Plant City Times &
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
A PARTNERSHIP WITH
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REAL ESTATE
Keysville property tops real estate sales in August.
Plant City honors first responders at chamber breakfast.
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FREE • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
FOOTBALL Three SCHS players lead the charge. PAGE 11
PRAYER FOR PEACE
RIDING
OUR TOWN
by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
Springhead UMC to host 9/11 prayer vigil
to Remember IN THEIR HONOR by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
The vigil will last 26 hours from Friday, Sept. 11, to Saturday, Sept. 12, and include fun activities.
Courtesy photo
+ Pastor celebrates 58 years
I PC
This week’s winner is
Daniel Gallegos See her photo on PAGE 15.
SEE VIGIL / PAGE 4
DEDICATED DELTA
by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
Emily Topper
Jodi Wood, Mike Graham, JP Pelillo, John Renda and Dan Mayo are all either veterans or related to veterans. They will be participating in the eighth annual Remembrance Ride Saturday, Sept. 12.
In memory of the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, motorcyclists will ride to Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa. The ride is hosted by Plant City AMVETS Post 44, and funds will be raised for James A. Haley Hospital’s recreational services.
M
ike Graham always looks forward to revving the engine of his new Indian Chieftain motorcycle. On Saturday, Sept. 12, the 20year U.S. Army veteran will join nearly 200 other bike aficionados as they ride to Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park as part of the annual Remembrance Ride. For Graham, who is riding for the fifth time, the annual trek is a way to pay homage to those who have and continue to serve.
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STANDING TOGETHER
The ride, now in its eighth year, is sponsored by Plant City AMVETS Post 44 and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County Inc. It honors first responders and military veterans, as well as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This year, the ride will benefit James A. Haley Hospital recreational services and the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch. It also marks the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Graham, a former AMVETS Post 44 commander, helped organize the event. In the Army, he was in charge of troops that carried out psychological operations. He lived the changes that occurred in the military after 9/11. He served over two years in Iraq, and lost soldiers who were deployed after 9/11. “It went from training for war to deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan continuously,” he
SEE RIDE / PAGE 4
IF YOU GO REMEMBRANCE RIDE Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 3602 Highway 301 N., Tampa When: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Free admission
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Pastor Robert Herrin is celebrating his 58th year in ministry. Plant City Church of God is holding a service to celebrate Robert Herrin’s 17 years at the church at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. He came to Plant City Church of God in October 1998, from a church in Jacksonville. Originally from Brunswick, Georgia, he graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies. He and his wife, Lisa Herrin, have been married for 21 years. They were both widowed when they met. Robert Herrin was married to his first wife, Schaunell, for 28 years. They had two children: Torrey, who pastors The Bridge in Buford, Georgia, and Latese Brownlow, who serves as administrative assistant to Robert Herrin at Plant City Church of God. Lisa Herrin’s son, Joe Quesenberry, lives in Kentucky with his family. The Herrins are the proud grandparents of five. Robert Herrin loves to read and enjoys opportunities to mentor younger pastors as they request help. His call to ministry came in a 1956 revival meeting. “There have been so many happy moments in my life,” he said. “In every season I have been blessed and fulfilled.” The best lesson he’s learned in almost 60 years of ministry is to never over-obligate, whether it’s for the church or for personal issues.
This weekend will mark a new first for Springhead United Methodist Church. Beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, the Rev. Dr. Patrick C. Elmore Elmore will lead a 26-hour prayer vigil for peace. “I use peace … because that’s something that will come out of this,” Elmore said. “If we just pray for direction, God’s guidance and peace, all
It means that we’re vulnerable, and we need to stand together as Americans … to support those that are there to serve.
— Dan Mayo, AMVETS Post 44
Photo by Stephanie Humphrey
Plant City’s Maddy Keene wins award The PCHS graduate was recently honored for her dedication to community service. When it was time for former Plant City High School college and career counselor Sherrie Mueller to nominate someone for the prestigious Florida Commission on the Status of Women’s Florida Achievement Award, service-minded Maddy Keene stood out as the
SEE KEENE / PAGE 4
FULL PLATES by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
Plant City Café to open this month Can’t decide what to eat? The variety of food available at Plant City Café, opening Sept. 14, is sure to please even the most indecisive. For anyone having cravings for more than one style of cuisine, there’s a new restaurant in town which will cater to a variety of tastes. On Monday, Sept. 14, Plant City Café will have its grand opening. The menu is full of Italian, Greek and Cuban fare. The eatery will be located in the Village strip mall, near the Walden Lake entrance on Al-
exander Street. It has been in the planning stages for about 10 months, with the staff often working 12-hour days. After the grand opening in mid-September, Plant City Café will be open seven days a week. Customers will be served as early as 7 a.m. on all days except Sunday. While customers dine, they can enjoy watching news and sports as
the managers stop to visit their table — just one of the personal touches Manager Gary McFadden said is lacking at other locations in the area. “We want to be that family restaurant for people,” Gary McFadden said. “We want people to come in and feel like part of the family.”
SEE CAFÉ / PAGE 4
Emily Topper
Melissa and Gary McFadden said they are looking forward to working in a family-friendly eatery with a variety of choices.
INDEX Calendar........................2
Vol. 3, No. 6 | One section Crossword....................15
Obituaries....................10
Real Estate....................8
Sports..........................11
PlantCityObserver.com
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, SEPT. 11
for juniors and seniors. The classes include water races, flag races, musical feed bags, pattern challenges and ribbon races. Money raised from the event will help the Colt Creek Stable Park equestrian camping water project. For more information call (813) 312-4097.
Plant City Connections hosts Melissa Snively — takes place at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60 E. Melissa Snively, of the Hillsborough County School Board, will speak to the networking group. Facebook.com/groups/pcityconnections.
Patriot Day Event & Remembrance Ride — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Hillsborough Veterans Memorial Park, 3602 Highway 301, Tampa. Plant City AMVETS Post 44 is hosting the event, which will include the presentation of the POW/MIA table, live music, raffles, food and beverages. Proceeds will benefit the James A. Haley VA Hospital Recreational Services, Sheriff’s South Ranch and other charities. Tickets are available by calling Mike at (813) 240-6996 or visiting AMVETS Post 44, 5221 State Road 60.
Prayer for World Peace — takes place from 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept 12, at Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road. Join in a 26-hour prayer event. Potluck and praise will kick off the event, and it will end with an ice cream social at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. For more information contact Pastor Patrick C. Elmore on his cell at (786) 543-3261 or at pelmore@claridge.us. The church’s phone number is (813) 752-5751.
Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 Fun Show — takes place beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Combee Arena, 1140 Fish Hatchery Road, Lakeland. Plant City-based Triple B Riding Club is sponsoring the event. There will be speed classes for barrel racers, leadline classes for younger riders, and classes
BEST BET A Fatal Night at the County Fair — mystery dinner theatre show takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road. Proceeds will benefit charity. Tickets are Play board games, including Connect Four, Scrabble Slam, Candyland and more. For grades kindergarten through fifth. (813) 757-9215.
MONDAY, SEPT. 14 Family Game Zone — takes place from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St.
Recycle Your Yard — takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Guests are encouraged to bring a plant for the plant exchange. The pro-
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CareFest Planning Meeting — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at City Hall’s Nettie Berry Draughon Municipal Building, 302 W. Reynolds St. On Sept. 26, churches, organizations, businesses, clubs and individuals will gather to help complete service
GriefShare — takes place beginning at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Hope Lutheran Baptist Church, 2001 N. Park Road. Each GriefShare
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Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 Credit Management Class — takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The class will be taught by Lisa Leslie from the Hillsborough Extension Office.
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projects, such as home renovation, for disabled, elderly and sick community members. Learn more or volunteer by attending the meeting. Contact Karen Collins at (813) 659-4209 or kcollins@plantcitygov.com.
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The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 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.
$45 and available at Platinum Bank, 1804 James L. Redman Parkway; Regions Bank, 2303 Thonotosassa Road; and the Holiday Inn Express, 2102 N. Park Road, or by calling Dodie White at (813) 927-0595 or Gail Lyons at (813) 967-6366.
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Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.
session includes a video seminar and group discussion to help cope with the death of a loved one. (813) 752-4622.
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Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
tonyslawnmaintenance@yahoo.com P.O. Box 408 Plant City, FL 33564
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.
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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
UPDATE by Emily Topper | Staff Writer BY THE NUMBERS
3
BE A QUACK
by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
3,607,878:
the number of Florida residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (food stamps) in April.
3,630,463:
the number of Florida residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (food stamps) in May.
16.4:
the percentage of Florida residents who lived below the poverty line between 2009 and 2013
17.7: The needy began to arrive at the Winter Visitor Center at 4 p.m., an hour before the Friends in the Park volunteers serve dinner. Emily Topper
Friends in the Park patrons adjust to new dinner location Since the dinner program moved from Veterans’ Monument Memorial Park to the Winter Visitor Center this summer, volunteers and patrons have noticed changes, such as stricter rules and less loitering.
MAKING THE SWITCH
The relocation of the Friends in the Park dinners from Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park to the Winter Visitor Center was proposed by City Manager Mike Herr in May. Some residents who lived by Veterans’ Monument Memorial Park were unhappy with the outreach program because they felt the homeless patrons loitered in the park for longer than necessary after the dinner program was over. Some even stopped taking their kids to a playground that was once lo-
cated at the park before it was removed for safety reasons. With the new transition, Doresa Young still has concerns with feeding the homeless in the midst of children. Planteen Recreation Center, where the Winter Visitor Center is located, has a number of community programs for all age groups, including children. “My granddaughter is no longer a part of the summer program at Planteen Recreation Center because of the homeless concentration there now,” Wise says. Although the Winter Visitor Center is located on the Planteen campus, the activities and the dinners are held in two separate buildings. As the dinner patrons arrive for the meals, they stick to the covered pavilion on the far side of the Winter Visitor Center. Many bring their own children, who play in the grass outside. As of now, Herr is pleased with the transition. “So far, I have every reason to believe this transition has worked well for people in the city who need help the most,” he says. “The Friends in the Park continue to meet a valuable need in our community.” Herr also says he was thankful for Unity in the Community’s donation of $5,000 to the city for operating costs to support Friends in the Park at the Winter Visitor Center. In the future, he hopes that services can grow and partnerships can be formed across the city and county.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The summer switch was beneficial to both volunteers and those in need in regards to weather. Besides Florida’s heat and humidity, storms were common. From July 24 through the end of the month, the city saw 17 inches of rain. Mac Craig, who volunteered as a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City with his family on Labor Day, likes the change. He has previously volunteered at the park. “This came at the right time,” Craig says. “It is a blessing, especially with all the rain every day.”
“
The park is very hot, and there’s not enough seating. It’s hard when you’re hot all day long. This is better because it’s inside. [We’re] thankful for it.
“
Editor’s note: This is the second story in a series following the transition of Friends in the Park from Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park to the Winter Visitor Center. When Dawn Rogers walks into the Winter Visitor Center on the campus of Plant City’s Planteen Recreation Center she has one thing on her mind: feeding her kids. On Saturday, Sept. 5, Rogers is eating for two at a dinner program provided by the Friends in the Park. The local organization distributes daily meals to about 50 homeless and low-income residents — just a handful of the 17.7% of Plant City residents who were below the poverty line between 2009 and 2013, according to the United States Census Bureau. Rogers’ baby boy is due Friday, Sept. 25. Her belly is prominent under her green tank top. It hits the edge of the table as she passes fried chicken to her kids, Tobias, 10, and John, 2. She jokes that they eat like teenagers. For people like Rogers, who are part of a one-paycheck household, the daily dinners provided by Friends in the Park are a necessity. “It’s just a blessing, knowing that I have food on the table every night,” Rogers says. Rogers first attended the dinner program when it was held at Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park, off of Wheeler Street. The program moved to the Winter Visitor Center, one mile from the park, in July. Patrons have noticed some changes since the move. Rogers is grateful for the spaciousness of the Winter Visitor Center. She and her kids sit at one of six folding tables set up inside. Before, it wasn’t always possible to get a table to themselves. Besides cramped seating, patrons at the park also had to deal with harsh weather conditions, from the blazing Florida heat to spontaneous summer storms. Patrons aren’t the only ones seeing changes. Guests at Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park and volunteers have also noticed a difference.
— Allison Hayes
The thermostat in the onestory, brick building is set to 60 degrees. In the back of the center, a small kitchen provides amenities volunteers didn’t have at the park: counter space, a refrigerator and a small microwave. The greatest convenience is one that many who come to the dinners don’t otherwise have: shelter. Patrick Baxter and Allison Hayes rely on the feedings for their only meal of the day. Both are homeless and unemployed. “The park is very hot, and there’s not enough seating,” Hayes says. “It’s hard when you’re hot all day long. This is better because it’s inside. [We’re] thankful for it.” Hayes also says that because the dinners have moved indoors there have been less fights. The bathrooms are nicer too. The doors don’t always lock, but they are air-conditioned. The ones at the park often felt hotter than the outside temperature, former park patrons say. When volunteers open the doors for dinner at 5 p.m., many of the dinner patrons work to set up the tables and folding chairs. Biff Magnus is among them. He has been coming to the Friends in the Park dinners on and off for over a year. Magnus, who lives at Wilson Court with his friend, Janice Hilliard, also approves of the new transition. The rules are stricter, he says, but he doesn’t mind — this is often his only meal of the day. Magnus, who is originally from Oregon, is currently unemployed. He has experience working for convenience stores and at a pipe plant, but his focus now is driving Hilliard to her cancer treatments. Monday through Friday he drives her to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where she is receiving treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Because Hilliard is on medical leave from her job at WalMart, they don’t receive any supplemental assistance. Hilliard is also raising her niece, Ashley, and nephew, John. “It’s hard,” Magnus says. “We help each other out.” Still, Magnus tries to stay upbeat. He is familiar with almost all of the volunteers and hopes to be able to start looking for work in a month, since Hilliard is now in remission. Magnus feels the pressure. Though he is quick to crack a joke in his backwards baseball cap, he has been out of work for over a year and is the only potential source of income for himself and Hilliard’s family. “I don’t know what I’m going to do now,” he says. “The future’s not so bright for a guy like me.”
It’s this type of need that makes the strict rules of the center easy to abide by. The program has a zero tolerance policy. Anyone who shows up intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is prohibited from entering the property. At most, they are given a wrapped plate at the door of the center and told that they must eat it elsewhere. “We lost a lot of people [from the park],” Magnus says. “The rules are a little bit more strict.” Unlike the park, where people frequently loitered after meals, patrons aren’t allowed to stick around the center after they’ve finished eating. “It’s short,” Magnus says. “Once it’s over, it’s time to go.” Some may miss the meals if they don’t arrive on time. Food is served promptly at 5 p.m., and most patrons are packed or gone before 6 p.m. Guests at Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park have also noticed a decrease in homeless activity at the park. On Labor Day, Elizabeth Flores helps her sister set up for a quinceañera photo shoot at the park. In the past, she has seen the homeless loitering in the park and sleeping on benches. But since July, she hasn’t see any. “It shows how much has changed in Plant City,” Flores says.
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE
Elizabeth Zambrano and her husband, Eleazar Zambrano, serve dinner on Thursday evenings. They have been volunteering with the Friends in the Park program for two years. Though the new amenities are nice, there are some things they miss from the park. It’s more comfortable for them sitting, but we miss the atmosphere,” Elizabeth Zambrano says. Although the space was tight, it brought everyone together. Barbara Grainger, a volunteer with Restoring Hope Global, agrees that both have their benefits. “A lot of people never made the transition,” Grainger said. “There’s a lot of new people.” Those who do come to the center are likely to come again. Grainger sees many of the same people every time she volunteers, such as Magnus. He takes his place at the end of the serving line to make sure everyone else gets a full plate. The disabled are first, followed by women and children, and then men. Once those in line have taken their seats, he approaches the table of covered pans. The hungry sit around the folding tables and make conversation. Despite their different backgrounds — some homeless, some pregnant, some with extra mouths to feed — they gather together. It is a time of fellowship. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
the percentage of Plant City residents living below the poverty line between 2009 and 2013. SOURCES: Food Research & Action Center; United States Census Bureau
WHY THE PLAYGROUND VANISHED
After the playground in Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park was removed last year, residents in surrounding neighborhoods thought it was a response to their complaints about the homeless loitering after the dinner program. But Jack Holland, the director of the city’s Recreation & Parks Department, says that the playground equipment was removed for safety reasons in July 2014. “As one of our high-use playgrounds, wear and tear along with weather deterioration required many pieces of the apparatus to need replacement,” Holland says. “The cost to overhaul the playground was well over half the cost to replace it, thus, it was not economically feasible to do repairs.” There are currently no plans to rebuild the playground that was once at the park because of budget constraints. City Manager Mike Herr says that it could be a possible future project if increased revenues happen.
ONLINE Some residents want churches to house the program. Read why the Winter Visitor Center is the best option, for now, at PlantCity Observer.com.
Emily Topper
Ducks can be purchased at O’Brien’s for $5.
Rubber duck derby calls ‘fowl’ on cancer Rubber ducks will compete in waves of 100 Sept. 19. The event will raise money for cancer research. Football season is back, but there’s one game day around the corner that won’t be on the big screen. On Saturday, Sept. 19, O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill will be hosting the O’Brien’s Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies “Duck Cancer” Derby. The event, created by a group of friends in 2011, sponsors the lighthearted event for a serious cause: cancer research. Participants can purchase rubber ducks for $5 each. There is no cap on how many ducks can be purchased. In groups of 100, ducks will be set up on a track outside of O’Brien’s and shot into a pool of water, where they are pushed by jets to the finish line. The winners from each round will continue to race until there is a final winning duck. Prizes for the winners include week-long resort getaways and three-day cruises. Companies can also participate in a separate race by purchasing a corporate duck for $100 dollars, which includes food and an open bar. All of the money raised from the event will go towards H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Faces of Courage. This is the first year that the event will be held at Plant City’s O’Brien’s. In February 2016, the derby will be held at O’Toole’s in Brandon. O’Brien’s in Brandon will host the event in May 2016. “O’Brien’s has supported this event in Brandon and sold ducks but never held it here,” O’Brien’s owner Mike Goodwin said. “I kind of thought Plant City should have its own and raise money as well.” The derby is especially important to longtime O’Brien’s employees and patrons. In January, founder Bernie O’Brien lost his life to colon cancer. “It hits close to home for the O’Brien’s family,” Goodwin said. Since 2011, Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies has raised over $60,000 for cancer research. Because this is the first year that the Plant City O’Brien’s has hosted the event, it did not set specific fundraising goals. However, since Aug. 15, six servers have already sold five corporate ducks and 100 regular ducks each. “Everybody’s been excited about it,” Goodwin said. “Plant City has a very generous heart when it comes to charity events. It all goes towards cancer. Everyone is touched in some way, shape or form.”
IF YOU GO FIRE BREATHING RUBBER DUCKIES DUCK CANCER DERBY When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 Where: O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, 1701 S. Alexander St. Cost: $5 per duck; $100 per corporate duck; $10 dollars for a Super “Emerald Isle” Duck, which will compete at races in both Brandon and Plant City. Visit: DuckCancer.com FUTURE DERBY DATES O’Toole’s Brandon: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 O’Brien’s Brandon: Friday, May 6, 2016
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
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RIDE / PAGE 1 said. “It’s one to never forget, never let our guard down.” For Dan Mayo, also a member of AMVETS Post 44, the anniversary is also a time for unity. He served in the U.S. Navy for eight years before a medical discharge. “It means that we’re vulnerable, and we need to stand together as Americans … to support those that are there to serve,” Mayo said.”
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Gary McFadden and his wife, Melissa McFadden, make up the backbone of the restaurant’s management team, with Gary McFadden as manager and Melissa McFadden as assistant manager. The restaurant can cater to the pickiest of eaters. As customers arrive, they can choose a protein, vegetable and rice from a buffet-style hot line outside of the kitchen, or order off the extensive menu. In addition to a wide range of choices, including everything from pizza and wings, to tacos, gyros and picadillo,
KEENE / PAGE 1
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In 2001, Wood was a reservist working at a gas station when she was called into active duty for about five months. She worked in the Air Force as a radio technician to connect ground units with aircrafts. She has been involved in helping AMVETS raise money for veterans, such as the ones at James. A Haley Hospital, who have had to deal with the after-effects of the 2001 attacks.
“It gets them out of their humdrum for a couple of hours,” Wood said. “It gives them time to feel like a human instead of a patient.” Wood said for as long as the event continues, she will find a way to continue her participation. For her, like many of the other veterans and their families, it is a day to remember and reflect. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
event. Although he does not have active military experience, Elmore has worked in a military environment. For 13 years, he was a counselor and part-time chaplain for the U.S. Air Force before becoming a full-time pastor. The prayer vigil will serve as a way for members of the community to observe the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Originally from New York, Elmore sees Patriot Day as a time to acknowledge vulnerability and pray for protection. “At that time, the response of the people was to go to church and pray,” Elmore said, recalling the days directly after 9/11. “Church after church was lit up at night because they were having prayer vigils. This went on for weeks.” Still, the upcoming Sept. 11 vigil is an invitation for all types of prayer: for guidance, for friends, for family and for peace. Elmore describes prayer as effortless because it is something that can be done at anytime, anywhere.
“It’s uncomplicated,” he said. “It’s something that everyone can do every single day of their life.” At Springhead, small blue baskets are at the end of pews in the church’s sanctuary, where members of the congregation can write down their prayer requests. Prayer guides and stations also will be set up around the church during the event, as well as prayer-based activities for kids. “The more you pray, the calmer you become,” Elmore said. “It just changes your whole demeanor … because you are so calm and focused. Turmoil around you doesn’t affect you.” Although this vigil is the first one Elmore will host at Springhead UMC, the pastor of more than 40 years has organized them at previous churches. The first one he hosted was all night in Philadelphia during Operation Desert Storm. The response was so successful he decided to hold prayer vigils regularly, instead of just in emergency situations. In Philadelphia, he began holding
them on the months that had a fifth Sunday, which grew into a vibrant and anticipated event. For Springhead’s prayer vigil, he has reached out to members of the community and other church leaders. “My own personal thrust is community,” he said. “If we’re doing something like this, this is a community event.” For those who have a busy weekend ahead, Elmore encourages them to come in, even if it’s just for a half-hour. “I tell people, 30 minutes can make a difference in your life,” he said. “It’s allowing people to be led by God whatever way is comfortable for them.” Ultimately, Elmore hopes that people will realize and understand the importance of prayer from the event. He hopes to lead by example. “I can’t make people do things, but I can certainly show them how,” he said. “We don’t need to give God instructions. We just need to seek His will. And that starts with prayer.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
SEPT. 11 REMEMBRANCE The lives of civilians and first responders lost from the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are remembered across the United States through tributes, memorials and annual events. Below are some events that will mark the 14th anniversary:
Arlington will also have a service for families of 9/11 victims.
WASHINGTON, D.C. The 9/11 Unity Walk will be held at Embassy Row. The free event serves as a way to remember 9/11 while educating attendees on different faiths and cultures. ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA A moment of silence will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at 9:37 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2015. The Pentagon Memorial in
CRYSTAL CITY, VIRGINIA The fifth annual Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K Run will begin at the DoubleTree Hotel in Arlington on Sept. 12, 2015. Funds raised from the run will go toward the Fisher House Foundation and the Wounded Warriors Project. NEW YORK, NEW YORK On Sept. 11, 2015, the artwork Tribute in Light will light up the New York City skyline at dusk and remain lit until dawn of the following day. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is also open to the public.
I can’t make people do things, but I can certainly show them how. We don’t need to give God instructions. We just need to seek His will. And that starts with prayer.
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The 26-hour prayer vigil is open to all members of the community. The event is family-friendly and will be concluded with an ice cream social beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. When: 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 Where: Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road
of those things will come.” The family-friendly event is open to everyone in the community. The event will begin with a potluck Friday, Sept. 11, and prayer will continue through the night before ending at 6 p.m. the following day. An ice cream social also will be held toward the end of the event Saturday, Sept. 12. Elmore began planning the prayer vigil in June. He chose Patriot Day as the start of the
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Most riders and volunteers are pleased with the programs that will benefit from the Remembrance Ride, especially James A. Haley Hospital recreational services. The program currently does not have any government funding, but money raised from the ride will go to provide injured veterans with outings in which they may not otherwise be able to participate, such as golfing, bowling and other types of physical therapy. Many of the veterans are amputees or have spinal cord injuries. “I like to know where everything is going,” Graham said. John Renda agrees that supporting the hospital’s recreational services is a worthy cause. Renda, whose father served in the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II, is part of Sons
of AMVETS. Although he has ridden in the past, this year, he will be helping with operations at the park. “The only way they get out is through these activities,” Renda said. Although the ride is sponsored in part by AMVETS Post 44, anyone is encouraged to ride and pay their respects to active and retired military, law enforcement and first-responders. “It’s just thanking everybody that helped out that day,” rider JP Pelillo said. “It was just devastating.” Like Renda, Pelillo is part of Sons of AMVETS. His father served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, and his son, Matthew, currently is serving in the U.S. Army at Ft. Hood. Pelillo has been riding in the event every year since its inception and will ride again this year. “How can we repay? By remembering,” Pelillo said. Jodi Wood was active duty in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years. For the last 15 years, she has been a reservist. This marks the first year Wood will ride her own motorcycle in the Remembrance Ride. In the past, she has ridden on the back of another motorcycle or followed the group in her car. She also acts as the event’s photographer.
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perfect candidate. The award, presented to 12 winners by the FCSW, commends women who have gone above and beyond to serve their community. For Keene, the desire to serve comes naturally. “She’s multi-faceted,” Mueller said. “She has a very caring heart for others. That’s just Maddy.” Now a sophomore at the University of Florida studying chemical engineering, Keene began to develop her passion for helping others when she joined the Civinettes Service Club as a Plant City High School freshman. She served as club president for her last two years of high school. “Typically, juniors don’t get president,” Mueller said. “But she was so outstanding at community service.” “They’ve always had a really big presence,” Keene said of the club. Her mother was also a
The Rev. Dr. Patrick C. Elmore
Plant City Café also will serve breakfast items, frappes and smoothies. Takeout, delivery and catering also are available, as well as private parties. “The extra variety — it gives people more options,” Gary McFadden said. “Offering seven days a week is more convenient for people.” Gary McFadden has worked in the food service industry for 22 years. He has been a department manager at McDonald’s and always held has management positions. Originally from Connecticut, the Plant City resident began learning how to cook traditional Italian dishes from a
chef at Mario Macaroni when he was 14. Melissa McFadden also has three years of restaurant ex-
perience on the customer service side. Melissa McFadden will be learning alongside the other employees, which include about 12 cooks. The restaurant has 22 employees total. As for Gary McFadden, he said he can do it all. “I’ve been doing it for a long time,” he said. “If I worked with people of other cultures, I learned how to make their food.” The restaurant will be having two private soft openings before the grand opening on Sept. 14. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
member of the club when she was a student at PCHS. “It was honestly the best decision I could have made in high school,” Keene said. While serving as club president, Keene started an initiative to feed the homeless once a month. The club continued with the program after she graduated. “I’ve always been very into helping the homeless,” Keene said. Her desire to help those less fortunate is partially driven by the memories she has of seeing them under highway overpasses as she drove by. After the Civinettes began volunteering to feed the homeless, she saw how the service made an impact. “I got to see the fruits of my labor,” she said. “Just getting to see how thankful they were … they said thank you for everything.” As club president, Keene grew the Civinettes to over 100 members and served as the leader and head fund-
raiser for the club’s Relay for Life team, which raised over $1,500. In 2013, Keene also partnered with her father, LaRoyce Keene, for Dancing with the Locals to raise money for automated external defibrillators for the Plant City Police Department. “She took the bull by the horns,” Mueller said. “She was a leader.” Keene’s dedication to the community wasn’t limited to one organization. While at PCHS, she served various roles in National Honor Society, Science Club and the American Sign Language Honor Society. Keene was also a member of the 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court and was ranked 10th in her graduating class. She continues her service as a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority at the University of Florida. The sorority is partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and has hosted softball tour-
naments and spaghetti dinners as fundraising events. Last year, the sorority raised $80,000, making it the top fundraiser of any organization at the University of Florida. Keene, who joined the homeless outreach program A Reason to Give at the beginning of the school year, hopes to return to Plant City after she graduates from the University of Florida. “I love the town,” she said. “I love the atmosphere.” When she does, she plans to continue her volunteer efforts and encourages others to do the same. “It’s honestly giving me such a great sense of fulfillment,” she said. “It’s very humbling.” As an award recipient, Keene was invited to attend a special awards luncheon for all winners Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Alfond Inn in Winter Park. There, she received her award, and a letter of distinction from Gov. Rick Scott. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO PLANT CITY CAFÉ Opening: Monday, Sept. 14 Where: 1701 S. Alexander St., Plant City Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday Fare: Cuban, Italian and Greek
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
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The Maze Hours are: Fridays 3pm-6pm Saturdays 9am-6pm • Sundays 12pm-6pm
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The Branding I • October 17th Rock the Ranch lll ron Grill Christian Concert & One Blood Donation Bus On Site (all $5 and und er) • October 18th Christian Tae Kwon Do demonstration • October 24th CornFusion 1st Annual Cornhole Tournament • October 24th Seed Starters & UF/IFAS-Bok Tower Garden Community and School Garden Q&A • October 24th Up and Coming Nashville Recording Artist Renea Roberts & John Rhey • October 31st Haunted Maze More Exciting Events will be added so check for updates on CornFusion's Facebook page and Website!
Additional Costs Attractions:
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• Various Vendors, including Pony Rides, Helicopter Rides, and more • Big Allis, The Monster Tractor • Zombie Farm Paintball Shootin' Gallery • Zombie Farm Paintball Hay Ride w/Souvenir Medals and Photo Booth Opportunity (7pm-?)
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Visit www.CornFusionMaze.com for more info! Discounted Tickets can be purchased in advance at Russell’s Western Wear Lakeland - 3527 US HWY 98 N.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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Plans have been submitted to the City of Plant City’s planning and zoning division for five model homes and an office building for Jacobsen Homes to be located on 303 S. Frontage Road. The office building would be about 1,900 square feet. The homes and office building would be located on approximately .74 acres of land off of Interstate 4. The land for the proposed building is already under commercial zoning, Phillip Scearce, principal planner for the planning and zoning division, said. “It’s not going through any type of public hearing review,” Scearce said. “It just went through staff review. It has already been reviewed administratively.” Aside from a few technical aspects that needed modification, Scearce expects that the plans will be approved.
WALDEN LAKE ADDRESSES SCHOOL PARKING PROBLEMS
A Seffner man died in an Interstate 4 crash after he lost control of his motorcycle Friday, Sept. 3. At about 10:48 p.m. Michael Todd Dilts, 46, was traveling west on I-4, past Thonotosassa Road, when he lost control and hit a tractor trailer driven by Peter Solunac, 42, of Northport. Dilts, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from his motorcycle. He died at the scene. Solunac brought the trailer to a full stop. He was not injured, Florida Highway Patrol officers said that alcohol was not involved in the crash.
As the school year starts, parking issues between Walden Lake Elementary School and the Walden Lake community are at the forefront of residents’ minds. Walden Lake residents held a meeting Thursday, Aug. 27, to discuss traffic problems during school drop-off and pick-up times on Barrett Avenue and Emerson Place. Heavy traffic causes drivers to park on residents’ lawns. In response, residents have put up “No Parking” signs. However, in the meeting it was discovered that the signs cannot be enforced by law enforcement. “There is no ordinance that exists for these signs on Barrett Avenue,” Plant City Police Sgt. Al Van Duyne said. Besides parking, safety is another concern. Kids often run in front of cars, residents said, and it is difficult for
+ Two Lakeland residents die in crash Two Lakeland residents died in a car crash Saturday, Sept. 5, on State Road 39. At about 12:33 a.m. Edward Garrett Gottschall, 29, and his passenger, Nalee Yang, 37, were driving in a 2006 Toyota Corolla on State Road 39 when they were hit head on. A 2008 Hyundai Sonata driven by David Thomas Flanagan, 47, of Zephyrhills, was traveling north on State
Photos by Amber Jurgensen
Road 39, near Candis Road. He didn’t slow for the traffic in front of him and rear ended a 2004 Isuzu Ascender SUV driven by Amy Kay Dudeck, 32, of Plant City. The SUV veered into the southbound lane of State Road 39 and collided head on with the Corolla. The Corolla left the roadway and struck a power pole. Gottschall and Yang died at the scene. The SUV overturned. Dudeck and her passengers, Stanley John Dudeck, 27, and Sophia Dudeck, 1, were transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Flanagan was transported to Florida Hospital Zephyrhills where he was arrested for DUI manslaughter and driving while his license was suspended involving a death.
Jacobsen Homes wants to place five model homes on the South Frontage Road property.
1) Denim, 2) DKNY, 3) Essentials, 4) Seventh Avenue, 5) Versailles.
This week’s Sudoku answers
In the next few months, the RaceTrac off of the Thonotosassa Interstate 4 exit, at 1202 Townsgate Court, will be undergoing renovations, including an interior remodel. Plans were initially submitted on June 11 to renovate the RaceTrac. Approval was given from the City of Plant City building and engineering departments June 22. However, the planning and zoning board needed additional details about the project before giving approval. After a number of adjustments, all departments will need to once again review the plans. Darren Eyre, the project manager with Thomas Engineering, said the company
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are not picked up by school buses, many of the parents choose to drive their walkers to Walden Lake Elementary because they do not want their younger children to have to walk up to two miles to get home. As the school year progresses, Walden Lake Community
+ RaceTrac to undergo renovations
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emergency vehicles to get down roads that are blocked by cars. Parents of Walden Lake Elementary students who identify as walkers — students that live within less than two miles of the elementary school — also feel frustrated with the parking issues. Since walkers
Association President Bob Hunter hopes that many of the issues can begin to be resolved, if not solved completely. This summer, the WLCA discovered it owned a portion of property off of Turkey Creek Road, which could potentially be developed into a drop-off zone. At the Aug. 27 meeting, residents also suggested hang tags to identify Walden Lake vehicles as they approached the school, and there was discussion of working with the City of Plant City to create an ordinance to create enforceable no parking zones. The traffic issue was first brought to the WLCA’s attention after a resident spoke at a June 15 WLCA meeting about traffic problems during school drop-off and pick-up. She said the problem has existed for many years.
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In accordance with the provisions of State Law there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy and owner and/or manager’s lien of goods hereinafter described and stored at: Rentlok Self Storage located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-2800. And due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties know to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above-stated locations to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Thursday, September 24, 2015 @ 9:30 A.M. or any date therein after. NAME Judy Bernardino (8206) Allie Hampton (8841) Crystal Schafer (8813)
CONTENTS Household Household Household
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+ Model home center submits plans
+ One dead in Interstate 4 crash
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“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
PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER
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AroundTOWN
I went to Europe in the volve taking those classes that summer of 1992, and one of lead you to a new career. It the places I visited was Berlin. could involve getting in touch Walking along parts of what with that person who needs used to be the Berlin Wall, I your presence. Organizing a picked up a small piece of it room to make it a more pleasas a keepsake. This ant living environconcrete barrier that ment works the same once split that city into way. What matters is east and west zones setting a plan in moseemed permanent tion and enjoying the before 1989. It is now a results of it. historical study. Feeling stuck at an Emotional issues uncomfortable place may sometimes make in life is something us think we face a Bermost people want to SCOTT lin Wall of obstacles. avoid. On an emoTOLER If you feel depressed tional level this someor anxious, you might times means that you feel it will last longer than you cannot get rid of a particular can foresee. Problems pile emotion. One way to dismiss on one another, and you feel troubling feelings is finding a buried to the point of not tak- healthy distraction. ing any positive action. Engaging in a favorite or If you reach the point of new hobby is helpful. You letting life immobilize you, could change the way you then the time has come to interact with someone or you set some positive energy in could refresh an outworn motion. Some people in East daily routine. Berlin saw it as an agent of Though rituals are comfortcontainment, while others ing, changing just one aspect saw it as something to breach of something you do on a or overcome. Seeing emoregular basis makes it seem tional problems as needing fresh. action and attention becomes Small adjustments like this helpful. can make what seemed like Positive action could ina Berlin Wall of inertia and
inaction start moving in the direction you want it to go. It is important to begin the process of identifying any areas of your life that could benefit from even the smallest adjustments. Doing this allows you to watch as your wall of negativity crumbles. Such an outlook is beneficial for any marriage or significant relationship you have. Traveling to places you have never visited enlivens and enriches your life as a couple. You may reach new insights and understandings of each other that would not have come to your attention. I use my Berlin Wall memento as a reminder that what seems immovable is just as subject to change as life is. Constructive changes are always possible in your present moment, and deciding what changes may be necessary is the first motivating action you take. Just remember: some people said that thick wall in Berlin would stand forever. Scott Toler is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor living in Plant City. He can be reached at etoler25@tampabay.rr.com.
Duke’s Brewhouse
Sebastian Aviz, 43 Superman because he’s super strong.
Jacob Thomas, 50 My dad. He had a pharmacy business in India.
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sults across multiple Civic Economic studies. The Plant City Times & Observer promotes buying local. With the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, we’ve launched the Buy Local campaign to encourage residents to shop local.
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Now Open! Who are Duke’s Brewhouse’s clients? Our clients are very diverse. We have something for everyone, any age, from the video games to our excellent happy hour. Between the sports and the music, depending on the night of the week, I am sure there is options for everyone’s likes. What is your advice for success? Besides staying current with beverage and food trends, we pride ourselves in a superior level of customer service.
Where do you see Duke’s Brewhouse in the next five years? Our goal is to make this Plant City original a chain. We would like to have 10 stores in 10 years, if at all possible. Why is Duke’s Brewhouse located at its current site? Our restaurant is centrally located, just south of downtown on James L. Redman Parkway, in the Publix plaza.
Caring for your family, from nose to tail!
Any additional comments? No matter if you’re looking to relax in a friendly atmosphere and enjoy some great food, or you’re looking to watch the big game, Duke’s is sure to be the spot for you.
Notice
Low-Cost ... • Vaccine Clinic • Spays & Neuters • Heartworm and Flea Prevention
Is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has received Environmental Resource permit application number 717474 from Palmetto Plant City-Baker St, LLC. Application received: 08-28-15. Proposed activity: Construct a 10,640 sq-ft Dollar General store and associated stormwater and parking improvements. Project name: Dollar General Store 01052 Plant City Commercial size: 1.44 Location: Section(s) 30 Township 28 South, Range 22 East, in Hillsborough County. Outstanding Florida Water: no. Aquatic preserve: no. The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at Southwest Florida Water Management District 170 Century Boulevard, Bartow, Florida 33830-7700. Interested persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application.
Dogs Cats Neuter ..............$45 ......... $25 Spay ..................$55 ......... $35 Vaccines Rabies–1 yr .........$8 ........... $8 Rabies–3 yr .......$17 ......... $17 DA2PP–L* .........$17 FELV .................................. $15 FVRCP–1 yr ....................... $10
*Leptospirosis is optional
813.752.2869
Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days from the date of this notice. If you wish to be notified of intended agency action or an opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding the application, you must send a written request referencing the permit application number to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Regulation Performance Management Department, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 346046899 or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters.org. The District does not discriminate based on disability.
3109 SR 574 W, Plant City, FL 33563 TUE/THU/FRI 10am-2pm
Open Saturday, September 19th, 9am-1pm Walk-in only. Spay/Neuter by appointment. 180873
Anyone requiring accommodation under the ADA should contact the Regulation Performance Management Department at (352)796-7211 or 1(800)423-1476, TDD only 1(800)231-6103.
OUR PRICES start at
www.awc-pc.com
154775-1
age while supplying customers with current, trendy food and beverage options.
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What is Duke’s Brewhouse’s motto/mission, and why? Provide a fun, refreshing, upbeat atmosphere for music and sports lovers of any
Rebekah Crockett, 26 My mom — she has been through so much in her life.
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How did Duke’s Brewhouse first get its start? It was purchased last September and reopened in January. Our new concept took this 15-year-old sports bar in Plant City to a modern level.
How does Duke’s Brewhouse contribute to the community? Duke’s stays involved with the community as a member of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce. We also support numerous charitable causes, such as Special Olympics, and continue to support Plant City High School, little league and youth football programs.
Kaitlyn Myers, 22 Jesus, he saved my life. My dad, he’s awesome. And my husband because he’s always there for me.
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2212 James L. Redman Parkway | (813) 752-2700
What kind of services does Duke’s Brewhouse offer? Duke’s is a family-style sports bar with a country twist. We have sporting events showing on over 20 TVs, along with the largest craft beer selection in the Plant City area. Country music, played throughout the operating hours, is our format. There is also live music on Friday nights.
Hannah Mueller, 21 My grandmother because she’s my best friend.
Taylor Nicholson, 20 My mom and dad because they came from small towns and became successful. They raised me right.
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Q&A WITH PARTNER CHUCK JAMIESON
Did you know that every $100 spent at a local, independently-owned store generates $45 of secondary local spending, compared to $14 for a big-box chain? This was first tested in 2003 by the Institute for Local Self Reliance and is nearly identical to later re-
Who is your hero?
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Make positive changes
Reporters from the Plant City Times & Observer hit the street of Plant City to ask residents a little about themselves. Will we spot you around town next?
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MY VIEW
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
REAL ESTATE by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor
Keysville home tops August sales
The home at 501 E. Keysville Road sold Aug. 14, for $489,900. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,489 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $329.01.
Allens Cove
The home at 4404 Roebuck Road sold Aug. 21, for $125,000. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,528 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $81.81.
Alexander Woods
The home at 211 Alexander Woods Drive sold Aug. 13, for $105,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 1,466 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $71.62.
Alice Winter Gardens
The home at 5104 Armor Road sold Aug. 26, for $86,400. Built in 1986, it has two bedrooms, one bathroom and 756 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $114.29.
Ancient Oak
The home at 3823 Ancient Oak Trail sold Aug. 21, for $350,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,589 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $135.19.
Appling Woods
The home at 5309 Fulwood Drive sold Aug. 5, for $322,500. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,328 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $138.53.
Blain Acres
The home at 1007 Barbour Drive sold Aug. 31, for $92,300. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, one bathroom and 960 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $96.15.
Bracewell Heights
The home at 4314 Country Hills Blvd. sold Aug. 5, for $131,500. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,340 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $98.13. The home at 546 Lindsay Anne Court sold Aug. 21, for $133,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,315 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $101.14. The home at 1206 N. Shannon Ave. sold Aug. 12, for $129,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,616 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $81.06. The home at 4514 Tina Lane sold Aug. 14, for $131,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,208 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $108.44.
Citrus Landing
The home at 106 Citrus Landing Drive sold Aug. 16 for $137,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,564 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $87.60.
Country Hills
The home at 301 Abigail Road sold Aug. 27, for $161,500. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,507 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $107.17.
Dorene Terrace
The home at 2209 Parkview Drive sold Aug. 27, for $172,500. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,747 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $62.80.
Eastridge
The home at 3511 Ranchdale Drive sold Aug. 10, for $291,326. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,247 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.65.
East Valrico
The home at 7026 Durant Road sold Aug. 11, 2015 for
$29,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1936, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,910 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $15.18.
Forest Park East
The home at 2709 Granfield Ave. sold Aug. 21, for $23,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1947, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,238 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $18.58.
Forest Oak
The home at 1709 W. Lowry Ave. sold Aug. 21, for $66,400 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,205 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $55.10.
Gillespies Glen
The home at 4648 Gillespie Lane sold Aug. 10, for $75,055. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,560 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $48.11.
Hillsborough
The home at 3302 Gloria Ave. sold Aug. 28, for $64,000. Built in 1953, it has two bedrooms, one bathroom and 887 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $77.76. The home at 508 N. Gordon St. sold Aug. 4, for $80,000. Built in 1926, it has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 1,736 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $46.08. The home at 3304 Medulla Road sold Aug. 27, for $195,000. Built in 1973, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,734 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $112.46. The home at 3409 Old Mulberry Road sold Aug. 21, for $93,000. Built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, one and one half bathrooms and 1,450 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $64.14. The home at 2041 Williams Road sold Aug. 3, for $275,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,761 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $99.60.
Laurel Lake
The home at 2710 Golf Lake Drive sold Aug. 3, for $195,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,810 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $107.73. The home at 2742 Golf Lake Drive sold Aug. 5, for $179,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,475 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $121.36.
Little Bit Manor
The home at 6830 Dormany Loop sold Aug. 21, for $133,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,476 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $53.72.
Lowry & Devane
The home at 818 N.W. Drane St. sold Aug. 2, for $69,900. Built in 1920, it has three bedrooms, one bathroom and 987 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $70.82.
Magnolia Green
The home at 3010 Azalea Blossom Drive sold Aug. 25, for $189,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 2,974 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $63.85. The home at 3204 Magnolia Green Meadows Drive sold Aug. 13, for $200,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 2,831 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $70.65.
Marshall Terrace
The home at 1605 E. Warren St. sold Aug. 11, for $41,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1964, it has three bedrooms, one bathroom and 1,210 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $33.88.
Amber Jurgensen
This ranch-style property at 501 E. Keysville Road has 79 acres zoned for agriculture.
The home at 3015 Via Parma St. sold Aug. 19, for $239,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,012 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $118.79.
Walden Woods
Oak Pointe
Rancheros Acres
Oakview Estates
Schneider
Palm Heights
Stone Hedge
The home at 1106 Oak Pointe Place sold Aug. 27, for $159,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,226 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.69. The home at 2911 Laurel Lane sold Aug. 11, for $62,999 (auction/REO). Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,050 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $60. The home at 1102 N. Palm Drive sold Aug. 19, for $145,000. Built in 1956, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,558 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $93.07.
Phillips Farms
The home at 6614 Papa Guy Lane sold Aug. 7, for $112,114 (auction/REO). Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,032 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $55.17.
Piergallini
The home at 5604 Miley Road sold Aug. 12, for $345,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,478 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $139.23.
Pinker
The home at 8811 Knights Griffin Road sold Aug. 20, for $167,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,623 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $102.90.
Plant City Warrens
The home at 307 S. Daniels St. sold Aug. 31, for $33,000. Built in 1930, it has two bedrooms, now bathroom and 924 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $35.71.
Pleasant Grove Acres
The home at 8802 Turkey Creek Road sold Aug. 28, for $265,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,127 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $124.59.
The home at 7202 Pierce Harwell Road sold Aug. 3, for $185,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $99.46. The home at 712 E. Drew St. sold Aug. 20, for $134,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,290 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $103.88. The home at 4524 Stone Wall Lane sold Aug. 28, for $361,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three and one half bathrooms and 3,942 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $91.58.
Strawberry Square
The home at 801 Whitehurst Road sold Aug. 21, for $117,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $80.36.
Sweats
The home at 703 W. Herring St. sold Aug. 20, for $59,900. Built in 1936, it has two bedrooms, one bathroom and 542 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $108.86.
Todd Estates
The home at 8213 Todd Place sold Aug. 26, for $325,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,476 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $131.26.
Trapnell Ridge
The home at 3603 Harvest Orchard Drive sold Aug. 7, for $145,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,814 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $79.93. The home at 3514 Trapnell Ridge Drive sold Aug. 15, for $122,564. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 1,620 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $75.66.
Walden Lake
The home at 4133 Barrett Ave. sold Aug. 18, for $144,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,496 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $96.26. The home at 3309 Cummings Place sold Aug. 24, for $289,900. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,582 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $112.28. The home at 2875 Hammock Drive sold Aug. 7, for $325,000. Built in 1987, it has six bedrooms, five and one half bathrooms and 5,202 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $62.48. The home at 2904 Juniper Lake Place sold Aug. 25, for $198,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,989 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $99.55. The home at 4116 Kipling Ave. sold Aug. 28, for $225,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,216 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $101.53. The home at 4121 Kipling Ave. sold Aug. 25, for $209,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,878 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $111.29. The home at 4317 Kipling Ave. sold Aug. 27, for $160,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,515 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $105.61. The home at 3424 Silver Meadow Way sold Aug. 7, for $172,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,753 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $98.12. The home at 3456 Silver Meadow Way sold Aug. 25, for $199,900. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,850 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $108.05.
Walden Pointe
The home at 1811 Via Chianti St. sold Aug. 14, for $201,990. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,190 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $92.23.
The home at 817 Ashentree Drive sold Aug. 24, for $158,990. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,636 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $97.18. The home at 2005 Greenwood Valley Drive sold Aug. 28, for $127,900. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1,649 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $77.56. The home at 2343 Tanbark Ridge sold Aug. 17, for $145,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,805 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $80.33. The home at 706 Wiltonway Drive sold Aug. 13, for $124,990. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1,580 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $79.11.
Washington Park
The home at 1006 E. Tomlin St. sold Aug. 21, for $54,900. Built in 1922, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,044 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $55.56.
Wayne Terrace
The home at 1607 Bowman Ave. sold Aug. 10, for $90,500. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, one bathroom and 1,175 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $77.02.
West Pinecrest
The home at 1703 W. Granfield Ave. sold Aug. 14, for $38,900. Built in 1935, it has two bedrooms, one bathroom and 872 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $44.61.
Whispering Woods
The home at 2745 Walden Woods Drive sold Aug. 20, for $228,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 2,688 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $84.82.
Wicherts
The home at 708 W. Herring St. sold Aug. 28, for $145,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,191 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $121.75.
Young & Douglas
The home at 905 W. Reynolds St. sold Aug. 10, for $68,250 (auction/REO.) Built in 1911, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,588 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $42.98.
PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
9
RESPONDERS RECEPTION by Emily Topper | Staff Writer
First responders honored at contact breakfast On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted a contact breakfast for first responders. The breakfast, which was sponsored by Mosaic’s Plant City facility, included guest speaker Maj. Kyle Richardson. First responders from Plant City Fire Rescue and the Plant City Police Department were also in attendance.
First responders were thanked for their service at the contact breakfast.
First responders from Plant City Fire Rescue and the Plant City Police Department came to the breakfast.
Capt. Clay Cunningham and Capt. Anita Blackman
Brittany Keys and Verna McKelvin
Maj. Kyle Richardson was the guest speaker at the contact breakfast.
Melissa Haskins and Pat Pogue
CUTESTCRITTER
Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply
Coupon good thru 10/30/15
Orange Blossom • Palmetto • Wildflower • Gallberry 813-689-1570
180140
172535-1
Corner of Martin Luther King Blvd. & McIntosh Rd., Dover, FL •
nered 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.
OUR VETERINARIANS UNDERSTAND...
UR FAMILY CARING FOR YO
FROM NOSE TO
180200
4645 U.S. 92 • 813-752-1010
God Love
Congratulations
TAIL!
SPECIAL SPEAKER:
Pastor Torrey Herrin
The Bridge Community Church Buford, GA
170811-1
Now Offering No ng Easy Payment Plans
Robert Herrin!
Congratulations, Pastor & Lisa for your 17 years of great leadership at Plant City Church of God.
to the Cutest Critter Winner! Stop in to claim your prize!
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVING PLANT CITY!
in celebration of Pastor
3109 S.R. 574 • 813-752-2869
Sunday, September 13th at 10:15 am PLANT CITY CHURCH OF GOD
2103 Mud Lake Road
181065
P
uppy Milton is the cutest dachshund around. He loves to snuggle, chew things he shouldn’t and bark at squirrels. His mom, Katelyn Hall, says he’s a sweetheart. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have part-
10
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
Observer
Obituaries Mattie Lou Futch
Mattie Lou Futch, 98, of Plant City, died Aug. 30, 2015 at home with family and under the care of Lifepath Hospice. Mrs. Futch will be remembered as a kind and gentle spirit with a wonderful sense of humor. She had been a resident of Plant City for 85 years and a member of Lebanon Baptist Church for 54 years. She is survived by her three sons, Don, Ken and Dalton Futch; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Vernice Jones; and countless other family and friends. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Charlie Futch; mother, Ethel Wilkerson; father, Eulys Sinquefield; sisters, Lucille Harwell and Troy Marable; and brothers, Woodrow and Buddy Sinquefield. Visitation was held Thursday, Sept. 3, followed by a funeral service at Lebanon Baptist Church in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.
Mattie Esther Gentry
Mattie Esther Gentry, 93, of Plant City, and formerly of Cookeville, Tennessee, died Sept. 2, 2015. Mrs. Gentry is survived by her son, Jerry Gentry (Laverne), of Sydney; sister, Mae Stanley, of Plant City; and many grandchildren and other family. She was predeceased by her husband, Rev. Winfred Talmadge Gentry; and sons, Howard and David Gentry.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, Sept. 5, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Judd Cemetery in Baxter, Tennessee, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. at Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home, 532 4th St., Baxter. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Jay W. Granger
Jay W. Granger, 68, of Plant City/Lake Wales, died Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. A native of Cottonwood, Alabama, Mr. Granger was the son of James and Georgia Bell Whitehead Granger. He attended Plant City’s First Baptist Church and was a veteran of the United States Army. He was the owner of the Badcock Furniture Store in Douglas, Georgia, and retired after 20 years of service from CF Industries. He was a member of the Plant City Jaycees and the Lake Wales Moose Lodge. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He is survived by his children, Jay W. Granger Jr. (Shannon), Dana Collier (Steve) and Michelle Grander and Deana Granger; siblings, Inez Granger, Audrey Tindle, Patricia Bassett and Michael Granger; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family received friends Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Haught Funeral Home Cha-
pel in Plant City. A funeral service followed. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.
Myrtle Beasley Hunzeker
Myrtle Beasley Hunzeker, 82, of Plant City, died Aug. 31, 2015. Mrs. Hunzeker loved her family, friends and church, and she enjoyed fishing and making people feel special. She is survived by her children, Ralph Hunzeker, Wanda Kay James, Linda Eldred and Arthur Hunzeker (Kitty), of Plant City; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter Ralph Hunzeker; son, Horace Wayne Hunzeker; and grandson, Jeffe James. A celebration of life was held Friday, Sept. 4, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. A committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Rudy Miller
Rudy Miller, 76, of Plant City, died Sept. 2, 2015. Mr. Miller was a proud United States Navy veteran. He attended First Baptist Dover and was a family man. He had a wide range of hobbies which included woodworking, toy making, watching baseball and football (especially Alabama) and listening to a range of music from Andrea Bocelli to Merle Haggard. He
also enjoyed watching comedy sitcoms and John Wayne movies. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Nora Miller; sons, James Michael and Rudolph August Miller; daughters, Angelette Kent and Judie Cochran; brothers, Art, Dennis, Tom and Ronald Miller; sisters, Linda Robinson, Maria Fuller, Lisa Anderson and Lori Reinhardt; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Glen and George Miller. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Wells Memorial and Event Center in Plant City. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.
Kimberly Diane Mitchell
Kimberly “Kim” Diane Mitchell, 51, of Plant City, died Sept. 4, 2015. Mrs. Mitchell worked in Human Resources with the University of South Florida, and served on the board of directors for Plant City Entertainment Inc., a community theater. She was a member of New Day Church in Brandon. Her life was family, friends and the theater. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Thomas Mitchell; daughter, Olivia Kathlyn Mitchell; mother, Shirley Dunaway Outen; “forever-sister-friend,” Jennifer Fenner; and many friends. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance at ccalliance.org. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Richard Michael Moore
Richard “Mike” Michael Moore, 58, of Plant City, died Sept. 3, 2015. Mr. Moore was a retired boilermaker with Local Union 433. He loved riding his Harley Davidson and airboat. He is survived by his son, Mikie Moore, of Plant City; former wife, Cathy Moore, of Plant City; siblings, Keith E. Moore, of Mary Esther, and Ellen Sellers (Kevin), of Plant City; and other family and friends. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.
Wiley “Gene” Murphy
Wiley “Gene” Murphy, 88, of Plant City, died Sept. 3, 2015. Mr. Murphy was a longtime member of Midway Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school superintendent, RA leader and training union director. He loved his family and his church, and he enjoyed witnessing for his Lord. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Louise Linton Murphy; daughters, Loretta Norris (Lonnie), of Mulberry, Linda Williams (Clifton), of Lee, and Kathy Carter (Bob), of North Carolina; grandchildren, Don, Dean (Lisa), Shane (Pam), Brent (Michele), Jessica and Kyle; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Hannah, Cheyenne, Bryce and Brock; and many other family and friends. A celebration of life was held Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. A committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens in Plant City. The family extends a special thanks to the loving and dedicated workers at the Health Care Center of Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.
Richard Eugene Nichols
Richard Eugene Nichols, 60, of Valrico, died Aug. 28, 2015. Mr. Nichols was born in Dunnellon. He is survived by his mother, Louise Nichols; and siblings, Andrew Nichols, of Brandon, and Tina Nichols, of Daytona Beach. Private interment will be held at Sand Pond Cemetery in Dunnellon. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Sara Lee White (Knoch)
Sara Lee White (Knoch), 79, of Plant City, died Sept. 1, 2015. Mrs. White was born Oct. 27, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Elmer Glade Knoch and Sarah Esther Reidenbaugh. She graduated from Oliver High School and lived most of her life in Pittsburgh. She worked as a secretary for Allegheny General Hospital and Pittsburg-Des Moines Steel. She retired to Plant City in 1997. She loved to sew, read and watch Steelers football. She is survived by her brother, Allan Paul Knoch; children, Deborah Lee Shugerts and Donna Lynn Connell; grandsons, Zachary Thomas Mays, Ryan James Shugerts, Patrick Thomas Shugerts and Trenten Chase Connell. She was predeceased in death by her parents and her husband of 52 years, Freddie Thomas White. Burial will be at Uniondale Cemetery in Pittsburgh, where she will be returned to her home of hills, rivers, snow and rhododendrons that she loved so very much. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.
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Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Kaelib Carlough a leader on PCHS golf team. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
GOLF by Justin Kline | Sports Editor
Penny sets Durant boys golf record In his second match with Durant since 2013, junior Jacob Penny set a new school record with a 32.
Courtesy Photo
Jacob Penny has made a name for himself as one of the top male golfers in the area.
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
Friday night notes I’m pleased to say that, two weeks into the regular season, I’m batting 1.000 in terms of picking the right matchup for Game of the Week. That’s not to slight Durant’s win at Spoto, which was the only blowout bigger than that of the city’s transformer. I’m always hoping for something with drama that carries on to the fourth quarter, if not a complete upset, when I choose which game I want to cover every week, and a JUSTIN 34-13 road KLINE win is neither of those things. Plant City’s 23-14 win over Jefferson, which is only a nine-point deficit because of a game-ending pick six, was the one that brought the drama. Plant City pride was in full effect at 1 Raider Place, and the atmosphere was one of the better ones that I’ve seen at PCHS over the past few seasons. It was fitting, given the nature of the game, but still good to see. That kind of environment always helps boost the players’ confidence, and the Raiders needed all the help they could get in that area — Jefferson was considered a very dangerous team going into this one. Sure, they lost junior quarterback Cade Weldon for the season with perhaps the worst kind of knee injury imaginable for most football players. But the Dragons experimented with sophomore Tyrese Spain under center for much of the game and, while that didn’t really do much for the passing game, the adjustment kept Plant City’s run defense on its toes at all times. For a little perspective: I watched ex-Gator Jeff Demps annihilate my alma mater while he was at South Lake High, and he’s still the fastest high school athlete I’ve ever seen in person, but some of these Jefferson kids are really close. Maybe they’re not quite as agile as Demps was, but Spain and running back Mondreas Lofton have the killer straight-line speed to shred any defenders they catch napping. Markese Hargrove made up for a pedestrian stat line against Armwood in Week 1, showing off the quicks and vision that will undoubtedly have colleges calling about him this season. He made it
SEE KLINE / PAGE 14
Golfer Jacob Penny had wanted to one day etch his name in Durant High School’s record books. A solid freshman season gave him the confidence needed to do so, but he didn’t think that, less than a full month into this 2015 season, he’d already have to field interview questions about how he did it. On Thursday, Aug. 27, Penny and the Durant High boys team went to their home course, Valrico’s River Hills Golf and
Country Club, with an 0-1 record and a match with East Bay on their minds. They left with a 1-1 record, and Penny left with the school record for lowest score in a round. He shot a 32. “Everything just seemed to click at once,” Penny says. “It wasn’t really one strong part of my game — everything went well that day.”
SHAKING OFF THE RUST
newspapers, he was a freshman at Durant. He generated some hype for himself with his play and, along with thensenior Chase Levesque, put Durant’s name in postseason conversations. Of the two, it was Penny who ultimately made it to states and placed in the top 50. Penny tied for 33rd overall, 14 over par, at the Mission Inn Resort & Club at Howey-in-the-
The last time Jacob Penny was getting his name in the
GOLF / PAGE 12
GAME OF THE WEEK by Justin Kline | Sports Editor
MIDDLETON AT STRAWBERRY CREST:
HAMMER TIME
SIDELINES Do you have a good Sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com, or Tweet us at @PCTOSports.
FOOTBALL
+ Appreciation night at SCHS Chargers head coach John Kelly and the rest of the Crest family want to thank young football players and cheerleaders for giving it their all on game days. For the game against Middleton, Crest is holding “Youth Football and Cheerleading Appreciation Night.” Any child who wears their football or cheerleading uniform will get free admission Friday, Sept. 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., weather permitting.
CROSS COUNTRY
+ Plant City High starts strong The 2015 cross country season began Sept. 1, and Plant City is already experiencing the ups and the downs. The good news: PCHS started strong with a thirdplace finish on both sides at the Sept. 1 Eastern Hillsborough Invitational. Luke Whitmore finished second overall but led for most of the boys race. On the girls’ end, Cassie Highsmith finished fourth overall. At Saturday’s Lecanto Invitational, the PCHS boys finished sixth and the girls placed seventh. The bad news: Highsmith suffered a foot injury that, following a recent visit to the doctor, was determined to be two metatarsal fractures in her foot. She is expected to be out of action for the next six weeks, and head coach Drew Martucci hopes that she’ll be ready to go in time for regionals.
VOLLEYBALL
Justin Kline
Austin Eldridge, Tate Whatley and Chase Lawson are all in for Crest’s “hammer time” philosophy.
Crest’s transformation into a contender will take some time, but the players are ready to start swinging away. Leading the charge are Tate Whatley, Chase Lawson and Austin Eldridge, who have 10 years of chemistry together. When head coach John Kelly introduced “hammer time” to his Strawberry Crest Chargers, everyone got on board. After all, the redtaped sledgehammer makes anyone who carries it look
pretty awesome. They may not have understood the reference, having all been born after MC Hammer’s star faded, but what some of these players do have in common with
IN OTHER AREA ACTION: DURANT The Cougars kept their momentum from Week 1 alive Friday, Sept. 4, at Spoto. The team picked up a 34-13, interrupted by an extended power outage. Sophomore quarterback Carlton Potter went 7-for-7 with 102 yards and two touchdown passes to Steven Witchoskey. Cameron Myers and Jake Harris each scored rushing touchdowns. The bulk of the Cougars’ work came in the form of a 21-point first quarter. Newsome also has a 2-0 record and is also coming off of a blowout win (47-7 over Strawberry Crest). Whenever the Wolves and Cougars play each other, blood seems to
boil and the games get tight — this may end up being the most aggressive game Durant has played thus far, and it should be a grinder. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Newsome High School, 16550 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia.
PLANT CITY The Raiders got their first win of the season Friday, Sept. 4, surviving an athletic ground assault from Jefferson with a 23-14 win that was closer than the final score suggests. It was, however, a return to form for both Markese Hargrove and the defensive unit. Hargrove finished with two rushing touchdowns
the pop culture reference is longevity. Several have been playing football together for nearly as long as they can remember. Enter Tate Whatley, Austin Eldridge and Chase Lawson. and several big plays under his belt, and the defense intercepted the Dragons four times. Brandon, the Raiders’ host for tonight, is also coming off of a tight win. Last week, they went to East Bay and picked up a 14-7 victory, fueled by quarterback Isaiah Alexander’s two rushing touchdowns. Alexander and his receivers couldn’t do much by air, but the Eagles’ ground game hung nearly 200 yards on the Indians. The Raiders will likely have to take the same approach to this one as they did last week, when facing a potent run game. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Brandon High School, 1101 Victoria St., Brandon.
This trio makes up much of the core of the offense. Whatley is the team’s starting quarterback, while Eldridge and Lawson are catching his passes at tight end and receiver, respectively. All three have Plant City football roots dating back to before they could spell “offensive adjustments” and have also tasted gridiron greatness before starting ninth grade last year.
DOLPHIN DAYS
The story for this group begins about 10 years ago, when these then-5 year olds were learning the ropes on the Plant City Dolphins’ Mighty Mites team. Over that 10-year span, there wasn’t a time when these boys didn’t play on the same team. They came up through the Dolphins organization and experienced success beyond the regular season: among their postseason activities were the TCYFCC Superbowl and the
SEE GAME / PAGE 12
DURANT Durant took on Plant Thursday, Sept. 3, and took a 3-1 loss on the road. Durant did manage to take the third set, 27-25, but failed to top 17 points in the others. Results from Thursday evening’s district opener at Lennard were not available at press time. PLANT CITY Plant City most recently picked up a 3-2 win over a tough Riverview team at home. After falling behind early, 2-0, Plant City took the next three sets, 25-23, 25-23, 15-12, to steal the game away. The Lady Raiders are enjoying a break until their Wednesday, Sept. 16, home game against Lennard. STRAWBERRY CREST The Lady Chargers got their first win of the season Tuesday, Sept. 8. Crest went to Armwood with a chip on its shoulder and walked out of the gymnasium with a 3-0 win. It dominated the first set, 25-7, before winning the following sets with 25-21 and 25-17. Terra Brooks led the Lady Chargers with three kills and three solo blocks, and Danielle Oberle chipped in with nine assists.
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PlantCityObserver.com
GOLF / PAGE 11 Hills. It was a good finish for a freshman golfer, but not so much for him. He wanted to improve on that finish as soon as possible. “I wasn’t too happy about that,” Penny says. It was a goal he still believes he can attain, and one that had to be put on the shelf last year. Penny didn’t play for Durant in his sophomore year, as his classroom game needed more work than his golf game. Without the pressures of playing competitively and everything else that comes with high school sports, Penny spent last year fine-tuning whatever areas of his golf game that he could. “I went to the course and practiced every day, nonstop,” Penny says. “Since the end of my freshman year, and the time I took off, I got new clubs. I took the time to get used to them.” In the classroom, Penny’s work at improving his grades paid off. He rejoined the team
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
GAME / PAGE 1
WHAT’S IN THE BAG?
When Jacob Penny came back to the Durant golf team this year, he did so with a new arsenal. The junior switched to a Titleist set, going with 915 woods and rounding it out with 714 MB irons. Given what he’s accomplished thus far, it seems as though Penny found the right set. this season and is no longer worried about running into that problem again. All he had to do was live up to the expectations for himself on the course.
SOONER THAN LATER
All that time spent at River Hills paid off, to say the least. Penny has been averaging a 34 per round, leading the Durant boys team. He estimates that he’s now averaging around 295 yards off the tee. He’s been enjoying playing with his teammates because they’re “always encouraging each other to get better.” When everyone’s keeping their cool, everything can click: much like it did in the second match of the season,
when Penny set the record. “It’s funny, because I wasn’t expecting to break it this early,” he says. “I wanted to take it slow. But I’m not complaining at all.” He said his decision-making was on point and that luck seemed to be on his side. “Everything was wellrounded,” Penny says. “I didn’t make a lot of bad shots — everything was really good.” Now Penny’s goal for 2015 is to get back to states and place in the top 10. But, before then, he’s got one particular match on his mind: Newsome. “We didn’t beat them our freshman year but, if the team comes together like I know we’re capable of, we can take them this year,” Penny says.
nationally-relevant UYFL National Championships. “It’s like a family,” Whatley says. “We all became brothers. It was great bonding.” Two years ago, the boys won the 14U division in the UYFL tournament with a 16-6 victory over a tough Brooklyn Renegades team. It was a fitting end to their Dolphins careers, given the amount of work each put in on the field. With Strawberry Crest as the boys’ next stop, the game changed and presented a new series of challenges.
MOVIN’ ON UP
It goes without saying that, no matter what program it is, the high school game is much different from the youth leagues. The boys learned that quickly on, perhaps faster than most; because of Crest football’s large 2013 senior class, they all had to move up to the varsity team as fresh-
men and contribute whatever they could. “I’ve learned that it’s a whole different ball game,” Eldridge says. “A lot of bigger kids. You’ve got to go at 110% every single game.” Eldridge likely got the most year-one experience of the three. Head coach John Kelly found use for him at both tight end and defensive end, and the freshman played in all 10 games. He recorded 10 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown throughout the season. “I love both,” he says. “It’s even funner when you’re playing offense and, right when the offensive series is over, you go straight to defense.” Whatley and Lawson were called up from junior varsity for five games. At quarterback, Whatley completed his only pass attempt — a 56yard strike. A wideout, Lawson had four catches for 25 yards. This season, Lawson and Eldridge have combined for
108 receiving yards. Fellow 14U Dolphins teammate Tyler Hood has caught six passes for 106 yards. On defense, Eldridge has two tackles. And Whatley, under center, is averaging 140 passing yards per game. “This is probably the biggest transition, coming from JV to varsity,” Lawson says. “I’m just trying to make plays, not just play the game. I’m reading the defense, trying to play smart and adjust to the speed.” The Chargers have gotten off to a rough start, opening against two quality football teams, but now could be the time where the boys start to turn things around. “Right now, we’re struggling, but it’s gonna really come together,” Eldridge says. “It’s going to be a lot better.”
VS. MIDDLETON
Middleton has been little more than a doormat for some time now, putting up a 4-26 records over the past three seasons. Last year, the Tigers didn’t win any games. But that doesn’t mean the Chargers are going to take Middleton lightly, as things are now different in that corner of Tampa. The Tigers decided to part ways with Alonzo Ashwood and hire Jeff George Jr. (not the former NFL quarterback) to take his place. So far, the Tigers have picked up a 34-6 win over Leto and lost to King last week by just one touchdown. Kelly and the Crest coaching staff recognize the fact that Middleton has several great athletes on the roster. This especially shows on the defensive front, where the Tigers like to get creative on the line. Without any obvious rhyme or reason, the Tigers will stack anywhere from four to eight defenders on the line in an effort to confuse offenses and put extra pressure on quarterbacks when they least expect it. Beating Middleton is doable, but it will require both composure on the offensive front and focus throughout the entire team. 178196-1
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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
13
FOOTBALL by Justin Kline | Sports Editor
Ashton Mincey
Corey King lofts a pass for T.J. Chase.
PCHS takes Jefferson
Peyton Collins comes up with one of his two interceptions.
Plant City picked up its first regular-season win, a 23-14 classic over Jefferson. After the Dragons (0-2) got on the board with a sixyard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter, Markese Hargrove and the Raiders (11) answered back. The senior running back scored the first of his two touchdowns — both from about two yards out — at 2:25 in the quarter. The second Hargrove touchdown came shortly afterward, at 7:30 in the second quarter. The Raiders sought to establish the run throughout the game, and the offensive line gave Hargrove plenty of opportunities to do what he does best: make the big plays. While he wasn’t quite as fast as
Jefferson quarterback Tyrese Spain and running back Mondreas Lofton, Hargrove was elusive enough to rip off several big, drive-extending gains (and, at one point, turned a Corey King dump pass into a 42-yard gain). Plant City’s defense did an admirable job of containing Jefferson’s athletic ground attack and didn’t draw any penalties until 1:53 in the second quarter. The Dragons looked demoralized throughout the second quarter, but caught a second wind when Plant City fumbled the snap on a punt play and turned the ball over near the goal line. The Dragons punched it in for a quick score immediately afterward, tying the game at 14-14.
Markese Hargrove was too much for Jefferson’s defense to handle.
After Kwest Fluitt recovered a Jefferson fumble with 6:39 left to play, kicker Chase Lott put the Raiders ahead for good with a 30-yard field goal at the 3:55 mark. A few minutes later, Plant City appeared to have the game iced with four defensive stops in the backfield. But a fumble with about 18 seconds to play gave Jefferson one more chance. Unfortunately for the Dragons, Tammarion Faison ended the game by picking off the quarterback and taking the ball to the other end zone for a touchdown. In other area action, Durant beat Spoto, 34-13, and Newsome beat Strawberry Crest, 47-7.
Corey King fights for extra yards.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
KLINE / PAGE 1 look easy by scoring twice and saving the Raiders’ offense on several occasions. But I have to give a lot of credit to the offensive line — those guys did a great job sustaining their blocks and creating gaps for Hargrove to work. Speaking of colleges, I had heard that Clemson sent a few scouts our way for this game. I’m sure they were keeping tabs on T.J. Chase, who will play there next season. I hope they also saw some other players to take into consideration. There’s certainly D-1 talent in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, and the more athletes our schools send off to big programs, the better. In my podcast, I predicted
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KAELIB CARLOUGH Plant City High’s golf teams have gotten off to a solid start in 2015. Although the girls team is normally the one that gets all the publicity, junior Kaelib Carlough looks to lead the boys team into the Tampa Bay-area spotlight. Carlough is averaging a 38 this season. What are you looking forward to accomplishing this year? Last year, we weren’t able to go to regionals as a team. This year, I definitely want to take my team to regionals. Hopefully states, if we’re good enough. How long have you been playing golf? I’ve been playing for about three years. Just now coming up on three years.
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How did you get into it? Back in my eighth grade year, the beginning of the year, I had been paying football seven years. Broke my collarbone, and after that hit, I was just done with it. I’d always played golf, but that’s when I started playing competitively, the second semester of my eighth grade year.
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Who first got you into golf, before you chose to play at a higher level? My dad and his friend. I started getting into it, and I went to Mike Bender’s golf academy, who I’ve been with for two years now. He’s really helped me out, as far as my swing and playing goes.
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What part of your game has improved the most over the past few years? My short game is what’s really gotten better. Then again, I use my length as an advantage. Being a small guy, I’m hitting 295 off the tee.
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What was your favorite moment of last season? I think my biggest one was at regionals last year. I didn’t start so well on the front nine, but I shot two under on the back side. Being able to turn things around and keep it in the 70s was really good.
RENTALS
Do you play any other sports? Golf’s my primary sport, but I do like to fish. What’s your home course? My home course is River Hills, but the best course I’ve ever played was probably Waldorf Astoria.
up and down at least 80% of the time. You have $1 billion in the bank. What’s the first thing you buy? Definitely would get a Nissan GT-R. I’ve always been a Nissan guy.
You mentioned that you like to fish. What’s your favorite spot? I usually just fish around the ponds in Walden Lake with my friend. What’s your favorite subject in school? Math. I’ve always been really good with numbers. Any college prospects? Still working on that.
Plant City, Florida
What would you want to major in? Accounting, probably. Who’s your favorite pro golfer? Dustin Thomas, because his characteristics are kind of like mine. He’s not the biggest guy on tour, but we’re both pretty long off the tee. Plus he went to my favorite college, Alabama. Let’s say you make the PGA Tour one day. What course would you most want to play? Bay Hill, because it’s the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and it always falls on my dad’s birthday.
September 14, 2015 11:00 am Pkwy
What would you tell James L Redman 1822 a young, first-time golfer 813-719-1822 who asks you for advice? Got to work on the short game, because that’s where you’re gonna make up a lot of your strokes. You’ve got to be able to get
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whatever they can to keep the penalty flag numbers down) is in the passing game. There were several areas I felt could have been better for several reasons, whether you want to go with quickness, instincts or effort. Never all three at once, though. These are all things that can be fixed in practice and things that I’m sure Plant City has spent all week trying to fix. I’d say watching this game reinforced my belief that, dating back to when I wrote the Football Guide, Plant City can win the district title this year. We have one more week until district play starts. If the Raiders can fend off Brandon Friday, Sept. 11, they’ll be primed to get off to a good start in 7A-9 action.
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that the Plant City defensive backs would be ready to feast on some interceptions. Jefferson threw four picks: two apiece to Peyton Collins and Tammarion Faison. In fact, it was Faison who had that Dragon-slaying pick six at the end of the game. I think I got that call right. Perhaps the biggest thing was that the Raiders were able to keep their penchant for drawing a ton of penalties in check. They didn’t draw their first until later in the first half and, while they still made a few more mistakes than fans and coaches would like, kept their cool throughout the game. The only area I think the team should improve upon going forward (besides doing
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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
PLANT CITY
RAIN
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WEATHER
THURS. Sept. 3
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SAT.
HIGH 91 87 86 91 91 90 86
Friday, Sept. 11 Saturday, Sept. 12 Sunday, Sept. 13 Monday, Sept. 14 Tuesday, Sept. 15 Wednesday, Sept. 16 Thursday, Sept. 17
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0.10
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Sept. 6
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Sept. 7
0.70
SUNRISE Friday, Sept. 11 7:11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 7:12 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 7:12 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14 7:13 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 7:13 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 7:14 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 7:15 a.m.
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Sept. 8
0.25
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Sept. 9
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1.10 (2014: 2.08)
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MOON
SUNSET 7:39 p.m. 7:38 p.m. 7:37 p.m. 7:36 p.m. 7:35 p.m. 7:34 p.m. 7:33 p.m.
OKRA
Sept. 27
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Daniel wins a free car wash from Octopus Car Wash. He can claim the wash with an ID at Octopus Car Wash, 1503 S. Collins St. 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.
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Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a popular fashion designer. Using the hints A=E and G=L, decipher the clues to name the designer.
ACROSS 1 “Goodbye, Columbus” author Roth 7 Unemotional to a fault 12 Is part of the audience 19 Deli selection 20 Snowman’s nose, often 22 Duck feature 23 Disaster in the making 25 End of a famous Kilmer line 26 Earl Grey and oolong 27 Kind of gin or candy 28 Like sour grapes 30 Mao ___-tung 31 Like clay pots 33 Tree with fragrant oil 36 Suffix with “real” 39 Dark purplish-brown 40 Automotive window treatments 41 Pig chatter 42 Forces out of bed 44 Deprecate 47 Related by blood 48 Croquet need 49 Agitated states 50 Shortened jeans 54 Smoking and nonsmoking, once 55 Act like a sot 57 Deli side order 58 Explosive stuff 59 Throw out, as a tenant 61 Submarine detector 62 Letters before an alias 63 Have an ache 65 Pearl Harbor event 67 Bit of choreography 68 ___ Khan 69 Boorish fellow 70 The Everglades, e.g. 71 Apply liniment 72 Moves like a snake 74 Pets with nine lives 75 Computer mistake 78 Balloon flaw 79 Entertainment center’s center 82 Like icy rain 83 Web bookmark 84 Fastest four-legger 86 Activity with chops and kicks 87 “Ghostbusters” hazard 90 Falcon’s home 91 Change the wording of 93 Two, in Spain 94 Feature of some rifles 96 Was of service 99 Piece of software, for short 100 Seasoned stew 101 Away from one’s mouth 102 Olympian Korbut 106 Student’s shoebox scene 109 What some court pros offer 112 Stores, on a farm 113 Deepest of the Finger Lakes 114 Boot reinforcement 115 Like the divers’ end of the pool 116 Singer Mariah 117 Mast extensions
1. J Q R O P 2. J S R L 3. Q W W Q R D O C B W 4. W Q H Q R D G C H Q R E Q 5. H Q Z W C O B B Q W
This designer made a point to design items they too would wear:
SUDOKU
Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row,rating column and box. Sept 10 (Easy, difficulty 0.37)
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CROSSWORD IF THE SHOE FITS by Dawson K. Cramer
CRYPTOQUIZ
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Daniel Gallegos says, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
FREE p t Oc o us H S A
p 5 9 . 7 $1
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d e t i m i l n U
Congratulations to this week’s I Love PC Winner. Stop in for your FREE Car Wash.
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Sept. 12
SHIPPING POINT: Orlando
TO DATE 36.39 (2014: 36.27)
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PHASES
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$12.35 to 12.85
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LOW 74 74 72 74 74 74 72
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8 Sept 10 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.37)
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©2015 Universal Uclick
DOWN 1 “Hey, over here!” 2 In good health 3 Kulik of skating 4 Run out, as subscriptions 5 Misbehaving tyke 6 Job for a rolling pin 7 Cut down in the field 8 Have a spoonful 9 Fabric introduced by DuPont 10 Blacksmith’s metal 11 Cruiser occupant 12 Medals and trophies, e.g. 13 Outer coat on a seed 14 TV schedule abbreviation 15 Small newt 16 Classic Carney rol 17 Neither nails it nor blows it 18 War horses 21 What some shots prevent 24 Campus drillers 29 Money for a hand 32 Best-suited 33 River-bottom substance 34 Hang around idly 35 Stereotypical brown-baggers 36 “___ la Douce” 37 Glide like a hawk
38 Pack animal procession 40 ___ chi 43 Reporter’s point of view 45 Act of detecting something 46 Style of sweater 47 Russian peasant farmer 50 Spiral shells often used as horns 51 Unleavened edible 52 Faux 53 Cashless transaction 55 Professor’s milestone 56 Once-___ (quick examinations) 57 Seashore 60 Highland headwear 61 Archaeological layers 63 Padlock’s partner 64 Wrinkled citrus fruit 65 Peanut cover 66 “Be silent,” musically 67 Less skeptical 69 Nervous system disorder 71 Narrate 73 Loud heartbeat 76 “Beetle Bailey” dog 77 Some 51-Down sandwich slices 79 Internal passages
80 Shrimp discard 81 Meet a poker bet 82 Frying pans 84 Top off four walls 85 Secondhand news 87 Worked a garden 88 Like a wolf 89 Establish, as a tax 90 “Took you long enough!” 92 Phone feature 95 “Here ___ trouble!” 96 Dogpatch name 97 Put forth, as an opinion 98 One giving a portion of medicine 101 “___ and the King of Siam” 103 Centers of great activity 104 Pesky bug 105 Nile reptiles 107 Embarrassing pants problem 108 Ginger ___ (bubbly drink) 110 Common Market inits., once 111 Soak up, as gravy
158000-1 180585
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
e Florida Strawberry Growers Association is a voluntary organization that has over 75 percent of Florida strawberry growers as members. e Association represents growers on a wide variety of issues and policies working to keep strawberry production prootable in Florida. In addition, FSGA offers associate and corporate memberships to allied industries that would like to join our vast network. th For more information or to join call our Director of Member Services, Tiffany Dale at: 813-752-6822
“LIKE US” On the Florida Strawberry Growers Association Facebook page to nd out the latest recipes and industry news. Hope you enjoyed your summer…. Let the season begin!
Contact the Director of Member Services for Membership Information.
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