4 decision to Lake Highland Prep’s High’s Robert Holdway by a 9-2 decision.

“They’re starting to buy into Conner Andrew in Consolation Round 5. what we’re trying to do,” Joyce said. “This was a great tourna- may not look good, but every Glenn had the top performances Dec. 8, when it hosts a six-way ment for us, because it showed loss we had will translate to wins for the Chargers at the tourna- dual featuring Bloomingdale, me our flaws and where we can later this season.” ment.

Chamberlain, Plant, Sickles and improve. On paper, the results T.J. MacNamee and Tyler Durant will be back in action Tampa Bay Tech.

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Plant city observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

SIDELINES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

BASKETBALL + Strawberry Crest boys down Sickles The Strawberry Crest boys basketball team moved to the .500 mark with an impressive 61-49 win over Sickles Dec. 4, in Dover.

Junior guard Malik Channer led the Chargers with 20 points, along with 10 assists, giving him a double-double.

Karel Hamilton contributed 14 points in the win, while fellow senior guard Devin Diggs had 12 points.

With that performance, Diggs passed the 1,000point mark for his high school career.

The Chargers played a guard-heavy lineup against Sickles, and according to head coach Andre Lewis, they played their first complete game for four quarters.

“We’ve played very well at times this season, but this was the first game that we played well for all four quarters,” he said. “We were patient and poised with our offense all night.”

Strawberry Crest (2-2, 1-1 Class 6A District 11) will be back in action Dec. 7, when they host King.

SOCCER

The boys team improved to 4-1-1 on the season and 2-0-1 in Class 4A District 9 play and faced Freedom High after press time Dec. 5.

The Strawberry Crest girls soccer team fell to 2-4-3 on the season with a 4-1 loss at East Bay. The Lady Chargers fell behind 3-0 in that game at the half and traded goals with the Lady Indians in the second half. The Lady Chargers also hosted Freedom Dec. 5 after press time.

+ Plant City soccer to hold alumni night The Plant City boys soccer program will be holding an alumni night during its Dec. 14 game against Strawberry Crest.

This will be the second year head coach Chris Black has held an alumni night. Last year’s event saw 33 former players attend.

There are several Plant City alum who are former college players or currently playing in the college ranks, including Black’s son, A.J., and Cameron Roberts, the younger brother of PCHS girls soccer coach Caleb Roberts.

Both play for Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, which recently competed in the NCCAA Men’s National Tournament in Kissimmee.

+ Strawberry Crest boys get win over East Bay The Strawberry Crest High boys soccer team picked up a 4-1 win Dec. 3, at East Bay.

athlete of the week

It took Jorge Navarrete’s little brother Tebo, to convince him to compete in the local NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition in late September. It’s a good thing he did, because Navarrete went on to win that competition, take first at the sectional competition Oct. 7 and eventually win the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team competition Nov. 25, at Raymond James Stadium for the 14-15 boys age group. Navarrete, a sophomore, is also the varsity kicker for Plant City High School.

So how did all of this come about at the local competition?

I was just out there supporting my younger brother, and he and some of my friends wanted me to do it. I didn’t really want to, honestly, but I ended up doing it and getting a decent score. I wasn’t even going to turn my score sheet in, but by brother took it from me and turned it in.

What was the sectional tournament like at One Buc Place?

It was cool getting to see the fields where the Buccaneers practiced. That was fun.

What was the team championship like?

It was cool, because I’ve never been to Raymond James Stadium.

It was fun going with my little brother and my dad, and we were all excited when I won.

Overall, what was the experience like?

It all really came down to my little brother and making him happy. Seeing him smile and tell people, “That’s my big brother,” made me feel good. I wasn’t really trying to get anything out of it, but what I did, I enjoyed.

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What was the actual competition like?

Honestly, it was a little different, because I kick for the high school team, and the equipment they use in the competition was different than what I’m used to.

How long have you been kicking?

This last season was my first year.

How long have you been playing soccer?

Since I was 3 or 4, but I’m getting more into football now.

What’s the biggest difference between playing soccer and being a football kicker?

There’s a lot more pressure in football, because you may only get one chance to prove yourself.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing sports?

I love to read. I read books like crazy.

What’s your favorite type of book?

I like war books.

Any other hobbies?

I like designing clothes. I like looking at examples and seeing how detailed they are. You can tell they put a lot of work into it.

A nEGATIVE PUZZLE by Kathy Islund

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

JD

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Jorge Navarrete

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D

1. E M A X

19

PGT

58 60 61 62 63 64

G LV W S L K AT V. ” 66

Big cat hybrid Freezing cold Inclination The peacock network A sister of Clio Eat at the beach?

Bullfighters’ entrance march “ ___ the ramparts ...”

Unconditionally Actress Charlotte of “The Facts of Life” Not intentional Linen sale purchase Garbage emanations The last one brings it up Yodeler’s mountain Rock for miners Liquidation sale Sea eagles Prefix meaning “new” Journalist Shriver Little troublemakers ___ Beach, Calif.

Powerful canine Barry of Green Beret ballad fame Tylenol target Make a decision Sing Sing disorder St. ___ (largest U.S. Virgin Island) Samurai, e.g.

Bridge supports Unpopular spots Tenth anniversary gift Deg. for an executive He’ll rub you the right way Greek letter after pi

67 Warning from the 122 Middle Eastern country on the Red postal service Sea 71 Genes material 123 Country crooner 72 Confession Tucker receivers 74 Jed Clampett’s find 124 ___ a clue (is naive) 75 Crumb runner 76 Letterman’s house? dOwn 77 The golden calf 1 What most college and others professors desire 2 One with pressing 78 Cut in thin strips, issues? as carrots 3 Certain meter 81 Ecological reader community 4 Marine mammals 82 Remove flawed with webbed feet ones 5 Prolific romance 83 Sales ___ writer Roberts (company agent, 6 Less harsh 7 Joule fraction for short) 8 Forfeiture 84 Buttonhole, e.g.

9 Potato named after 85 Intensely hot its state 86 Old word for 10 Discourage from 75-Across proceeding 88 Confused 11 Brief quarrel 90 ___ in comparison 12 Lancelot du ___ 92 Posed a question (knight of the 94 Hallow ending?

Round Table) 13 Burnout result 95 Window frame 14 Formerly, on the 99 New Testament wedding page section 15 Big fusses 101 Plus additional 16 Accuracy required things 17 Face hardship 104 Beatty in bravely “Network” 18 Family emblems 105 Spread in a tub 24 Twice as dumb 25 Rain in buckets 106 Odd-numbered 30 More than exalts page, often 33 ___ Beach, Fla. 107 Asian goatlike 35 Vegas game animal featuring shooters 109 Design in advance 36 What Santa checks 111 Nest egg option, twice briefly 37 Horse’s nibble 112 Warning from a TV 41 Indifferent to right announcer and wrong 43 Evil spell 117 Qtr. starter 44 Sculling need 118 “Bye!” 45 What to call an 119 Legendary elderly gentleman McQueen 46 Philosophy in an 120 Credits as a source Orwell novel 121 “With all ___ 48 From Dublin respect ...”

49 Kind of neckwear

50 Way out of date 51 Warning on some keys 52 Tell a tall tale 56 Enormous, destructive wave 58 Takes first place 59 Band of geishas?

60 Time you can’t relive 62 Rocky crags 64 Male lion’s distinction 65 Put on a scale of 1 to 10 67 Secluded valleys 68 Rogaine alternative 69 Wire measure 70 Camper’s water flask 73 Height of sanctity 76 Evergreen tree 78 Yanks 79 Yale collegian 80 Vote down 81 Jazz genre 83 “All ___!” (court phrase) 85 Icy wasteland 87 Prefix for “content” 89 Like some divers 90 “End of story!”

91 Quick impression 93 Big bucks?

95 “Houseboat” actress Loren 96 Metes out 97 Mariners 98 “I’m telling you the truth!”

100 “Without delay,” facetiously 102 Lovers’ engagement 103 Terra ___ 107 “Star Trek” phaser setting 108 Timely question?

110 ___-A-Sketch 113 Poetic form 114 Game played with counters 115 It props up a golf ball 116 League of 79-Down

CROSSWORD_120612

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

97532

20 PlantCityObserver.com