Plant City Times &
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
A PARTNERSHIP WITH
BIRTHDAY
RODEO RIDE
SPIRIT OF AMERICA
Helen Parke, of Parkesdale, is turning 90. PAGE 3
FREE • FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015
Celebrate the Fourth of July with our Plant City-inspired photo essay.
Reece Brown travels the country with big rodeo-ring dreams.
PAGE 9-10
PAGE 12
OUR TOWN horsing around by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor
Playground plans in early stages
The playground will take about 25 spaces in the parking lot next to the train depot downtown.
Community leaders and city officials are collaborating on plans for a playground next to the Robert Willaford Railroad Museum and train depot in Historic Downtown. According to preliminary layouts, the playground is to be built on the parking lot
+ UF student makes dean’s list
Plant City native Nikki Arnold made the spring 2015 dean’s list at the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Arnold attended Strawberry Crest High School and was part of the first International Baccalaureate graduating class in 2013. She grew up playing sports in the Plant City Recreation & Parks Department and also officiated games in the department’s programs. She is in her third year as a nutritional sciences major at UF and is planning on attending pharmacy school after she graduate. Ever since she was 8 years old she has wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy because of her interests in medicine and helping others. She works part time as a pharmacy technician in Gainesville. She was born in Plant City to parents Brenda Williams and Jeffrey Arnold. She plans on moving back to Plant City after she graduates.
+ City clerk elected to board
Kerri Miller, city clerk for Plant City, has been elected as the central west director for the Florida Association of City Clerks. The announcement came last week, when the Florida Association of City Clerks elected new officers and board of directors at its annual conference and academy, held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. Created in 1972, FACC
OUR TOWN / PAGE 4
, 3&
This week’s winner is
Kelly Greco
See the photo on PAGE 15.
north of the depot. It will take about 25 parking spaces, but will leave more than enough parking spaces for visitors and merchants to park at while shopping and working. Although nothing is set in stone, the playground is planned to be train themed
with multiple train cars for children to explore. “The whole idea is that we want a community park in Plant City,” Brian West said. West is involved in the playground’s planning. He would like to get area civic clubs involved to help offset the cost of
the park. Other fundraising efforts will target individuals and grants. West is excited about the prospect of having a central park in Plant City. He travels to Lakeland to bring his three children to Common Ground Park. He would like to have a
place in Plant City that is similar. In addition to providing a new recreational site, the park will also have a business impact. “The whole idea for it is to draw people to downtown,”
PLAYGROUND / PAGE 4
jewelry junkie
FIRE FRENZY by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
Theft suspect released on bond
Michael Edward is accused of stealing $275,000 worth of jewelry from a Plant City home. A Plant City resident who allegedly stole $275,000 worth of jewelry has been released on bond, and much of the jewelry that he is thought to have pawned has not been found and returned to the victim. Michael Dwayne Edward, 45, was arrested Thursday, June 11, with charges that included grand theft, providing false
Members of the crew at Station 25 stand in front of one of their new engines.
Emily Topper
NEW FIREPLACE A new Hillsborough County Fire Rescue station opened on Trapnell Road and will replace a 41-year-old station on Coronet Road.
Ruth Bell, Charlie Bell, and their daughter, Frances Bell Monticello, started a volunteer fire service off Coronet Road, which has grown to become the new Station 25. hard work and determination for a volunteer station over four decades ago.
County Commissioner Stacy White said the station was a “beautiful facility” when he toured it June 25.
A FIERY HISTORY
Plant City resident Charlie Bell and his wife, Ruth Bell, were the owners of their own air conditioning company when they witnessed a fire near their place of business in
SEE STATION / PAGE 4
INDEX Calendar.......................2
UNITED
by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
Businesses seek support for main street program David Schwartz, owner of Plant City Mercantile, believes a four-step program can improve all aspects of downtown.
I
n 1968 in Plant City, a state-of-the-art, fully furnished fire station was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. But as of June 25, that fire station exists: a modern facility that boasts room for two fire teams, a fully equipped kitchen and a safe room for disasters. The new fire station, Station 25, belongs to the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue department. It is located at 2606 E. Trapnell Road, and is approximately 9,000 square feet. The facility replaces one of the city’s oldest stations, a 41-year-old building near Coronet Road, across the street from Alan’s Air Conditioning. Even though the new station has all the bells and whistles, no one will forget it was built on the back of two residents’
SEE SUSPECT / PAGE 4
The non-profit Plant City Downtown Business and Merchants Association has tried before to make Plant City’s downtown district a thriving shopping center, with mixed results. But David Schwartz, the manager of the curated bou-
MAIN STREET / PAGE 4 TO GET INVOLVED AS A STAKEHOLDER Contact David Schultz at Plant City Mercantile, 208 South Collins St., (813) 659-1600, DavidS@ PlantCityMercantile.com
Vol.2,No.41 | Onesection Crossword...................15
Obituaries...................11
Sports.........................12
Weather......................15
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, 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, July 3, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Rick Mongaya Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.
SATURDAY, JULY 4 4th of July After Fireworks Bash — takes place beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. Specials include half price on bar appetizers and cocktail specials. DJ David Walden. UncleMikesGrill. com. Cristi Massey Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.
MONDAY, JULY 6 Celebrate Recovery — takes place beginning at 7 p.m.
Monday, July 6, at Parkway Baptist Church, 4305 James L. Redman Parkway. A free recovery program for those struggling with addiction, depression, codependency, anger and grief. Contact Lauren at (813) 7634355 for more information. Gentle Yoga — takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 6, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Join teacher Jenna Stanko for a $10 class. Bring a towel or mat. (813) 757-9215. The Wind in the Willows — takes place from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, July 6, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. (813) 7579215.
TUESDAY, JULY 7 Conversation Corner — takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Patrons wishing to practice English speaking skills are welcome to attend and meet other adult language learners. (813) 757-9215. Gentle Yoga — takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Join teacher Jenna Stanko for a $10 class. Bring a towel or mat. (813) 757-9215. The Recovery for Life — takes
place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 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, JULY 8 Beginner Computer Class — takes place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. (813) 7579215. Blood Drive — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. All blood donors will receive a gift, such as a free t-shirt, and a free wellness screening. Intermediate Computer Class — takes place from 12 to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. (813) 757-9215. Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
THURSDAY, JULY 9 Daring Design: Superhero Costumes — takes place from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 9,
at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. (813) 757-9215. Network Professionals Inc. — meeting takes place beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 9, at IHOP, 805 S. Collins Street. For more information call Guy Howerton at (813) 310-2860. Time Banking — meeting takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Hosted by Plant City Commons Community Gardens, Karen Elizabeth will be talking about what time banking is and how to get involved by trading skills, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, editing, gradening, tutoring, babysitting, and more. (813) 435-8111. TampaBayTimeBank.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 10 Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818. Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Los Dos Live! — takes place
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. beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.
SATURDAY, JULY 11 Michael LuBeck Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100. Mid-Florida Summer Home Show — takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave. Meet over 100 of the area’s top home improvement specialists. There will be demonstrations, seminars and giveaways. Facebook. com/Pages/Simply-Events or SimplyEventsFl.com. Shannon Reed Band — takes place beginning at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. (813) 7374444.
SUNDAY, JULY 12 First Baptist Dover VBS — takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 12 to Friday, July 17, at First Baptist Church of Dover, 3223 N. Gallagher Road.
BEST BET Fourth of July Celebration — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Road. Fireworks will start at 9:15. Before, there will be games, food and family fun. Double Barrel Band will play. For more information call (813) 659-4255.
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water wise by Logan Libretti | Staff Intern
Keep children safe around water this summer
According to floridahealth.gov, Florida loses more children to drowning than any other state. In less than three weeks, three children have drowned in different bodies of water in Plant City, two just five days apart. On June 17, a 3-year-old Plant City girl was found in an above-ground swimming pool. On June 13, a 4-yearold boy left the dance floor at a wedding in Plant City and was discovered in a nearby pond on the property, and on May 31, a 5-year-old autistic boy was found in a pond by the farmer’s market he was attending with his father. Now that the weather is warm, school is out and pools are open for swimming, parents should be more aware of where their children are and of the layouts of property and places they’ve never been to. According to floridahealth. gov, Florida loses more children under the age of five to drowning than any other
Amber Jurgensen
Some pools have a lifeguard, like the Plant City YMCA, but it is suggested that children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved jackets. state. The website offers easy tips to remember to keep children save. Children and adults should know when and how to call 911. There should also be someone on the pool deck that knows CPR. According to American Red
Cross, children should never swim in a pool alone, and they should always swim with a buddy. Children should be taught at a young age to ask an adult before entering a pool. It is crucial for parents to watch their children at all
times while swimming. The Plant City YMCA is a great place to take swimming lessons. According the YMCA’s website, the Y “believe that swimming and water safety are important life skills for all people.” “Being in the state of Florida, we are ranked as one of the top states of drownings under the age of five, so swim safety is lifesaving,” Amanda Walker, the aquatics executive of Tampa Bay-area YMCA aquatics departments, said. At all YMCAs, there are swim tests to determine if children are capable of swimming or not. Children are asked to jump into the pool and tread water for one minute, and they are also asked to swim the length of the pool. A supervisor evaluates the child. Swimming classes are given at the YMCA through the months of March and Oc-
tober. Walker calls this time “swim season.” She also suggests getting children swimming lessons at an early age so that they know what to do if they fall in a pool. If a child is to fall into a pool, they are taught to roll over and float. If they are younger, they are taught to call for help. Children are also taught a strategy called “throw don’t go.” The strategy teaches children to throw a floating object to someone who is drowning instead of going into the pool to grab them. Children are suggested to wear United States Coast Guard-approved lifejackets to prevent drownings, and parents are strongly encouraged to “have layers of protection around the pool,” according to Amanda Walker. Door alarms and pool sensor alarms are good safety tools to have at a pool, either public or private.
SWIM SAFETY STATISTICS • About 20% of people that die of drowning are children under the age of 14. • Children between 1 and 4 years old have the highest drowning rates. SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control
LOCAL SWIMMING LESSONS
The Plant City YMCA offers swimming lessons to children starting at 6 months old. You don’t have to be a member of the YMCA to benefit from this lifesaving skill. For a schedule, call the YMCA at (813) 7576677 or visit at 1507 YMCA Place.
parke party by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
FESTIVAL FANATIC by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
MILESTONE
The P.C. native and longtime festival volunteer was appointed to the board in early June.
MATRIARCH’S The birthday bash of the summer is right around the corner. On July 12 from 1 to 4 p.m., Helen Parke, who helped start Parkesdale Farms with her husband, Roy Parke Jr., will be having her 90th birthday party at the Milton E. Hull Historical Armory Building, at the Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds. Parke, who will be turning 90 on July 7, is having a party thrown for her by her five children: Cheryl Meeks, Sandee Sytsma, Bobby Parke, Colleen Fulton and Gary Parke. The party is open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend. The party will be a dessert drop-in, with a variety of sweet delicacies being served. A video of Parke and her family will also be shown. There is no set theme, gifts or program, and people are invited to stay and visit as long as they wish. Members of the Strawberry Court will also be there serving desserts and refreshments. So far, the invitation has been sent out via Facebook and word of mouth. “We decided not to send out invites for fear of leaving someone out,” Sytsma said. “Everyone is welcome.” Parke is originally from Pennsylvania. She met Roy Parke Jr. in 1943, and they married six weeks later while he was on Army duty in St. Louis. She worked alongside her husband on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania, where waking at 5 a.m. was the norm. When the gas company found natural gas on three spots on the farm in 1951, they sold their property. They moved to Dover in 1957 with their family to join her husband’s father, who had bought 10 acres of strawberry fields. Parke was always there to support her family, Sytsma said. “She was the backbone behind [my father],” Sytsma said. “She was very influential in her own arena.” Now, many of her children are involved in the Plant City community. Sytsma, volunteers for the Florida Strawberry Festival. Originally, Parke was not open to the idea of the party, especially since so many people would be out of town for the summer. “I don’t like everybody making a fuss,” Parke said. Eventually, her family was able to convince her to have a party. “She loves people,” Sytsma said. “We’re real excited, it’s
A party for the Plant City resident will be thrown July 12 at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds.
Photos by Stephanie Humphrey
Helen Parke will be celebrating her 90th birthday with friends and family July 12.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Helen Parke’s 90th Birthday WHERE: Milton E. Hull Historical Armory Building at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. July 12 BRING: Cards if desired, no presents
just a fun family party.” “It just sounded like fun,” Parke said.
Although all are welcome to attend Parke’s birthday, she is requesting that people only
bring cards, and no gifts. “All she wanted for a birthday was a picture of all five kids,” Sytsma said. “It’ll be so good to see people I don’t get to see,” Parke added. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
Warnock appointed to Strawberry Festival board of directors The Florida Strawberry Festival board has a new director. Pam Warnock was appointed to the festival board June 10. Warnock has served as an assistant director for 14 years. Among her duties, she served as the chairman of the information services committee and served on the livestock committee. Warnock also works on the human resources committee, which reviews current policies to see what needs to be updated. Warnock served as a volunteer for the festival for many years before being appointed to assistant director. “I feel very honored to have been chosen,” Warnock said. “Everyone is very well qualified. I love the festival. I think we have a great thing going in our community.” Warnock was born and raised in Plant City, where she graduated from Plant City High School and later attended Hillsborough Community College. Her children, Trey and Brooke, also attended Plant City High School. The latter is now a teacher at Tomlin Middle School and also volunteers with the festival. “We’re all festival people,” Warnock said of her family. “Even before I was on the board, we went every day.” Both of Warnock’s children showed animals at the festival while they were growing up. To this day, the livestock section of the festival is Warnock’s favorite part. “To see the kids do well is so encouraging,” she said. “We have such a great community that supports leadership.” Warnock’s dedication to the Plant City community goes beyond her service with the Florida Strawberry Festival. She is the senior vice president chief operating officer at Hillsboro Bank, where she has worked for 17 years. Warnock is also
a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City, where her husband, Tommy, is an assistant pastor. The two have been married for 33 years. “I love being able to go places and see people you know,” Warnock said. “I love that my kids got to grow up in that atmosphere.” The position that Warnock now has was formerly held by Hilman Bowden. Bowden had a long history with the festival until he died earlier this year. “It’s very humbling to be the one chosen,” Warnock said. “I was excited about it, just to follow in somebody’s footsteps who has been there for so long.” Paul Davis, general manager for the festival, believes that Warnock was a perfect fit for the postiion. “She’s a longtime volunteer,” Davis said. “I think she’s been a great supporter for the community, and I think that she will continue to fill the needs.” Although the board and volunteers work year round to make the festival a success, Warnock does not see the work as overwhelming. “I’ve been doing it so long I don’t see it that way,” Warnock said. “It takes an army to make it happen.” Despite her busy schedule, Warnock still finds time to pursue other interests. Her favorite place to go with her family is to a lake spot in Clermont, where she can kick back and relax. Warnock also enjoys shopping and reading. Now, with her new position, she is looking forward to making the festival the best that it can be. “I have a lot to learn and I want to experience that,” Warnock said. “I want to keep serving. As long as I can, I would like to.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.
Emily Topper
Pam Warnock was appointed to the festival board of directors in June. Formerly, she was an assistant director.
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OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
is the professional association for city clerks and deputy clerks and consists of more than 500 municipal clerks. FACC is affiliated with the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Institute of Government.
+ New Teacher Coffee needs donations
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is looking for donations for the annual New Teacher Coffee. Every year the Plant City community welcomes East Hillsborough County’s new teachers to Plant City during the breakfast. This year, the event will be held at 7:30
a.m. Thursday, August 20, at the Expo Hall on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, 2301 W. Oak Ave. If you would like to donate one or more door prizes and/ or 200 goodie bag items, please deliver them to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., or call (813) 754-3707 to arrange for pickup of your donations. The chamber will be gathering prizes in the next few weeks and would like to have all donations collected no later than Friday, August 14. If you would prefer to participate through a cash sponsorship, the chamber will welcome a donation in any amount to help defray the costs. All sponsors will be acknowledged in the newsletter, social media, as well as on the event placemats.
PLAYGROUND / PAGE 1 West said. “The impact the park will have on businesses will be positive.” Downtown business owners are curious about the final plans for the playground and how the construction will be set up. They hope the planning organizations and city will be transparent as they proceed. Cynthia Diaz owns The Corner Store, a cafe directly across Palmer Street from the parking lot. Her main concern is the construction schedule. Most of her customers park in the lot and construction could deter them from coming to The Corner Store for lunch, she said. “I don’t think losing 25 parking spots is that big of a deal,” Diaz said. “But just give me a chance to brainstorm what to create next to keep bringing customers in (while construction is going on).” City Manager Mike Herr said
Amber Jurgensen
A parking study was done on the lot. The lot is rarely filled except during chamber-sponsored car and bike shows. once plans are more concrete there will be a community meeting to update businesses
and citizens on the process. Those plans could come as early as July.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
STATION / PAGE 1
MAIN STREET / PAGE 1
the early 1960s. At that time, the closest fire rescue team was located in Valrico. It took too long for rescue teams from the Valrico and Brandon areas to arrive at the scene. The building burned down. That incident gave the Bells the motivation to create a volunteer fire department. They even kept the fire truck in their own backyard, and many of the Bell’s employees worked as volunteer firefighters. The couple, along with their daughter, Frances Bell Monticello, were present at the uncoupling ceremony of the new Springhead station June 25. “It’s beautiful,” Ruth Bell said after taking a tour of the new station. “It’s a wonderful place for firemen to have. I’m proud for them. [It feels] wonderful to know time was well spent to build something like this.”
tique marketplace Plant City Mercantile in downtown Plant City, has stepped up to promote another program to improve downtown’s economic structure and environment in just four simple steps. The program is called Plant City Main Street. It comes from the Florida Main Street program. Florida Main Street is a technical assistance program administered by the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources and Florida Department of State. It is aimed at identifying, evaluating and preserving Florida’s historic retail districts. “I really looked hard at it,” Schultz said. “If somebody wants to revitalize and get downtown going, this program tells you how to do it.” Ronni Wood, the Florida Main Street program coordinator, recently visited Plant City and explained the program’s four-point approach: organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. Wood was invited to Plant City by City Manager Mike Herr. Schwartz said that Wood was pleased with the structure of downtown in Plant City, and that its streets promote ordered chaos. An application for Main Street designation was already granted, so the program will only need renewal from Schwartz and a group of downtown business owners he has gathered to start working on the project. “The timing is now,” Schwartz said. The first step is to unite downtown. Instead of having stakeholders working separately, the program will bring together key stakeholders, including the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business and Merchants Association, and city leaders, Schwartz said. The program will start off focused on the existing businesses in downtown and will eventually work on bringing new ones to Plant City. One way it will be better able to do this is by creating a board of directors who will work on setting goals. The board of directors would consist of stakeholders from all parts of the community. Organizers are also looking at hiring a full-time position as a program manager, who will report to the board of directors while coordinating with both city leaders and the Plant City Chamber of Commerce. “This person will keep everyone on the same tasks and the same page,” Schwartz said. Schwartz says that the program manager will also be responsible for creating an inventory of stakeholders in the Plant City Main Street program. Although some may be skeptical about changing, the program is geared towards creating benefits for all involved — visitors to downtown, business owners in downtown and nearby areas, and those who have cultural investments in the downtown Plant City community. “Something needs to be done,” Schwartz said. “If we don’t do it, nobody will.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.
GOLDEN IMPROVEMENTS
The new station is located closer to Plant City residents and features modern amenities. According to Deputy Chief Ron Rogers, the Coronet build-
Members of the crew at Station 25 stand in front of one of their new engines. ing was not large enough to hold two rescue teams in the wake of an emergency, such as a natural disaster. As Plant City annexed closer to the old station, further issues continued to arise. “That put the station in kind
of a bad place geographically,” Rogers said. Often, the fire trucks and other emergency vehicles would have to take side roads before reaching a main road because of the Coronet station’s location. It is difficult for the vehicles to take these curves fast, which could have delayed the time it took for an engine to get to a location. The Coronet station, which was further away from residents, was also becoming dilapidated. “We would have had to tear it down and rebuild it,” Rogers said. The new station, which cost $2.3 million to build, is on a main road and allows for rescue teams to respond to emergencies faster than ever before. “We put it where it really needs to be,” Rogers said. “This location will maximize response time.” The land that the station was built on was also inexpensive — it was sold to the county by the station’s next door neighbor, George Hamilton. Although Hamilton passed away in November, his wife, Joan Hamilton, says that her husband was the station’s “sidewalk superintendent.” As the new facility was being built, George Hamilton would observe the station’s progress. “We saw a need for it,” Joan Hamilton said, who is pleased with the proximity of the sta-
tion to her home. “The other fire house, it was just too small. There are new homes in this area.” “We can’t stop the growth of our county,” Nacole Revette, a public relations officer for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said. “Every taxpayer from corner to corner will be able to get the same level of service.” Plant City residents who were concerned about the costs of building a new station were invited to look at the old building. After seeing it, Rogers said, they recognized the need for a newer, better equipped facility. Many Plant City leaders agreed that a new station was also necessary for the community. County commissioner Stacy White spoke at the uncoupling ceremony June 25 and also toured the new facility. “You walk in and aesthetically, it’s a beautiful facility,” White said. “It’s a great facility for public safety.” Rev. David Jones, of Turkey Creek Baptist Church, agreed. “I think it’s awesome,” David Jones said. “I’m excited for the community. It appears to me that this one will be able to help more people, more efficiently. If I was the one in need ... I would want the best equipment to come and rescue me or my family.”
Hillsborough Fire Chief Dennis Jones is pleased with the open space that the new fire station allows. “It allows everyone privacy,” Dennis Jones said. “The quarters are much larger, and the station is more comfortable. “It was just a very small station,” Dennis Jones said of the station at Coronet Road. “We want to provide the fastest response possible.” “We’ve accomplished the goal of modern living accommodations,” Rogers added. “[The old building] did not have the reserve capacity.” Residents of Plant City were invited to attend the uncoupling ceremony June 25. Attendees took a tour of the new station, met members of the crew and enjoyed refreshments. They also saw the station’s fire engine, brush truck and tanker truck. The new station isn’t the only one popping up in Hillsborough County. Because of the growth and population in other parts of the Tampa Bay area, the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue department is also working on building other stations. One station will be rebuilt near Armwood High School, and there are plans in the works to build a new station in Fishhawk. The county also has plans to add new fire stations in the Brandon, Riverview and Sundance areas.
SUSPECT / PAGE 1
store to get more wood because the bed was in danger of breaking again. Edward did not return until a few days later when the victim was spending time with a relative. “He was acting weird,” the victim said. “I think he was seeing if I realized it was gone yet.” At the time, the victim had not noticed that the jewelry was missing. She reported the box missing a few days later, on June 4, when her bed broke again and the mattress was removed. According to the police report, property stolen included one blue diamond “Evil Eye” gold ring worth $10,000; two Rolex watches each worth $5,800; one white-gold tennis bracelet worth $8,000; two sets of diamond earrings; several miscellaneous bracelets and rings; three gold necklaces and one male’s gold ring, among other pieces. Edward was arrested one week later. Some of the jewelry was sold to pawn shops in the Plant City and St. Petersburg
areas, but much of it is still missing. As of right now, the jewelry that has been found is on hold. The victim said that in order to obtain it again, she must buy it back. “It is still an ongoing investigation,” Gamez said. Edward was released from jail June 18. His bond was $22,500, including a $7,500 bond for the false information on the pawnbroker form and a $15,000 bond for dealing in stolen property. The bond was brought down from a nearly doubled amount. This is not Edward’s first arrest. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, he was previously arrested in Plant City in 2005, also for third degree grand theft. Other 2005 charges, include criminal mischief, trespassing on a construction site and burglary of a structure. “He paints a real good picture of what a good guy he is,” the victim said, who did not know of Edward’s other arrest until the investigation began. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
information on a pawnbroker form and dealing in stolen property. On May 14, the Plant City resident allegedly stole the jewelry from a home on West Reynolds Street, where he was doing maintenance work. “He did not break in,” overseeing Plant City Police officer Tony Gamez said. “They were acquaintances, and he was doing work for [the victim].” The victim had a loose bed post. “He just said that he could fix it,” the victim said. The victim kept her jewelry box underneath her mattress. When they lifted the mattress out of the way so he could work, she said that Edward saw the jewelry box. She put it aside so that Edward could work on the bed. “He asked me to go downstairs to get him something to measure with,” the victim said. Shortly after, the victim said Edward finished his work, replaced the mattress and said that he needed to run to the
THE CEREMONY
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CONTEST WINNERS
Winners get front seats for the fireworks show The Plant City Times & Observer has partnered with the City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department to give away six pairs of VIP tickets to the annual Fourth of July celebration at 6 p.m. at the Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Road.
WHAT DOES THE FOURTH MEAN TO OUR WINNERS: FAMILY TRADITION
What does the Fourth of July mean to me and my family? It means to be able to live in the greatest country on earth, which would not have been possible with out the volunteered service provided by my grandfather (Navy, passed) in World War II, when he fought in North Africa, and also the service that my father-in-law (Air Force, passed) provided in the Korean conflict. He was dropped behind enemy lines. And last but not least, for the service my brother-in-law (Air Force-active) has given. He has served in three tours in Afghanistan. My only regret is that I did not serve our country like some of my family members have and still do. — Jason Byron
PAIN AND PROGRESS
Fourth of July means so much to my family. It is a day to celebrate our great county on our independence. Being a 9/11 family, we have had to lift ourselves up from the deep depression we were in and remember we live in the greatest country, and we need to always remember that. With all that is going on now we must remember we are all humans and are all Americans. — Karen Bingham
THANKFULNESS FOR SERVICE Fourth of July is a celebration for having our freedom and independence. I am so thankful for those who fought and are still fighting so we can have our freedom in America. — Clarissa Bailey
FOND MEMORIES
One of the best memories I have of the Fourth of July is in my hometown of Upper Arlington, Ohio. The day started with the city firing off cannons to awaken everyone. Then my family would rush to get ready for the big parade, which started at 9 a.m. As a youngster I would ride on the fire engine, and then as I got older my boy scout troop would march in the parade. As I became an adult I was part of a group called the “balloon blower users” which went in front of the parade and passed out balloons to all the kids. The parade eventually became so big that it was televised locally. After the parade we would attend a big picnic with about 30 families. In the afternoon I would participate in the local swimming meet at our community pool. In the early evening we would regather with my family and friends and have a big cook out and wait for the fireworks, which started at dusk. After the fireworks my friends and I would go the street dance and finish the day. While I have not been back home for several years, I do try and attend my class reunions, which are held on Fourth of July every five years. The Fourth has always been special because my family looks forward to it with great expectations of a super time with family friends and relatives. — George Banning
KEEPING HEADS HELD HIGH
The Fourth means that we are able to live free. “Four score and seven years ago,” as coined by Lincoln, put that in motion and put that in place. It got the ball rolling for shackles to be unchained and people’s ability to live in a land of freedom and opportunity, to be declared by this day of independence. So when the loud sound of fireworks go off, and the sky is illuminated, I believe it shows us how to keep our heads up and look to the sky, and fly as free as an eagle on this Independence Day! — Charles Box
TIME WITH FAMILY, BIG OR SMALL
Fourth of July has always been about family for me. When I was a kid in Naples, we always went to the beach for the day and stayed for fireworks and sparklers later that night. We would have cousins, aunts and uncles come and join us. As adults, we still make it about getting together with family. Last year was a difficult year for us, as our daughter was diagnosed with cancer and started treatment just prior to Fourth of July. But a trip back to Naples gave her something to look forward to. We took our boat down and spent the day on the water, tubing and fishing, again with cousins, aunts, uncles and the kids’ grandfather. We also had the chance to enjoy a great celebration with fireworks and a watermelon eating contest with our family. This year we won’t have the children with us to celebrate so my husband, Jeremy, and I will be watching fireworks together. Maybe we can be a part of someone else’s family that evening — who knows? — Lisa Rhodes
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This week’s Cryptoquiz answers
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2015
LIFE LESSONS FROM THE FIELD
Pondering Pastor As we have entered into the explain the reason for his late summer months of vacations, flight. He waved goodbye. Then he returned to the traveling and other activities, terminal where the apples it is important to remember were all over the floor. He was that our witness for our Lord glad he did. The 16-year-old never takes a hiatus. girl was blind. Although I could not find She was crying, tears runthe original author, I was struck by a story I heard many ning down her cheeks in frustration, and helplessly gropyears ago and its pinpointed ing for her spilled message in the form of produce as the crowd a simple question. swirled about her. As the story goes: No one stopped. No A group of salesmen one cared about her went to a regional sales plight. convention in Chicago. The salesman knelt They had assured their on the floor with her wives that they would and gathered the be home in time for apples. He put them Friday night’s dinner. In CHAPLAIN RET. back on the table their rush with tickets MAJ. DANIEL and helped organize and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadMIDDLEBROOKS her display. As he did this, he noticed that vertently kicked over many of them had a table which held a become battered and bruised. display of apples. These he set aside in anApples flew everywhere. other basket. Without stopping or lookWhen he had finished, ing back, they all reached the plane in time for their nearly- he pulled out his wallet. “Here, please take this $40 missed boarding. All but one. for the damage we did. Are He paused, took a deep you OK?” breath, got in touch with his She nodded through her feelings and experienced a tears. twinge of compassion for the “I hope we didn’t spoil girl whose apple stand had your day too badly,” he said. been overturned. He told his As the salesman started buddies to go on without him, to walk away, the bewildered and asked one of them to call blind girl called out to him. his wife when they arrived at “Mister, are you Jesus?” their home destination and
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He stopped mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul. Are you Jesus? In all that we do, in all that we say, in all the ways that we respond to aggravations and frustrations, can we (especially I as a husband and father) be mistaken for Jesus? Chaplain Ret. Maj. Daniel Middlebrooks is president and CEO of Comprehensive Chaplaincy Care and Consulting and pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church. For more information, call (813) 767-2082 or email to chaplainmiddlebrooks@hotmail.com.
In all that we do, in all that we say, in all the ways that we respond to aggravations and frustrations, can we (especially I as a husband and father) be mistaken for Jesus?
Plant City Times &
Observer
General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executive / Nikki McAlpine, nmcalpine@@tampabay.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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COPS The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.
JUNE 17
THIS BUD’S FOR YOU
2500 block of Thonotosassa Road. Petit theft. An officer responded to report of petit theft at a business. The complainant reported that a 12pack of Bud Light beer, valued at $13, had been stolen.
TOOLING AROUND
4100 block of Longfellow Drive. Vehicle burglary. Complainant reported that an unknown suspect(s) entered a blue 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and a blue 2005 Mitsubishi Montero, and stole roughly $1,000 worth of miscellaneous hand tools. Both trucks were left unlocked at the time of the burglary.
PRIVATE EYES
1100 block of North Wheeler
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PLANT CITY
CORNER
Street. Grand theft. Complainant reported that an unknown suspects(s) stole four external security cameras from a building. The cameras were valued together at $600.
JUNE 18
BOTTLE SERVICE
2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Grand theft. An officer responded to a report of grand theft from a business. Complainant reported that $507.69 worth of liquor had been stolen.
KAYAK KLEPTOMANIAC
1200 block of North Barnes Street. Theft. Officers responded to report of a stolen kayak from a residence. Complainant stated that an unknown suspects(s) stole his camouflage, 14.5-foot Craft Ultimate kayak.
DIDN’T DRIVE IT HOME
2000 block of North Wheeler Street. Abandoned/impounded. Officers located an abandon EZ Go golf cart in the wood line behind the BP gas station. Officers attempted to locate the serial/vin number on the golf cart with negative results. Officers contact HCSO in reference to any recent thefts of golf carts with negative results. The golf cart was impounded as abandoned property.
JUNE 19
VACATION VANDAL
JUNE 23
HOW COULD YOU FORGET?
1000 block of South Collins Street. Information report. An officer responded to complainant, who was asked to open safes by a customer who bought the safes at an auction for the recently closed Hillsborough Correctional Institute. When the door was opened, the complainant discovered numerous items from an evidence room. There were drug field test kits, numerous documents, several, less-than-5-gram amounts of cannabis and 1 bag of about 25 grams of cannabis. All of the contents were from 1990 to 1998. They were all badly deteriorated and had no useful value. The items were boxed, secured with evidence tape and placed into evidence for safekeeping until the next destruction takes place. The complainant was advised to contact the police department again if he finds similar items after opening the second safe.
1300 block of North Orange Street. Criminal mischief. Officers responded to report of criminal mischief at a residence. Complainant reported that, while he was on vacation, an unknown suspect(s) cut the cover for his boat. There was no damage to the boat itself, and nothing was reported stolen. Complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.
JUNE 20
DON’T SPEND IT ALL IN ONE PLACE
2800 block of Clubhouse Drive. Vehicle burglary. Officers responded to report of vehicle burglary at the residence. Complainant reported that an unknown suspect(s) entered his 2003 Honda Civic and stole $10.
JUNE 20
PLAYING OUTSIDE
3300 block of Kilmer Drive. Residential burglary. An officer responded to the residence in reference to a burglary. Complainant reported that an unknown suspect(s) stole an Xbox and PlayStation 4, along with several video games, from the screened-in porch on the home’s back patio.
JUNE 22
SNEAKY SNEAKERHEADS
1100 block of North Shannon Avenue. Petit theft. An
officer responded to report of petit theft from this residence. Complainant stated that three pairs of sneakers were stolen from the front porch: red-and-black men’s Nike Shox, size 9.5; whiteand-black women’s Nike Shox, size 9; and women’s L.A. Gear shoes, size 9. The three pairs of sneakers were valued together at $260.
ON TOP OF IT
500 block of East Gilchrist Street. Theft. Officers responded to school in reference to stolen construction equipment. A 12-horse gas powered roof cutter worth $3,000 was stolen from the roof.
ELECTRIFIED
1100 block of McDavid Avenue. Theft. Officers responded to the residence in reference to a theft of a child’s electric scooter.
JUNE 23
COMPUTER CAPER
4100 block of Barrett Avenue. Fraud. An officer met with complainant and learned that someone got the number for her bank card and used it to make an unauthorized $122.77 purchase from the Lenovo Computer Company.
UP IN SMOKE
1400 block of East Baker Street. Retail theft. An officer responded to the business and met with the victim who said several juveniles came in and conspired to steal three boxes of Clipper Cigarillos, valued at a total of $45. The juveniles were later found. The complainant didn’t prosecute for the theft but did want the subjects to be trespassed.
JUNE 24
WHERE ARE MY KEYS?
1800 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Theft. Officers responded to business in reference to theft of keys.
CUTESTCRITTER
O
ne-year-old ragdoll Mister Mittens “Mitts” has so many cute poses, but this one is his parent’s favorite. If he could talk he would said, “Really? Bug off while I watch my show.” Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest. Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution 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.
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america the beautiful by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
The choir performed a number of classic American songs, including “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Local church hosts patriotic show The Plant City Community Chorale put on “Sing! America!” The concert was conducted by Claudia Liliana Bolano June 27 at Trinity United Methodist Church. The concert was sponsored by Hopewell Funeral Home. All of the songs performed were done in observance of the upcoming Independence Day holiday July 4.
Right: The choir performed “The American Creed.” Left: Choir members performed “I Hear America Singing.”
REVVED TO HELP by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
Plant City resident chosen as Volunteer of the Year
Dean D’Errico, a driver for C&C Wholesale Grocers, runs a nonprofit organization called Many Hands Inc. Plant City resident Dean D’Errico works two jobs but only gets a paycheck for one of them. D’Errico works for his own nonprofit company, Many Hands Inc., a home and auto repair ministry of which he is the vice president. It is this job that earned him the 2015 Volunteer of the Year from C&S Wholesale Grocers. He has also worked as a driver for C&S Wholesale Grocers since 2000. The company has selected one person for the award since 2005. “It’s kind of cool,” D’Errico said of the award. “I never really expected it. They encourage volunteerism in the community.” With his nonprofit organization, D’Errico has far exceeded the grocery chain’s expectations. Many Hands provides auto and home repairs to lowincome families and those in need, such as widows and the disabled. The organization qualifies as a 501c3 nonprofit, and has repaired broken windows, replaced car brakes, cleaned gutters, trimmed trees and installed water heaters for little to no reimbursement. Although C&S validates employee volunteer hours, D’Errico wasn’t interested in recognition or compensation. “If [they] give me extra money, I’ll just put it back into the ministry,” D’Errico said. D’Errico created Many Hands so that those in need are not faced with overpriced repairs from larger home and auto repair companies. He frequently travels to his clients if they are unable to come to his home in Plant City. “It breaks my heart to see people taken advantage of at regular shops,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with the skills to do it. I’d be wasting it otherwise. That’s what the ministry is about.” As a nonprofit, D’Errico receives a tax break from the government and is also recognized as a commercial buyer by auto part stores. “Every little bit we can save, we can put back,” D’Errico said. Many Hands was formerly named Low Income Service
Dean D’Errico works a C&S Wholesale Grocers.
FOR HOME AND AUTO REPAIRS CALL: Dean D’Errico at (813) 679-1365 MAIL: C/0 D’Errico 5109 Suburban Drive, Plant City, FL 33566 EMAIL: info@many-hands. org WEBSITE: many-hands.org Team, but D’Errico and his team of 20 volunteers discovered that many found the name difficult to remember. The name was also changed so that the volunteers could attract others in the Plant City and Brandon areas who may need help. The organization previously received backing from D’Errico’s church, First United Methodist Church of Brandon. Now, D’Errico says, Many Hands receives referrals and word of mouth advertising through other local churches, Family Promise, the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa and the Emergency Care Help Organization in Brandon, among others. D’Errico has no paid employees for his organization, but
Courtesy photo
calls on his team of volunteers when a repair or problem is beyond his knowledge or time. “Depending on what the need is, we will pick different people,” he said. “We’ll go down the line and find someone who can do it.” If any of his volunteers are unable to help, or if the person in need does not meet the qualifications for assistance, D’Errico refers them to local companies that he has partnered with. These companies, including Sure Stop Auto & Truck Repairs and Absolute Auto, will offer the repairs at a lower cost than a standard garage. By doing this, Many Hands has created an organization that helps those in need while still supporting local businesses in the community. D’Errico’s motivation for the time and energy that goes into the repairs has not wavered since he helped start the nonprofit. “I love the Lord,” he said. “I’m a Christian. The Bible says to help. Being able to help and knowing that I made a difference, that’s why we do it.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
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OBSERVER
OBITUARIES Viola Brown
Viola Brown, 83, of Plant City, died June 23, 2015 in Salisbury, North Carolina. Mrs. Brown was a resident of Plant City for over 70 years before moving to Salisbury. She was a member of the Turkey Creek Church of God. She is survived by daughters, Sharon Lugabihl, Shirley Allen, Teresa Richardson (Bobby) and Brenda Totter (Jim); 12 grandchildren; and 20 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Doris E. Brown; and daughter, Tammie Davidson. Visitation was June 27, 2015 at Wells Memorial in Plant City. The funeral service and burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.
Robby Bryant
Robby Bryant, 28, of Thonotosassa, died June 24, 2015. He was born in North Carolina and was a longtime resident of Florida. He was a corporal with the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. He loved his family and enjoyed the outdoors. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Cathy and Larry Jimenez, of Thonotosassa; step-mother, Shannon Bryant, of North Carolina; siblings, Kyle Jimenez, of Plant City, and Caitlin Bryant, of North Carolina; step-siblings, Larry Jimenez Jr. (Tyger), of Plant City, Josh Jimenez (Kendelle), of Plant City, and Kelsey Gonzalez (Ivan), of Eustis; grandmoth-
er, Sharon Faye Rhoades; aunts, Jennifer Psait, of Plant City, and Lisa Bryant, of North Carolina; uncle, Bobby Rhoades, of Plant City; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, David Bryant. The family received friends June 30 at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 CR S., Plant City, A celebration of life was held July 1 at First Methodist Church of Plant City. Committal followed at Myrtle Hill via Garden of Memories, Tampa. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneralHome.com
Robert Lee Campbell
Robert Lee Campbell “Big Daddy,” 88, of Plant City, died June 22, 2015. He was born in Union County, Mississippi. He was a member of Northside Baptist in Plant City, and a member and past master of the Masonic Lodge #770 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a retired supervisor with Procter and Gamble. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bettie Pope Campbell; sons, Robert Arnold Campbell, of Lakeland, Donald Wayne Campbell (Dottie), of Mississippi, and David Louis Campbell (Peggy), of Texas; siblings, Gaylia Guthrie, Sara Ruth Huff and Donald Campbell, of Tennessee; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Mr. Campbell was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Layne Campbell; and daughter-in-law, Linda Campbell. A celebration of life was held June 27 at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 CR 39 S. Committal followed at
Hopewell Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northside Baptist church, 1700 N. Franklin St., Plant City 33566. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneralHome. com.
Margret H. Hackney
Margret H. Hackney, 78, of Plant City died June 24, 2015. She was a member of the Willow Oak Church of God. She is survived by sons, Michael Hackney (Sherry) and Ronnie D. Hackney; daughter, Donnie Hackney; brothers, Richard Binnion, Jimmy Binnion, Gene Binnion; sisters, Lib Alford, Shirley Ross, Irene King, Jodi McCain, Ruth Long; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hackney was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Henry Hackney; daughter, Elaine McCarty; and grandson, Randy Hackney. A visitation was held June 29 at Wells Memorial in Plant City. A burial followed at Springhead Cemetery in Lakeland. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.
Michael Hansen
Michael Hansen, 38, of Plant City, died June 24, 2015 at South Florida Baptist Hospital. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida he was the son of Edwin and Mary Hansen. Mr. Hansen is survived by his beloved wife Teri Hansen; daughter, Emma Grace Hansen; brothers, Chris Hansen (Tracy) and Francesco Paolucci. A public gathering will be
held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse, 106 State Road 60 E., Plant City. Donations may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.
Christine Kaiser
Christine Kaiser, 72, of Lakeland and formerly of Plant City, died June 23, 2015. She was born in Murphy, North Carolina. She is survived by her husband, Francis Kaiser; and many family and friends. A graveside remembrance was held June 30 at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Family received friends at Hopewell Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneralHome.com.
Georgia Powell
Georgia “Joy” Powell “Granny,” 89, of Plant City, died June 26, 2015. She was a lunchroom cook at Pinecrest Elementary, having retired after 25 years of service, and was a member of the Red Hat Society. She loved her family, enjoyed cooking for Sunday family gatherings and fishing. She is survived by her daughters, Darlene Powell (Tom Simone) and Diane Hinson (Talmadge); siblings, Alvin Lee, Lonnie Lee, Bonnie McCullough (Chris), Verna Ray Young and Denver Lee; lifelong friend, Sonia Sexton; 12 grandchildren; 34 greatgrandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; and many other “doll babies.” She was preceded in death by her husband, John “ Papa” Powell; children, Thomas Powell, Ronald “Rapo” Powell, Rhonda Colding and Johnny Powell. A celebration of life was held June 29 at the historic Hopewell Baptist Church, where the family received friends. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made to HopewellFuneral.com.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Little Leaguer Kayla Swinson led her team to an 18-0 win. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
SIDELINES Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver. com, or Tweet us at @ PCTOSports.
LITTLE LEAGUE
+ 11-12 softball wins on no-hitters
In the most impressive feat of the Plant City Little League All-Stars’ current tournament run, the 11-12 Softball AllStar team won its district championship Saturday, June 27, with 18-0 and 15-0 wins over Lake Wales. The best part is that both wins were shutouts at the hands of pitchers Kayla Swinson and Alyssa Grimes. Swinson got the win in the 9 a.m. game, while Grimes sealed the deal in the 11 a.m. game. “Everything was working for us,” Grimes said at Monday’s team practice. The team is now advancing to the sectional tournament in two weeks, for which the schedule has yet to be released.
baseball by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Plant City Blue Claws are making waves
Blue Claws might be the newest baseball team in town, but the team has already competed in the GSA World Series and Battle for Tampa tournaments. And it’s just getting started. Readers and area coaches would be forgiven if the name Blue Claws doesn’t ring a bell. Plant City’s newest travel team is roughly two months old and was put together on a whim. But don’t mistake this squad for a one-summer deal. Head coach Chris Fry and his staff have been getting this team
some valuable experience and exposure, and it looks like this team is here for the long haul. Fry originally created the Blue Claws as a PCLL All-Star team for kids in the 7 to 8 machine pitch group. Like the already-established Bulldogs and Warriors, the Blue Claws were set to compete in the ma-
chine pitch tournaments held before the rest of the PCLL AllCourtesy Photo Stars were even selected. The Plant City Blue Claws are the only local travel team for kids “It started off with my assis- 7 to 8. tant coach, Steve Jackson,” Fry says. “We did Little League to- little bit. We have five coaches But the coach wanted to gether. We were talking about now, and all of the dads are keep the kids playing beit, and another coach from involved, which is good. It yond the All-Star schedule. another team, and then we was pretty easy to find a good started spreading the word a team.” SEE CLAWS / PAGE 13
RODEO by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
WEEKEND ROUNDUP 9-10 BASEBALL Plant City A advanced to July 2 championship game vs. Plant City B. Plant City A defeated Plant City B, 18-1, in winners’ bracket semifinal. 10-11 BASEBALL Plant City advanced to July 1 semifinal game vs. (TBD quarterfinal game 6 p.m. June 30). Championship game to be held Friday, June 3 at 6 p.m. (North Lakeland Little League). 11-12 BASEBALL Plant City set to play winner of Lake WalesNorth Lakeland (July 2) in July 3 quarterfinal, 6 p.m. at North Lakeland Little League. JUNIORS BASEBALL Plant City played July 2 vs. North Lakeland, winner advanced to July 3 quarterfinal vs. Lake Wales. Scores not available at press time. SENIORS BASEBALL Plant City played June 26, lost 14-4 vs. Lake Wales; played June 27, lost 8-0 vs. Poinciana. 9-10 SOFTBALL Plant City played June 24 semifinal vs. Lake Wales, lost 14-0. Played June 25 consolation game vs. North Lakeland, lost 5-2.
Reece Brown is the header for his roping team.
JimDavisphoto.com
RULING THE RODEO F
Plant City’s own Reece Brown is one of the top team ropers in the state of Florida and is hoping to have a national championship win under his belt by the end of this month. or a high schooler set to compete on two of the biggest rodeo stages in America, Reece Brown is remarkably confident. It might have something to do with his successes on the high school circuit, cementing himself as one of the best team ropers in the state of Florida while working with multiple partners over the past three years. Or it might just be because he’s able to do what he’s always loved to do, going
back to the first time someone handed him a rope as a child and taught him how to throw. This is who Brown is, and the Plant City High student will spend this entire month working to get some new hardware to show for it. He only has two tournaments to compete in this month, but the driving schedule is enough to keep him fully booked for the next month. At this time, he’s in Shawnee, Oklahoma for the Internation-
al Finals Youth Rodeo with his roping partner, Aaron Barber. When that’s over, he’ll drive to Rock Springs, Wyoming to compete in the national championship.
GETTING STARTED
Brown’s father, Russell Brown, was the one who first got the boy into roping. But while Russell mostly did it just for fun, Brown got hooked early on and knew he wanted to take it somewhere.
“Ever since I’ve been able to walk,” Brown says. When he would go with his dad to work, at Brown’s Jewel-
SEE RODEO / PAGE 13
HIGH SCHOOL RODEO
The high school rodeo circuit is governed by the FHSRA, a body independent of the FHSAA. School teams function on the club level. For more information, visit fhsra.com.
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
What would you do with $1 billion?
be famous just wanted In my Athlete of the to be a positive influWeek interviews, I’ve ence for others. had a habit of asking Consider me a part the recipients if they’d of the latter group, as prefer to be rich or most journalists won’t famous. The context have a rock star salary behind each answer at any point in their usually stayed the careers. If my work same for both choicJUSTIN directly inspires people es: those who wanted KLINE to one day become to be rich wanted journalists, then I can to take care of their consider myself successful. families and buy cool stuff, But it’s way more fun to while those who wanted to
know exactly what people would do if given a boatload of money on command. I think the kids have had more fun with this, too, as I’ve heard everything from buying fancy cars to personal islands. (After taking care of their families, of course.) It really makes them think. It’s also made me think now that it’s sticking around in my arsenal of questions for the foreseeable future. What
could a guy like me do with a billion in the bank? At one point, I might have said something like “Y’all would never, ever see me again,” because I would have wanted to buy a party island and never work again. But now, I realize that I would probably go back to writing within a few years because I enjoy it too much. So I’ve begun to think about it like a mature, responsible adult.
First and foremost, I’d pay off all of my student loans and my mortgage. I’d then buy a brand new Dodge Challenger because I’m not too far off from needing a new car, and I’d love to have my dream car sooner than later. After that, I’d put some money toward fixing one of my shoulders, which I messed up in high school but
SEE KLINE / PAGE 13
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RODEO / PAGE 12 ers, he made a name for himself as the little kid with the rope in his hand. More specifically, the one who tried to rope just about everything he could see. “I’ve walked around up there, in that little concrete building, and I’ve roped the fence,” Brown says. “I’ve roped all kinds of stuff.” He got his first head horse when he was about 8 years old, borrowing one from his father. He never looked back. At Plant City High School, he joined the Florida High School Rodeo Association circuit, and has consistently won saddles and buckles in the team roping division. This isn’t Brown’s first time competing in the IFYR tournament, so he’s used to the stakes that this coming week will bring. To get to this tournament, and to nationals, competitors must finish in the top four in their event. “We were number one in the state of Florida, in the high school rodeo, so we won the saddle and all that,” Brown says. Shawnee’s just our first stop. It’s a big deal — there’s, like, 900 contestants, so you’ve got people in every state competing.” Brown last competed in the event two years ago, as a freshman. He says that he would have competed last year if not for the fact that his thenpartner had to have surgery
JimDavisphoto.com
following a shoulder injury. Regardless of where Brown and Barber finish at Shawnee, they’re Rock Springs bound.
Each competition is held over one weekend, and winners are determined by total points earned. “You’re gone for a weekend, and the competition is two days,” Brown says. “You get one steer on Saturday, one steer on Sunday. Whoever has the most points wins it.” In this case, due to the size of the competitions, both the IFYR and national championship tournaments will last for a week. Factor in driving time — Brown prefers driving to flying — and these two tournaments will eat up a month of the teens’ time. It’s a snippet of what a professional competitor’s life is like, but Brown has seen enough to know that
it’s the life he wants to lead once he graduates from high school next year. “It’s one of them deals,” Brown says. “You’re always on the road. You’re always busy. You’ve always got a horse. It’s basically an expensive hobby. You can make money, but you’ve got to be doing it every day. There’s people that spend 11 months out of the year on the road.” He wants to go to college somewhere out west, where he can get a scholarship for team roping, and then commit himself to going pro fulltime. “It’s what I’m shooting for, but we’ll see what happens,” Brown says.
baseball like that when I was a kid.” The Blue Claws competed in the Battle for Tampa tournament over the weekend
of June 19, finishing in fifth place in the 7U age group. The team was invited to compete in the GSA World Series, held the weekend of June 26, and despite going 0-5, the boys and coaches learned plenty from playing against some of the top teams in the state of Florida. “We hung with them, and we competed with them, but we went 0-5,” Fry says. “The team that won it, the Riverview Rockets, we were right with them until the last inning. It took a grand slam for them to beat us. These are teams that the Bulldogs, the top team, have a hard time beating.” Besides a winning group, one of the main things Fry and the coaches are building with this team is a true-blue Plant City team.
“All of the kids are from PCLL — we’re not recruiting kids from other places, like other travel ball teams,” Fry says. “We’re going to keep it a Plant City thing, even though we’re hoping to do more tournaments in more places next year.” The Bulldogs and Warriors are at the end of their summer tournament schedules, but the Blue Claws are set to keep going. Fry says that the team will compete in two more summer tournaments, the Summer Slam and Summer Sizzler, both held in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, before transitioning to fall ball in August. The Summer Slam tournament begins July 10, and the Summer Sizzler begins July 24. Both will be held at the fields at EllisMethvin Park.
McAdoo and even made the NBA Finals once. But because Buffalo can never have nice things in sports, the team was sold and became one of the worst franchises in league history, the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any Buffalonians root for the Clippers, even
though they were once there, and I can’t blame them. As tempting as it would be to become a beat writer for the team I own, my journalistic integrity would keep me in the front office. I don’t know how much money I’d have left after that, since the market value for
NBA teams has risen dramatically this decade, but I at least know I’d be able to profit in such a dedicated sports town. If this got any potential AOTW candidates to think, then I can’t wait to hear some of the answers come interview time. What would you do with your first free billion?
THE CIRCUIT
The high school circuit isn’t an officially sanctioned sport, but functions in the same way that a club team would. As soon as the school year starts, Brown must commit to one event per month. Brown and Barber, who is from Lake City, often rely on sponsors to get the funding they need to compete in events and cover the cost of traveling. Brown’s current sponsors include Brown’s Jewelers, Southside Western & Outdoor Wear, and Crop Protection Services.
CLAWS / PAGE 12 He wanted to give the kids a team to keep them in shape throughout the whole summer, something they wouldn’t be able to do in town until they became old enough to join the Plant City Raiders 9U team. “The Bulldogs are a 9U team, and the Warriors are an 8U team,” Fry says. “The kids at age 7 had nothing.” Creating this team not only gives kids in this age group a chance to keep playing over the summer, but it also gives Fry a chance to bond with his two young sons, Timmy and Tyler. “I have two sons on the team,” Fry says. “My youngest son really loves baseball. It’ll be time to go in, my other son’s in the house, but he’ll be out there until it’s dark. I loved
KLINE / PAGE 12 never had surgery. The rest of that money would go toward one day bringing the NBA back to Buffalo, my hometown. Before I was even thought of, the Braves were thriving in the league with star player Bob
JOIN UP Anyone interested in signing their children up for the fall ball season can contact head coach Chris Fry before August 8, when the team plans to hold tryouts. To reach Fry, call (813) 5260757 or email him at daddyfrychris@yahoo.com.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
KAYLA SWINSON In the 11-12 Softball district tournament, the Plant City All-Stars swept Lake Wales in a Saturday doubleheader to win the championship. In the 9 a.m. opener, pitcher Kayla Swinson tossed the first of back-to-back no-hitters in an 18-0 win. You girls won big over the weekend, and you threw one of the two no-hitters for your team.What was it like for you all, going out there and doing so well so early? It felt really good for the whole team. We (Alyssa Grimes and I) both pitched really well, and the team behind us was good. We practiced really hard. What was working for you in the first game? Everything, I guess. We practiced pretty hard for it. They (Lake Wales) didn’t get any hits, but we practiced as if they would have gotten hits. The team was ready. You all have sectionals coming up next.What are you looking forward to? I think we have a pretty good shot at sectionals. We’ve been working really hard. I think, just playing together. We all love hanging out so, playing as a team, we’re pretty good at it. What’s your favorite thing about playing on this team? That we all work together, and we all know each other. We’re pretty much all friends. I’ve known a bunch of these girls for a really long time — some of these girls I’ve played with ever since I started playing softball in Little League. Very few of them I didn’t really know. How long have you been playing softball? Four years, but I played baseball at first. I only play softball now. I love softball.
What do you do for fun when you’re not playing sports? Mostly just hanging out with my friends. Going swimming, I guess. Where do you go to school? Turkey Creek Middle School. I’m going into eighth grade. What’s your favorite subject? Math. I like multiplying numbers and dividing them. What’s your favorite sports movie of all time? I like “A League of Their Own.” If you could play for any softball team, what would it be? I would like to go to UF and play there. Who’s your favorite athlete? Lauren Haeger. She just pitched in the College World Series and did really good. What position would you want to play there? Anywhere. I’d just love to go there. What’s your favorite position to play, though? Pitcher. If you could give some advice to someone who’s just starting to play softball, what’s the first thing you’d tell them? Just to have fun, and work with your teammates. Have them help you. No matter how much struggle you’re having, just keep working and you’ll get better. If you had a billion dollars in the bank, what would you do? Probably go to Hawaii. I love Hawaii.
No other sports now? Basketball, but mostly softball. What’s your favorite thing about softball? Playing with my friends.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To be invisible. I’d probably be watching people and all the funny things that they’re doing.
PlantCityObserver.com
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PLANT CITY
RAIN
(INCHES) June 25
0.02
FRI.
TEMPERATURES
June 26
0.00
SAT.
Friday, July 3 Saturday, July 4 Sunday July 5 Monday, July 6 Tuesday, July 7 Wednesday, July 8 Thursday, July 9
June 27
0.03
SUN.
June 28
0.00
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June 29
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WED. July 1
0.00
JULY
YEAR
SUNRISE 6:36 a.m. 6:37 a.m. 6:37 a.m. 6:37 a.m. 6:38 a.m. 6:38 a.m. 6:39 a.m.
Friday, July 3 Saturday, July 4 Sunday July 5 Monday, July 6 Tuesday, July 7 Wednesday, July 8 Thursday, July 9
June 30
0.00 (2014: 0.00)
HIGH 95 95 96 95 94 94 93
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
0.42
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SUNSET 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m.
6-by-7 6-by-7 5-by-6
Kelly can pick up her $15 Corner Store gift certificate at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 110 E. Reynolds St. Suite 100.
MOON PHASES
Do you have a picture that sums up the personality of Plant City? To enter the I Love Plant City photo contest, email your photo and a caption to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com. Winners will have their picture featured and will receive a special gift.
July 8
July 23
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Using the hints U=I and H=S, decipher the clues to name the justice.
1. L U G H C 2. L Z M Z G E V U H K 3. H X U P Q B N C Z 4. Q G O C C Z G 5. D O H J
This justice served on the Court from 1981 to 2006:
SUDOKU
Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.
8
2
3
7 7
4
1
1
3
1
5 8 9
3
8 8
9 6
2
2
3 8
July 31
CROSSWORD ME, ME, ME by Bill Bobb
CRYPTOQUIZ
9
Kelly Greco’s son, Noah, enjoys the park.
SHIPPING POINT: Orlando
$9.95 to $10.95
4
LOW 74 74 74 73 74 74 73
July 15
TOMATOES
TO DATE $9.95 to $10.95 $10.95 to $11.95 15.59 (2014: 12.66)
2
, 3&
WEATHER
THURS.
2 3 8 4
1
ACROSS 1 Carbo-loader’s entree 6 Indian flatbreads 11 Christmas time 15 Jeweler’s offering 18 Directed person 19 Debate to the extreme 20 “___ Brockovich” 21 1996 presidential candidate 22 Missouri (with “The”) 24 Injured player’s request 26 Attached with thread 27 Have stamina 28 Strong string 30 Like some angles 31 TV’s “American ___” 33 Bounce back, in a way 35 Tacit 37 Attend, as a movie 40 Common vacation souvenirs 42 Be nosy 43 Cummerbund kin 44 Shrek, e.g. 46 Oppositionist 47 Splashes around a bucket 51 Put in a straitjacket 53 Small cucumber 55 Guitar attachment 56 “If all ___ fails ...” 57 Native American pole 60 Jockey’s handful 61 “___ bitten, twice shy” 62 Hand-raiser’s cry 64 Old Chinese money 67 Partygoer 69 Greek island in the Mediterranean 71 Little refreshers 74 Pointed a finger at 75 Tepid 77 Topple from power 78 Razor feature 79 Banned apple spray 80 Dances to jazz 82 Fish in a tank 85 Genesis locale 88 Was introduced to 89 Musical score segment 92 Climbed on, old-style 94 Come before, timewise 96 Make a donation 98 Affirm 99 Mental ability 100 Barnyard parent 101 Eternally 103 Climbs onto, as a horse 105 Fijian, for one 109 Washington bills 110 “Shall we?” 111 Investor’s holding 112 Awaken forcefully 114 Suffering partner? 116 Bricklayers’ equipment 120 “Now I ___ ...” 122 Alaska state flower 125 New York state canal 126 “___ this nice?” 127 College class hours 128 Kind of force or strength 129 Baking container 130 It’s spent in Mexico
©2015 Universal Uclick
131 “___ luck!” (“Break a leg!”) 132 Cash or real estate, e.g.
36 Broken-bone stabilizer 37 Ripped 38 Biblical shepherd DOWN 39 Classic Cole Porter musical 1 Hail Mary, e.g. 40 Camping housing 2 Aerobics aftereffect, sometimes 41 Wedding cake level 3 Put in the overhead 45 ___ de Janeiro 4 Local 47 “Saturday Night Live” seg5 Certain extremity ments 6 Type of cavity 48 Item from an older sib 7 ___ and sciences 49 Host 8 Some colorful marbles 50 Floor it 9 Cashew, for one 52 Be unstable 10 Boiling 54 Bring in, as a harvest 11 Abominable snowman 58 “Yadda, yadda, yadda” 12 First planet discovered via 59 Powerful mackerel shark telescope 61 Relative of a zebra 13 Compare 63 Copy cats? 14 67.5 degrees, in terms of 65 Tall Australian bird direction 66 “___ we forget” 15 Leave the house 68 Pull the plug on 16 Rinse, as with a solvent 69 Workbench gripper 17 Allotted (with “out”) 70 King or queen 21 Rots 71 Nonpoetic writing 23 Stretch out 72 Little devils 25 Women’s prison official 73 One for the off-road 29 Part of “FWIW” 76 Died down 32 Christian of fashion 78 Right of passage 34 Half of a Latin American dance 81 Kind of palm
83 Alpine transport 84 Gun, as an engine 86 Work on a rough cut 87 Parts of tennis courts 89 Oklahoma native 90 Money-transfer systems 91 Memorable, as a trip 93 Double-time pace 95 “Goodness!” 97 Garden party? 101 Smiles turned upside down 102 ___ de corps 104 Wedding workers 105 Water-bound land 106 Emmy-winning puppeteer Lewis 107 Make an easy basket 108 Notched, as a leaf 110 “Therein ___ tale” 113 “Do ___ others as ...” 115 Insurance co. workers 117 Burden of proof 118 Lavish affection (on) 119 “Leave it,” to an editor 121 Ice cream measure 123 Yoko of the music world 124 Post-grad. degree
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