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Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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RAZORSHARP

P.C. artisan creates unique, custom knives.

+ Juniors stand out at conference

PEELING PAINT

COACHED UP

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PAGE 5A

Randy Crone takes over DHS ﬂag football.

Downtown mural is being erased from P.C. history.

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OUR TOWN

FREE • FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

election by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

MATHIS WINS

Four juniors represented Plant City High School at the 2015 Leadership and Ethics Conference presented by West Point Society Florida West Coast Chapter. The event was held at the University of Tampa, Vaughn Center. Ethics issues facing today’s young people and leadership were covered. The students were: Madison Manley, Shelby Baerwalde, Kendall Johnson and Chase Lott.

The Plant City Police Department grew Friday, March 27, as four ofﬁcers were sworn in on premises that afternoon. Paul Snider, Vince Wise, Billy Harvester and Dylan Cowart are the newest additions to the police force, and Police Chief Ed Duncan didn’t hesitate to let the ofﬁcers know how valued they are. “Do not think for one minute that we took your applications lightly,” Duncan said to

The Arts Council brought back its event, “Supporting the Culinary Arts through Chili and Chocolate,” Saturday, March 28, at the train depot in Historic Downtown. The winners of the chili cook-off are:

NOVELTY First: RW Willaford Train Museum Second: Walden Lake Car Wash PEOPLE’S CHOICE Louis Ginn

+ Yvonne Fry selected as chair

Yvonne Fry has been elected to serve as the chair for the Florida Commission on the Status of Women for the 2015-2016 year. She will take office April 1. The election took place during the Commission’s first quarter meeting in Tallahassee Fry was first appointed to FCWS in 2012 by Attorney General Pam Bondi and is working to increase awareness on women’s issues. The FCSW is dedicated to supporting women of all ages as they strive to achieve their fullest potential.

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This week’s winner is

Jennifer Closshey See her photo on PAGE .

SEE OFFICERS / PAGE 4A Mary Thomas Mathis spoke about her experience and future goals at a debate before the election.

Catherine Sinclair

Incumbent Mary Thomas Mathis ran against Hasani Jackson in the election for a city commission seat, and Plant City voted for her to serve another term. It was the ﬁrst time since 2008 that two candidates ran for the same seat on the city commission, and incumbent Mary Thomas Mathis was able to hold on to it. According to the most recent numbers available at press time, Mathis won 1,062 votes (71.71%), and the defeated candidate, Hasani Jackson, won 419 votes (28.29%). There was a 7.88% turnout. “Some people may say, ‘Well, why again?’ Let me tell you, I love what I do,” Mathis said. “I do it be-

“

cause of the passion. I do it because of each of you, the constituents. I do it because I’ve been able to see change, and I want to continue that. In this position, you have to have experience to make change.” Mathis ﬁrst got involved with political campaigns when she was in college, and she knew she would like to run for an ofﬁce someday. The year after her mentor, Commissioner Sadye Gibbs Martin, died, Mathis decided to run for commission and use the knowledge that had been passed onto her.

Mathis won her ﬁrst election in, 2000, by just seven votes. “In this position, I am there to serve you, to make this city, this community, the best it can be,” she said. At a debate between Mathis and Jackson Thursday, April 2, the candidates had the opportunity to express their views on a number of issues, in response to questions posed by a panel. Mathis discussed some of the projects in the works to bring economic development to Plant City. In the Midtown district there are

vacant buildings, such as the former Sweetbay. Mathis has talked to representatives from a few Plant City businesses who might want to expand and move into that space, but city employees have also been corresponding with Walmart about a potential grocery store. She and the city are also working on getting a number of sites “shovel-ready,” meaning that water and sewer lines are being put in place so that businesses can start building. One of these

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SPICY First: Plant City Entertainment Second: David and Lisa Galloway

PCPD swears in four officers

Paul Snider, Vince Wise, Billy Harvester and Dylan Cowart were sworn into the Plant City Police Department on Friday, March 27.

+ Chili cook-off winners announced

MILD First: Dance Connection Second: Walden Lake Car Wash

SERVE AND PROTECT

by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

SEE MATHIS / PAGE 4A

Let me tell you, I love what I do. I do it because of the passion. I do it because of each of you, the constituents. I do it because I’ve been able to see change, and I want to continue that.

LAP OF LUXURY

by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Lakehouse Luxury Apartments opening soon Anyone looking for an upscale apartment in Plant City won’t have to look hard anymore. Lakehouse Luxury Apartments, at 3003 S. Frontage Road, is getting ready to open its doors June 1 and show residents of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World how they can live in luxury without buying a big home. “It’s going to be a place where people can come home and relax,” property director Brenda Rodriguez says. “A relaxing

SEE LAKEHOUSE / PAGE 4A

ENTREPRENEURS by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Plant City High School grads launch international business to end poverty

BamBoost fulfills the need for hygiene while helping children develop skills from an early age. Fueled by their goal to help families around the world escape the poverty cycle, two young residents of Plant City have already enacted a plan to provide necessities for mothers and their children. The students’ ability to add the positions of CSO and CEO

to their resumes is just an added bonus. Last semester, Bijen Patel, who was valedictorian at Plant City High School in 2012, heard about the Hult Prize, which is a competition for social entrepreneurship start-ups. He wanted to enter and began

putting together a team. “He wanted to work with me, since I’ve been in school with him since ﬁrst grade, so we got together with some of our other friends from University of Tampa,” Trent Lott, also a 2012 graduate of PCHS, said. Theothertwoteammembers are Vignesh Parameswaran, a

SEE BAMBOOST / PAGE 4A

Courtesy photo

The BamBoost team is: Trent Lott (CSO), Bijen Patel (CEO), Caio Amaral (CLO) and Vignesh Parameswaran (COO), all students at University of Tampa.

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

Vol.2,No.28 | Twosections Crossword..................

Obituaries..................

Sports.........................5A

Weather.....................

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

41st Annual Wild Game Cookout — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 10, still in the woods between Forbes and Thonotosassa roads. Rotary sponsors the stag-only feast. For tickets call Jeremy Burris at (813) 365-8161. Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, 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, April 10, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Munn Park Saints Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 2015 Annual GTE/VERIZON Reunion — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the home of Sam and Carol Conrad, 3510 E. Keysville Road. Bring your favorite dishes, drinks and lawn chairs. Florida Opry — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at 605 N. Collins St. Entertainment will be Hwy 41, Simple Faith and The Masters

at (813) 545-1207 or blubranojr@gmail.com. Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

BEST BET Relay for Life — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, March 10, and ending at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. Join Plant City Relay for Life teams in the fight for cancer. Enjoy games, dancing, a special princess booth, entertainment, food and more. During Luminaria, light a candle and remember those who have died. Facebook.com/PlantCityRelay. Four. (813) 757-9226. Los Dos Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100. Sporting Clays Fundraiser — takes place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at FishHawk Sporting Clays, 13505 Hobson Simmons Road, Lithia. The fundraiser will benefit the

Durant High School Music Booster. There will also be raffles, awards, lunch and door prizes. Facebook.com/ events/1544659549130770/. Spring Thing 2015 — takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, on Drane and Palmer streets. The event is presented by the Downtown PC Business and Merchants Association. For more information, contact Benny Lubrano

United Food Bank of Plant City Car Wash — takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Walden Lake Car Wash, 1414 S. Alexander Street. For a $15 donation get a squeakyclean car. 100% of proceeds benefit the food bank. Enjoy a $3 hamburger or hot dog with soda while you wait. (813) 7640625.

MONDAY, APRIL 13 Knights Community Club Quarterly Meeting — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, April 13, at 1306 McLin Drive. The meeting begins with a covered dish supper. Dave Rowe, field rep for the Woodmen of the World, will be speaking on ways the Woodmen help communities and organizations. Rowe will also present the club with a new American flag.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14 The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

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. Tuesday, April 14, 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 15 Cristi Massey Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100. New Member Reception — takes place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818. Plant City Local Harvest Farmers Market — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. PCLocalHarvestFarmersMarket. com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 Cornhole Tournament — takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

Social Security Seminar — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Edward Jones, 2501 Thonotosassa Road. The presentation will educate you on the many decisions involved in claiming social security, as well as the consequences, and provide strategies to maximize the benefits received. Seating is limited RSVP to 813-7591491.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, 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, April 17, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Health and Fitness Challenge — takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Mike Sansone Park, 1702 N. Park Road. Teams will compete in a trike race, football challenge, tug-of-war and more. NWFT Heritage Banquet — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Plnt City’s Hillsborough Community College campus, 1206 N. Park Road. Contact Nick Ciccarello at (813) 967-3858.

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cutlery by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

EDUCATION by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Simmons Career Center counselor wins district award

A CUT ABOVE

Andrea Thurston was named High School Counselor of the Year for Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Dan Piergallini is a knife maker and enthusiast whose custom pieces are available in Plant City.

Handle: Black palm wood Blade: Damascus steel Function: Fighter

Handle: India stag bone Blade: Damascus steel Function: Art knife

Handle: Water buffalo horn Blade: Damascus steel Function: Japanese tanto

Handle: Micarta (manmade material) Blade: Stainless steel Function: Skinner

More information about Piergallini’s work, and his contact information, can be found at PiergalliniKnives.com.

an Piergallini walks a ﬁne line between craftsman and artist. Though he makes knives that are displayed in a Plant City art gallery, he is careful to remind those who admire his work that they are meant to be tools. “There’s not a person in this world who doesn’t use a knife every day,” Piergallini said. Whether that is a butter knife, a pair of scissors or a butcher knife, these tools are a common necessity. But Piergallini’s custom knives are oneof-a-kind works of beauty. Piergallini’s interest in knives began long ago when he was a Cub Scout. “We had strict rules in the scouts about safety of knives ... and we had training programs, which I still abide by,” Piergallini said. As he grew older, his interest and knowledge grew, and he regularly attended knife shows, where he saw all types of handmade knives. “Being a carpenter by trade, I thought, ‘I can make those,’” Piergallini said. “It only took me 15 years to ﬁgure out how.” About 25 years ago, he began making knives. He observed the masters and picked up tips here and there, but he mostly taught himself. Though knife making was always a hobby for Piergallini, it soon became a lifestyle. He is a voting member of the Knifemaker’s Guild, a prestigious international organization. At a more local level, he is the president of the Gator Cutlery Club of Tampa Bay. Piergallini’s wife, Sandy, is the secretary of the Gator Cutlery Club. She didn’t have much of an interest in knives before she met her husband, but his passion was contagious. They are also knife purveyors. They have about 450 knives at the moment and are always buying, selling and trading. They travel throughout the eastern United States to attend about 12 knife shows each year.

Start to Finish

Piergallini estimates that he has made about 400 knives in his lifetime, and each takes 10 to 40 hours to complete. But each one is a unique combination of materials, function and design. They are all made by hand. He labels himself a purist. “I’m old-fashioned,” Piergallini said. The first step of the process is to draw a sketch of the knife on paper. The sketch is transferred to plexiglass and then cut out. The plexiglass template is set on top of steel, and a scribe is used to scratch the outline into the steel. Then Piergallini uses a band saw to cut the basic shape out of the steel. Piergallini hollows the blade to create a concave effect not seen on flat tools such as butcher knives. He finishes by attaching the handle and embellishments. “No one touches the knife but me, start to finish,” he said. Piergallini uses a variety of materials for his handles, sourced from plants, animals and manmade materials. One of those handle materials is mastodon bone, but deer antlers are more common. Piergallini said it has taken years of experience to be able to identify the bones he finds out in the wild. “Most of the bones and things that we use are in the ground from thousands of years ago,” he said. Piergallini’s knives are available at the Art Lounge Gallery, a co-op of artists at 119 E. Reynolds St. “They allowed me in here as an artist,” Piergallini said. “I told them I’m a craftsman, and they said, ‘No, your stuff is artworthy.’” He also makes appointments at his home for people who are interested in purchasing a custom knife. Piergallini is also known as one of the best local knife sharpeners to businesses, such as The Corner Store and Hicks Custom Meats.

A few weeks ago, a student who was new to Simmons Career Center found herself in the office of Andrea Thurston, a guidance counselor at Simmons. Overwhelmed by the process of transferring and acclimating to her new academic responsibilities, she told Thurston she didn’t think she could do it. Thurston told the student that this kind of negativity was not allowed in her office. Her role is to encourage her students and ensure they stay on track and become successful. “Now this fire has been lit in her, and she’s finishing classes, and she can see herself graduating,” Thurston said. Thurston’s dedicated support for students such as this is one of the reasons she was chosen as High School Counselor of the Year by the Hillsborough School Counselor Association. Thurston was nominated for the award by Janis Perfetto and Laroseate Hill-Lucas, both teen parent teachers at Simmons. Perfetto was the one who called Thurston to share the exciting news that she had been chosen. “I thought maybe she was kidding, playing around, and then the next morning, I got the official call,” Thurston said. “Knowing how many high school counselors there are in the district ... I was really shocked, but honored that they chose someone from a career center.” Soon after the announcement, Thurston’s students had decorated her office with signs saying “Congratulations,” and some of the staff at Simmons arranged a small surprise party for her. There’s no question that the students and faculty at the school appreciate Thurston and what she does. Thurston earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in school counseling from University of South Florida. “I come from a family of educators. My mom always told me if I decided to go into education, to find something that’s not necessarily in the

It has been a great year for Little Miss Plant City 2014 Queen Lacie Collins and her court, but it is time for her to pass on that title to another girl who will have the opportunity to represent her town for the next year. Though Little Miss Plant City, sponsored by the Plant City Junior Woman’s Club, bears some resemblance to a pageant, its intention is different from other competitions of poise and personality.

File photo

Lacie Collins was crowned queen at last year’s Little Miss Plant City contest. “This really isn’t a pageant,” event chairwoman Stephanie Eisenbach said. “It’s more of a

contest for us, because these girls are going to represent our club throughout the year.”

“Some of our students just overcome so many different challenges,” Thurston said. “Just to see them start believing in themselves because we believe in them and we show them on a regular basis ... you start to see the lightbulbs go off.” Many of the staff at Simmons will be joining Thurston at an awards ceremony and reception Monday, April 13, where she will be honored with the other seven award winners. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

Catherine Sinclair

Little Miss Plant City to be crowned next week The main rules for entering are that contestants must be 8 to 10 years old as of Feb. 1, 2015, and they must live within the geographical bounds of Plant City. In fact, if the queen moves outside of Plant City during her reign, she must forfeit the remainder of her reign. The maximum number of contestants is 50. This year, there will be 30 girls competing. They are judged based on their poise, stage presence and overall conﬁdence. Pageant dresses are not allowed, so the girls wear dresses intended for parties or church. “People tend to like the introductions of the girls, when they get on stage and say their

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Some of our students just overcome so many different challenges. Just to see them start believing in themselves because we believe in them and we show them on a regular basis ... you start to see the lightbulbs go off. — Andrea Thurston

Andrea Thurston has been a counselor at Simmons for about 10 years.

SMILE AND WAVE by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

This will be the 47th year for this Junior Woman’s Club tradition.

classroom,” she said. Thurston has about 18 total years of counseling experience, and she has been on staff at Simmons since it relocated to its current campus in 2004. Her daily responsibilities include helping students with scheduling, graduation status, preparation for statewide assessments and more. As a general counselor for the career center students, as well as the counselor for students in the teen parents program at Simmons, Thurston guides about 150 students. Compared with previous schools where she has worked, where she was responsible for up to 500 students, it is easier for her to get to know the students on a personal level, she said.

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Photos by Catherine Sinclair

Dan Piergallini’s knives are available at the Art Lounge Gallery on Reynolds Street in the Historic Downtown District.

LOOKING SHARP

name and do their 30-second intro,” Eisenbach said. Intermission is also a wellliked part of the Little Miss Plant City event. During this time, there is a formal farewell for the previous year’s queen and court, with a slideshow and presentation. The contest is a fundraiser for the Shoe Project, through which the club donates shoes and socks to children in need. This year, the club expects to donate about 700 pairs of shoes and socks, distributed among 14 Plant City-area elementary schools. Throughout their reign, the queen and court will represent the Junior Woman’s Club at community events such as

IF YOU GO Date: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 18 Location: Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place Tickets: $10 at the door More information: gfwcplantcityjuniors.com the Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade. At some of these events, they actively participate in raising more money for the Shoe Project. “They get out there and they have their little collection buckets ... and they love it, too,” Eisenbach said. Each contestant receives four free tickets but anyone may attend the contest for $10. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP MATHIS / PAGE 1A focus areas is along County Line Road. “The area on County Line Road, it is a project that in four years will be paid for, but after that it will be a $24 million revenue, 10 years after it’s been

paid for,” Mathis said. Some of the panelists asked questions related to crime and the police department. Mathis had only support to show for Police Chief Ed Duncan. “We have hired a phenomenal police chief that is making changes,” Mathis said.

She praised Duncan on his efforts to maintain a partnership with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce, the ways he addressed gang and drug issues and his foresight in preparing for potential crises. Mathis will return to her familiar spot in City Hall at 7:30

p.m. Monday, April 13, for the ﬁrst City Commission meeting of her new term. “I live in your community,” Mathis said. “I work in your community ... I am at your commission meetings, I am at events,” Mathis said. “I am there. I listen to the citizens.”

JOIN IN

The BamBoost team is trying to fundraise as much support as possible by May 8 to make it to the next level of the Hult Prize competition. But they also ask for support on social media. Donate: Indiegogo.com (search “BamBoost”) Like and Share: Facebook. com/BamBoostLife Follow and Retweet: @ BamBoostEdu Website: BamBoost.life

CHALLENGED

Each year, the Hult Prize contest challenges participants with a specific goal. This year’s goal was for the winner’s project to reach and educate 10 million children by the year 2020.

BAMBOOST / PAGE 1A graduate student from Chennai, India, and Caio Amaral, an undergraduate student from São Paulo, Brazil. All of the men on the team are studying disciplines related to business. Patel, Lott and the other team members started meeting regularly last fall to brainstorm ideas for their business. They decided to produce hygiene kits containing diapers, sanitary pads and toilet bags. A $3 kit provides a month’s supply of these products. The kits are affordable for impoverished people living in the world’s urban slums because

Courtesy photo

BamBoost produces early childhood education tools for impoverished families living in urban slums. the products are made from bamboo. Bamboo is inexpensive because it regrows quickly and sustainably. The hygiene products meet a need that people in the slums are able to immediately recognize. But many of these families do not spend what little money they have on educating their children, especially children younger than age 6. “We know that they are so behind when they get to primary school that they can’t keep up, and they continue through the poverty cycle,” Lott said. That is why BamBoost kits also include early childhood education materials. Some examples are: a ﬂute, to increase cognitive abilities and develop listening skills; a ball-in-a-cup game, to promote concentra-

tion and motor skills; and a chalkboard, to develop writing instrument grip and creativity. All of the educational materials are also made of bamboo. The team used their connections in Asia and Brazil to form partnerships with international manufacturers, distributors and sales representatives. They tested BamBoost in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, and the 30 families who purchased the initial kits reported that they loved the products. The plan is to start with Brazil and India, and eventually expand to East Africa. BamBoost won the Hult Prize competition at University of Tampa, beating out nine other teams. When the team moved on to the regional competition in Boston, they came in sec-

ond, placing higher than teams from many Ivy League schools. Only the ﬁrst place winner in Boston continued to the ﬁnals, but the BamBoost team hasn’t given up hope. There is still a chance for them to advance as the “wild card” if their fundraising campaign on indiegogo. com is more successful than the other competitors’. Their fundraising deadline in May 8, 2015. Even if they do not secure the wild card spot, Lott, Patel and the team expect to keep BamBoost running. “Right now we’re trying our best to raise as much money as possible. If we do have a successful campaign ... we can start operations and start helping families in Brazil,” Lott said.

OFFICERS / PAGE 1A the men. “I have high expectations for all of you, and I’m confident that you will exceed them.” Of the four officers, Snider has the most experience in public safety. He spent much of the last 11 years with Polk County Fire Rescue, working as a paramedic, and comes to Plant City after one year with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. He decided to come to Plant City to escape the big city life in St. Petersburg. “I live in Walden Lake,” Snider said. “Love the area. I think it’s great that it’s a small community — I like that better. I grew up in a big city and wasn’t interested in being in a big city anymore.” Wise, who has family in Plant City, comes from Atlanta, Georgia after five years with the City of Atlanta Police Department. Before then, he did not work in the public safety field. He chose to come to Plant City to be closer to the people he loves and to settle down and raise a family without the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. “My parents live here,” Wise said. “I’ve got friends and family here, and it’s a great place to raise a child. I’ve got a 10-yearold little girl.” Harvester, a Tampa native, spent the last 10 years working for the Hillsborough County

Billy Harvester, Dylan Cowart, Vince Wise and Paul Snider await their new badges. Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. He worked in the communications bureau as a civilian and decided to switch gears last summer. “I left in July, went to the police academy, and here I am now,” he said. He chose to come to Plant City for several reasons, and couldn’t be more excited to begin his career as a police ofﬁcer in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. “I was ready to come over here to a smaller agency,”

Harvester said. “The chief is phenomenal, and I know some good guys that work over here. They can’t talk highly enough about the agency, so I thought it was a great place to start.” Cowart is the only Plant City native of the bunch. At 21, he’s also the youngest member of the group. After completing police academy, Cowart served as a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce for 10 months.

Justin Kline

He chose to come to Plant City because it seemed like the right thing for him to do. “I was born and raised in Plant City,” he says. “My whole family lives here. I wanted to come to Plant City and give back to my community.” Cowart is looking forward to being a part of the PCPD family and to making a difference in the town where it all began for him. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Lakehouse Luxury Apartments offers lakeside living and plenty of amenities.

LAKEHOUSE / PAGE 1A place, yet it’s luxury.” Although the leasing office isn’t officially opening until next month, Rodriguez has released the details of what prospective renters can expect from this community. All but 12 of the units will be located on the community’s lakefront, and many of them will be designated as non-smoking buildings. There are 60 one-bedroom and 60 two-bedroom apartment units available, as well as five threebedroom townhomes that

are available for renting only. Renting cost runs from $900 to $1,700 per month, with leasing terms that run from seven to 24 months. The gated community’s most publicized feature has been its lakefront area, which includes a dock, several fishing areas and fish cleaning stations, grill and picnic areas and a fire pit. It will also feature a spa, a fitness center, a dog park and more. The units will come furnished with dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, washer and dryer units, and

each has a screened-in balcony. Pets are allowed to live in the units. For more information about the apartments, visit LakeHouseLuxuryApartments.com or call Rodriguez at (813) 7565800.

PLANTATION AT WALDEN LAKE

Lakehouse Luxury Apartments isn’t the only community offering something new in Plant City, as another apartment complex in town has made some changes. What was formerly called Hunters Ridge is now Planta-

tion at Walden Lake. Beyond the name change, Plantation has also given its buildings a fresh coat of paint and new ﬂooring inside. The community has one, two and three-bedroom units available for rent, starting at $720 for the 556-square foot Magnolia one-bedroom units, and each comes fully furnished with appliances. The community itself has a pool, tennis court, business center, spa and more. For more information, visit PlantationAtWaldenLake.com. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ashley Piechowiak keeps Durant’s flag football rolling. 7A SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

FLAG FOOTBALL by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

SIDELINES Crone keeps Durant winning Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com, or Tweet us at @ PCTOSports.

SOCCER

+ P.C. to host State Cup games

The 2015 Florida Youth Soccer Association State Cup is underway, and the action will be headed to Plant City this weekend. On Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex will be the place for local soccer fans to be to watch the round of 32 action unfold. The tournament field consists of boys and girls U13-U19 teams, including the Plant City Lancers’ U13 and U16 boys teams. The complex is located at 2602 E. Cherry St. The games will be played from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For more information on the State Cup series, visit FYSA.com/events/state_cup/.

FOOTBALL

+ Durant planning clay shoot fundraiser

This April, friends of the Durant High School football team can both help the program out and satisfy an itchy trigger finger. The program has announced the first annual Durant Football Cougar Clay Shoot Out for Sunday, April 26. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Fishhawk Sporting Clays shooting range, 13505 Hobson Simmons Road, Lithia. On-site registration will be held at 8:30 a.m., and safety instructions will be reviewed at 9:15 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female shooters in the competition, as well as the top youth (18 and younger) and team shooters. Lunch will also be provided. Individuals can register for $60, and a team of four can sign up for $220. The registration cost covers 50 clay targets and a barbecue lunch. Gun rentals and shells will be available. Those who wish to attend but not shoot can do so for $10. Checks can be made out to Durant Football, or the fees can be paid by credit or debit card the day of the event. For more information, contact head coach Mike Gottman by phone at (813) 323-4347 or by email at michael.gottman@sdhc.k12. fl.us, or Debbie Fabrizio at (813) 917-2171 or debbiefabrizio@mac.com.

HOCKEY

+ Walden wraps up season in New Jersey

Durant High senior Clint Walden moved to New Jersey to play for a top youth hockey team. The North Jersey Avalanche wrapped up its 2014-15 season, finishing as one of the top U18 Tier 1 teams in the country. It had the best regular-season record in the country, at 60-10-6, and won the Atlantic Youth Hockey League and Atlantic District championships before finishing as runner-up in the USA Hockey National Championships. Walden finished with 20 goals and 15 assists (35 points), and plans to return to New Jersey next season.

after coaching change

Brad Brunson had a great seven years coaching the Durant High ﬂag football team, but the future was uncertain when he stepped down this year. Randy Crone has given Durant fans what they hoped for. If anyone knew what this young Durant ﬂag football team was capable of this year, it was Randy Crone. His input has so far proven to be exactly what the team needed this spring, after losing a number of key seniors to graduation and longtime head coach Brad Brunson. Working with just four seniors, Crone led the Lady Cougars to a 4-1 start this year. And the team

was ready to battle Bloomingdale for one of the high seeds in the playoffs last Thursday. “I love working with the girls,” Crone says. “They’re eager to learn, and they want to play. I love it.”

A FOOTBALL LIFE

Crone, a San Diego, California native, has been around the game of football for most of his life. After playing linebacker at

Mira Mesa High School, Crone attended San Diego State University, put on some weight and played on the Aztecs’ defensive line. When he graduated from college, Crone spent some time working as a store manager at a Just for Feet store. But he eventually found himself back in the game. Crone left the position to coach freshman and JV football at his alma mater, which

Courtesy Photo

Randy Crone has spent much of the last decade coaching flag football, after many years in the boys game. was also possible thanks to a career change into the ﬁeld of education. He started coaching in 2002 and moved to Florida in 2005 to be closer to his wife’s family.

Crone now teaches U.S. History and AP World History at Durant, and has been involved in both football

SEE CRONE / PAGE 7A

football by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

FAMILYBYFOOTBALL

Justin Kline.

The Antioch Redskins staff strives to make players and parents feel like part of a family.

Since Benji and Emily Sikes took over the Antioch Redskins in 2014, the program has done everything possible to become the new and improved Redskins program.

hey say that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same rings true of the new Antioch Redskins. Like any good team president, Benji Sikes puts in long hours working at the Antioch Redskins’ park throughout the week. This sometimes keeps him on the grounds until after sunset. But the results he’s seeing make it all worthwhile. Sikes, his wife, Emily, and the rest of the new board of directors will not rest until the new part of the program identity is ﬁrmly entrenched in the minds of the Antioch community. There isn’t going to be another season cancellation, as there was in fall 2014. On top of that, children who wish to play football will be able to do so in a positive environment. And, the best part? Sikes already conﬁrms that there will be fall football in Antioch this

year, as more than enough players have pre-registered for the season. “These are probably the best numbers that we’ve looked at in a long time,” he says.

TIME FOR CHANGE

The Redskins had been around for roughly 50 years in 2014, but participation numbers had been declining. They hit their all-time low before the fall season, with only 11 players signed up before the cut-off date. Then-president Mike Wilkinson attributed the decline to an interest in baseball, and it wasn’t long before he left his position. The team held a football fundamentals camp, led by Adam Cain, for any area youths interested in learning the game. The team, in conjunction with the Tri-County Youth Football and Cheer-

leading Conference, hosted several TCYFCC football games and cheer competitions to raise money for the Redskins program during the season. But there was much more happening behind the scenes. When Sikes was installed as team president, he made it his goal to put as much effort as he could into turning the program around, even if he’s spent more time some weeks working at the field than at his real job, as he and his wife say. “We were able to pull this park out of a financial deficit, out of a numbers deficit for kids, and basically, what we’ve done is build a park on class and respect,” he says.

THE “NEW” REDSKINS

To get participation numbers back up, Sikes knew that a lot of things had to change. One of the biggest areas for improvement was in the at-

titude of the program: If he could get the right people in the right positions, and put forth enough effort, people would be drawn back to the program. “We just couldn’t let it go away,” he says. “It was one of those things where, if we just kind of stuck in there, if we got everything right, it more or less was a lesson we could teach kids on how to not give up on something. If you work through it, it can happen.” On the football side, the Antioch program continued the football fundamentals camps and was able to ﬁnd enough players to get involved in 8-on-8 arena football action this spring. That was huge, as Antioch previously had no such program. “If kids wanted to play football in the spring, they would go to other parks,” Sikes says.

SEE REDSKINS / PAGE 7A

FOR THE KIDS

According to Vice President Emily Sikes, the Antioch Redskins program will be friendly to all kids who want to play football, even if their families would have trouble affording it. None of the money that the team gains through fundraisers goes back into the park. Instead, it goes toward sponsorships for kids whose families would otherwise be unable to pay. “We don’t turn any kids away,” she says. “If there’s five kids that need sponsorships, we have car washes, we’ve had some coaches go up to the Big Top Flea Market — donations only — these kids are getting covered. We figure it out.” Kids also get help in the classroom and can go to the park for a meal whenever the team makes them available. “We’ve adopted all of these kids,” Sikes says. For more information about the team, visit AntiochRedskins.org.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Let’s hear about the great outdoors

Now that winter’s I want to give you officially gone, it’s all motivation to go about time to get outside and enjoy youroutdoors and take adselves, no matter what vantage of that warm you like to do. Florida weather. And since we’re all School’s coming to interested in different an end soon. Around things, I could use your the same time, adults help. JUSTIN will look outside and I’m looking for KLINE brainstorm any exyour tales of outdoor cuse to get out of the adventures, and if office. I would love to spend you’re qualified to give it, my days wakeboarding. your advice for anyone who

wants to try their hand at your preferred outdoor sport. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s done outside and presents some kind of challenge. Are you an avid angler? Do you like to spend every moment you can in the spring and summer out on the water, catching whatever you can? I don’t care if you ﬁsh freshwater, saltwater or both: Drop me a line. I want to hear

your tips and tricks for landing the big ones, your favorite spots to ﬁsh (if they’re not closely-guarded secrets) and see what you’ve caught in the past. I don’t ﬁsh as often as I used to, but I know fully well how valuable a good day on the water can be. Is hunting more of your forte? Sure, most animals in Florida aren’t going to be in season this summer. But with more options opening up in

August, maybe we can help motivate some readers who are on the fence about getting a license to go and give it a shot. If you hunt around Florida, I want to hear from you — no matter what your weapon of choice is. Do you love watersports? Is the cable park your second home over the spring and summer? Or do you just take advantage of the nearest lake you can ﬁnd whenever you have the chance? I want to

SEE KLINE / PAGE 7A

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hey batter by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Little League season in full swing Plant City Little League is halfway through its regular season, and competition is heating up. With games being played just about every other day, now is as good a time as any to go see Plant City’s future baseball and softball stars do their thing on the diamond. For all game schedules, visit Eteamz. com/PlantCityll. Left: The pitcher-batter staredown is one of the most intense in all of sports.

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

A pitcher gets the gameplay from her coach before taking the mound.

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS

This player watches the action unfold while waiting his turn to bat.

1) Railway Air Brake 2) Reversible Frog 3) Induction Motor 4) War of Currents 5) The Castle. George Westinghouse

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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

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.

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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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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

ASHLEY PIECHOWIAK Durant’s flag football team is rolling, even after losing key starters and dealing with a head coaching change. Part of the Lady Cougars’ success comes from the play of senior Ashley Piechowiak, a two-way player who went into Thursday’s game against Bloomingdale with 6 touchdown receptions and 6 interceptions on the season. What first drew you to flag football? I started my freshman year. I played varsity. It’s been a long journey. I think I’ve gotten better, the team’s gotten better, and we’ve gotten close. How far have you seen this team come over the past four years? We’ve had our good seasons and our bad seasons, but this season, I think it’s going to be really well. The team works well together. The quarterback (Megan Mooney), a sophomore, she just started. She’s been doing really good, really getting chemistry with the wide receivers and tight ends. Last year was a seniorheavy team, and now it’s a very young team with four seniors. What’s it been like, helping the younger girls get better? I feel like a role model because I’ve been here for four years, but they really look up to me. I’ve taken priority in making the team look up to me. You all got off to a 4-1 start this season — not bad for a young team. What’s been the key to success? I think defense has gone really well. We’ve shut them down, most of the time. It’s just not letting them score, making interceptions and pulling the flag the first time. What’s the coolest thing you think you’ve ever done on a football field? Well, I’m not really sure. I do a lot of long runs, and I make a lot of long catches. I feel like if I make a long catch and run it in for a touchdown, that’s pretty much the best achievement I’ve got. What’s been your favorite moment of your

ﬂag football career? A couple years ago, we beat Plant City, which is a big rival of ours.

football, we don’t really have club teams, so we’re not really cliquey like in soccer.

Do you play any other sports? I play soccer, too. All four years of high school.

What do you do for fun outside of those sports? I like to go bowling. I’m in a league, actually, with my friends. Every Wednesday night, we go bowling, My average is 160, and my best game was a 234. It was a month ago, I think.

Which do you prefer? I like ﬂag football more. I feel like there’s not a lot of cliques, like there was in soccer. Most players play for club teams, in soccer, so they have their own groups. In ﬂag

What’s your favorite subject in school? I love math. I’m taking calculus right now. I want to be an engineer. Do you know where you want to go to college? Yeah, I’ve already decided: USF. What are your favorite movies? I like “Pirates of the Caribbean.” I like the Shrek movies — that’s my kid side. Is there a sport you’ve never tried before, but always wanted to? Volleyball … I played it eighthgrade year, at Turkey Creek Middle School. But I’m really inexperienced in that. Who’s your favorite athlete of all time? Probably Dirk Nowitzki. I don’t know — he has a cool name, and he has a cool shot. Do you have a bond with other athletes with last names that people have a hard time pronouncing? Oh yeah, deﬁnitely. How do you pronounce your last name, for all of the readers who are going to have trouble with it? Puh-ho-vee-ak. What are some of your goals for this year? I want to get some scholarships. That’ll help my college tuition. I just want to graduate. I’m just trying to get A’s in all of my classes, even though our GPAs are frozen. My GPA is a 5.5, right now.

CRONE / PAGE 5A programs during his time in the Plant City area. He was the JV football coach for one year before taking some time away from the sport and getting more involved with his daughter’s athletic career. “She plays girls soccer, she does ice skating and gymnastics, and she got really into it,” Crone says. “So, I’d been trying to learn how to coach girls. I ﬁgured this might be my ﬁrst job, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”

PROGRAM VETERAN

Crone came aboard Durant’s program in 2008, at the same time Brunson took over as head coach. The two men worked to take the team to highs it hadn’t previously reached. “He’s been very successful, so it’s been really hard shoes to ﬁll,” Crone says. “I think he’s ﬁfth in the county in all-time wins. We’ve come a long way.” Though the team has only

REDSKINS / PAGE 5A “So, once they would experience a good time with another park, we would never get the kids back.” Much of the Redskins staff is also new, and Sikes says that each member was thoroughly vetted before they were hired to be sure that each person was the right ﬁt for the program. On the ﬁeld, only two football coaches and the cheerleading director remain from the previous presidency. On the administrative board, several new members have been installed, and the team’s board meetings are now open to the public. The camps sometimes ca-

KLINE / PAGE 5A know where the best spots are, hear some tips for performing tricks and anything else you think people should know about doing what you do. If you’re great at dealing

won the district title once, it has won several runner-up awards. Last year’s team, led by senior quarterback Jessica McClernan, enjoyed an undefeated regular season before losing to Bloomingdale in the district championship game. Even though many of that team’s top players left, Crone knew he had good reason to want to step up and take over the team. “I was just real comfortable doing it,” he says. “A lot of the girls, I’ve been working with them since they were freshmen. So the ﬁt was real easy. This year we only have four seniors, so I went with a youth movement to try and build the program even more.” The team has 18 players on the roster this season, up from its usual 10 or 11. Plenty of sophomores, such as quarterback Megan Mooney, are seeing a lot of playing time on the ﬁeld. And on JV, the roster is packed with 22 girls. “The sport is really expanding,” Crone says. “Especially

CATCH A GAME

After next week’s game at East Bay High School, the Durant flag football team will have one home game left before playoff time. The game begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, against Armwood. For fans who missed Thursday’s Bloomingdale game, this will be one to watch.

here at Durant. A lot more girls are getting interested in it. It’s been good.” For the moment, all signs bode well for this program going forward under Crone’s leadership. All Cougar fans have to hope for now is a good playoff showing, and it sounds like this young team is ready to go. “These girls, they love to play at a high level,” Crone says. “These girls take it seriously.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

tered to only two kids in a night, and sometimes had double-digit participants, but the Redskins kept the lights on and stayed on the ﬁeld no matter what those numbers looked like. Now, many of those campers have signed up to play for the fall season — even some who hadn’t played football before. “We may have four returning players that have played for Antioch,” Sikes says. “A lot of these kids come from all different walks of life. Some of them are basketball players, some of them are soccer players and some of them are football players that haven’t played in a while, but they come out here, and we’ve

been able to arrange ﬁve competitive teams after a season with no numbers. What we’re doing is working.” So enter the new Antioch Redskins: a program that is going to be 100% for the kids, even if other things come before football. “We want to take these kids and turn them into good people,” Sikes says. “Even before we teach them how to play football. Based on what we used to do this for: to keep kids off the streets, make them good people, help them through high school and get them to the next level.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

with those dastardly drivers who just love to throw people off of their tubes, your advice could help many readers. Even if none of these applies to you, I still want to hear from you if you’re out there doing something

people should know about. As always, I can be reached by email at jkline@plantcityobserver.com, or you can stop by the Plant City Times & Observer’s downtown ofﬁce at 110 E. Reynolds St., Monday through Friday.

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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

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

RESTORATION by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer The parking lot and green space near the mural replaced a building that burned in 2005.

BROKEN-HEARTED TIMELINE 1974: John

Briggs painted the original mural on the 100 block of South Collins Street.

2005:

The building on which the original mural was painted burned down, but the mural wall remained standing.

2008:

The mural wall was demolished.

2009: A com-

mittee formed to make plans for a new mural on the rear exterior wall of Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee and Eatery.

January 2010: The new mural, painted by Paul Hetrick, was dedicated.

February 2010: A replica of the original mural was permanently installed at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

‘The Heart of Plant City’ mural was painted on brick that was not made to sustain a work of art.

aul Hetrick spent the summer of 2009 outside in the relentless Florida sun, with a paintbrush in his hand and a community-driven motivation in his heart. He had been asked to produce a mural that would bring life to an ordinary wall in downtown Plant City. This week, Hetrick returned to the 14-by-70-foot work of art that took him 400 hours to complete. But he wasn’t there to admire his piece. Instead, he was trying to assess the deterioration that has been plaguing the mural for the last year. “It’s perplexing to me, because I’ve painted a lot of brick walls in my years of sign painting, and this one has responded differently than many of them,” Hetrick said.

An Ignited History

In 1974, local artist John Briggs was commissioned to paint a mural as a tribute to Plant City’s iconic railroad history on an exterior wall of a historic, multi-business building on Collins Street. But the mural barely lived to see its 30th birthday. In 2005, Angelica Ruth Lockett was charged with seven counts of arson after tossing a lit cigarette onto some bedding in the back of a shop owned by her ex-boyfriend, Mark Simpson. The shop was in the 100 block of South Collins Street, where Briggs’ mural was located. While investigating the case, detectives said Lockett had intended to cause damage to Simpson’s shop, but the ﬂames

got out of hand and burned all of the building’s seven businesses to the ground. The mural suffered smoke damage, but its wall was the only part of the building that remained standing. Three years later, the wall was torn down. The mural was not protected as a historical piece, and city ofﬁcials decided it would be in the best interest of safety to demolish the wall. Some Plant City residents thought the mural could have been salvaged. “A lot of people here aren’t happy that they tore that wall down,” Valerie DeArmond, owner of Valerie’s Attic, said. “One night it was there, and the next morning, it wasn’t.” DeArmond’s shop, which opened in 2013, is just across the street from the former site of the burned building. Now it is a parking lot and park area behind Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee and Eatery and Krazy Kup. In 2009, Jerry Lofstrom, owner of Whistle Stop, decided to organize a committee and plan a new mural that would also depict Plant City’s history, as a replacement for the mural that had been destroyed. Briggs said he had been asked to paint the new mural, but he refused to take on the project unless the wall was ﬁrst prepared with stucco. After designating this condition, he did not receive a call back, he said. Paul Hetrick, owner of Paul’s Hand Lettering Service, was commissioned for the new mural, to be painted on the

rear exterior wall of Whistle Stop. Lofstrom’s mural committee comprised himself, Hetrick, Scott Anderson, Fred Johnson and Sandee Sytsma (chairwoman). The committee had to fundraise for the mural and Hetrick’s labor. Donations primarily came from the families of the community members who are depicted in the mural. The mural, named “The Heart of Plant City,” was completed and dedicated to the city in January 2010.

A Deteriorating Present

In recent months, some downtown business owners and other community members have noticed that the mural is in poor condition. “It should be lasting, but it’s peeling right off,” DeArmond said. She said she has also seen some people going up to the mural and purposely pulling off chunks of paint that have started to peel. The end result is a torn and tattered work of art in need of intervention. Lofstrom said he noticed the damage about ﬁve months ago and discussed it with Sytsma about three months ago. Though the wall had been sealed two years ago so that the paint would retain its bright colors, the committee has just recently become aware that the base material was fundamentally problematic. “Not being aware that there were two different kinds of brick, we decided to start on the new mural ... but it’s not

the kind of brick, apparently, that can be painted on,” Sytsma said. Sytsma said there is some money in the committee’s budget, leftover from the initial fundraising. But it is not quite enough. “We’re not exactly sure what we’re going to do at this point,” Sytsma said. “I don’t have the money to completely paint over it and start again.” Though the city passed an ordinance in 2009 to ban any new murals in the historic district, the ordinance did not affect maintenance of existing murals. Hetrick said the peeling paint is only one of the issues at hand. Below the surface, the grout and even the bricks themselves are deteriorating into a sand-like consistency. “It’s just pouring out of there,” Hetrick said. “You can rub your ﬁnger back and forth and it’s coming out.” The mural originally cost about $25,000. To redo it would cost at least this sum, or more, if the committee decided to resurface the wall with stucco this time. Hetrick said he has recently been in contact with the committee and hopes to meet with them soon to determine the best course of action. “There’s a lot of money spent on that mural, and if there’s something we could do that would permanentize it ... that’s what I really want to happen,” Hetrick said. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

Photos by Catherine Sinclair

Evelyn Madonia, former owner of the Red Rose Inn and Suites, is among the 53 community figures in the “Heart of the Plant City” mural.

The mural’s paint is peeling away to reveal the bare brick underneath.

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building the future by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Rotary selects students for leadership programs

Four high school students will have the opportunity to participate in programs at Florida Southern College and Auburn University this summer. Each summer, the Rotary Clubs of Plant City sponsor students from Plant City High School to attend prestigious leadership programs both in and out of state, and this year’s participants have recently been selected and announced. Rotary clubs in Florida may each send one student to Seminar For Tomorrow’s Leaders (S4TL) and one student to the World Affairs Youth Council. Because there are two Rotary Clubs in Plant City, two Plant City High School students will be able to attend each of these programs this summer. Kendall Johnson and Shelby Baerwalde will participate in S4TL, a week-long program at Florida Southern College in

Lakeland, where students will hear from guest speakers, including successful Rotarians, about leadership and community service. “They call it a pep rally. It’s a leadership conference,” Jodi Stevens, a member of Plant City Noon Rotary Club who oversees the selection of Plant City students for these programs, said. Madison Manley and Valeria Ruiz will participate in the World Affairs Youth Council, which is also a week long but takes place at Auburn University. Students become delegates for a country and debate issues from the viewpoints of those countries. “That is a basic United Nations forum, and it examines

CUTESTCRITTER

real-world issues,” Stevens said. Nine students submitted applications for S4TL and the World Affairs Youth Council, and they were interviewed by Stevens and other Rotarians. Stevens said it was not only their personalities and achievements that mattered, but also their potential for effective and meaningful leadership. All of the girls who were chosen have achieved high honors in their academic and extra-curricular endeavors, but each has a unique perspective to take to these summer programs. Johnson has a heart for service close to home. She often works with Bell Shoals Church of Christ in Brandon to distrib-

ank, the pure bred Cane Corso Italian Mastiff puppy, is a very big baby and a gentle giant. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest. Entering is simple: Just submit a highresolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and contact information. Winners will be showcased in the Plant City Times & Observer and will receive a free bag of dental chews to be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center. Submit your entries to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com; subject line: Cutest Critter Contest. Good luck!

ute food and clothing to lowincome families, and she tutors elementary-age children in Plant City. She is not sure what she’ll study in college, but math and science are some of her top academic interests. “Leadership is a key component to success, and I am happy that I have been given the opportunity to learn more about leadership over the summer,” Johnson said. Baerwalde is passionate about the arts and has earned awards for ﬁlm, photography and literature. She has served Plant City through Relay for Life, Empty Bowls and various projects with the PCHS Civinettes. Manley has a vision for giving back and serving those with

immediate medical needs. She is actively involved in raising money for Relay for Life and ALS. She hopes to go to medical school and eventually work in developing nations, to serve children whose deformities inhibit them from functioning in their cultures. “Leadership to me is humbling yourself before others and becoming an inspiration for young people all around the world to pursue their dreams and rise above their adversities,” Manley said. Ruiz is a member of the Civinettes and Health Occupations Students of America, and has previously be involved with Key Club and Latin Quarters at PCHS. She is actively involved at St. Clement Catholic Church. She hopes to study criminology at University of South Florida and eventually earn a PhD. After the students have re-

SUMMED UP

During their interviews, the students were asked to choose one word to describe themselves. Their words were: Shelby Baerwalde: Accepting Kendall Johnson: Compromiser Madison Manley: Humble Valeria Ruiz: Vivacious

turned from their summer programs, they will give presentations at Plant City Rotary Club meetings to discuss what they learned. Johnson and Manley will appear at Daybreak Rotary, and Baerwalde and Ruiz will appear at Noon Rotary. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

BOOK’S BEST FRIEND by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Some children like to return week after week to see Bonnie.

Bonnie the therapy dog barks up right library shelf From 4 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday, children can visit with Bonnie the Therapy Dog at Bruton Memorial Library. Children, typically between age 3 and ﬁfth grade, can choose a story to read to Bonnie.

When they are ﬁnished, they receive a sticker, and older children can also receive bookmarks. Bonnie’s owner is Cassandra Banning, and the pair also regularly visits patients at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Bonnie’s mom, Cassandra Banning, lets children choose from among many sticker designs. Left: Children sit next to Bonnie while they read aloud to her.

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RESIDENTIAL TRANSACTIONS by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

A 5-acre farm tops real estate sales in March The home at 925 Coward Road sold March 30, for $319,400. Built in 2002, it has two bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,536 square feet of living space on ﬁve acres. The price per square foot is $207.94.

Alexander Woods

The home at 2108 Grayson Woods Court sold March 6, for $120,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,789 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $67.08.

Ancient Oak

The home at 3812 Ancient Oak Trail sold March 6, for $245,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,827 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $135.10.

Avondale Groves

The home at 4324 Avondale Groves St. sold March 6, for $225,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,447 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $91.95.

Berry Creek

The home at 2206 Berry Road sold March 6, for $85,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,356 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $36.08.

Bracewell Heights

The home at 1604 N. Gordon St. sold March 27, for $139,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,585 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $88.26.

Citrus Landing

The home at 202 Citrus Landing Drive sold March 9, for $150,000 (short sale). Built in 2005, it has ﬁve bedrooms, three baths and 2,291 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $65.47.

Country Breeze Estates

The home at 3015 Country Breeze Drive sold March 24, for $185,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,502 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $123.17.

Country Brooks Estates

it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,360 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $111.76.

The home at 2910 Country Trails Drive sold March 27, for $295,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,571 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $114.74.

Magnolia Green

Country Hills

The home at 4617 Copper Lane sold March 20, for $130,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,439 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $90.34. The home at 4641 Copper Lane sold March 31, for $125,500. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,266 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $99.13. The home at 4330 Country Hills Blvd. sold March 31, for $122,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,340 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $91.04. The home at 2705 Hunts Court sold March 31, for $115,000 (short sale). Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,388 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $82.85. The home at 4617 Summerwinds Court sold March 20, for $111,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,240 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $89.52.

Country Trails

The home at 4708 Charro Lane sold March 13, for $175,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,515 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $115.51.

Crystal Springs Colony

The home at 10575 Paul Buchman Highway sold March 20, for $245,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,640 square feet of living area on 11 acres. The price per square foot is $149.39.

Eagle Greens

The home at 2643 Eagle Greens Drive #22 sold March 31, for $137,500. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths

Amber Jurgensen

This home, which has two bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,536 square feet of living space on five acres, sold for $319,400. and 1,236 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $11.25.

Eastgate

The home at 2306 Gatewood St. sold March 11, for $97,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,506 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $64.74.

Eastridge Preserve

The home at 3407 Ranchdale Drive sold March 30, for $299,900. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,641 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $107.88.

Edgar

The home at 2314 Howell Road sold March 27, for $52,500. Built in 2010, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 990 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $90.91.

Export Farms

The home at 4206 Webber Road sold March 6, for $160,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,305 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $122.61.

Forest Park

The home at 122 Plum St. sold March 16, for $48,000

SNAPSHOT

Min Sale Price: $24,000 Max Sale Price: $319,400 Average Sale Price: $162,505 Median Sale Price: $160,000 (short sale). Built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,527 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $31.43.

Gilchrist Heights

The home at 1109 N. Knights St. sold March 31, for $75,000. Built in 1968, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,926 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $38.94.

Hillsborough

The home at 4113 N. Forbes Road sold March 13, for $165,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,232 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $133.93. The home at 19 S. Maryland Ave. sold March 10, for $78,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,700 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $45.88. The home at 3402 Murray Farms Road sold March 31, for $130,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two

baths and 1,899 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $68.46. The home at 2019 Pleasant Acre Drive sold March 10, for $115,000. Built in 1962, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,516 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $75.86. The home at 5010 W. Sam Allen Road sold March 25, for $289,000. Built in 1910, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,857 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $155.63. The home at 2502 Sam Hicks Road sold March 27, for $40,280. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,048 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $38.44. The home at 4308 Thonotosassa Road sold March 5, for $220,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,036 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $76.46.

Hobby

The home at 3815 Kirkland Road sold March 25, for $85,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $50.84.

Holloway Estates

The home at 4411 Holloway Meadow Lane sold March 2, for $190,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three and one half baths and 2,240 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $84.82.

Island Pond Estates

The home at 3902 W. Sam Allen Road sold March 5, for $122,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,673 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $104.29.

Little Alaﬁa Creek Estates

The home at 3623 Little Alaﬁa Creek Estates sold March 30, for $275,000. Built in 1987,

The home at 3840 Crystal Dew St. sold March 4, for $207,850. Built in 2014, it has ﬁve bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,807 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $74.05. The home at 3846 Crystal Dew St. sold March 17, for $199,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,342 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $81.83. The home at 3847 Crystal Dew St. sold March 25, for $198,490. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,432 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $81.62. The home at 3851 Crystal Dew St. sold March 25, for $169,990. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $101.67.

Manning

The home at 1084 Cowart Road sold March 24, for $290,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,663 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $108.90.

McWetherbee Junction

The home at 3411 Nesmith Road sold March 21, for $250,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,216 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $2,216.

Oakland Heights

The home at 3003 Paul Buchman Highway sold March 11, for $87,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,264 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $69.54.

Oakrest

The home at 2804 Oak Crest Drive sold March 25, for $175,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,695 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $103.24.

Oakwood Estates

The home at 1750 Oakwood Estates sold March 23, for $212,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,385 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $88.89.

Paddocks

The home at 2608 Bridle Drive sold March 24, for $172,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,302 square feet of living area on

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one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $94.88. The home at 2749 Horseshoe Drive sold March 25, for $210,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,232 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $94.09

Pine Dale Estates

The home at 1001 Mendonsa Road sold March 18, for $223,860. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 3,600 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $62.18.

Roach

The home at 402 Eunice Drive sold March 13, for $129,900. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,898 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $68.44.

and 2,827 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $96.11.

Stafford Oaks

The home at 6504 Stafford Oaks Terrace sold March 26, for $186,500. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,530 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $73.72.

Stewart Acres

The home at 2804 Stewart Acres sold March 3, for $120,000. Built in 1930, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,558 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $77.02.

Trapnell Ridge

The home at 3305 N. Lake Drive sold March 27, for $72,404 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,320 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $54.85.

The home at 3709 Trapnell Grove Loop sold March 6, for $134,00. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,545 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $86.73. The home at 3432 Trapnell Ridge Drive sold March 13, for $120,852 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,544 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $78.27.

SpringďŹ eld

Walden Lake

Seminole Lake Estates

The home at 3207 San Andreas Drive sold March 16, for $271,717. Built in 2015, it has ďŹ ve bedrooms, three baths

The home at 4110 Barret Ave. sold March 16, for $164,900. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,781

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $92.59. The home at 1907 Carriage Court sold March 27, for $175,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,155 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $81.21. The home at 2819 Clubhouse Drive sold March 2, for $235,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,192 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $107.21. The home at 2906 Clubhouse Drive sold March 9, for $238,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,490 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $95.58. The home at 2917 Clubhouse Drive sold March 25, for $218,500. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,072 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $105.45. The home at 103 Dorado Court sold March 12, for $55,000 (short sale). Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,542 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $35.67. The home at 3108 Emerson Place sold March 16, for $159,900. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,856 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $86.15.

The home at 2859 Hammock Drive sold March 4, for $288,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, three and one half baths and 2,668 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $107.95. The home at 2867 Hammock Drive sold March 24 for $300,527. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,813 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $106.84. The home at 3314 Kilmer Place sold March 13, for $165,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,400 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $68.75. The home at 4101 Longfellow Drive sold March 6, for $160,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,641 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $97.50. The home at 1420 Sandalwood Drive sold March 12, for $145,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,850 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $94.59. The home at 3438 Silverstone Court sold March 6, for $175,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,360 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $111.76. The home at 2904 Sutton

Oaks Court sold March 27, for $235,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,248 square feet of living area on one half acre. The price per square foot is $104.54. The home at 3045 Sutton Woods Drive sold March 31, for $271,500. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,259 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $120.19. The home at 1904 Teakwood Drive sold March 20, for $193,000. Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,183 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $96.17.

Walden Pointe

The home at 1813 Via Chianti St. sold March 24, for $209,938. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,360 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $111.76. The home at 2017 Via Napoli St. sold March 6, for $258,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,073 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $124.46

Walden Reserve

The home at 3303 Aaron Elias Court sold March 20, for $284,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,578 square feet of living area on one quarter acre.

The price per square foot is $110.16. The home at 3515 Walden Reserve Drive sold March 27, for $237,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,444 square feet of living area on less than one acre. The price per square foot is 96.97.

Walden Woods

The home at 2038 Greenwood Valley Drive sold March 27, for $119,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,572 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $75.70. The home at 2308 Tanbark Ridge Place sold March 20, for $92,000 (short sale). Built in 2008, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,185 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $77.64.

Washington Park

The home at 1105 E. Tomlin St. sold March 25, for $118,500. Built in 1928, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,292 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $91.72.

Woodards Manor

The home at 5304 Cindy Kay Drive sold March 13, for $152,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,360 square feet of living area on one quarter acre. The price per square foot is $111.76.

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OBSERVER OBITUARIES Rev. William Allen III

Rev. William Allen III, 52, of Lithia/Plant City, died March 31, 2015, at his home. A native of Lithia, he was the son of the late William Leroy Allen Jr. and Barbara Roney; she survives. Mr. Allen was the former pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Ft. Meade. Other survivors include his beloved wife, Pamela Jenkins Allen; children, Austin Allen and Evelyn (Daniel) Hernandez; brother, Donald Allen; and grandchildren, Samuel, Jacob, Gabriel and Aaron. Funeral services were held April 3, at Welcome Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Minnie Yvonne Bagley

Minnie Yvonne Bagley, 76, of Plant City, and born in Lithia, died April 1, 2015. She loved her family and enjoyed reading. She is survived by her son, Benjamin Odis Bagley; grandchildren, Aysha Bagley (ﬁance, Mark) and Jessica Bagley; siblings, Henry R. “Junior” Bagley, Vera Daniels, Carrie Budd, Joyce Jones (Herman) and Jerry Bagley (Linda); and great-grandchildren, Bryan, Eric and Christopher. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Carrie Bagley; and siblings, Trenton Bagley, Annie Picallo, Thelma Phillips and John Bagley. A celebration of life was held April 4, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Interment at Springhead Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Sibyl Bullock Connell

Sibyl Bullock Connell, 85 of Plant City, died April 1, 2015. She was born on her grandparents’ farm in Hastings. She graduated from Mellon High School in Palatka, and received her bachelor’s in education from Florida State University and her master’s from Peabody College. Her teaching career began at the Bardin School in Palatka. She then became a home economics teacher at Brandon High School, moving on to become the dean of girls at Tomlin Junior High. She retired from Hillsborough County Schools in 1984. Mrs. Connell loved traveling, camping, her First Baptist Church family, working at the Florida Strawberry Festival and family gatherings. She is survived by children, Jody Connell (Judy) and Pam Warnock (Tommy);

grandchildren, Joel Connell (Erika), Jana Williams (TJ), Jessica Young (Mike), Trey Warnock and Brooke Warnock; great-grandchildren, Kenley, Ella, Colt, Reid, Janie Grace, Parker and Patti Lyn; sister, Opal Wilkinson (Walter); nieces, Amy Lanning and Amanda Sweat; nephew, Travis Wilkinson (Adrianne); and numerous greatnieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by parents, Carson and Nettie Ragin Bullock; her husband of 30 years, Robert Joel “Buck” Connell; and daughter, Patti Connell. A celebration of life was held April 6, at First Baptist Church of Plant City. Interment at Memorial Park. In lieu of ﬂowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Plant City’s Building Fund, and/or LifePath Hospice, Development Dept., 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300, Temple Terrace, Florida, 33637. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Shirley Dalton

Shirley Dalton, 78, of Valrico, died March 25, 2015. She was predeceased by her husband, Charlie Joe Dalton; and sons, Carl Patrick Dalton and Mark Frederick Dalton. She is survived by her son, Bruce Dalton; and nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A funeral was held April 4, at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home. Entombment at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at HillsboroMemorial.com.

Pamela “Michele” Dees

Pamela “Michele” Dees, 48, of Plant City, died April 6, 2015. She loved her family and animals, and she enjoyed helping those less fortunate. She is survived by her parents, Ed and Karen Dees, and Gloria Lariscy Dykstra; sisters, Julie Buser Potter (Nick) and Emily Dees Grifﬁn (Josh); nephews, John Cihaner, Bret D’Avignon, Jamal Cihaner, Melik Cihaner, Sammy Cihaner and Jaxson D’Avignon; niece, Ireland Grifﬁn; and many other aunts, uncles, family and friends. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, at Hopewell Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Christopher Klink

Christopher Klink, 49, of Carbon Hill, Alabama, and formerly of Plant City, died March 30, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Kelly Godfrey Klink; children, Kyle Klink, John Jones and Ivie Leigh Klink; step-children, Evan Castle and Emily Tucker; parents, Jim and Betty Klink; sisters, Cherie Klink Trybalski and Candace Klink; and nine grandchildren, ﬁve nephews and four nieces. Services were held April 3, at Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Dover. Interment at Salem Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Eileen Maginnis

Eileen Maginnis, of Lithia, died March 22, 2015. After a valiant two-year fight, Mrs. Maginnis lost her battle to cancer this week. After a 30-year career as a nurse in New York, Mrs. Maginnis found new friends, new interests and the Tampa Bay Lightning. She leaves behind hundreds of saddened hearts, all of whom are better for their time with her. Not only was she a great friend, she also served as a role model for how to live a fun-filled, generous life. She leaves behind her devastated husband of 30 plus years, Patrick; daughter, Michelle; son, Jesse; and five loving brothers, four sisters-in-law, 11 nieces and four nephews. A celebration of life was held at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home in Riverview. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project to honor the country she loved.

Mary Josephine Petersen

Mary Josephine Petersen, 93, of Plant City, died April 5, 2015, at her home. A native of Wichita, Kansas, she was the daughter of the late George and Grace Hoenscheidt French. Ms. Petersen was a member of Freewill Baptist Church of Seffner. Survivors include daughters, Anita Hebert (William) and Marcia Bolton (Tom); and 19 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, George Petersen; and daughter, Debra Newkirk. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

SNAPSHOT by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Berry has picture-perfect evening

Al Berry was honored at the Photo Archives and History Center’s annual “An Evening of Picture Perfect Memories” Thursday, March 26. Berry has been a radio personality, a Florida Strawberry Festival director for 43 years, Outstanding Citizen of the Year, served as president of the Strawberry Festival, Plant City Lions Club, Dover Civic Club and the Plant City Band Parents Association, and was even named the city’s Civil Defense Director during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War. Currently, Berry remains active in the Lions Club and serves as a director emeritus for the Strawberry Festival. On March 2, he served as the Grand Parade Marshal for the ﬁrst time. He’s also been helping the Greater Plant City Chamber with video work, serving on the Contact Breakfast Committee and more. The evening included a champagne reception, piano music, dinner and a special photo exhibit.

Above: Honoree Al Berry with his wife, Patsy, and Gil Gott Left: Rich and Judy Glorioso and Linda Smith

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PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS. April 2

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

April 3

0.00

SAT.

Friday, April 10 Saturday, April 11 Sunday, April 12 Monday, April 13 Tuesday, April 14 Wednesday, April 15 Thursday, April 16

April 4

0.00

SUN.

April 5

0.00

MON.

April 6

HIGH 92 90 91 92 92 91 90

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

0.00

TUES.

SUNRISE Friday, April 10 7:09 a.m. Saturday, April 11 7:08 a.m. Sunday, April 12 7:07 a.m. Monday, April 13 7:06 a.m. Tuesday, April 14 7:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 15 7:04 a.m. Thursday, April 16 7:03 a.m.

April 7

0.00

WED.

April 8

0.00

APRIL

TO DATE

0.00 (2014: 0.22)

YEAR

TO DATE 6.28 (2014: 4.75)

SUNSET 7:50 p.m. 7:51 p.m. 7:51 p.m. 7:52 p.m. 7:52 p.m. 7:53 p.m. 7:54 p.m.

LOW 69 68 69 70 70 67 68

MOON PHASES

April 11

April 18

BLUEBERRIES

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando

$17 TO $20

April 25

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

May 3

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a prolific inventor. Using the hints G=A and F=R, decipher the clues to name the inventor.

1. F G V M K G C G V F D F G W U 2. F U Q U F Z V D M U P F A S 3. V B J I R H V A B N A H A F 4. K G F A P R I F F U B H Z 5. H L U R G Z H M U This inventor transformed railroad travel:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

5 2

7 4

5 3

3 4

9 2

1 6

1 5

3 8

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 CATCH by Bill Bobb

CRYPTOQUIZ

, 3&

Jennifer Closshey took this photo of a sunset over Walden Lake.

ACROSS 1 Brief quarrel 6 Some Morse code sounds 10 Unit of loudness 14 Ottoman title (var.) 18 Windblown 19 Jacob’s twin brother, in the Bible 20 Beat decisively 21 Hard punch 22 Deceptive pitch 24 Alert 26 “Have some” 27 It makes silk pink 28 Toys with tails 30 He took two tablets 31 Gets going after a crash 33 ___ one’s time (was patient) 34 Some rodents 35 Type of sea bird 36 Bluefins 37 Kimono wearers 40 Lose one’s footing 43 Billiards game 45 ___ out (decline) 46 Kind of phone 47 Kind of flush 49 River to the Missouri 50 Vice president under Jefferson 51 Campus VIP 52 Musketeer weapon 53 Bering or Caspian 54 ___ Minor 55 Loosen, as laces 57 Articulates 61 One way to be responsible 63 Fancy pitcher 65 Dismiss with disdain 66 Sound of thunder 67 Went up, as a mountain 70 Nonverbal 72 Sum 76 Toy boat setting 77 D.C.’s Constitution, e.g. 79 Grinding tooth 81 Common hound handle 82 Quarters by the road 83 Chop finely 86 Fire 87 Accomplishment 88 Psychoanalysis subject 89 Party hard 91 Ratify 93 Seedless mandarin orange 95 Knotty swellings 96 “To ___ is human ...” 97 Land measure 98 Parts of some portfolios 99 Most cautious 103 They sing near sopranos 105 Its capital is Nairobi 106 Like many floors 107 Cool 109 Colorful ammo 111 Tenpins need 114 Trig function 115 Opera solo 116 Concerning the congregation 117 Fatal

118 Units of work 119 Hasenpfeffer, e.g. 120 “Cogito ___ sum” 121 Contents of some urns DOWN 1 Salvaging aid 2 Extract through use of a solvent 3 Behavioral quirk 4 Chinese, e.g. 5 Casual spectators 6 Mazar and Thomas 7 Wise ___ owl 8 “2001” nemesis 9 Bummed 10 Expresses displeasure 11 Put an edge on 12 Double-play pair 13 Mathematician’s ordinal 14 High monks 15 Horticulturist’s building 16 Bugs Bunny’s home 17 Cobblers’ tools 18 Barely get (with “out”) 23 Superlative ﬁnale 25 Internet messages 29 Its license plates say “Famous

potatoes” 32 Parts of parks, sometimes 33 Military troop increases 34 Lifer’s dream 36 Fragrant hybrid bloom 37 Type of plum 38 Showery month 39 Like some cats 40 Common houseplant 41 Gobs 42 Crew member 44 Low in pitch 46 PC “brain” 48 Hither’s partner 50 The sun, essentially 56 Lamb’s mama 58 Cashew, e.g. 59 Disintegrates 60 Joins up 62 Meal starter 64 Japanese protein source 66 Noted New York hotel 67 Secretly watches 68 Latin-American dance 69 Footnoting, e.g. 70 Characteristic carrier 71 Pie ___ mode

73 Wedding cake layer 74 First man 75 Parking place 78 “___ Las Vegas” 80 Some ballot items 84 Vatican dogma 85 Black 89 “Back Street” novelist Fannie 90 Available, in a way 92 Iceboxes 94 British biscuits 98 Contradict 99 “Roger” follower, in ham lingo 100 “Thrilla in Manila” participant 101 What a parasol provides 102 Places for bills 103 Recessed area 104 Habitat of wild animals 105 Go-___ (four-wheeled racer) 106 Bit of kindling 108 Work at busily 110 Undergrad degs. 112 Propel a boat 113 “___, humbug!”

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