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OUR TOWN
HEROES FOR HAYDEN by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Shoebox float winner honors Hayden Jackson Trapnell’s float was dedicated to Hayden Hitchcock, who recently died from an accident in a strawberry field.
+ Keller Williams flushes out cancer
There were a few raised eyebrows Thursday, March 19, at the Plant City Keller Williams office. Some customers and guests were confused by a toilet in the lobby. But it wasn’t just any toilet. It was a purple bedazzled toilet gifted by Hillsborough Title through a Plant City Relay for Life fundraiser. Before Keller Williams could have it removed, the office had to raise money to “Flush Out Cancer.” It was extra special because Keller Williams was also celebrating a groom shower for its very own Tres Hall and his fiancee Jaimie, who gained insight on how crazy real estate can be. Keller Williams quickly raised over $100 and had the potty sent to another business.
Jackson Trapnell, 7, decided to enter the Shoebox Float contest at the Florida Strawberry Festival for the first time this year. But his motivation was more than just the opportunity to win a trophy. Trapnell’s grandfather, Theodore Knight, used to work at Parkesdale Farms. He was so valued as an unofficial member of the Parke family that when he received a cancer diagnosis, the Parkes threw him an appreciation party and fundraiser at the farm.
So when Trapnell found out that the four-year-old grandson of Parkesdale’s owners, Hayden Hitchcock, died after falling under a truck at a strawberry field in January, he wanted to show that he cared. Just as the Parkes had comforted Knight and his family before Trapnell was even born, Trapnell wanted to show his support for the Parkes in their time of need. Trapnell’s shoebox float, displayed with other entries in a glass case just across the hall from Parksdale Farms’ booth
at the festival, won first place in his age group. It had a superhero theme. “I knew he liked superheroes, and it touched my heart,” Trapnell said. The back of the float had Hayden’s name and a Captain America shield. “He wore Captain America everything. He had the shield, he had it all,” Matt Parke, who oversees farm operations for Parkesdale Farms, said.
SEE HAYDEN / PAGE 4
education by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Independence Academy opens new campus on McIntosh Road
QUEEN FOR A YEAR
A series of delays pushed back the move, but the school is now located at U.S. Highway 92 and McIntosh Road.
+ Commision debate planned
The Plant City Area Democratic Club will be hosting a debate between two Plant City Commission candidates. The debate will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Mary Yvette Thomas Mathis is the incumbent. She is in administration at Marshall Middle School and previously served as mayor. Challenger Hasani Jackson is a teacher at Simmons Career Center. The format will include a moderator and three panelists. Questions from the audience will be solicited. Contact President Gerri Smith at (813) 720-5304 for more information.
+ Simmons PSA recognized
Hawk Media Club and Simmons Career Center were honored at an awardwinning Service Day event earlier this month for a PSA
OUR TOWN / PAGE 4
, 3&
This week’s winner is
Linda Hunter
See her photo on PAGE 15.
Catherine Sinclair
Matt Parke accepted Jackson Trapnell’s shoebox float on behalf of Parkesdale Farms.
Catherine Sinclair
Chloe Tew, 15, was crowned as the 2015 Miss Blueberry Queen Saturday, March 21, at Keel and Curley Winery. The third annual pageant had seven age groups and benefitted Fierce Athletics, a Plant City nonprofit organization that helps girls and young women pay for athletic programs that they might not be able to afford otherwise. For more photos go to page 8.
After two delays, Independence Academy said “goodbye” to its campus of small portable buildings off of Alexander Street near Interstate 4, and “hello” to a large, stateof-the-art campus at U.S. Highway 92 and McIntosh Road March 16. Independence Academy, formerly Shiloh Charter School, was initially set to move to its new building in Dover at the beginning of this school year, but permitting issues pushed back the move. It was rescheduled for December. Unusually heavy autumn rains delayed construction even further. The new campus is expected to accommodate more than 300 additional students by the 2016-2017 school year. For principal Shane Clark, the safety features at the new campus are key. At the old campus, there were many openings through which strangers could enter the school grounds. This is no longer the case. “The number one thing about the new campus is the security we have here,” Clark said. “There’s no possibility of
BY THE NUMBERS 3: Number of classrooms dedicated to the arts
4: Number of computer labs
38: Current number of
teachers (up to 12 additional teachers could be hired next year)
40: Total number of classrooms
600: Approximate current number of students
950: Total number of stu-
dents the new campus can accommodate
some random person walking into our building.” There is only one door through which visitors may enter, and they first have to buzz in to notify the office of their arrival. After passing through the first door, their only option is to go through the school’s main office. There is no direct access to the interior of the school.
SEE SCHOOL / PAGE 4
SHOW ME THE BUNNY by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
City offers Easter festival, egg hunt The 26th annual egg hunt is free for children under age 12. It’s time to dust off those Easter baskets and get ready for the fun-filled flurry of Plant City’s city-wide egg hunt, which will take place Saturday, April 4. “It definitely has a longstanding history with the city and with our department, as
well as the Optimist Club,” Tim Hanlon, assistant program manager for the Recreation and Parks Department, said. This will be the 26th year that the City of Plant City has organized the event. The event starts at 10 a.m.
with a show by magician and balloon artist Luis Campaneria of A-1 Magic. Then children will split into four age groups to hunt for eggs containing candy and coupons for local businesses.
SEE EASTER / PAGE 4
Catherine Sinclair
Children can have lunch inside or out by the playground.
INDEX Calendar.......................2
Vol.2,No.36 | Onesection Crossword...................15
Obituaries...................11
Sports.........................12
Weather......................15
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Spaghetti Dinner — takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Lebanon Baptist Church, 110 N. Forbes Road. The dinner is a fundraiser for a revival April 29 to May 2. Garlic bread, spaghetti, dessert and a drink will be served. Adult plates are $8 and child plates are $4. (813) 752-2006. The Story: A Dramatic Musical Portrayal — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road. (813) 7524591. Uncork Your Friday! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Arts Council Chili Cook-off — takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the
historic Robert W. Willaford Train Museum in downtown Plant City. For $5, sample various types of chili and Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe chocolate. Entertainment by Dance Connection. Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Olin S. Wright Lodge #79, 304 Acadia Drive. A $15 donation includes dinner, a drink and dessert. The Great Egg Safari — takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 CR 39 S. (813) 737-3053. Lynn Lipham Poker Run Fundraiser — takes place beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at Cuzzins Bar, 111 S. Palmer St., Plant City. The run is a benefit for Lynn Lipham, who was in an car accident in February. The run will be at various Plant City and Lakeland bars. Contact Tara for more information at (813) 440-0610. Skip Frye Blues Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100. Texas Hold ‘Em Fundraiser — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Walden Lake Golf & Country Club, 2001 Clubhouse Drive. In a joint effort
to raise some money for Plant City High School athletics, the Raider baseball and football teams are joining forces to host a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament. The buy-in will be $100 per seat, with re-buys available, and tables can be sponsored for $150 per table. There will be a limited number of seats at the event. Call Armand Cotnoir at (813) 967-7417. Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.
SUNDAY, MARCH 29 Easter Egg Hunt — takes place beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 29, at Antioch Park, 8510 Franklin Road. There will be inflatables, face painting, candy and a cookout. AntiochRedskins.org. Florida’s Our Little Miss Preliminary Pageant — takes place beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at the Boys & Girls Club, 213 N. Knights Ave., Brandon. Registration starts at 12 p.m. floridasolm.com.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31 GriefShare — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Hope Lutheran Baptist Church, 2001 N. Park
Road. Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar and group discussion to help cope with the death of a loved one. (813) 752-4622. Heart Health Screenings — takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at the Community Resource Center of South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. No appointment necessary. Free. (813) 6446720. The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Plant City Local Harvest Farmers Market — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. PCLocalHarvestFarmersMarket. com. Read with Bonnie the Therapy Dog — takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Reading
To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday. with Bonnie can help children improve reading, communication skills and build confidence. For children of all ages. (813) 7579215.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 Commission Candidate Debate — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon Street. Teacher Hasani Jackson will debate with incumbent Mary Yvette Thomas Mathis. Contact President Gerri Smith at (813) 720-5304. Storytime — takes place begining at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 2, at the Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Enjoy an interactive story that involves dancing, rhyming and songs. For children 18 months to 5 years.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Jesus, Only Jesus — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at First Baptist Church of Dover, 322 N. Gallagher Road. The guest narrator is State Rep. Rachel Burgin. The musical event is free and open to the public. Seder Service — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 Terrace Drive. The Good Friday dinner is $10 for adults, $5 for kids or $30 per family. Tickets are limited. (813) 752-8345.
BEST BET Comedy for the Cure — takes place beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, March 27, at First Baptist Church of Midway, 2902 Midway Road. Concession runs until 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. The show benefits Plant City’s Relay for Life.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4 The Living Cross — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 4, and at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, April 5, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 Terrace Drive. Messiah in the Passover — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Faith Lighthouse Church, 3409 Paul Buchman Highway. There is free admission and limited seating. RSVP to (813) 545-37748. Munn Park Saints Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.
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governance by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Plant City’s Transportation Commission board seat at risk
Sen. Jeff Brandes is working to eliminate the representation of Plant City and Temple Terrace on the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission board.
The Public Transportation Commission has historically included one representative from the Plant City Commission, but Plant City could lose its spot on the board if a bill proposed by Sen. Jeff Brandes passes the state legislation. With Brandes’ (R-St. Petersburg) bill SB 1326, transportation network companies would be permitted to operate in Florida. These include Uber and Lyft, in which riders find drivers with the use of mobile apps. In Hillsborough County, the PTC regulates transportation issues. Brandes’ ultimate goal is to abolish the PTC. “First-class cities, like Tampa and St. Petersburg, deserve first-class services, like Uber and Lyft. Regulators should not stifle innovation,” Brandes wrote in a Facebook post this February. “It’s time to abolish the Hillsborough Public Transportation Commission.” In 2013, Brandes co-sponsored a bill that would have eliminated the Hillsborough County PTC. The bill did not pass, but he has said he expects to introduce a similar bill in 2016. This year, he is approaching the PTC at a different angle. SB 1326 would also change the composition of the PTC. The board comprises three
IN OTHER NEWS • Mayor Rick Lott and commissioners presented a proclamation to Civitan Youth Parade grand marshals Jackson Hardie and Kevin O’Hare. Though the parade was canceled from rain, Hardie and O’Hare were honored for their service and leadership with an invitation to participate in the Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade instead. • City Manager Mike Herr presented two options to the commission regarding utility extensions in the areas of the city that have the most commercial potential: Option A, to move forward with utilities
along County Line Road only; or Option B, to proceed with utilities along County Line Road as well as State Road 39. Based on its larger service area
Hillsborough County commissioners, two City of Tampa council members, one Temple Terrace commissioner and one Plant City commissioner, currently Billy Keel. Brandes’ proposition is for the board to comprise two Hillsborough County commissioners, one City of Tampa council member, and four Hillsborough County representatives selected by the governor. Kyle Cockream, executive director of the PTC, spoke at the Plant City Commission meeting Monday, March 23,
about this issue. “I truly believe that both municipalities have earned and do deserve a right to stay on that board and have a say in what goes on,” Cockream said. Cockream said he takes it personally when someone says Plant City doesn’t deserve a seat at the table. His son was born near Plant City and attended Strawberry Crest High School. Temple Terrace commissioners have written letters to state legislators who will have
Catherine Sinclair
and more promising potential for commercial development, the commission voted for Option A.
an impact on the bill’s success or failure. The Plant City commissioners will reach out to Rep. Dan Raulerson and Rep. Ross Spano. “I would like to propose that we need something similar to what Temple Terrace has done and draft it to all of the legislators that can handle this for us if possible,” Keel said. SB 1326 is currently being considered by the Regulated Industries committee at the capitol. Cockream and Keel hope to stop it before it advances much further.
‘BURTIFUL’ by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Jules Burt hopes her paintings will inspire the students at Focus 4 Beauty as artists in their own ways.
GREENER
ON THE OTHER SIDE
When students at Focus 4 Beauty Career Institute open the doors to their studio and classrooms, they are immediately reminded that their future career in cosmetology will be a way to make a living, but also a way to express themselves. After recently moving to a bigger, brighter space, Focus 4 Beauty can now flourish and fulfill its owners’ dreams of serving the community through beauty and service. And the help of a local artist has kept the mood whimsical and expressive, motivating students to be the best artists they can be. Jules Burt, known for her bold pop art, has decked the walls in her signature style. When Focus 4 Beauty first started at its studio on James L. Redman Parkway, it was confined to about one-fourth of the building. It expanded to fill the second floor, and eventually spilled onto the first floor. But the split between two levels caused disconnects. “It really just wasn’t conducive for what we needed,” coowner Paul Granville said. As more and more students
began to enroll at Focus 4 Beauty, Granville realized that the school was outgrowing its space. Plant City’s convenient location, central to Lakeland, Brandon and Tampa was attractive to many students, as well as its focus on community involvement and donating services to those in need. “We’re offering a big city education, but a small town feel,” Granville said. “Who wouldn’t want to do a job that makes people feel better about themselves?” During the holiday break this past December, Paul and Nanette Granville and their students relocated Focus 4 Beauty to 631 E. Alexander Street, in the Watson Clinic plaza. The new studio is three times as large as the old one, all on one floor. About 70 students are currently enrolled, but the bigger studio can accommodate twice that number. Granville expects clientele to increase because the building is right along a busy route. But in addition to providing a conveniently located and spacious studio for their stu-
Catherine Sinclair
Focus 4 Beauty has moved to a bigger and better studio, and local artist Jules Burt’s work livens up the walls. dents, the Granvilles wanted to decorate in a way that would foster an atmosphere of artistry and expression. “We wanted to find a way to display that feeling of creativity, and letting yourself go, and inspiration,” Paul said. The Granvilles searched, but did not find artwork that fit the purpose and coordinated with Focus 4 Beauty’s thematic palette of white, black and bright green. They realized that they would need to commission an artist to design custom work, and Jules Burt was the perfect candidate. Burt, known as “America’s Pop Art Diva,” is a Plant City native, but she is acclaimed throughout the United States for her paintings and sculptures. Burt’s work has appeared numerous times on television, including on the series “Friends,” where her paintings hang in the set of the Central Perk coffee shop. She once designed a line of ceramics that was available in Hallmark stores nationwide, and many of her pieces appear in hightraffic public places, such as the Tampa International Airport. Burt has known the Granvilles for about 10 years, and has been a longtime client of
services at Focus 4 Beauty. “I pop in any chance I get, in case I need a quick manicure or a quick blow dry,” Burt said. When the Granvilles approached Burt and asked her to create art for the new studio, she jumped at the opportunity, even though using just three colors wasn’t her usual style. She has created about 30 pieces so far — mostly paintings, but also two chandeliers for the skincare room. “I especially loved this project because ... I have been in and around a lot of people in the beauty business, and they’re artists in the same way,” Burt said. “It’s such a wonderful space, and they needed a lot of art.” Some of the paintings’ subjects are stylists’ tools, such as scissors, nail polish or hairspray. Others feature Burt’s iconic women’s faces, which she calls her “ladies.” “Every one of them in some way or another just captures what we’re all about,” Granville said. “Every time I’d go in there, the students would get excited, and I’d tell them, ‘You’re all artists,’” Burt said. “I’m just so proud of Paul and Nanette. It’s been a dream of theirs for a long time. ... To see them grow is just so exciting.”
NEWS BRIEFS + Man arrested for attempted murder
An 18-year-old Plant City man has been arrested by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force for a crime spree spanning three counties. Gregory Leon Ragins was captured March 10 on North 49th Street in Tampa. Ragins is a suspect in a March 6 Polk County shooting and armed robbery, a March 8 Osceola carjacking and an armed robbery in Hillsborough County March 9. Just before 9 p.m. March 6, Ragins entered the Prima Store at State Road 60 and County Line Road in Lakeland and made a purchase. Ragins left the store and got into his car. A witness leaving the store saw that he was holding a handgun. The witness tried to run back into the store, but Ragins shot him in the leg, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Ragins fled east on State Road 60 and pulled into the parking lot of the Hess Gas Station at 4785 W. S.R. 60. The passenger in the car, who has not yet been identified, approached a second victim and pointed a small silver handgun at him, demanding money. After the robbery, they fled west on State Road 60. Ragins was later identified through video surveillance images at the Prima Store. The Osceola carjacking and Hillsborough County robbery investigations are pending. At the time of his arrest, Ragins was in possession of a black 2012 Honda Accord, the vehicle that was taken during the carjacking, and a silver .32-caliber revolver, which matched the description of the gun used in the Polk County shooting. He also had a felony amount of marijuana in his pants pocket, a pistol grip shotgun, several credit cards, which were taken during an armed robbery in Hillsborough County, and cash. Ragins’ previous arrest history, all in Hillsborough County, includes two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct, failure to appear in court, robbery/home invasion, two counts of failure to appear in court and petit theft. He has been booked into the Hillsborough County Jail and charged with attempted murder by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Tampa Police also charged him with grand theft auto, carry concealed firearm, marijuana possession more than 20 grams and marijuana possession with intent to distribute.
+ Suspects arrested in jewelry, gun theft
Two suspects were arrested March 11 for a series of burglaries that occurred in February. Justin Norris, 19, of Seffner, and Charles Cameron, 43, of Plant City, were arrested on charges of armed burglary, grand theft of a firearm, dealing in stolen property and more, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. On Feb. 23, a burglary occurred at 1130 Radison Ave. in Sun City. Norris pried the front door open, breaking the door frame, according to a Sheriff’s Office report. Once inside the residence, he stole jewelry valued at more than $15,000. He pawned a pearl necklace and a gold necklace, Feb. 28 at South Shore Jewelers and received $115. The victim positively identified both necklaces as hers. On Feb. 26, Norris and Cameron pried open the rear utility-room door of a home in Plant City. They emptied jewelry into a pillow case and removed multiple firearms from the home. One of the firearms was a Smith & Wesson revolver. On March 2, detectives arrived at 6010 Williams Road in response to an unrelated burglary and came into contact with Norris and Cameron. Cameron was found to be
in possession of some of the victim’s stolen jewelry and the listed stolen revolver. A pawn check revealed that Norris pawned multiple pieces of jewelry March 2, at the South Bay Gold Buyers at 906 U.S. 41. Norris received $315 for the jewelry.
+ Suspect steals wallet at 7-Eleven
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office investigated a theft at the 7-Eleven convenience store at 12902 Newsome Road, in Dover. At about 12:50 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, the suspect entered the store. He then walked through the back of the store, entering the office area. The suspect then took the manager’s purse and entered the men’s restroom. He removed a wallet from the purse, as well as a deposit belonging to the store. The suspect left the purse in the restroom, but took the wallet and deposit with him. HCSO describes the suspect as a white male in his mid20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. He has blond hair. He left in a black vehicle with tinted windows.
+ Two identified from December homicide
The identities of two men who were found dead inside a South Johnson Street home Dec. 18, 2014, have been released. Lazaro Chiroy Chiroy, 37, and Rolando Chiroy Chiroy, 32, were found at 1:51 a.m. at 205 S. Johnson St. A citizen called the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and said they got a tip about a planned burglary at the residence, according to Plant City Police Department Sgt. Al Van Duyne. A Sheriff’s Office dispatcher transferred the call to Plant City police. When officers arrived, they found the two Hispanic men dead inside the home. Without providing additional details, police said the deaths were not a murder-suicide. “We believe that they were targeted; there’s no reason to believe there’s a threat to the community,” Van Duyne said. The house had been vacant until this year, when four people moved in, said Anabel Corona, 26, who lives next door. “It’s crazy,” said Henry Johnson, 59, another neighbor. “It’s very unsettling and disturbing knowing my wife and son were home.” He had been at work at the time of the killings but said his wife heard what sounded like a gunshot. The building had been a church in the 1990s and into the 2000s, according to Johnson. Earlier this year, the structure served as a “guys’ social club,” Johnson said, where people would watch sports. Police records show officers responded to the house at 2:31 a.m. Dec. 15, 2013, and found a large crowd gathered in the front and side yards. The officer also saw a woman standing at the door taking money from people entering the building, the report said. However, Johnson said the house had been vacant for four or five months.
+ Mobile home fire kills P.C. woman
One woman was killed and a man was injured in a mobile home fire that occurred at about 2 a.m. March 15. The home at 1319 Candy Cane Lane was fully engulfed in flames by the time Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrived. Edwin Jose Chico, 56, suffered severe burns and was transported to Tampa General Hospital. He is in critical but stable condition. At about 5 a.m., a deceased adult female was found inside the house. She was later identified as Linda Ann Vallee, 48. HCSO does not suspect that foul play was involved. An investiagtion in ongoing.
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OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The school moved into its new campus after spring break this year.
SCHOOL / PAGE 1 There are also security cameras placed throughout the school, so no activity goes unnoticed. Another advantage that Clark is pleased with is the abundance of state-of-theart educational technology, from interactive projectors, to document cameras, to media-ready laptops. “Just across the board, everything is upgraded — the newest stuff out there,” Clark said. And there is plenty of room to grow at the new campus. A second building in the back is not being used right now, but will open up next school year to provide 13 more classrooms. In additional to more space, the students will have a broader range of classes next year and beyond. Independence Academy will start
offering Spanish, art and computer media classes for its elementary students, for example. Before the move, there was some concern about potential traffic issues. There are no buses to Independence Academy, so all students are dropped off by parents or their carpool groups. But Clark said there have not been any major problems so far, thanks to the help of county offices that worked with the school to design the most effective traffic flow patterns. “We’re able to get all of our cars off 92, so they’re not adding to any backup on 92,” he said.
The Principal’s Office
The 2014-2015 school year is Clark’s first as principal at Independence Academy. Clark has 20 years of experience in education.
Catherine Sinclair
Previously, he has worked as an assistant principal at Bell Creek Academy, in Riverview, and an assistant principal for student affairs at King High School, in Tampa. Like Bell Creek Academy, Independence Academy is a public charter school. It is governed by its own board of directors, instead of the district’s school board. “We have a little more freedom as far as choosing curriculum and teaching methods,” Clark said. But the hospitality of Independence Academy in particular was what helped Clark feel right at home from day one. “It’s very much a family atmosphere,” he said. “The students, parents and teachers all together — we just work well together.” Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.
EASTER EVENTS
Some of Plant City’s local churches and organizations also will be offering special events for children this Easter.
File photo
Children will collect eggs filled with candy and coupons to local businesses.
EASTER / PAGE 1 There will be 2,500 eggs hidden for each age group. Children are asked to bring their own baskets or bags for collecting the eggs. “It’s a free event, a fun event for the family. And then the other activities that follow, people enjoying participating in those,” Hanlon said. After the egg hunt, each child will get a free hotdog and drink from sponsors Toufayan Bakeries and the Plant City Optimist Club. There will also be bounce houses, air brushing and trackless train rides, each for $1. Photos with the Easter Bunny are $5 each. The event
will close at 12:30 p.m. For the first time, the citywide egg hunt has a presenting sponsor: Global Sports Alliance, a travel baseball organization that hosts youth tournaments in Central Florida. “They’re very involved here in bringing lots of teens here for tournaments, and that’s just one way to give back to the community,” Hanlon said. The egg hunt event will be at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2402 East Cherry Street, Plant City. For more information, contact Hanlon at thanlon@plantcitygov.com. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
NINTH ANNUAL EGG DROP FESTIVAL When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Egg hunts occur between 12 and 12:30 p.m. Where: First Baptist Church, South Campus, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway Details: After a helicopter drops eggs into the fields, children will hunt for them by age group. There will also be free food, balloons, crafts and games. The event is free, but preregistration is required at secure.siteorganic.com/ f/?k=66LCCWALC7NHCYNK. Contact: (813) 752-4104 THE GREAT EGG SAFARI When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 28 Where: Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 CR 39 S. Details: In addition to the “wild” egg hunt, there will be food, games, crafts and puppets. Contact: (813) 737-3053
Hawk Media Club produced using Simmons Career Center students. The PSA was part of the students’ service learning projects. It was aimed at keeping students in school and preventing students from dropping out. The PSA was entered into the Palm Beach Film Festival and made it to the top 250 out of 1,000 applicants. During the field trip to the Service Day event, the students were also able to make new HCC connections with a variety of programs, including TV production, radio, journalism, child care, visual and performing arts and the career center to gain knowledge on employment during and after college.
HAYDEN / PAGE 1 Parke was Hayden’s beloved uncle and role model. At the festival, word of Trapnell’s float spread quickly, and members of the Parke family were sure to seek it out. It moved Parke and other relatives of Hayden to tears. “It was great (for Hayden) to be remembered not by just his family, but by children from other families who have never met him,” Parke said. After the festival, Jackson and his mother, Gwen Trapnell, met Parke at the farm office to give him the float. Parke immediately found a prominent place to display it. “It still is a very hard thing to deal with ... but I couldn’t be more proud of that boy right there and what he did,” Parke said about Trapnell. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
HOPE’S EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA When: Sunday, April 5 Where: Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road Details: Between the sunrise service and the late morning service, the church will offer breakfast and story time for children and their families. An outdoor egg hunt will follow. Everyone is welcome at this event, and church members often invite guests. Contact: (813) 752-4622 CYNERGY’S EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 Where: The Cynergy Church, 600 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Details: There will be Easter baskets, toys, food, iPod and tv giveaways, bill pay, free cotton candy and snow cones, bounce house, and an egg hunt with cash prizes. Contact: (813) 708-2783 EASTER EGG HUNT When: 11 a.m. Sunday, March 29 Where: Antioch Park, 8510 Franklin Road. Details: There will be inflatables, face painting, candy and a cookout. Contact: AntiochRedskins.org
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competition by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Photo Archives to hold photojournalism contest
ONE BIG FAMILY by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer The staff at the club are teachers, friends and mentors to the students.
For the first time, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center’s annual photojournalism contest will be open to adults. A picture is worth a thousand words, but adding a few hundred more words could earn Plant City residents a cash prize. The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is accepting entries for its sixth annual photojournalism contest, which has traditionally been open to students at Plant City High School. This year, however, things will be a little different: the playing field will be bigger. The center is allowing adults 18 and older to participate in the photo contest — a first, says Executive Director Gil Gott. The idea came when Gott was given a copy of the book, “Zen and the Art of Local History,” and he read it cover to cover. He came away from it with the sense that more of the history of Plant City, and other nearby towns, could be brought to light if the photojournalism contest were expanded. “These people know,” Gott says. “They know stuff that you don’t. They know stuff that you may never know. Why not give them a chance to start telling you?” Gott’s believes that there are people in Plant City who still have untold stories and the photographs to help tell them. These people know things that the local high schoolers don’t, or can’t, know. Things like that can help the center paint Plant City in more intricate detail than before. This year’s theme will be the
HOW TO ENTER
Deadline: Friday, April 10 Cost: Free Guidelines: No more than four photos. Fonts must be regular (Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman) and 11 to 12 points in size (excluding headings). High schoolers: submit a 300 to 600word story. Adults: submit a 400 to 800-word story. Adults must be age 18 or older, must live in the greater Plant City area and must not be a high school student. Submissions: Email to Gil Gott, at gil@plantcityphotoarchives.org, or drop off at the Photo Archives and History Center, 106 S. Evers St. Winners will be announced on or around April 17. For more information, contact the center’s office at (813) 754-1578, or email info@ plantcityphotoarchives.org.
same for both age groups: Participants are being asked to document part of the history of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World through no more than four pictures and a varying amount of words. High schoolers can include between 300 and 600 words, while adults are asked to bump that count up to between 400 and 800. Although the contest is not
yet open to students at Durant and Strawberry Crest high schools, the center has confirmed that it’s working on plans to include both schools in the future. Gott says that the center is working to gauge the interest of students at those schools and believes that it shouldn’t be too long before the center is able to open things up to those schools in addition to Plant City High. Last year’s winners, Jackson Hardie and Ashlyn Yarborough, covered the history of the Glover School and its operators, Bealsville Inc., and the McGinnes Lumber Company, respectively. This year’s winners can receive $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place, with honorable mention winners receiving certificates. Contestants may use old or recently-taken photos of their own in the contest, as long as they provide the center with the originals, which the center wishes to scan and add to its collection. Gott hopes that the contest could help other historical organizations in the Tampa Bay area add to their collections while the people with untold stories are still able to pass them on. “It’s their history,” Gott says. “If you don’t give them a chance to tell you, it goes down with the family — but that’s it.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
sweet treats by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
New ice cream shop opens in downtown Plant City It’s starting to warm up again in Plant City, and if you’re looking for a place to cool down with a frozen treat, there’s a new place to try in the Historic Downtown District. Mr. Sebas Ice Cream and More is officially open. The shop is owned by the Ruiz family, of Plant City. Claudia Ruiz owns Claudia’s Boutique and a banquet hall downtown, but the family wanted to offer something new in town. “They wanted to open into a more food-type of business, and they thought, ice cream,” Sebastian Ruiz Jr. said about his parents. “It’s a one-of-akind, family-owned ice cream shop. That’s what my parents wanted, because they like to own independent businesses downtown.” Mr. Sebas sells homemade ice cream, as well as snacks, cold drinks and lunch items. “We’re adding new menu items every week,” Ruiz Jr. said. The Ruizes spent about two years planning the shop’s opening, but started interior construction last October. They hired an ice cream expert to teach them how to make their own frozen desserts in house, and they offer their ice cream in scoops or in frozen bar form. Customers will find their favorite classic flavors, such as cookies and cream, and tasty toppings such as gummy worms and nuts. But some of the ice cream flavors are culturally inspired and less common in Plant City. Chamoy, a spicy mango flavor, with chunks of real fruit, has been one of the
Mr. Sebas offers ice cream made inhouse, in a number of classic and creative flavors.
Catherine Sinclair
MR. SEBAS ICE CREAM & MORE
Address: 104 E. Reynolds Street Phone: (813) 756-3463 Hours: Closed Monday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. most popular. “We have to constantly keep on making it because it runs out,” Ruiz Jr. said. But as the shop name suggests, ice cream is not the only thing that Mr. Sebas offers. Customers looking for a savory snack can order nachos, hot dogs or chicharrón, all with assorted toppings. By the end of April, the Ruizes expect to also offer Cuban sandwiches. The Ruizes hope that the shop will become a destina-
tion for Plant City residents and visitors of all ages, but specifically, they have a vision of serving teenagers looking for a safe place to hang out. “We want people to come, do their homework, get some ice cream or a drink and hang out with their friends,” Ruiz Jr. said. Though the shop officially opened Wednesday, March 4, the doors were unlocked the day before. A number of people stopped by to find out whether the shop was open, and they went inside to try it for the first time. “Many people said they would have come back, and that was something nice to hear,” Ruiz Jr. said. For now, Mr. Sebas accepts only cash payments, but the shop will accept credit cards soon. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
Catherine Sinclair
Plant City club celebrates Boys & Girls Club Week The cheerful sound of children playing games at a playground on Waller Street can be heard through the blocks of the surrounding neighborhood. Some children challenge others to a contest on the swings, seeing who can go the highest. Some enjoy the thrill of doing flips on the equipment, showing off their acrobatic skills to their friends. It must be Free Friday at the Boys and Girls Club of Plant City, a carefree time for the kids to just be kids. “I could not ask for a better group of kids and a better group of staff workers,” Mary Pearson, the club’s program director, said. Pearson has worked as the club’s program director for about a year and one half. She always reminds the students of an important mantra: They are one big family. Though Pearson plans learning opportunities, field trips and events for the club year-round, there is one particular week of the year when her creative planning skills fully shine: Boys and Girls Club Week. Each year, the club designates Boys and Girls Club Week as a time for special events and activities for the students. This year, Boys and Girls Club Week will be Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 2. Monday’s theme is “Around the World.” Students will receive passports and collect stamps as they complete activities in which they will learn about China, Italy, Mexico and other countries. They will also have the opportunity to try traditional foods from these nations. Tuesday is Board Member Appreciation Day, and for a
fun twist, there will be board games for the children to play with the board members. Cookies and punch will be provided. Students will enjoy dressing up in crazy accessories on Wednesday, which is Wacky Tacky Sock Day. There will also be a SWAT demonstration by deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The week will conclude with a bash Thursday. There will be a contest in which students will work with employees to decorate the doors throughout the club’s building. For a sweet treat, students will make their own strawberry shortcake. There will be no programming Friday, April 3, because of Good Friday and Easter weekend.
LIFE AT THE CLUB
The club currently has about 94 members — twice as many as last year. Though students between the ages of 5 and 18 are allowed to join, 93 of the Plant City club’s current members are in elementary school. “Mainly, it’s parents telling other parents how much fun their child is enjoying here,” Pearson said. Attendance also increased through Pearson spreading the word herself. Throughout the week, students participate in a variety of programs at the club. Topics range from health and fitness, to computers, to drug awareness, and beyond. On Fridays, they are free to play with dollhouses, video games, crafts and more, or expend their extra energy on the playground. Because of the recent spike in membership, the club now has more children of migrant families than it ever had be-
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF TAMPA BAY, PLANT CITY CENTER Address: 901 Waller St. Phone: (813) 707-8490 Website: bgctampa.org School Year Hours: 2 to 6 p.m. Summer Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Membership cost per semester: $25 fore. The staff does its best to serve these families despite the frequent language barrier. “For the most part, the kids will translate if the parents don’t know what I’m saying,” Pearson said. She also takes care to walk through the application process step-by-step with Spanish-speaking countries, and highlight the most important parts. Recently, the club hired two employees who speak fluent Spanish, which will continue to make things easier for migrant families and their children. Pearson said one of her biggest desires right now is for more of Plant City’s residents to become familiar with how the club serves the community. “I would love for people just to stop by and see where we are, who we are, and get a real feel for how we run our programs on a day-to-day basis,” she said. “The kids love visitors.” Students may join the club at any time. They must go to the club at least three times per week to retain their membership. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
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THE SILVER DOLLAR SALOON
BOOKWORMS
by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Q&A WITH ANNA GENCO, OWNER
Did you know that every $100 spent at a local, independently-owned store generates $45 of secondary local spending, compared to $14 for a big-box chain? This was first tested in 2003 by the Institute for Local Self Reliance and is nearly identical to later results across multiple Civic Economic studies. The Plant City Times & Observer agrees with buying local. With the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, we’ve launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to shop local. This week’s Buy Local spotlight is Silver Dollar Saloon. We caught up with owner Anna Genco to get all the info on this successful business. How did your business first get its start? I was always a bartender and I wanted to own one myself.
Many readers couldn’t help but collect a whole stack of books to take home.
Hitting the Books
What kind of services can your business offer the community? Fun — beverages, pool tables, darts, karaoke, live bands, big screen TVs. How does your business contribute to the community? I have raised money for the Plant City Food Bank, Unity in the Community, Cookson Hills Toy Run, breast cancer. Helped a deaf and blind child get in to a school for the deaf and blind in St. Augustine. And numerous others. Why is your business located at its site?
It has been there since 1914. Can you describe your customers? My customers are mainly Plant City natives. They are all wonderful people.
Plant City Times & Observer Locally Owned by Ed Verner, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.
110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com &RS\ULJKW 3ODQW &LW\ 0HGLD //& $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG
Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library hosted a fundraiser book sale Saturday, March 14, at the library. Thousands of fiction and nonfiction selections were available for browsing, each for $1 or less. After 2 p.m., visitors could take home an entire bag of books for just $1. Library volunteer Gene Brummitt organized the sale, as she has done annually for almost 20 years.
What is your background? Professional? Education? Bartending for 37 years. Where do you see your business in the next five years? Hopefully booming.
TO ADVERTISE
Call Veronica Prostko, (813) 716-0007, or Joanna Verga, (813) 451-6489.
SEND US YOUR NEWS
We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563
Left: Gene Brummit has been organizing the sale for years. Right: Avid readers found great deals at the sale.
CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
Plant City Times &
Observer
General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Catherine Sinclair, csinclair@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executive / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
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Neighborhood R E A L E S TAT E | P L A N T C I T Y L I F E | O B I T U A R I E S | G A M E S | FA I T H | S P O RT S
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
BLUE BELLES The third annual Blueberry Queen Pageant was held Saturday, March 21, at Keel and Curley Winery in Plant City. Girls competed in seven age groups for the titles of queen, first maid and the “fan favorite.” The 2015 Miss Blueberry Queen is Chloe Tew, 15. One of Tew’s hobbies is showing cattle. She describes herself as honest, fun and a spitfire. Some of the reasons she competed in the Blueberry Queen Pageant were to gain sisters and give back to the community.
Ellie Shouse was named first maid in the teen division.
PAGEANT by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Chloe Tew was crowned Miss Blueberry Queen.
Though everyone who participated in the pageant earned a crown, seven girls earned sashes and bigger crowns as queens, and seven girls were named first maids.
WINNERS BUD
QUEEN: Ava Bikowski FIRST MAID: Sophia
Kormondy TINY
QUEEN: Astin
Hallman
FIRST MAID: Sutton
Duncan LITTLE
QUEEN: Bella
Bikowski First Maid: Bailey Keys Riley Butterworth in the preteen division gave a wave to the judges.
JUNIOR QUEEN: Karen Johnson FIRST MAID: Emerson Givens PRETEEN QUEEN: Gracie Gainer FIRST MAID: Tori Wegner TEEN
QUEEN: Kayla Mosley FIRST MAID: Kaylee
Stallard MISS
QUEEN: Chloe Tew FIRST MAID: Ellie
Kristin Sullivan competed in the preteen division. Right: Jessica Tillis in the teen division showed off with a spin. Left: Kayla Mosley was crowned queen in the teen division.
Shouse
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end of the season by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
U-PICK … I-PICK … WE-ALL-PICK Plant City residents craving fresh fruit couldn’t have asked for a better day Saturday, March 21, when Fancy Farms opened up the grounds for a U-pick. The County Line Road Farm was packed with guests before its official 8:30 a.m. start time. The proceeds from the U-pick will benefit 4-H programs around Hillsborough County. Right: Ashley Parrish and Melody Hoffmann Left: Plenty of clamshells were filled Saturday.
Fancy Farms president Carl Grooms and Hillsborough 4-H president Betty Jo Tompkins
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CELEBRATION by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Everyone was happy to be able to relax and cut a rug Saturday evening.
THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
Night of Rockstars For World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, a group of Plant City residents wanted to throw a party. They named
it “Night of Rockstars,” and threw the shindig Saturday, March 21. Party-goers enjoyed dancing, raffles and fun at a
barn on DeShong Drive. The free event was hosted by the No Limits group. John Finley was a guest speaker.
Sasha McCullers and Nevaeh Gallegos
THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS 1) Juilliard 2) Omnivorous 3) Appalachian Journey 4) Silk Road 5) Soundtracks. Yo-Yo Ma
Cameron Weaver and Easton Chandler
Left: Troy Kirby Sr. and Brooklyn Rollins
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OBSERVER OBITUARIES Christopher M. Bowmer
Christopher M. Bowmer, 23, of Lakeland, died Sunday, March 15, 2015, from a tragic motorcycle accident. He graduated from Plant City High School in 2010, and he was a lifelong fan of the Florida State Seminoles. He loved riding motorcycles, sitting on his best friends’ front porches just to watch the cars drive by and spending time with his wife and son at the park. Mr. Bowmer is survived by his wife, Courtney, 20, and their son, Aiden, 15 months; parents, John Bowmer and Christine McNutly; paternal grandparents, Jerry and Maribel Bowmer; maternal grandparents, Brenda Burney and Warren Officer; four sisters and three brothers; fellow “TNT Ryders” family; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Mr. Bowmer, a.k.a. “Boner,” will surely be missed, since he was always the life of the party and his smile made any gloomy day brighter. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Wanda Jean Rouse Buhl
Wanda Jean Rouse Buhl, 83, of Plant City, and formerly of Knoxville, Tennessee, died March 20, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Ray Buhl; parents, Edgar and Georgia Rouse; and siblings, Arliss Rouse, William Rouse and Dorothy Rouse. She is survived by her children, Ronald Buhl (Robin), Sharon Davis (Larry Sr.), Ricky Buhl, Donald Buhl (fiancee, Sonia) and Sandra Wenglewski (John); siblings, Lois Stallings and R.E. Rouse; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. A graveside celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Linda Bynum
Linda Bynum, 62, of Plant City, died March 16, 2015. A native of Plant City, she was the daughter of the late Burlington and Edith Carroll Simonds. Mrs. Bynum had worked in sales with Franklin Carpets. She was an avid NASCAR fan and loved to fish. Survivors include her beloved husband, Daniel Bynum; daughters, Michelle and Danielle Bynum; siblings, Annette Franklin, Billy, Renny and LeRoy Simonds and Jack Killian; and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were held March 20, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Charles “Charlie” Floyd
Charles “Charlie” Floyd, 71, of Plant City, died March 20, 2015, in Wesley Chapel. A native of Knights Station, he was the son of Ernest Floyd and Sarah Anderson Floyd. Mr. Floyd retired as a project engineer with FDOT after 43 years of service. He was a charter member of the Cork Knights Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Springhead Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Floyd and his wife, Cynthia, were married March 28, 1969, and the family is observing their wedding anniversary with the date of Charlie’s funeral. Survivors include his children, Chuck, Ernie and Andrew Floyd and Dawn Walker; and grandchildren, Nicole Walker, Natalee Gillespie, Zachary Floyd and Sophia “Fig” Floyd. Mr. Floyd was preceded in
death by his beloved wife, Cynthia Floyd; and his oldest grandson, Johnathan (Johny) Walker. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at Church On The Rock, with funeral services to follow. Donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.
Cynthia Helms
Cynthia Helms, 57, of Plant City, died March 18, 2015, at Bartow Center. A native of Plant City, she was the daughter of the late Fred Hallford and Mary Streetman; she survives. Other survivors include daughters, Julie Ann (Michael) Daniels and Stacey Oliver; siblings, Penny Bryant, Brenda Grant, Wanda Hughes and Randy Hallford; grandchildren, Raven Daniels and Katherine Whyte; and she was waiting on the birth of her twin granddaughters. Funeral services were held March 23, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.
Duane Henley
Duane Henley, 49, of Plant City, died March 16, 2015. He was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by his sons, Kevin Faulkner and Christopher Faulkner; mother, Patricia Ann Hicks; siblings, Michelle Meek and Brian Henley; and step-siblings, J.L. Hicks Jr. and Rita Wilkerson. A celebration of life was held March 21, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.
Adrianna Iglesias “Audrey” Miles
Adrianna Iglesias “Audrey” Miles, 57, of Plant City, and formerly Glendale, California, died March 20, 2015. She is survived by her husband, Dr. John Robert Miles; children, Melissa Rubio, Autumn Starr Raveira and John Robert Miles Jr.; stepchildren, Sheila Miles Dial and David Jackson Miles; grandson, Julian Alexander Rubio; mother, Helena Ramirez Iglesias; and siblings, Robert Vinicio Colas and Roxana Helena Iglesias Lugo. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Iglesias Colas; and brother, Henry Iglesias. The family received friends March 24, at Hopewell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. Online condolences at HopewellFuneral. com.
Langford E. Moore
Langford E. Moore, 84, of Plant City, died March 18, 2015. He was a 1948 graduate of Plant City High School. He was a retired Master Sergeant with the U.S. Air Force, having served in Vietnam, and he retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He is survived by his children, Keith Moore, R. Michael Moore and Ellen Sellers (Kevin); siblings, Nettie Jean Sloan (Earl) and Autry Moore (Collette); grandchildren, Michael Moore, Zach Sellers, Hannah Moore and Kendale Sellers; and greatgranddaughter, Savannah Battson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Winnie Moore. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Charles “Dave” Smith Sr.
Charles “Dave” Smith Sr., 85, of Plant City, died March 16, 2015. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Plant City. He is survived by his sons, Stan Smith (Cheryl) and Michael Smith (Rowena); grandchildren, Staci Moyer (Matt), Lindsay Smith, Haylee Smith and Steffani Smith; and greatgrandchildren, Piper Moyer and Tatum Moyer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo Stanley Smith; and son, Charles D. “David” Smith Jr. Private interment in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
JoAnn R. “Bug” Stanton
JoAnn R. “Bug” Stanton, 75, of Plant City, died March 23, 2015. She was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church. She loved her family and enjoyed cooking for her grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Charlotte Burns (Jimmy), Charles R. “Bobby” Stanton Jr. and Rhonda Dykes (Tracy); grandchildren, Kevin Burns (Shannon), Sgt. Brian Burns USMC (Nicole), Amanda Burns (Jennifer), “Lil Bobby” Stanton, Jessica Stevens (Kris) and Daisy Dykes; great-granddaughters, Bella Ann Burns and Madison Kaye Stevens; and siblings, Evelyn Brown, J.W. Rayburn (Frances) and Ronnie Rayburn. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. March 28, at Hopewell Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Central Cemetery, Lithia. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.
Vickie Vasquez
Vickie Vasquez, 46, of Plant City, died March 20, 2015, at Community Care Center. A native of Avon Park, she was the daughter of Wilbur Johnson and Geraldine Cheshire. Survivors include daughters, Joanna and Heather Vasquez; siblings, Della Tomb, Gwenda Barton, Suzanne Gray and Benton Lee Byers Jr.; companion, Stanley Oliver; and four grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.
Edwina Wright
Edwina Wright, 66, of Plant City, died March 17, 2015, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She was born Aug. 11, 1948, in Milledgeville, Georgia. Mrs. Wright was a champion for and loved all animals, especially cats. She was a faithful friend to many and was loved by everyone that had the privilege to meet her. She loved gardening, reading and arts and crafts. She retired from Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan Association with more than 25 years of service. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 45 years, Matt; and her cat, Rosie. A celebration of life was held March 20, at Wells Memorial. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the SPCA, Meals on Wheels or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Plant City High’s Avery Brown is on a tear. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
SIDELINES
lax
TEAM TRENTON by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Durant lacrosse program grows interest
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com, or Tweet us at @PCTOSports.
BASEBALL
+ Rowland pitches perfect game
Throwing a perfect game is every pitcher’s dream, and a Plant City youth can now say that he’s done it. Blaine Rowland, of the Brewington’s Towing Juniors team, threw a perfect game Monday night in a 10-0 win over the Lott Farms team on Field 2 at Mike Sansone Park.
Lacrosse in the Plant City area has become much more popular than it was two years ago, thanks to the Durant High lacrosse program. Lacrosse may never be as popular in the southern United States as it is in the Northeast, but it’s certainly on the comeup in Florida. Need proof? Just go to Durant High School and ask around. The school’s boys lacrosse program is barely four years old this year and already entering its second season as an officially-sanctioned HALAX (Hillsborough County Lacrosse Alliance) team. The girls team has spent its only two seasons in existence as a HALAX team and even made the playoffs in its first season. Thanks to talking points like this, those involved with the Cougars can honestly say that the sport’s future is looking far brighter around these parts than ever before. “We had 39 guys come to try
Courtesy photo
SOFTBALL
+ PCHS takes district lead
Last week, the Plant City and East Bay softball teams were tied for the district lead. At home Thursday, March 19, the Lady Raiders found themselves facing a 9-2 deficit in the sixth inning against East Bay. But the Lady Raiders, powered its way back into the game, taking hold of the district with a 10-9 win. In the sixth inning, the Lady Raiders’ hung four runs on the Lady Indians to make it a 9-6 game. In the bottom seventh, sophomore standout Edmilly Molina came up clutch by hitting a walk-off grand slam over the fence in right center, capping off a night in which she went 2-for-3 with five RBI, two walks, two runs and a home run.
TRACK & FIELD
+ PCHS, DHS compete in meet
Plant City High School hosted a home meet Thursday, March 19. The Plant City boys won first place. FIRST-PLACE WINNERS: Plant City: Girls 4x800 meter relay (Keanua Guevara, Cassie Highsmith, Hannah Stowe, Nancy Zenteno, 11:00.20); Boys 4x800 meter relay (Jorge Cardona, Cody Facer, Andrew Sotello, Luke Whitmore, 8:56.57); Boys 1,600 meter run (Luke Whitmore, 4:42.73); Boys 3,200 meter run (Luke Whitmore, 11:06.45); Boys triple jump (Wesley Weaver, 36-04.00); Boys discus (Evan Crowell, 12208); Boys shot put (Evan Crowell, 42-09.00); Boys pole vault (Jackson Hardee, 13-00.00); Girls shot put (Ty’china Bush, 38-06.50). Durant: Girls 100 meter hurdles (Olivia Graham, 17.89); Boys 300 meter hurdles (Brandon Loudermilk, 46.55); Girls long jump (Baylee Cauwels, 15-01.00). TEAM SCORES: Girls: East Bay (117); Bloomingdale (47); Plant City (41); Durant (36) Boys: Plant City (104); East Bay (77); Bloomingdale (50); Durant (11)
SEE LACROSSE / PAGE 13
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
CULLEN THECHAMP
Cullen Telfer worked through the FHSAA state tournament to become the Plant City area’s only champion.
As one of the best 113-pound wrestlers in Florida, Cullen Telfer, is already making a name for himself at Strawberry Crest High. And, as a freshman, he’s just getting started.
W
hen most young athletes first set foot on a high school campus, winning a state title is probably in the back of their minds. Maybe it’s something to really think about later, as a junior or senior with developed skills. Cullen Telfer, on the other hand, just wrestled his way to a state championship as a freshman. In his first year as a Strawberry Crest Charger, Telfer — a wrestler for over half of his life — brought his school its second state championship ever. And he’s the first to do it in a predominately male sport. “It went well,” Telfer says. “I felt good, and confident, through the whole tournament.”
LIFE’S WORK
Telfer, now 15, began wrestling around age 7 with encouragement from his father, John, who had wrestled in high school. The Plant City
native quickly took to the sport and hasn’t looked back since then. Before Strawberry Crest, Telfer wrestled for a club team through the sixth grade. He attended private school at Tampa Bay Christian in seventh grade, which allowed him to compete in high school sports. There, he made it to the state tournament. Last year, while homeschooled, he made it all the way to the state semifinals and finished third in his weight class. C.J. Gittens, Strawberry Crest’s head coach for the last two seasons, first encountered Telfer in the 2014 tournament. “I remember watching him at state, and I was like, ‘For an eighth-grader to make it to the semis and place third, that’s pretty good,’” Gittens says. By then, it was essentially a given that Telfer would be attending Strawberry Crest for
ninth grade: His mother, Natalie, is a teacher at the school. And Gittens knew he wanted to work with Telfer from this season onward. “I said to his mom, ‘I want your kid,’” Gittens says. “‘I can help him with whatever he needs.’” On the first day of practice, Gittens noticed the potential to mold a winner in Telfer. Although the boy was probably the slowest runner on the team, he made up for his lack of speed with a mat psychology beyond his age. “When we started practicing, he was hitting moves that most freshmen, even if they wrestled in eighth grade, weren’t hitting,” Gittens says. “The only things he needed were a little bit of intensity, and a little bit of cleaning up.” Gittens, a former NCAA Division 1 wrestler at Campbell University, immediately
SEE CULLEN / PAGE 13
Looking back on the ‘cool’ people
Justin Kline
COWBOY UP
Cullen Telfer is best known for his wrestling prowess. But the Strawberry Crest freshman has also been known to take part in the rodeo. The Telfer family is passionate about bull riding, and much of Cullen’s free time away from wrestling is spent on the back of a large, angry animal. Being able to successfully ride a bucking bull for 8 seconds and live to tell about it must be a confidence-booster for someone who also has to wrangle another human on a mat for several minutes.
I’ve been pretty lucky over the last month and a half, at least in the Athlete of the Week department: Some of my top five or so favorite A.O.T.W. interviews happened in that timeframe. As someone who knows how accurate the Key & Peele comedy sketch with the football player’s post-game interview can be, JUSTIN it’s refreshing to KLINE see young athletes with open minds and dynamic answers. Until last month, I’ve never had an interview subject flip the script and take me out of the driver’s seat. Durant lacrosse player Baylee Cauwels stopped by the Plant City Times & Observer office for an interview. Once I was done with my questions, she had a few of her own for me. I’ll admit it: She stumped me with one of them. I didn’t have an immediate answer for a question about the “coolest person” I’ve ever interviewed, so I told her I’d have to get back to her on that one. Well, now that the Florida Strawberry Festival is over, I was able to think about it. I can’t say I have one definite answer, though, because I’ve met a lot of people who I thought were really cool in different ways. I’m sure most kids I inter-
SEE KLINE / PAGE 14
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CULLEN / PAGE 12 took Telfer under his wing. The coach opted to work one-on-one with Telfer for the entire season and made an early promise that almost any coach would be nervous about trying to fulfill. “Because we’re the same size, I made a promise,” Gittens says. “I was like, ‘You will be my wrestling partner all year. As long as you’re my partner, you will become a state champ.’”
FIGHT NIGHTS
Weighing in at 113 pounds, Telfer finished the regular season with a 34-1 record, losing only to a senior from Lake Gibson High School. His goal was to make a deep run in the FHSAA State Championship Tournament, as he was coming off of that third-place finish in 2014. “I just remembered what it was like to lose in the semifinals last year, and it helped me motivate myself to get through this,” he says. Telfer got his chance to make a run through the 3A
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bracket and made the most of it. Going up against older grapplers, Telfer had to be just as prepared mentally as he was physically. The mat tools were already there, as coach C.J. Gittens will attest. It was just a matter of Telfer keeping his head in the game and not getting caught up in the moment. “I just reminded myself how hard I’d worked all year, and that if I’d worked that hard all year, I might as well win,” Telfer says. “It wouldn’t be fun to work that hard all year, and then lose.” In the semifinal match, Telfer got on the board with a quick takedown and continued to be aggressive throughout. After the win, he knew he was up for a tougher challenge in North Port senior Anthony Tripke. Tripke, who finished the 2014-15 season with a 45-6 record, gave Telfer quite a fight in the championship match. But, to his advantage, Telfer had already done plenty of scouting on Tripke before the bout.
“The weekend before (states), I beat him at regionals,” Telfer says. “I knew he was a tough kid, but I knew that my conditioning was better than his and, eventually, if I just kept sticking to my gameplan, I’d eventually come up with a win.” Telfer’s aggression paid off in the end, as the freshman was able to secure a 3-2 decision over Tripke for the state championship. He was then given a nice-looking medal that, as a wrestler, went well with the busted-up nose he also had to deal with. To celebrate, Telfer and the Chargers took a Monday off. Since then, they’ve been back on the mats again — Gittens likes to say that champions don’t have offseasons — and practicing for any upcoming tournaments they can. And, no matter what’s in store in the near future, Telfer’s ready to face the challenge. “This is a great school, and I feel good that I’m able to represent it,” he says. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to help bring some attention to Strawberry Crest.”
flag football by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
PCHS, SCHS duke it out The Plant City High School flag football team is on a roll, and it kept its winning streak alive over Strawberry Crest Monday night. The Lady Chargers put up a fight early on but, once the Lady Raiders got into a rhythm, they were able to leave Dover with a 19-0 win.
The Lady Raiders’ aerial attack proved to be tough for Crest to contain.
LACROSSE / PAGE 12 out this year,” boys head coach Andrew Madden says. “We had to cut 11 guys to get down to 28, to match the girls, which was amazing.” For perspective, the Cougars had just enough kids try out in 2014 to meet the minimum roster requirements: 23 boys and girls. Durant was a part of HALAX’s 2014 inception, which brought the Cougars’ program together with Alonso, Freedom, Jefferson, Newsome, Plant, Robinson, Steinbrenner, Tampa Bay Tech and Wharton high schools to create two districts: 15 and 16. This season, HALAX was able to add teams at Bloomingdale and Sickles high schools. Durant’s program can be seen as a microcosm of what’s advancing in both Hillsborough County and at the school itself, with both of its teams offering different perspectives.
THE BOYS
The Durant boys team is set up to do well in the future, thanks to the word getting out about its program. According to Madden, the incoming freshman class has much more experience with the sport than the last one, and this class should yield some good talent. The team also has a pair of sought-after seniors in Robert Seguin, who has committed to Hendrix College, in Arkansas, and Jordan Jolly, at whom Madden says is getting looked at by several schools. It’s players like these two who are creating the blueprint for the future, as far as recruiting and collegiate prospects are concerned. Much like in football, a Florida lacrosse prospect’s best chance to be evaluated and
CHECK IT OUT
Want to catch lacrosse fever for yourself? If so, you have one more chance to catch a Durant home game before the end of the regular season. Durant will host Robinson High School Monday, March 30, with the girls set for a 5 p.m. start and the boys set for a 7 p.m. start.
recruited will come at a skills camp or showcase. Colleges aren’t clamoring to send scouts to any of the high schools just yet but, if everything goes according to plan, it’ll only be a matter of time before they start showing up at the HALAX schools, some of which have already gotten on collegiate radars. “I’ve got to do a good job of setting the schedule up, before the season ends, getting us into games against teams that will be looked at,” Madden says. “This year, we’ve got Newsome on our schedule, and I think that was a big game that maybe, in the future, we’ll start getting some looks from.”
THE GIRLS
The girls really know what it’s like to start from nothing and fight for support. Last year, first-time head coach Kiara Klingler took a team that featured only three girls with previous playing experience to the playoffs. This year, she’s once again working with a large number of girls that are new to the sport. Thanks to that playoff appearance, things are different. “A lot of people know about it now,” Klingler says. “When I used to go to Durant — I graduated in 2011 — I played for Newsome. And, nobody knew anything about (lacrosse). They were like, ‘What is la-crotch?’ I would explain it, but nobody had any idea. Some boys played, but I was the only girl who played it. “But, now, we have people
The Lady Chargers fought hard all night.
SCALING UP by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
BAITED The Plant City Recreation & Parks Department wanted to honor fishing enthusiast T.J. Vail’s memory with its most recent Youth Fishing Derby, and it couldn’t have picked a better day. Fishing conditions were perfect the morning of Saturday, March 21, and 67 young anglers were rewarded with biting bass, catfish, perch and more. After the event wrapped up, program manager Deborah Haldane announced that the next derby is already set for Saturday, Sept. 26.
WINNERS
First Bass: Tyler Davenport First Catfish: Bryson Hamilton First Perch: Brayden Keys First Brim: LilyAnn Velaz Most Fish Caught (age 5-10): Aryona Brown Most Fish (age 11-15): Tyler Davenport Biggest Fish (age 5-10): Emily Johnson (mudfish, 5.2 lbs.) Biggest Fish (age 11-15): Austin New (bass, 4 lbs.)
Justin Kline
The Durant Lady Cougars squared off against Wharton High School. showing up to the games, or coming out to practice to watch us, to see what’s going on. I’ve had a couple of girls say that they want to try out next year.” Despite losing many players to graduation, jobs or whatever turns their lives took, the team is visibly growing. This year, Klingler has 30 girls on the squad. And, around Durant, lacrosse spirit is at an all-time high, even if most are still learning about lacrosse itself. “The school is very supportive,” Klingler says. “Anything we need, they’re more than happy to give us. It’s hard because they don’t really know all the rules, what’s required for games and all that stuff, so it’s kind of up to me and my coaching staff, and extra parents who just kind of help out. But, if we need anything, (Durant is) on it right away to get it done, and that means a lot.”
No one has seen the impact that the sport has made within the school like the coach has, and she couldn’t be happier that the people at her alma mater finally all know what lacrosse is. “It went from nothing, to we’ve got a little something going on,” Klingler says. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
Top: Front row: Aryona Brown, Bryson Hamilton and Brayden Keys. Back row: Emily Johnson, LilyAnn Velaz, Austin New and Tyler Davenport. Left: Joshua Sanchez
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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP KLINE / PAGE 12 view would want to know which famous athlete I enjoyed talking to the most, and that would be former Tampa Bay Ray Matt Joyce. I met Joyce when I was working on a story about a new Florida Southern College baseball facility while interning at the Ledger. Joyce couldn’t have been a nicer guy. He showed up late to the facility’s opening ceremony (can’t remember why), but made up for it by sticking around to chat with whoever wanted to meet him. My St. Pete friends have better, funnier stories about encountering David Price, Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton at bars, but it’s nice to know that a famous athlete can be down-to-earth when visiting the town he’s often celebrated in. But, as far as people whose
interviews have stuck with me the most, that’s a tough call. I can tell you from experience that Kellie Pickler is a total sweetheart and, even though I’m not a fan of anything but outlaw country, I’d love to talk with her again. As a classic rock junkie, I had a lot of fun talking to Lawrence Gowan, from Styx. Especially when I learned that we have the same taste in KISS’s music. And I’ve met a lot of people around these parts who have had fantastic stories to tell, such as B.J. Roetzheim, Buddy Mines and many more that I wish I had room to fit. But, I suppose I have to pick somebody. So, aligning with my own personal interests, I’m going with former wrestler Tom Anderson. Anderson, whose story I wrote in August 2014, spent 15 years in the wrestling business as a
manager and a competitor. I returned home from that interview with over an hour’s worth of notes to transcribe from my phone. Longtime readers of this column know how much I enjoy professional wrestling, even if I’m not actively watching WWE every week. I honestly believe that there are no interview subjects in all of sports (or, maybe even anything) more interesting than wrestlers: These guys regularly put their bodies on the line in more ways than most people realize and come away from it all with fascinating stories. I’ve read enough wrestler profiles to fill a bookshelf, but speaking with Anderson still changed the way I watch and read about wrestling. Baylee: I may have rambled a little bit, but I hope this answered your question.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
AVERY BROWN
Since rejoining Plant City High School’s flag football team, senior quarterback Avery Brown has been on a tear. In leading the team to back-to-back mercy rule shutouts of Durant and Chamberlain, followed by Monday’s 19-0 win at Strawberry Crest, Brown has totaled eight touchdowns (versus four picks) and 770 passing yards. You took a little break from flag football last year.What made you want to get back on the turf this year? I just missed my girls. When I last played, we had an undefeated season. Last year, they didn’t look so hot — like, .500. I don’t know. Senior year, might as well do it. Are you playing any other sports right now, or just flag football? Nope, this is it. When this is over, I get out of school and go from there. Coach (Greg) Meyer says you’ve been tearing it up lately.Was it tough for you to come back after taking a year off, or no sweat? I mean, I had to work on things. My throws, I had to get back on point. I worked on my long ball a lot in the offseason. I can definitely tell the difference. You guys have gotten off to a great start, so far. What are your expectations for this year? State. That’s all I want. I want to take them to state and go as far as we can from there. Do you play any other sports, besides flag football and basketball? I’ve played softball my whole life, grew up doing that, and then played basketball a little bit when I was 7 or 8. I would do the YMCA and stuff. I played middle school, travel softball, and that was my life. I started basketball in high school, and then flag, and didn’t play softball until last year. I’d rather be out here any day than on the softball field. Why give up softball? I got burned out. I played it my entire life, year-round, maybe a week off here and
there. You’d play seven or eight games a weekend, and it was exhausting. It was just too much. What do you do for fun when you’re not playing sports? Fishing. I fish all the time. I like to be outdoors, hang with my family, friends. Normal things. What’s your favorite subject in school? It used to be math. I used to be really good at math. Now, I guess it’s history, or something. What’s your favorite movie of all time? “Love and Basketball” What about TV? “Orange is the New Black” What’s your favorite sports team? I like the Gators. Who’s your favorite athlete of all time? Peyton Manning. He’s just got a great head on his shoulders — he knows what he’s doing, and he’s great at what he does. If you could meet anyone you’ve always looked up to, who would it be? Probably Peyton Manning. He’s awesome. I’d ask him a lot of questions, and hang out. If you could be rich or famous, what would you pick? Famous. Not everyone’s happy when they’re rich. I’d rather people just know me for whatever I do, not have all the money in the world and be miserable. Is there any sport you’ve never played before that you’ve always wanted to try? Probably dirt bike racing. I always thought it was cool. That or lacrosse.
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PLANT CITY
RAIN
(INCHES)
WEATHER
THURS.
March 19
0.00
FRI.
TEMPERATURES
March 20
0.00
SAT.
Friday, March 27 Saturday, March 28 Sunday, March 29 Monday, March 30 Tuesday, March 31 Wednesday, April 1 Thursday, April 2
March 21
0.00
SUN.
March 22
0.00
MON.
March 23
0.60
TUES.
March 24
0.00
WED.
March 25
0.00
MARCH
TO DATE
0.79 (2014: 1.93)
YEAR
HIGH 79 74 74 80 85 86 87
LOW 56 49 50 56 60 65 64
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
MOON
Friday, March 27 Saturday, March 28 Sunday, March 29 Monday, March 30 Tuesday, March 31 Wednesday, April 1 Thursday, April 2
March 27
SUNRISE 7:25 a.m. 7:24 a.m. 7:23 a.m. 7:22 a.m. 7:21 a.m. 7:20 a.m. 7:18 a.m.
SUNSET 7:43 p.m. 7:44 p.m. 7:44 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 7:46 p.m. 7:46 p.m.
PHASES
April 4
STRAWBERRIES
SHIPPING POINT: Orlando
$6.90-7.90
TO DATE 4.44 (2014: 4.5)
April 11
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
April 18
Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an esteemed musician. Using the hints J=O and X=R, decipher the clues to name the musician.
1. K O T R R T W X C 2. J N B T Q J X J O A 3. W Y Y W R W G S T W B M J O X B Z F 4. A T R E X J W C 5. A J O B C I X W G E A This musician owns several cellos but performs most often with one nicknamed Petunia:
SUDOKU
Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.
3
5
3 1
6
5
8
8
6 3
2
4
6 3
8 7
2
6
9
4
3
8
1
2 1
5
The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.
CROSSWORD YOUR CHOICE by Gia Kilroy
CRYPTOQUIZ
7
, 3&
Linda Hunter calls her photograph “Baby Face.” The adorable calf is taking an afternoon siesta.
3
5
9
ACROSS 1 Sitting Bull, e.g. 6 Hospital divisions 11 Boston basketballer, briefly 15 Yemeni city 19 “All systems go!” 20 “Ciao!” 21 Book after Joel 22 Congress-thwarting move 23 Inclines 25 Chevy of yore 26 Sometimes it’s safest to love from here 27 67.5 degrees, in terms of direction 28 Short on energy 29 Well-read types 31 Not together 34 End of a film 35 When leaves turn 37 Present time, for many 40 Cornered, in a way 42 Be on the same wavelength 45 Diver’s supply 46 Freedom from pain or worry 48 Longtime Chinese chairman 49 With no moral qualities 55 Driving rain, e.g. 57 Poet’s dusk 58 Some snack cookies 59 Hawaiian gift 61 ATM bill 62 Word with “motion” or “smoke” 65 Borgnine’s “From Here to Eternity” role 67 Not tricked by 68 Banned military tactic 72 Farmer’s storage unit 74 “Friends” star Matthew 75 Nocturnal bug-eater 79 Rogue or scoundrel 81 Legendary elephant eater 82 Word in two Steven Seagal movie titles 84 Seven on a sundial 85 Current that goes with the wind 87 Condition of having no offspring 91 Provide with weapons 92 Emmy-winning Ward 94 Baseball’s Maglie 95 We all live here 96 Propaganda pamphlet 98 State of unhappiness 104 “God’s Little ___” 105 “Billy Don’t Be ___” (1974 hit song) 106 “Desperate Housewives” lane 110 What the Mohs scale measures 112 Deep-bodied herrings 114 ___ and outs 115 Beaming look 117 Long-ago days 118 Be sold or traded 121 Brown alternative 122 While opener? 123 Nomadic mob 124 1/12 of a subscription, often 125 Old wedding vow word 126 Air France fleet members, once
©2015 Universal Uclick
127 Comic strip light bulbs 128 A sturdy box
34 Passenger in a yellow car 36 Primitive shelter 38 Root vegetable DOWN 39 Wire measures, for short 1 Dynamic Duo duds 41 Decayed, as wood 2 “Stormy Weather” singer Lena 42 Excelled on, as on an exam 3 “___ Forgettin’” (Michael McDon- 43 Indian liquid butter ald hit) 44 Go on the warpath, verbally 4 Where a Cockney wears his ‘at 47 Drunkard 5 “By the way” abbr. on a memo 50 Pigeon coop 6 Moose relative 51 Give a shellacking 7 Goes nuts over 52 Twice as spooky 8 Shine’s partner 53 Popular side dish 9 Palindromic document 54 ___ good example 10 Beginning to pend? 56 Continue, as a subscription 11 Fido, for one 60 Tel Aviv’s land 12 Showing a lot of feeling 63 Acclaim 13 Couple’s furniture? 64 Sunday singer 14 Romanov bigwig, once 65 Travel by air 15 James Cameron epic 66 Adult 16 Desecration 69 Hook’s nemesis 17 Airport info, initially 70 Duke or bishop preceder 18 “___ gloom of night ...” 71 God of war, in mythology 24 Film-rating unit 72 ___ Nevada 29 Fleur-de-___ 73 Hotel amenity 30 Epilogue 76 Above 32 Tablet maker 77 “Schindler’s ___” 33 She played Carla on “Cheers” 78 Cod or bass
79 Surveyor’s map 80 “___ to a Nightingale” 82 Part of a blind spot? 83 Hanging around 86 Parker and Roosevelt 88 “To know me ___ ...” 89 Put in the post 90 “Big ___” (comic strip) 93 Massachusetts college 97 Nook’s companion 99 Attacks from every angle 100 1040 collector 101 Its capital is Kigali 102 Gnatlike flies 103 Actual existence 107 Shampoo-bottle directive 108 Pakistan’s longest river 109 Cash, for one 111 Rugmakers’ supplies 112 Wearing footgear 113 Greyhound’s quarry 115 Main mail drop (Abbr.) 116 Vicksburg victim 118 T’ai ___ 119 Cup opening? 120 Cigar dropping
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