07.31.15 pcto
DESCRIPTION
07.31.15 PCTOTRANSCRIPT
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Plant City Times&
Observer
INDEX
On July 17, Sunshine Ban-
corp Inc., the parent company
of Sunshine Bank, announced
the purchase of two branch
ofces from First Federal Bank
of Florida. The branches are
located in Sarasota and Mana-
tee counties.
A third branch belonging to
First Federal Bank of Florida
will later be consolidated into
the Sarasota and Manatee
branches.
Sunshine Bank will also be
purchasing real estate proper-
ty and other assets belonging
to the branches. It is expected
that these purchases will be
completed in the fourth quar-
ter of 2015.
According to Sunshine
Bank President and CEO An-
drew Samuel, the company
is currently focused on grow-
ing in Florida and creating
a community feel within all
Sunshine Bank settings while
providing customers with pre-
mier technology and service.
The rst bank belonging
to the company was built in
Plant City in 1954. Samuel
took over as president late last
year. The India native has lead
OUR TOWN
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
,
3&
A PARTNERSHIP WITH
This weeks winner is
Allen Evers
See the photo on
PAGE 15.
Calendar.......................2 Crossword...................15 Obituaries...................10 Sports.........................12 Weather......................15
FREE FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015
+ Times Observer
wins awards
The final placements
for the 2014 Florida Press
Association Better Weekly
Newspaper Contest awards
have been announced.
The Plant City Times &
Observer won 10 awards,
five first places, as present-
ed at a luncheon Friday,
July 27, in Lake Mary. It
was the first time the Plant
City Times & Observer
entered the contest. There
were 1,600 entries from
papers across Florida.
First, Sports Feature Picture,
Justin Kline
First, Sports Page or Section,
Jessica Eng, Justin Kline
First, Local Government
Reporting, Michael Eng
First, Feature Photo, Michael
Eng
First, Arts, Entertainment, &
Review Reporting, Michael
Eng
Second, Feature Story:
Profile, Amber Jurgensen
Second, Best Obituary,
Michael Eng
Third, Sports Feature Story,
Justin Kline
Third, Informational Graphic,
Jessica Eng
Third, Agricultural &
Environment, Amber
Jurgensen
+ Free physicals
to be offered
In conjunction with the
Hillsborough County Back
to School Coalition, South
Florida Baptist Hospitals
Community Health
Department will offer free
back-to-school physicals
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Aug.1, at Swindle
Medical Arts Center, 1601
W. Timberlane Dr. Parents
or legal guardians must
accompany their children.
The free physicals are
for Florida students in
grades K to 12. Sports,
Head Start and child care
physicals are not avail-
able. Screenings include
vision, blood pressure and
height/weight.
To make an appointment
for a physical, call (813)
443-3048.
GEARTURNER
Eric Barber is
no punkwith his
steam-style jewelry.
PAGE 3
Vol.2,No.45 | Onesection
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HIGH NOTE
Gobehind the
scenesof The
MusicMan.
PAGE 9
PROFESSIONAL
Findoutwhere
oneDurantHigh
alumnus isnow.
PAGE 12
Karen Berry, owner and
publisher of In The Field
magazine, has been named
publisher of the Plant City
Times & Observer and joined
the ownership group of the
3-year-old weekly newspaper.
Berry, a native of Plant City,
will serve as publisher and
oversee the operations of
both publications.
Im really excited about
this opportunity to be in-
volved in two publications
that serve two communities
that I love the agricultural
First Sergeant William
Billy Riley is on transi-
tional leave from the Florida
Army National Guard until
Monday, Aug. 31, when he
will be retiring from active
duty after 25 years of ser-
vice. Riley, who comes from
a military family, is now pre-
paring for his next career as
a reserve deputy sheriff for
Hillsborough County.
Rileys last day of active
service with the National
Guard was May 30. Since
then, he has been working
as a family readiness sup-
port assistant, responsible
for helping unit command-
ers build family volunteer
programs. Family volun-
teers are required of every
unit, and Riley believes that
helping a soldiers family in
turn benets the entire unit.
The non-commission of-
cer is the backbone of the
Army, Riley said. The fam-
Commissioners were
briefed by City Manager Mike
Herr at their July 27 meeting
about a new reading room in
Bruton Memorial Library.
The Library Board has
unanimously agreed to re-
purpose the existing reading
room at Bruton Memorial Li-
brary.
After seeing the secluded
den made of glass walls at
Dunedin Public Library, the
Library Board agreed that
Brutons existing reading
room should be made into a
more private, quiet space that
will double as a conference
room and take advantage of
the available space.
What we would like to do
is enclose that room, Tonda
Bruton Library
to update
reading room
The existing reading room
will be closed off by a glass wall
to make it quieter, and it will
double as a conference room.
HOMETOWN HEROES
EDITORS NOTE: Hometown Heroes is a recurring feature in the Plant City Times &
Observer in which we profile veterans from Plant City. If you have a loved one currently
serving or who has served in the past, please contact Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen
by email at [email protected] or by phone at (813) 704-6850.
HOMETOWNHERO
by Emily Topper |StaffWriter
Sunshine to expand, keep community feel
governance
by Emily Topper |StaffWriter
Courtesy photo
First Sergeant William Billy Riley will be retired from 25 years of active military service
Aug. 31. He continues to volunteer with local programs in the Plant City community.
Service
Doesnt End
First Sergeant William Riley will be retired
from active military service on Aug. 31, but he
still plans on serving the Plant City community.
The Plant City-based bank recently purchased branch ofces in Bradenton and Sarasota.
BUSINESS
by Emily Topper |StaffWriter
SEE HERO / PAGE 4
SEE BERRY / PAGE 4
Amber Jurgensen
Bruce Faulmann, vice president of sales and marketing at the
Tampa Bay Times; Karen Berry; and Felix Haynes, co-owner
of the Plant City Times & Observer
top lede
by the Times & Observer staff
Karen Berry joins
Times & Observer
as publisher
Berry is also the
publisher of In the
Field, a monthly
agricultural magazine
based in Plant City.
SEE BRUTON / PAGE 4
SEE SUNSHINE / PAGE 5
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR
FRIDAY, JULY 31
Adult Summer Reading
Program ends Friday, 31, at
Bruton Memorial Library, 302
McLendon St. Patrons must turn
in all punch cards by Friday.
Coupons for a free item in the
Friends of the Library book store
may be redeemed through Nov.
1. (813) 757-9217.
Charlie Hotel music
takes place beginning at
9 p.m. Friday, July 31, at
OBriens Irish Pub and Family
Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander
St. (813) 764-8818.
Girls Night Out takes place
from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July
31, in McCall Park in Historic
Downtown Plant City. Enjoy
shopping and raffles.
Rick Mongaya Live! takes
place beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 31, at Keel
and Curley Winery, 5210
Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-
9100.
Seniors in Service takes
place from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m. Friday, July 31, at
Bruton Memorial Library, 302
McClendon St. Seniors in
Service of Tampa Bay Inc. man-
ages volunteers to meet the
challenges of the community
with services that offer mentor-
ing, tutoring and companionship
through customized training,
support and recognition of our
volunteers. For more information
contact Robin Ingles at (813)
932-5228.
SATURDAY, AUG. 1
Acoustic Happy Hour music
takes place from 5:30 to
8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at
OBriens Irish Pub and Family
Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander
St. (813) 764-8818.
Back to School Physicals
takes place from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the
Swindle Medical Arts Center,
1601 W. Timberlane Drive.
Free physicals are being offered
for children in kindergarten
to 12th grade. Screenings
include vision, blood pressure,
and height and weight. Free
immunizations are available
for Medicaid or uninsured chil-
dren. An immunization record
is required to receive shots.
To make an appointment for a
physical, call (813) 443-3048.
Elvis Festival takes place
from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Florida
Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds
Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave.
Enjoy an Elvis contest, shows,
vendors, silent auction, food
and special guests. $35 for
VIP tickets; $30 for general
tickets. For more information
visit ElvisTampaTCB.com or call
(813) 977-6011.
Hoyt Hughes Band music
takes place beginning at 9:30
p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Uncle
Mikes Smokehouse Grill, 106
S.R. 60 E. (813) 737-4444.
Skip Frye Live! takes
place beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1, at Keel
and Curley Winery, 5210
Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-
9100.
MONDAY, AUG. 3
Celebrate Recovery takes
place beginning at 7 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 3, at Parkway
Baptist Church, 4305 James
L. Redman Parkway. A free
recovery program for those
struggling with addiction,
depression, co-dependency,
anger and grief. Contact
Lauren at (813) 763-4355 for
more information.
Family Game Zone takes
place from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday,
Aug. 3, at Bruton Memorial
Library, 302 McLendon St. The
whole family is invited to play
board games. For children in
elementary. (813) 757-9215
ext. 24.
TUESDAY, AUG. 4
Kiwanis Spelling Bee
takes place beginning at 7
p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the
1914 Plant City High School
Community Center, 605 N.
Collins St. Proceeds benefit the
programs of the Kiwanis Club of
Plant City.
Motion Commotion takes
place beginning at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug 4, at Bruton
Memorial Library, 302
McLendon St. Children 18
months to 5 years old can
shake to the rhythm during this
30-minute program. (813) 757-
9215 ext. 24.
Teen Game Zone takes place
beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday,
Aug. 4, at Bruton Memorial
Library, 302 McLendon St.
Enjoy games on Nintendo
Wii, XBOX 360 Kinect and
PlayStation. (813) 757-9215
ext. 24.
The Recovery for Life takes
place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Lorena
Jaeb Rainbow House, 504
N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step
Bible-based program to help
free individuals from all forms
of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813)
763-1562.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5
Plant City Creatives Meeting
takes place beginning at 2
p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at The
Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds
St. The group of artists, writ-
ers, designers, business owners
and more will meet to discuss
updates on planning an arts fes-
tival downtown. For more infor-
mation email David at DavidG@
PlantCityMercantile.com.
Open Mic Night takes place
beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday,
Aug. 5, at OBriens Irish Pub
and Family Restaurant, 1701 S.
Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
THURSDAY, AUG. 6
Babytime takes place begin-
ning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug.
6, at Bruton Memorial Library,
302 McLendon St. Bond with
your baby through stories.
The 20 minute program is for
children up to 18 months old.
(813) 757-9215 ext. 24.
Storytime takes place begin-
ning at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug.
6, at Bruton Memorial Library,
302 McLendon St. Stories will
be read with action rhymes and
interactive activities for children
18 months to 5 years old. (813)
757-9215 ext. 24.
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: [email protected]. Photos
are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
BEST BET
Family Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday,
Aug. 1, at American Legion, 2207 W. Baker St. The festival is
also pet friendly and includes crafts, a bounce house, pet res-
cue groups, pet vaccinations, vendors and food. Free parking
and admission. The event will benefit Caribbean Spay Neuter
projects. Facebook.com/events/1614445605453790/ or
email [email protected].
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South Florida Baptist Hospi-
tal is now offering a new type of
mammogram technology that
shows mammograms to patients
in 3-D.
The hospital is one of the fa-
cilities within the BayCare Health
System that was scheduled to
receive the new technology this
year. It started offering the mam-
mograms Tuesday, July 14.
The new screening technol-
ogy is called tomosynthesis, a
software program that makes it
easier for radiologists to identify
tissues and breast structures. The
technology takes multiple im-
ages of the breast structure from
different angles. Later, the im-
ages are put together to create a
reproduction for the radiologist
to examine. The technology can
also detect the size of a lump, fur-
ther helping radiologists.
We now have even better
technology available to help us
nd cancer earlier, Debi Bright-
well, imaging services manager,
said. With tomosynthesis we
have the best chance possible to
detect even the smallest area of
concern.
The software program was
added to the existing scanners
at the hospital, which previously
saw scans in 2-D. Potential con-
cerns that were found in the 2-D
mammograms can be reviewed
further in 3-D and treated appro-
priately.
This new technology also de-
creases patient waiting time, as
patients no longer have to return
to the hospital for future screen-
ings and appointments related to
potential concerns from the un-
clear 2-D scans.
It cost approximately $500,000
for the tomosynthesis software.
The price for the new software
was originally part of the hospi-
tals budget for implementation
in 2015.
South Florida Baptist Hos-
pital is continually evaluating
and planning for implementa-
tion of new technology when the
need in the community supports
adding it, Karen Kerr, hospital
president, said. In this case, it
was a BayCare-wide purchase
for the various outpatient cen-
ters through the system. Because
our outpatient services are hos-
pital based, the equipment was
placed at the hospital.
South Florida Baptist Hospi-
tal is hopeful that a newer, more
accurate form of technology
will encourage regular mammo-
grams for women. According to
breastcancer.org, approximately
1 in 8 women will develop inva-
sive breast cancer in their life-
time. However, if caught early
through mammograms and oth-
er routine check-ups, there is a
higher chance of survival.
In 2015, it is expected that al-
most 30% of detected cancers
in women will be breast can-
cer. Breast cancer deaths in the
United States began to decrease
in 1989, and breast cancer rates
began to decrease in 2000.
South Florida Baptist Hospital
is committed to the ght against
breast cancer, Brightwell said.
With 3-D breast tomosynthesis
digital mammography, we come
to battle with an even better
weapon against this disease.
Contact Emily Topper at etop-
IF YOU GO:
ART LOUNGE GALLERY
WHERE: 119 E. Reynolds
St.
WHEN: Tuesdays through
Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Bike & Car shows 11 a.m.
to 7 p.m.; evening hours by
appointment.
INFO: The Art Lounge
Gallery opened six years ago,
in 2009. Initially it was a
conversation among several
companies in Plant City, but
Eric Barber said the pre-
liminary plans for the gallery
were too expensive. Instead,
a group of ten artists decid-
ed to run the gallery evenly,
in a co-op. Only two of the
original ten artists remain.
The gallery pays for its own
bills, and all the money
made off the artwork goes
back to the artists them-
selves.
I would like this to be
a home for local artists,
Barber said. I want it to be
a place to grow,
Talented local artists are
encouraged to submit art-
work and patrons are encour-
aged to come to collect and
learn.
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WHAT IS STEAMPUNK?
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction or fantasy that is inspired by the industrial feel of steam-
powered machines. It could be described in a question: What would the past look like if the future had
happened sooner? There are different types of steampunk. Steampunk is used in books, video games,
movies and clothing. Examples of steampunk in modern mainstream movies are The Golden Compass,
Sherlock Homes and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
b y Abb y Baker Staff Intern
Industrious industrial
The metallic gears of
artist Eric Barbers vintage
clocks dont turn anymore,
but that doesnt mean they
dont still have purpose. Barber
hunts through antique stores to
look for the most unique clocks
for his new line of jewelry.
He uses the gears and other by-
gone-era treasures, such as chan-
delier crystals and dresser pulls, to
create pendants, rings and bracelets
with a steampunk style. Steampunk
is a genre of science ction and fan-
tasy that is inspired by 19th-century
industrial steam-powered machin-
ery. Barber uses Victorian elements
in his designs, although there are
other types of steampunk including
medieval, western and modern.
Barber works and sells his jew-
elry at the Art Lounge Gallery
on Reynolds Street in Historic
Downtown. The forty-two
year old started the endeav-
or just two months ago, but
he is in no way unfamiliar
with the art world.
Ever since I was a
kid, I was always
doodling and
p a i n t i n g
things, Barber said.
Barber moved to Plant City from
Delaware when he was 8 years old.
He attended Plant City High School
and worked at J & G Jewelers when
he was 19, after he graduated. There
he picked up an interest in jewelry
and constructing different types of
ornaments.
Barber worked at J & G for 20 years
before he took a job as a clerk at CSX.
Up until seven years ago, Barber
was on a break from his artwork.
He focused on competing in high-
land games, a competition in which
individuals wear Scottish gear and
celebrate the culture of Scotland. He
throws heavy weights into the air.
He also began photographing oth-
er interests, from Florida wildlife to
cathedrals.
I started taking pictures to paint
from, Barber said. And then I was
told the photography was good
enough.
His photos and acrylic paintings
hang near his jewelry in his section
of the Art Lounge Gallery.
I decided to mix several things
that Im interested in, Barber said.
I love antiques, so mixing the an-
tiques with the jewelry just seemed
natural.
Growing up with his dad and step-
mom, his childhood home
was full of antiques from
the 1800s. Branching from
this, Barber now collects
dresser and door pulls, old
clocks, and chandelier crys-
tals, from the 1960s to the Vic-
torian era. He nds them at yard
sales, antique stores, thrifts shops
and online deals. In doing this, he
can sell the high quality jewelry for
about $20 to $50.
I think its great repurposing
these parts in a cool way, Barber
explained. What are you going to do
with a 100-year-old door pull besides
this?
The work in his collection var-
ies from large deconstructed clock
necklaces to delicate bracelets
made out of old keyholes.
Barber lives with his wife, Tina,
Barber and stepdaughter, Cyn-
thia Wilson.
Barber and Cynthia de-
signed a pendant with little
strawberries inside.
He made also made
his wifes wedding ring
and continues to
construct pieces
of jewelry for
her.
Upon first glance,
42-year-old artist Eric Barber doesnt
seem to be the kind of person who designs
intricate necklaces. Over 6-foot-1, he tampers
with gold and brass chains.
3-D breast
scans now
available
at SFBH
Tomosynthesis allows
radiologists to quickly
determine or rule out
abnormalities.
technology
by Emily Topper |StaffWriter
PREVENTION TIPS
According to the Breast Cancer
Fund, eating hormone-free meat
and dairy can reduce the risk of
breast cancer, as well as eating
fresh or frozen vegetables instead
of canned greens. Cooking with
cast iron pots and pans instead of
teflon can also help reduce your
risk.
The website also encourages
making changes outside of the
kitchen. If you use a lot of cos-
metics, cut down to only the ones
that you use on a regular basis.
Avoid products with known car-
cinogens and some hair dyes. Visit
BreastCancerFund.org for more
tips.
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ily is the backbone of the sol-
dier.
HURRICANE CHASERS
At the age of 19, Riley re-
ceived his rst call with the
National Guard for Hurricane
Andrew.
I had never seen anything
like that in my life, he said.
When we go to those hurri-
canes we provide security
and humanitarian relief.
The National Guard falls
under Title 32 of the United
States Code. The Constitu-
tion allows for these soldiers
to carry weapons and enforce
laws, since the soldiers are un-
der the command of the states
governor. Each state has a Na-
tional Guard, and all answer
to the president. The National
Guard was formerly a strategic
reserve, but became part of the
operational reserves after Des-
ert Storm in 1990.
After the Sept. 11, 2001 at-
tacks, the National Guard be-
came an operational force that
mobilized constantly.
Riley served as part of the
164th Air Defense Artillery
Brigade in Orlando. After his
89-day service with Hurricane
Andrew, he was also part of the
unit that provided relief during
Hurricanes Charlie, Ivan, Fran-
ces and Gene. His unit earned
the nickname Hurricane Chas-
ers. After the Sept. 11 attacks,
he served with the Operation
Safe Harbor unit in Ft. Lauder-
dale, responsible for airport
security and keeping the ports
protected for six months.
Riley was also part of Opera-
tion Iraqi Freedom. In May of
2005, his battalion was mobi-
lized. From Aug. 19, 2005 to
Aug. 18, 2006, Riley served at
Camp Virginia in Kuwait, fre-
quently making trips to Iraq.
Even now there are still units
stationed in Iraq and Afghani-
stan, Riley said.
There are people in harms
way in a combat mode, he
said. Families and soldiers
need community support.
Riley was grateful to be from
a community that was sup-
portive of soldiers and banded
together.
Local folks, they really rally
toward the soldiers and their
families, Riley said. Plant City
is one of the best communities
in supporting soldiers.
CHANGING THE WORLD
Although he will be retiring
from active duty, Riley is still
dedicated to his community.
Its not about you, Riley
said. Its about serving some-
thing greater than yourself. If
you take and take sooner or
later, there will be nothing to
take.
Riley will be swearing back
in as a reserve deputy sheriff
with the Hillsborough County
Sheriffs Ofce in August. This
will be his second time serving.
During his active military ser-
vice, Riley was a reserve deputy
sheriff from May of 2002 to
May of 2013.
Ive still got a lot to give, he
said. I want to volunteer and I
want to help our community.
Riley noted that he admires
the professionalism and high
standards of the Hillsborough
Community Sheriffs Ofce.
In the meantime, Riley is
continuing his work with fam-
ily readiness groups.
God gave us strength to
make our community bet-
ter, he said. Youve got to do
something to improve your
community.
At a recent speaking engage-
ment at Tomlin Middle School,
Riley told students the impor-
tance of tearing down racial
barriers, and that they were
the generation who can make
a difference. In a combat zone
it was necessary to have your
units back, regardless of their
ethnicity, race or culture, Riley
said.
Break down these barriers
and change the world, Riley
said.
FAMILY TRADITION
Riley is not the rst in his
family to have served his coun-
try.
Every male in my family
has served in the military as
far back as I can remember,
he said. Every one has served
in a combat zone. I joined as a
patron. I never joined this as a
job.
Riley, who wanted to be in
the military as early as 5 years
old, is the only one in his family
to have served in the National
Guard. The rest of his family
served in the Army and the Air
Force. His grandfather was a
Purple Heart Award recipient,
and his father served in Viet-
nam. When Riley decided to
join the National Guard, his fa-
ther also swore in again on the
same day.
Rileys son, Coley, has con-
templated joining the military
in a special forces division, a
decision that Riley fully sup-
ports.
Its kind of a family tradi-
tion. That is his decision right
now, he said. I encourage it.
If I cant support my kids, why
would I let soldiers [serve]?
This has caught the atten-
tion of his younger soldiers in
the past. The younger mem-
bers of his unit have become
his other kids.
They are heroes, he said.
They are warriors.
Riley believes that his suc-
cess in serving the military
would not have been possible
without the support of his wife,
Heather Riley.
I could not have done this
without her, he said. Military
spouses are the real heroes.
Heather Riley was an agri-
culture teacher at Marshall
Middle School before giving
birth to Haley Riley, the fam-
ilys oldest child.
She gave up her career to
stay home and take care of our
children so I could be a sol-
dier, Riley said. Someones
got to keep all of us straight at
home, and thats her.
The couples oldest chil-
dren, Haley, 16, and Coley, 13,
are both involved with FFA.
The Rileys youngest daughter,
Macey, 9, is involved with 4-H.
Heather Riley, like her hus-
band, is dedicated to helping
the community. She does a
lot of volunteer work with FFA
alumni. She also runs Rileys
Rhinestones, a business that
reaches its peak during pag-
eant season.
Shes smart, shes nifty, Ri-
ley said of his wife.
The couple has been mar-
ried for 22 years and are mem-
bers of First Baptist Church of
Dover. Riley is chairman of the
churchs personnel commit-
tee.
Riley is still looking for other
volunteer opportunities in the
community, especially ones
that will keep children on the
right path and focused on their
goals. He is looking into be-
coming a JROTC instructor. He
has received his certication
and is currently awaiting an
open position. The Plant City
community has continued to
inspire him to give back.
Plant City is one of the
strongest communities I have
ever seen in my life, Riley,
who moved to Plant City at age
10 from Sylacauga, Alabama,
said. If you move to Plant
City, you will be accepted. You
will not be a stranger.
Contact Emily Topper at
etopper@plantcityobserver.
com.
community and all of Plant
City, Berry said. Im equally
excited to be a part of a group
of owners who are committed
to publishing a newspaper for
which all of Plant City can be
proud.
Said Ed Verner, Plant City
businessman and one of the
founding partners of the Plant
City Times & Observer: We are
thrilled to have Karen join us
and to be leading the Plant City
Times & Observer. When we
started this venture, our hope
was to have a newspaper with
strong, local content and deep,
local roots. Karen brings those
roots and the leadership skills
we need to continue growing.
Started in July 2012, the
Plant City Times & Observer is a
15,000-circulation free weekly;
it also publishes PlantCityOb-
server.com.
Berry founded In the Field
magazine in November 2004.
Since then, the publication
has grown to two monthly edi-
tions, serving 70,000 readers
primarily in Hillsborough and
Polk counties. The magazine
also has subscribers in Char-
lotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry,
Highlands and Okeechobee
counties.
Prior to founding the maga-
zine, Berry served as an ad-
vertising representative for
the Tampa Tribune, Plant City
Courier and Bradenton Herald.
As one of the owners of the
Plant City Times & Observer I
am very excited about Karen
Berry joining the team as our
publisher, Felix Haynes said.
She brings a rich background
of journalism in daily, weekly
and monthly publications. We
look forward to her leader-
ship in Plant Citys community
newspaper.
Berry started her career at
the Bradenton Herald, working
with Bruce Faulmann, current-
ly vice president of sales and
marketing at the Tampa Bay
Times, and later working with
Faulmann again at the Tampa
Tribune.
Faulmann represents the
Tampa Bay Times as one of
the ownership partners of the
Plant City Times & Observer.
Other owners include Verner,
owner of City Properties and
a director of Sunshine Bank;
Nate Kilton, owner and presi-
dent of Sedita Kilton Life &
Wealth Management LLC and
Sedita Kilton & Co., Certied
Public Accountants, and im-
mediate past chairman of the
Greater Plant City Chamber
of Commerce; Haynes, retired
president of the Plant City
campus of Hillsborough Com-
munity College; and Sarasota-
based Observer Media Group,
publisher of nine weekly news-
papers in Florida.
Berry is the daughter of Plant
City natives, Al and Patsy Ber-
ry. Al Berry owned and oper-
ated a Plant City radio station,
WPLA, for more than 35 years
and recently stepped down af-
ter serving as a director of the
Florida Strawberry Festival for
43 years.
Morris, director of library oper-
ations at Bruton Memorial Li-
brary, said. Everybody is very
excited about it.
The existing reading room
does not have walls separating
it from the rest of the library.
The Library Board wants to put
in a glass wall that would go
across the room to create a se-
cluded room for people to read
or work in peace. Being made
of glass, the wall will ensure
that plenty of light still ows
into the room.
Because this glass wall is
not in the city budget, the Li-
brary Board is currently seek-
ing funding through donors,
an effort that is spearheaded
by both the Library Board and
Friends of the Library.
In libraries back before
computers, they were typi-
cally quiet, Morris said. Weve
been trying to think of ways to
meet the need for quiet space.
The reading room will also
be getting new paint, replace-
able carpet squares, and fur-
niture that is lightweight, por-
table and stackable, in addition
to more power outlets.
Morris hopes that the read-
ing room will also double as a
conference room. The current
large tables that are in the room
will be exchanged for individu-
al chairs with smaller tables.
Morris is currently receiving
estimates for the project, but is
unsure of a price or when the
project will be completed. The
current plans, Morris said, are
just preliminary.
The whole room will be up-
dated, she said. Its probably
going to be a joint effort. [The
board] liked taking a project
on that would have a good im-
pact.
There is no specied donor
for the project yet, but a donor
would have naming rights for
the reading room. The librarys
goal is to have a more exible
space. Morris and other Bruton
employees are currently shift-
ing furniture around in what
will become the reading room,
to improve the space that they
have.
DEVELOPMENT
The commission unani-
mously agreed to change ap-
proximately 10.3 acres of land
west of County Line Road and
north of Rice Road from resi-
dential use to industrial use.
The land is located near other
distribution centers and was
found to be consistent with
redevelopment strategies and
economic growth.
The land was also incor-
porated into the County Line
Road Planned Development
District. The land was initially
annexed on May 11, 2015.
We are waiting for develop-
ers to submit permits, Mayor
Rick Lott said. The property
was placed together so (devel-
opers) can start development.
Lott wouldnt disclose who
the developer is. At this time,
the commission is unsure of
the time frame for the permits.
The commission is hopeful
that this development will cre-
ate jobs by taking advantage of
investments on County Line
Road.
The commission also ap-
proved the utilization of the
Citys Traditional Neighbor-
hood Development standards
for the Varrea Planned Devel-
opment District, 1,008.6 acres
of land located north of Inter-
state 4. This will ensure that the
nine neighborhood districts
planned for the land will reect
a walkable, cohesive design.
Many residents spoke
against the development at the
commission meeting.
Dr. John Hatcher lives against
the land that has been zoned
for development. He is con-
cerned about a potential buffer
between his home and the new
development.
Other residents are con-
cerned about the number of
homes that will be placed on
one acre, and the road im-
provements that will be made
to the streets that surround the
new development.
Marsha Spivey, who lives
near the area, is concerned the
new development will destroy
the animal habitats, specical-
ly those of gopher tortoises and
sandhill cranes.
I love Plant City, she said.
Its beautiful out there.
Katie LaBarr, a planner with
Stantec, said that the goal of
the development is to promote
a traditional neighborhood de-
sign, economic diversity and a
distinct sense of place. Stantec
is the engineering rm con-
tracted out by Varreas develop-
ment company.
Despite the number of con-
cerned residents at the meet-
ing, the vote served only to
change the name and approve
the zoning of traditional neigh-
borhood development stan-
dards. The site was initially an-
nexed years ago.
These are entitlements that
have been in place a long time,
Commissioner Billy Keel said,
noting that the hearing dealt
more with bringing the plans
into compliance.
IN OTHER NEWS
The commission
approved adopting a proposed
millage rate of 4.7157, the
same rate that is currently in
effect for this year. Two hear-
ings on adopting this rate will
both be held in September,
in addition to hearings on the
proposed budget.
The commission autho-
rized two purchases. The first
is for one Caterpillar 305E2
Cr Mini Hydraulic Excavator,
purchased from Ring Corp.
The excavator will be used
for projects dealing with
infrastructure and prepar-
ing for new pipe installation.
The new excavator will be
replacing old equipment. The
second approved purchase
was for a Ford Transit 15-pas-
senger van from Hub City
Ford-Mercury Inc. The new
van, which cost $29,599 dol-
lars, was needed for replacing
an old Chevrolet van that has
needed costly repairs.
The city approved a
contract with Hydro Max
USA LLC for the Water
System Valve Maintenance
and Repair program. The
total cost for the program
is limited to $43,197.50.
The maintenance of these
valves is required by Florida
Administrative Code.
HERO / PAGE 1
BRUTON / PAGE 1
Local folks, they really rally toward the soldiers
and their families. Plant City is one of the best
communities in supporting soldiers.
First Sergeant William Billy Riley
BERRY / PAGE 1
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other banks with his value-
based philosophy, including
starting his own, Graystone
Bank, which was acquired by
Susquehanna Bank in 2012.
This value-based empha-
sis was something Sunshine
Banks board members were
looking for when they tapped
Samuel after the immediate
past president, Floyd Hall, re-
tired in October 2014.
We at Sunshine want to be
known as great relationship
builders that are backed with
great technologies, Samuel
said.
When Samuel rst started
as Sunshine Banks president,
his goal was to grow the bank
by targeting areas in a one-
hour radius, while keeping
its headquarters in Plant City.
Sunshine Bank is divided into
regions, with each one headed
by a regional president. Polk
County regional president
David Houston is a lifelong
resident of the area, and Guy
Michael, the Greater Orlando
area president, is a longtime
resident of Orlando. Bruce
Carr, of the Hillsborough re-
gion, has been with banks in
that area for the last 10 years.
Samuel believes that hav-
ing local leaders at each bank
keeps the community focus
and centralizes each county.
The new branch purchases in
Sarasota and Bradenton from
First Federal Bank of Florida
will also have local leaders.
Anything involving cus-
tomers is localized, Samuel
said. Its knowing the market,
knowing bank leaders and see-
ing them out and about. We
are a community bank. Our
management team is comfort-
able in a community setting.
When customers make a vis-
it to Sunshine Bank, they like
that they can talk to someone
who knows the area, Samuel
said. The bank is focused on
treating customers as people,
rather than a number.
Following the purchase of
the branches in Sarasota and
Manatee counties, which
are expected to add approxi-
mately $56.4 million in de-
posits for a deposit premium
of 1.80% and $8.3 million in
loans at par value, the com-
pany will own ten branches
and two loan ofces through-
out Florida. These ofces are
located throughout Sarasota,
Orlando and Tampa. Sunshine
Banks main ofce is located in
Plant City, with other ofces
throughout Orange, Pasco and
Polk counties.
Contact Emily Topper at
etopper@plantcityobserver.
com.
The following information
was gathered from incident
and arrest reports obtained
from the Plant City Police De-
partment.
JULY 17
FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT
1900 block of James L.
Redman Parkway. Counterfeit
money. Complainant report-
ed that a suspect attempted to
use two counterfeit $100 bills
at a business.
PLAYINGWITH POWER
100 block of West Ball
Street. Theft of electric-
ity. Ofcers responded
to an apartment complex
in reference to a reported
electricity theft. TECO inves-
tigators and police were able
to locate the suspect, who was
then arrested.
IDENTITY THIEF
400 block of Damon Street.
Grand theft. Ofcer respond-
ed to an apartment complex
after a reported theft. Com-
plainant said that someone
stole her social security card,
Florida drivers license, credit
cards and $5,000 in cash from
her purse.
CAUGHT RED-HANDED
North Gordon Street/Robin
Drive. Loitering and prowling.
Ofcers responded to the area
in reference to a reported bur-
glary in progress. They caught
and arrested a juvenile sus-
pect.
DOUBLE WHAMMY
2100 block of Johnson Loop.
Vehicle burglary. Ofcers re-
sponded to a reported vehicle
burglary and found that two
vehicles had been burglar-
ized. A womans purse and a
change purse were taken from
the vehicles.
JULY 18
GUNS IN THE HOME
500 block of South Waters
Street. Found property. Of-
cers responded to an aban-
doned house in reference to a
report of found rearms. The
complainant, who stated that
he often checks on the house
because of vagrants, found
two loaded, .22-caliber ries
in the house. Ofcers were
able to determine that the
ries were not listed as stolen
and took them to PCPD for
safekeeping as found prop-
erty.
THAT WAS FAST
810 block of West Madison
Street. Criminal mischief.
Ofcers responded to a resi-
dence following a report of
potential burglary. Complain-
ant stated that, sometime
during the 30 minutes he was
not home, someone broke
the east window. Ofcers
found no evidence to suggest
that anyone had entered the
home, and neighbors claimed
not to have seen or heard any-
thing. Complainant declined
further police assistance and
signed a waiver of prosecu-
tion.
JULY 19
TOOL THIEF
710 block of East Alsobrook
Street. Vehicle burglary. Of-
cers responded to a business
following a reported vehicle
burglary. Complainant stated
that a suspect had broken
into his Ford work truck and
left with $1,100 worth of pow-
er tools.
GOING NOWHERE FAST
1400 block of Plantation
Circle. Criminal mischief.
Complainant stated that
someone cut the ignition
wires in their 2004 Suzuki
motorcycle sometime over
the weekend.
NAPTIME NABBER
800 block of East Tomlin
Street. Petit theft. Complain-
ant stated that, during a 4
p.m. nap in his living room, a
suspect entered his home and
stole $70 in cash and a $150
pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. A
man, whom the complainant
only knew by his rst name,
was reported to have been
there when he fell asleep and
was gone with the items when
he woke.
JULY 20
ASPIRING POOL SHARK
700 block of Wilkins Av-
enue. Vehicle burglary. Of-
cer responded to a residence
following a report of vehicle
burglary. Complainant stated
a suspect stole two pool cues
and a leather bag, valued to-
gether at $1,300, from the
trunk of his vehicle. Each cue
was valued at $600.
JULY 21
THATS EXCESSIVE
2800 block of Turkey Creek
Road. Burglary/felony crimi-
nal mischief. Complainant
reported that, overnight, a
suspect entered a fenced-in
area at a school and cut gas
tank valves, releasing 6,000
gallons of propane gas. There
were also paintings and other
markings found on the walls
in the school.
JULY 22
OFF THE RAILS
810 block of West Warren
Street. Auto theft. Ofcers
found a 1990 Honda Accord
next to the railroad tracks
at the 1300 block of West
Ball Street. The vehicle ap-
peared to have gone off the
road while traveling at high
speeds and was unoccupied
when the ofcers found it.
After attempts to contact the
owner were unsuccessful,
the vehicle was impounded.
Later, the owner contacted
PCPD to report the vehicle
as being stolen from the resi-
dence during the night. They
declined to press charges and
signed a waiver of prosecu-
tion.
COPS CORNER
P
L
A
N
T C
I
T
Y
JULY 20
COSTA CROOK
400 block of North Plant
Avenue. Burglary/Theft.
Ofcers responded to a
business in reference to
damage and a reported
theft. Complainant stated
that, after damaging the
front window, a suspect
stole a display of 40 pairs
of Costa Del Mar sun-
glasses, valued together at
$10,360.
A NEW LOOK
In January, Sunshine Bank began the first of two rede-
sign phases that introduced a new logo.
The first phase was to make the signs a vibrant blue
and orange, in addition to having them better placed on
the banks property. According to bank president and CEO
Andrew Samuel, the signs changed to reflect the legacy
and the future of the franchise.
On June 30, Community Sun and Bank changed its signs
to fit the Sunshine Bank logo as a result of acquisition.
The two branches that were purchased in Sarasota and
Bradenton will likely receive the new signage change in
October, pending regulatory approval.
It reflects where were headed, Samuel said.
SUNSHINE / PAGE 1
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Publisher / Karen Berry, [email protected]
General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, [email protected]
General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, [email protected]
Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, [email protected]
Staff Writers / Justin Kline, [email protected]; Emily Topper, etopper@
PlantCityObserver.com
Advertising Executive / Nikki McAlpine, [email protected];
Circulation/Ofce Manager / Linda Lancaster, [email protected]
110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A
Plant City, FL 33563
(813) 704-6850
www.PlantCityObserver.com
Plant City
Times & Observer
Locally Owned by Ed Verner,
Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes
The Plant City Times & Observer is published by
Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa
Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.
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$OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG
Plant City Times&
Observer
TO ADVERTISE
Call Nikki McAlpine,
(813) 545-5505.
SEND US
YOUR NEWS
We want to hear from you. Let
us know about your events,
celebrations and achievements.
To contact us, send your
information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen,
Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds
St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563
CONTACT US
The Plant City Times &
Observer is published
once weekly, on Fridays.
It provides free home delivery to
several neighborhoods in Plant City.
The Plant City Times & Observer also
can be found in many commercial
locations throughout Plant City and at
our ofce, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite
100-A.
If you wish to discontinue home
delivery or if you wish to suspend
home delivery temporarily, call Linda
Lancaster at 704-6850.
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
Like many other recent high
school graduates, Kendra Free-
land is getting ready to start her
college career.
But this isnt the rst journey
for the Plant City High School
alumna since her graduation in
early June. Freeland returned to
Plant City on July 18 after a free,
ve-week trip in Japan a trip
that began as a joke over a year
prior.
JOURNEY TO JAPAN
Over a year ago, Freeland
was with her family celebrating
her great-aunts 50th wedding
anniversary in Indiana. Her
cousin, Darin Voyles, was also
there with his wife, Halima, a
diplomat who has been in To-
kyo for the last two years. Dur-
ing the trip, Freeland became
close with the Voyles 2-year-
old daughter, Alize. The Voyles
joked that Freeland should
come visit them in Japan.
Freeland didnt take it too
seriously until the Voyles later
sent an email offering Free-
land a free trip to Japan after
her high school graduation.
Freeland could stay with them
if she agreed to look after Alize
and her older sister, Aliya, in
the morning and explore Tokyo
during the afternoon.
It was the trip of a lifetime,
one that Freeland looked for-
ward to all through her senior
year of high school. By the time
she left for the Land of the Ris-
ing Sun on June 12 she was
more than ready to explore the
countrys capital. She even cre-
ated a blog.
Her rst full day, however,
didnt go as planned. When
Freeland decided to try Tokyos
subway system, she was con-
fronted by a homeless man
who began screaming at her in
Japanese.
I was a little traumatized,
Freeland said.
She turned around to go back
to the Voyles home, only to be
almost hit by a cop car. The
streets of Tokyo have no side-
walks, leaving pedestrians to
walk in what would be consid-
ered a bike lane in the United
States. Cars also park in these
lanes, so pedestrians have to
walk around the cars and end
up in the street.
Freeland told the Voyles
about her day of misadventures.
They assured her she would not
have another bad one.
Tokyo is pretty much New
York City, but its very clean,
Freeland said. Homelessness
is rare ... (Tokyos citizens are)
very welcoming of foreigners
because theyre used to for-
eigners.
ASAKUSA AND SHINJUKU
Freeland was responsible for
making sure the Voyles daugh-
ters, Alize and Aliya, completed
their daily studies every morn-
ing. As she nished her nanny
duties, she would explore.
While in Tokyo, she visisted
Shinjuku, the citys main tech-
nology district with stores
packed wall-to-wall with in-
ventory.
Its so easy to blow through
money just so quickly there,
Freeland said.
In Japan, 10,000 yen is the
equivalent to about $80. Avoid-
ing the pricey technology of
Shinjuku, Freeland chose in-
stead to shop for handmade
items in the wooden shops of
Asakusa, a district of Tokyo that
features the Buddhist temple
Senso-ji.
I liked that anywhere you
looked you could always see
the shrine, Freeland said. You
have a more traditional feel.
Freeland visited different
shrines, where many Japa-
nese people came to worship.
On one of her rst visits to a
shrine, a Japanese boy and his
friends approached Freeland
and showed her how to prop-
erly bow. At each shrine, the
Japanese bow twice, then clap
twice, followed by clapping and
bowing once more at the same
time. After they ring a bell to
ask the gods for good luck and
wash their hands with a ladle in
a trough full of water.
I never went to the same
shrine twice, Freeland said.
THE SHRINKING STOMACH
While in Tokyo, Freeland ad-
justed to the the Japanese diet.
A traditional meal consisted of
rice, sh, soup, pickled ginger
and a fried egg.
I made myself try every-
thing I was offered, she said.
Freeland especially en-
joyed Korean food in Japan.
She tried seafood pizza and
cooked her own meal over
coals at a restaurant in Asaku-
sa. She traded soda for tea and
water. Halima, taught her the
proper procedure for drinking
jasmine tea.
I hated tea with a burn-
ing passion, Freeland said.
[They] drink tea like Ameri-
cans drink soda.
Now Freeland carries
around a bottle of tea with
her. She feels healthier, and
she has also bought a diffuser
for her room to alleviate head-
aches.
TAKING FLIGHT
On one of her last days in Ja-
pan, the Voyles took Freeland
on a plane ride, where she saw
Tokyo from the air.
Now back on the ground in
Plant City, Freeland is optimis-
tic about future travels.
I want to travel everywhere
now. I want to do everything
I can to take every abroad op-
portunity.
Freeland begins classes at
Polk State University Aug. 24.
She wants to study nursing and
has not ruled out living abroad
to practice medicine.
In the future, Freeland
hoapes to visit both Germany
and Greece .
I want to go now, Freeland
said of future travels. Everyone
should get out of Plant City and
go do something, just experi-
ence something else.
Courtesy photos
Asakusa is a popular district in Tokyo that features the Buddhist
temple Senso-ji.
The line was too long for
Kendra Freeland to climb the
Tokyo Sky Tree, but she did
get to see it from the plane.There were many fountains and statues in Tokyo.
Taking Over Tokyo
FAREAST
by Emily Topper |StaffWriter
PCHS graduate
Kendra Freeland
just returned
from a five-week
trip to Japan.
Emily Topper
Kendra Freeland kept a travel blog during her travels. Visit it at
kendras-travels.blogspot.com
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The Greater Plant City Cham-
ber of Commerce Agri-Busi-
ness Committee recently an-
nounced this years agriculture
award winners. Each year, the
ve awards are given to mem-
bers of the community who
have exemplied themselves
in the agricultural eld through
their career, education and vol-
unteer work.
It is for people who are not
only successful in what they do,
but what they do in addition to
that, Debbie Simpson of Farm
Credit said. Its the way they
work, what theyve done to im-
prove agriculture for the good
of the world.
A contact breakfast will be
held honoring the winners
Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Agriculturist of the Year:
Hugh M. Gramling
Hugh Gramling received his
degree in journalism from the
University of Florida in 1969. In
1973, he became the owner and
manager of Gramling Nursery
Inc., a wholesale plant nursery,
until 1997.
In 1994, Gramling became
the owner and manager of Hor-
ticultural Products, another
wholesale plant nursery, before
becoming the executive direc-
tor of the Tampa Bay Wholesale
Growers in 1997.
Gramling stayed in the ag-
ricultural eld until his retire-
ment three years ago. He loves
the people in the agricultural
community.
The people are phenom-
enal, Gramling said. Theres
kind of a common bond that
you have with them.
Gramling was honored to
win Agriculturist of the Year, es-
pecially since he has previously
served on the committee that
selects the winners.
Im very humbled and hon-
ored to win, he said. Its a very
prestigious award. Its just really
an unusual and thrilling experi-
ence.
Gramling has also won a
number of other awards related
to his work in the agricultural
eld, including being named
an Outstanding Agriculturist in
1984 by the Florida Association
of Agricultural Agents. Gram-
ling served as the chair for the
Hillsborough County Soil and
Water Conservation District for
10 years, chair and vice-chair of
the Hillsborough County Ag-
ricultural Economic Develop-
ment Council and served as a
member on the Hillsborough
River Basin Board.
Young Agriculturist of the
Year: Michael C. Lopez
Michael Lopez is the owner
and general manager of South-
side Western & Outdoor Wear.
The company sells a variety
of boots and jeans, as well as
fencing supplies, animal health
supplies and feed for horses
and cows.
Lopez frequently makes
house calls for kids who show
animals and helps them with
their feed programs. Lopez
got his start in agriculture in
middle school, when he be-
came involved with Future
Farmers of America and had
cows of his own at home. Lopez
later attended the University of
Florida, where he received his
degree in food and resource
economics from the College of
Agriculture.
Lopez has served as the past
president of FFA Alumni and is
currently the treasurer. He also
serves on the swine committee
at the Florida Strawberry Festi-
val.
Plant City has a small town,
country feel, Lopez said. Ev-
erybody still kind of has [agri-
culture] in their blood.
Lopez said that he could
think of a number of other
people who were also worthy
of the award.
Its kind of overwhelming,
he said. I wasnt really expect-
ing it. I do what I do because I
love it.
Ag Educator of the Year:
Judi Whitson
Judi Whitson started with the
Farm Bureau in 1981. Today,
she is the executive director of
the Hillsborough County Farm
Bureau Federation. She has
been with Florida Agriculture
in the Classroom since its in-
ception. Programming is now
taught to 7,200 third-graders in
Hillsborough County.
I educate third graders to
legislators, Whitson said.
She is also responsible for
bringing awareness of the need
for agriculture and helping
them understand the impact of
agriculture in the community.
In addition to her work with
third-graders, Whitson also
helped to start the Ag-Abilities
program for special needs stu-
dents who are unable to par-
ticipate in the traditional FFA
events. The program is now
found in nine Hillsborough
County schools.
Its very rewarding, Whit-
son said. Theres just so many
wonderful people in the agri-
cultural community.
I was just amazed, she said
about winning the award.
Agri-Business of the Year:
The Hay Exchange
From its inception in 1995,
The Hay Exchange has grown
from a hay wholesale business
into a lifestyle operation that
focuses on selling quality prod-
ucts at a fair price. At rst, the
company was only operated by
owner Bill Glisson and Frank
Narvaez, but has since grown to
almost 30 employees.
Michael Glisson joined his
brothers efforts two years ago.
Michael Glisson is proud of the
companys personal service
and having a company that has
grown through integrity.
We have found that our
business has grown through
building trust, Michael Glisson
said. We get to know their fam-
ily, we get to know their pets.
The Hay Exchange special-
izes in selling quality equine
feed, as well as halters, saddles
and other food and accessories
for almost all animals.
The company, in addition
to caring for customers and
their animals, is involved with
a number of organizations,
including South Florida Bap-
tist Hospital, food drives, toy
drives, the Plant City Chamber
of Commerce, Pig Jam and the
Florida Strawberry Festival. At
the festival, The Hay Exchange
offers an opportunity for kids
who purchase their feed to win
a cash prize. The company is
continuing to expand and ex-
pects to break ground on a new
building within the next three
to four months, as well as pre-
paring the next generation of
Glissons for management of
the company.
Weve got a tremendous
crew here, Michael Glisson
said. Im very proud of the
team.
Supporter of Youth
in Agriculture: William K.
and Karen J. Grimmer
Ken and Karen Grimmer are
heavily involved with helping
youth at the Florida Strawberry
Festival. The couples serves on
the steer committee, and Karen
Grimmer also helps with the
festivals record-keeping and on
the agricultural committee. The
couple also raises cattle.
While volunteering at the
festival, the Grimmers noticed
that some kids needed more
practice than others. They be-
gan working with neighbor-
hood kids and helped them
practice showing steers on Sun-
day afternoons, a tradition that
continued for over a decade.
We enjoyed it a lot, Karen
Grimmer said.Its important to
us to give back to our commu-
nity, because thats what makes
our community grow.
If one student comes back
every year into the agricultural
community, our volunteer time
was 100% important, Grim-
mer said. No one asked us
to do it. We did it because we
wanted to.
The couple acknowledges
that supporting the agricultur-
al community takes an army.
They work closely with Stepha-
nie Brower, Pam Walden, Pam
Warnock, Leslie and Don Pop-
pell, Bill McClellan, Jim Jeffries
and a number of other instru-
mental individuals.
It takes a lot of help, Grim-
mer said. We havent done it to
win an award.
Meet the Salute to Agriculture Winners
The winners are not only dedicated to the field of agriculture but to the Plant City Community.
Hugh Gramling,
Gramling Nursery
Michael Lopez,
Southside
Ken and Karen Grimmer are Florida Strawberry
Festival volunteers.
Emily Topper
Bill Glisson is the owner of The Hay Exchange. Bills son, Dillon Glisson,
and Bills brother, Michael Glisson, both work at the family business.
Courtesy photos
Judi Whitson has been
involved with bringing
agricultural educa-
tion to Hillsborough
County schools.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: 7:15 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
WHERE: Expo Building at the
Florida Strawberry Festival
Fairgrounds, 2301 W. Oak
Ave.
COST: $15
RESERVATIONS: Call the
chamber at (813) 754-3707
RSVP: By 4:30 p.m. Friday,
Aug. 7
agriculture appreciation
by Emily Topper |StaffWriter
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S
assy Girl is a 3-year-old
Russian blue Siamese.
She loves playing in the
sink while you take a bath.
She is very curious and loves
playing with anything that
makes noise, especially keys.
Turkey Creek Animal Hospi-
tal and Animal Wellness Cen-
ter have partnered to present a
weekly Cutest Critter Contest.
Entering is simple: Just submit
a high-resolution photo (200
dpi or better) and a sentence
or two about why your pet is
the cutest. Include your name
and contact information. Win-
ners 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 Man-
aging Editor Amber Jurgensen
at ajurgensen@plantcityob-
server.com; subject line: Cut-
est Critter.
CUTESTCRITTER
What is your favorite thing about summer?
AroundTOWN
Kasey Traylor, 19
The sunshine. I love sum-
mer because its hot and
relaxing.
Chandara Chea, 19
Going to the beach.
Kari Shepherd, 44
Relaxing and escaping.
Naomi Daniels, 23
Sleeping in.
Mitch Messer, 77
I dont like the cold, and
I can swim with my grand-
daughter.
John Bell, 71
I like the Fourth of July,
Plant City Entertainment
put on the production of The
Music Man two weekends in
July, directed by Tyler Hollis.
The Music Man was origi-
nally a book that sparked into
a movie production in 1962.
It stars con man Harold Hill,
who sells expensive band in-
struments and uniforms to a
small town. He convinces ev-
eryone he is a music teacher
with the intent to produce a
superb marching band, and
then plans to hightail it out of
town with the money.
Behind the scenes of The Music Man
ENTERTAINMENT
by Emily Topper |StaffWriter
The entire cast went on stage before the July 24 performance.
Many of the kids were part of the ensemble.
Darius Donaldson-Dunphy
Elijah Zurek played Winthrop.
Actors of all ages participated.
Right: The cast and crew sang show tunes while they got into
character before the performance.
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LeVaughn Amerson
LeVaughn Amerson, 75, of
Plant City, died July 22, 2015
at Moftt Cancer Center in
Tampa.
Mr. Amerson was the son
of the late Herbert and Beety
Miley Amerson. He was a
produce broker and partner
in Akin-Porter Produce, and
a member and pastor with
Baptist Purity Church.
Mr. Amerson is survived
by his wife, Linda Young Am-
erson; son, Tommy Hubble
(Christa); sister, Miriam Byrd;
brother, Orvis Amerson; and
grandson, Chase Hubble.
He was preceded in death
by his son, Terry Amerson.
A visitation was held Fri-
day, July 24, at Haught Fu-
neral Home Chapel. A funeral
service was held Saturday,
July 25, in Salem, Florida at
Baptist Purity Church and
Cemetery.
Online condolences may
be made at HaughtFuneral-
Home.com.
Frank Martin Bell
Frank Bell, 92, of Plant City,
died Sunday, July 19, 2015 at
Community Care Center.
A native of Monticello, Ken-
tucky, he was the son of Cos-
by and Lula Gregory Bell. He
was a member of First Tho-
notosassa Missionary Baptist
Church.
Mr. Bell is survived by two
daughters; one sister; six
grandchildren; and 12 great-
grandchildren.
Funeral services were held
July 23 at Antioch Cemetery
in Thonotosassa.
Online condolences may
be made at HaughtFuneral-
Home.com.
William Buttram
William Kent Buttram,
90, of Dover, died July 23,
2015 in Temple Terrace.
Mr. Buttram was a United
States Army WWII Calvary
veteran and a member of East
T h o n o t o s a s s a
Baptist Church.
He is survived
by his daughter,
Peggy Moore Harrell; broth-
ers, J.C. Buttram, of Atlan-
ta, Gerald Buttram (Betty),
of Tampa, Phillip Buttram
(Marie), of Plant City, and
George Buttram (Phyllis), of
Valrico; sisters, Ellen Camp-
bell, Ima Jean Jacobs, Alma
Copher (Bob), Era Mae Wald-
ing (Steve); grandchildren,
Perry Buttram (Debra), Terry
Moore, Ronnie Moore, Amey
Grantham (Wes); 16 great-
grandchildren; and 15 great-
great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his
wife, Elsie O. Buttram; son,Wil-
liam Michael Buttram; daugh-
ter, Cynthia Alice Buttram; and
grandson, Chris Moore.
A visitation was held at
Wells Memorial and Event
Center July 27. A funeral ser-
vice was held at East Thono-
tosassa Baptist Church July
28. A burial followed at Sun-
set Memory Gardens.
Online condolences may
be made at WellsMemorial.
com.
Jewell P. Cannon
Jewell P. Cannon, 91, of
Plant City, died July 27, 2015
at her home.
A native of Oclocknee,
Georgia, she was the daugh-
ter of the late Ira and Mary
Cumbie Page.
Mrs. Cannon was a mem-
ber of Oakwood Baptist
Church and had worked for
Keysville Lumber and Ross of
Florida.
Surviving are son, C.D.
Cannon Jr.; daughters, Fay
Burleson (Robert), Sue
Wilkins (Mike), Kay Can-
non; eight grandchildren;
19 great grandchildren; and
one great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by
her husband, Cecil Cannon
Sr.; and daughter, Jacqueline
Cannon.
The family would like to
thank Mrs. Cannons caregiv-
ers, Beth, Margie and Tony.
Funeral Services will be
11a.m., Friday, July 31, at First
Assembly of God, 602 Char-
lie Grifn Road, Plant City. A
visitation was held Thursday,
July 30, at Haught Funeral
Home.
Online condolences may
be made at HaughtFuneral-
Home.com.
Robert Glen Dukes
Robert Glen Dukes, 64, of
Plant City, died July 21, 2015.
Mr. Dukes spent a lot of
time serving the community,
helping staff and patients at
Community Care, and volun-
teering at the Strawberry Fes-
tival. His home for the last 13
years was Jacaranda Manor.
He is survived by two sis-
ters, Sherry L. Willis (Michael)
and Rebecca Becky Richey;
aunt, Alice Lampp; nieces,
Michelle Tears (Shawn) and
Dr. Crystal D. Willis; nephew,
Christopher Richey (Ashley);
great-nieces, Reagan Tears
and Avery Richey; and great-
nephews, Kyle Tears and
Evertt Richey.
A funeral service was held
July 27 at Wells Memorial and
Event Center in Plant City. A
burial followed at Mt. Enon
Cemetery. In lieu of owers,
donations may be made to a
charity of your choice in his
honor.
Online condolences may
be made at WellsMemorial.
com.
Karen Wilson Hamade
Karen Sophie Elle Wilson
Hamade, 59, of Valrico, died
July 16, 2015.
Mrs. Hamade retired after
31 years of service as a senior
valuator with the Hillsbor-
ough County Property Ap-
praisal Ofce. She attended
Unity Church of Brandon,
and she was a member of the
Brandon Boardgamers and
Brandon Writers Group. She
was an awesome mother, and
she enjoyed writing, photog-
raphy, playing board games
and creating memes.
She is survived by her sons,
Bryan Hamade (nacee Ve-
ronica Williams), and Cam-
eron C. Hamade; husband of
29 years, Zouheir Z Hama-
de; brothers, Stanley Wilson
(Vickie) and Troy Wilson
(Betty); and dogs, Max and
Kix.
A celebration of life was
held July 21 at Hopewell Fu-
neral Home. Committal fol-
lowed at Hopewell Memorial
Gardens.
Online condolences may
be made at HopewellFuneral.
com.
Norberto Bob
Hernandez
Norberto Bob Hernan-
dez, 90, of Plant City, died
July 20, 2015.
Mr. Hernan-
dez was a career
United States
Army serviceman, having
served his country in WWII,
the Korean War and the Viet-
nam War. He and his wife
of 65 years, Della, moved to
Plant City in 1996. He loved
spending time with family,
was an avid golfer and also
enjoyed all sports activities.
He is survived by his wife,
Della; children, Tony, Robert,
Edna and Marcella; and nu-
merous grandchildren.
The family received
friends on Friday, July 24, at
Hopewell Funeral home. A
graveside service with mili-
tary honors will be held at 1
p.m. Wednesday, August 12,
at Fort Sam National Cem-
etery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach
Road, San Antonio, Texas.
In lieu of owers, memorial
contributions may be made
to the James A. Haley Veter-
ans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B.
Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL
33612.
Online condolences may
be made at HopewellFuner-
al.com.
Bea Jackson
Bea Jackson, 89, of Plant
City, died July 20, 2015.
Mrs. Jackson was born in
Russell, Arkansas. She en-
joyed gardening and her
grandchildren, whom she
loved very much.
She was preceded in death
by her husband, James Jack-
son.
She is survived by her son,
Homer Jackson (Jan); daugh-
ter, Barbara Jackson; sister,
Pauline Lemons; grandchil-
dren, Greg, Sherri and Jamie
Jackson, Brandie Palmer and
Tyler Devane; and great-
grandchildren, Josh, Kaden,
Avery, Caleb and Colby.
Visitation was held July 22
at Wells Memorial and Event
Center. A funeral service fol-
lowed July 23. Burial was at
Memorial Park Cemetery.
Online condolences may
be made at WellsMemorial.
com.
Jack Edwin Jacobsen Jr.
Jack Edwin Jack E. Jacob-
sen Jr., of Plant City, died July
4, 2015 in North Carolina.
He is survived by his moth-
er, Druann Brock; brother,
Jeff Jacobsen (Angela); niec-
es, Jessica and Shelby; neph-
ews, Jeff Jr. (Kelsey), Josh
(Jasmine), Jarrett and Joseph.
He was predeceded in
death by his father.
A celebration of life will be
held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July
31, at Haught Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends
beginning at 6:30 p.m.
In lieu of owers, please
make donations in Jack E.s
name to Plant City Little
League, 302 W. Reynolds St.,
P.O. Box C, Plant City, FL,
33563.
Online condolences may
be made at HaughtFuneral-
Home.com.
Thomas Stephen OToole
Thomas Tom Stephen
OToole, 69, of Plant City,
died July 23, 2015.
Mr. OToole was
born in Brooklyn,
New York in 1946.
He was a veteran of the Unit-
ed States Navy, having served
aboard the USS Wasp in the
Vietnam War. He loved his
family, and he enjoyed golf-
ing and boating.
He is survived by his
wife of 35 years, Diane Da-
vis OToole; sons, Sean S.
OToole (Kari), of New York,
Ryan T. OToole (Alexandra),
of Georgia, Ty S. OToole (Jes-
sica), of Leesburg and Shan-
non L. OToole (Meghan), of
Georgia; sister, Marguerite
Marge Johnson (Brad), of
North Carolina; siblings-in-
laws, Tommy Davis (Diane),
of Homosassa Springs, Lula
Hudson, of Tennessee and
Patricia Benjamin, of Spring
Hill; grandchildren, Sean Jr.,
Brenden, Kassidy, Kayle, El-
lie and Llayton; great-grand-
children, Kayleigh and Sean
III; step-grandchildren, Lily
and Peyton; dogs, Tiger and
Mackie; 61 nieces and neph-
ews; and many friends.
He was preceded in
death by his son, Thomas
A. OToole; siblings, Joan C.
Turner (Raymond Grohosky)
and Theodore C. Benjamin;
and nephew Dennis J. Gro-
hosky.
A celebration of life will
be held at 11 a.m. Saturday,
Aug. 1, at Hopewell Funeral
Home, where the family will
receive friends beginning at
10 a.m.
Online condolences may
be made at HopewellFuner-
al.com.
OBITUARIES
OBSERVER
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A team is coming together
under the leadership of Plant
City native Scott McIntosh to
plan a contemporary interde-
nominational church in the
Winter Strawberry Capital of
the World.
About 50 people meet every
fourth Sunday of the month
to prepare for City Pointe
Churchs launch in January
2016 and to grow the congre-
gation.
My calling from god was to
unite the tribes, or the people
in Plant City, McIntosh said.
McIntosh grew up in Plant
City and attended Plant Citys
First Baptist Church with his
family. He accepted the call of
ministry when he was 20 years
old and served at a variety of
churches in numerous roles.
Being at several different
churches over the years taught
McIntosh many different les-
sons. When it came time to
open his own church he knew
what his mission was: he al-
ways realized the amount of
separation in Plant City, its
churches and its people, and
he felt it was time for a change.
Plant City has a lot of
churches, McIntosh said. In
fact, Plant City doesnt need an-
other church, it needs another
kind of church a church that
redenes what church is. Plant
City needs a contemporary in-
terdenominational church that
goes after the lost, the prodigal,
and the people that love them
a place where Gods chil-
dren are united, rather than be
divided by race, denomination
and economic status.
He reached out to the As-
sociation of Related Churches
in hopes of getting help open-
ing a Church in Plant City. The
ARC is an organization which
shows individuals or groups
how to build a launch team,
raise funds, form a worship
team, develop a childrens
ministry and gain momentum,
according to its website. It also
helps churches nancially. City
Pointe Church will be the rst
church in Plant City under the
ARC.
Although there is still much
to be done during the plan-
ning stages, McIntoshs team
does have a start date. On Jan.
31, 2016 the rst service will
be held at the John R. Trinkle
Center on the Hillsborough
Community College Plant City
Campus off Park Road.
The services will continue
every Sunday at the Trinkle
Center and is open to the resi-
dents in Plant City and sur-
rounding cities.
Summer has nally arrived.
Weve been having those dog
days and those lazy, hazy,
crazy days of summer, and
its only July. Plans are being
made or have already
been made by many
of us for our sum-
mer getaway. Many,
Im sure, are look-
ing forward to that
long overdue R & R or
some escape from the
heat and humidity.
For some, this vaca-
tion season will mean
spending time with
family and friends,
many of whom you may not
have seen for quite some
time. But then again, there
are those who dont travel
anyplace during June, July or
August and remain right here
in Plant City.
Life, as we know it, seems
to come to a sudden stop
as soon as those nal re-
port cards come home. The
normal routines with which
we were so accustomed get
tossed out the window and
the money just doesnt seem
to go as far as it did when the
kids were in school.
Then, add to this the ad-
vantage of living in Florida
sun, fun, pool, beach, heat,
humidity, more heat and
more humidity, an afternoon
thunderstorm or two, and
there you have it life in
Florida.
As much as things
change, things stay the
same. The services of
Gods house continue
to be held regularly in
our community and
ministry continues to
be done day in and day
out in our community
even during these dog
days of summer.
Just because its
summer, doesnt mean the
church is on vacation. It
would truly be a sad and dark
day if the church took a vaca-
tion. It would be even sadder
and darker if our loving Lord
took a vacation.
But the church doesnt
and guess what our God
doesnt either.
Sorry folks, we dont take a
vacation from our worship,
praise, prayer or stewardship.
These continue all year.
Think about it, when was
the last time God took a vaca-
tion from providing for your
needs? When was the last
time Christ took a vacation
from giving you forgiveness?
When was the last time the
Holy Spirit took a vacation
from the comfort only He
can bring? If you answered
never (as Im sure you did),
why should we take a vaca-
tion from Him who loves us
and gave His life for us? Since
our Lord doesnt take a break
from caring for us, the prize
of His creation, that should
compel us all the more to live
for Him during these summer
months.
I encourage you, if you
travel to new and different
places this summer, or travel
to some of the old places
youve been before, take the
time to worship Your Lord. I
encourage you, take the Lord
with you as you go, dont leave
Him behind. Remember His
promise to you, I am with
you always to the very end of
the age.
So dont let your praise and
worship take a vacation.
May God richly bless your
summer and may your
summer be spent in the SON!
The Rev. Dean R. Pfeffer
is the senior pastor at Hope
Lutheran Church, Plant City.
For more, email him at hopep-
Interdenominational
church planned for 2016
Plant City native Scott McIntosh is the lead pastor
of City Pointe Church, which will open next January.
unite the tribes
by Jose Lozoya |Staff Intern
Courtesy photo
Rev. Scott and Elizabeth McIntosh want to redefine church in
Plant City.
GET INVOLVED
If you are interested
in being a part of team
meetings register at
CityPointeChurch.com.
Meetings are every fourth
Sunday of the month.
MY VIEW
Faith Matters: Summertime
The Rev. Dean R.
PFEFFER
-
When athletes come back
from injury, theres always
speculation about if theyll be
the same or not. For most pro-
fessional athletes over 30, the
stories can start to look more
like career eulogies.
But theres also 34-year-old
Ryan Raburn, coming off of
a season-ending knee injury,
playing some of the best ball
of his Major League Baseball
career.
Raburn, a Durant High
School graduate, damaged
his meniscus in September
2014 and had season-ending
surgery, which stuck him with
some of the worst stats of