focus pc 04-08 august 2005

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION August 15 - September 15 2005 PG 1

LOCAL REAL ESTATE BUSINESS SPORTS DINING ENTERTAINMENTV O L U M E 4 N U M B E R 8 A U G U S T 1 5 - S E P T E M B E R 1 5 2 0 0 5

FREETAKE ONE

At 200+ Locations In Plant CityFOCUSPLANT CITY EDITION

BACKTOOURROOTS

BACKTOOURROOTS

Focusingon theFoundingCommunitiesof PlantCity

Focusingon theFoundingCommunitiesof PlantCity

Prices effective through September 15, 2005


ON THE COVER: A road sign designating six areas of the Plant City region that are full of interesting data and history. Check out the details beginning on page 24.

PUBLISHERMike Floyd

[email protected]

EDITOR IN CHIEFLinda Floyd

[email protected]

MANAGING EDITORSophia Dedon

[email protected]

OFFICE MANAGERDeDe Floyd

[email protected]

CREDIT MANAGERBob Hughens

[email protected]

SALESTania Summers

[email protected] Gross

[email protected] Tyler

[email protected] Grimes

ART DIRECTORPhil Ransdell

[email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNStefanie Burlingame

[email protected]

DISTRIBUTION Tony DeVane

PHOTOGRAPHERBilly Friend

STAFF WRITERSSherri Robinson, Brian West, Amy Ellis, Brenda Paul,

Kristen Toney, Lynne Warren, Ken Lawrence, Laverne Stevens, Chris Ricketts, Connie DuBois,

Sherry Baldwin, Devin Dygert, Dawn Marie Simpson

CONTRIBUTORSSherry Nueesch, Gil Gott, Jim Brown,

Shelton Keely, Shelton Keely, Michael Cameron, Al Cohen

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants, and many local venues.

Letters, Questions and Comments can be sent to us at [email protected].

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products adver-tised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Maga-zine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be repro-duced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed to 10,000 homes.

oyd publications, inc.702 West Mlk Jr. Blvd. Plant City, Florida 33563

Phone 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

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LOCAL7-23In this months local section we meet quite a few neat people. There is O-cer Allen who rides around the Down-town area making our community feel safe. Alexandria is a teenager whose life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a challeng-ing disease. Dr. Ferry and Dr. Borders introduce to us a time-saving way to whiten your teeth.

FEATURE24-45This feature is far from anything ever done before at Focus. We zoomed in on nine surrounding communi-ties around Plant City, looking at the history and interesting dierences amongst them all. This will be a two-part feature. This month we will look at Dover, Antioch, Thonotosassa, Cork, Springhead, and Hopewell.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW48-50One of our home-town girls, Ann Poonkasem, was on the Reality TV show Wanna Be a Hilton. She has ac-complished many things in her life and has an exciting life ahead of her. She has won multiple pageants and has many more roads to pursue.

DID YOU KNOW? 56The Plant City Photo Archives discusses the history of the Hillsboro State Bank building, and what co-occupied it when it was in its previous location. The original location was placed on the Florida State Register of Historic Sites in 1974.

HOME GUIDE SECTION59-81This section is dedicated to buyers, sellers and owners

SPORTS90-92Congratulations to the Tampa Mustangs who won the ASA Fast Pitch Title. Multiple softball teams came out and competed at the Randy Larson Softball Stadium Complex.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT103-116The Rat Pack Too graced the Ramada in with its presence putting on an unforgettable show. We learn the history of this band and its formation. Sherri Robinson gives a review of Ricks Custom Meats & Smokin Joes that will make all of your senses scream to fulll the cravings of delicious Bar-B-Q.

Other stories that can be found in the magazine are updates on both Bob and Lt Stephens. Bob updates us on how he is doing with his weight loss program. We were excited to nd out he is below 300 pounds for the rst time in 15 years! Also, Lt. Stephens updates us on how our home-town boys are doing in their training to prepare them for what they will encounter in Iraq.

contents

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION August 15 - September 15 2005 PG 6 6

I recently watched a two-hour documentary on HBO about the Kindertransport of Jewish children from Germany, Austria, Poland and Czechoslovakia to Great Britain between 1937 and 1938. This is when the Nazis allowed the Jewish parents to send their children away to a foreign country to live with people who were complete strangers, mostly promising to join them shortly, but many parents suspecting that wouldnt happen.

When it was over, I just sat there while the credits ran, the impact of all I had just seen sinking deeper and deeper, crying and thinking, What if that had been me? As a mother and grandmother, I couldnt help thinking about how hard it would have been for those parents to give up their children, not knowing to whom they were going, but also knowing that if they didnt, their children would be in very grave danger.

I was also awed by the generosity of the thousands of families who took them in, most of them with the best of intentions. A plaque was shown hanging in the House of Parliament expressing gratitude for the largest single display of mercy shown up to that date.

But there was one lady throughout the program telling her story of how she was so loved by her father, so doted on, almost spoiled, and how her parents agonized over their decision to send her away. They knew it was best, but when the time came and she was on the train, her father hobbled with his cane beside it as it was leaving the station, asking her to let him hold her hand one last time. She was holding his hand as the train was pulling out and at the last possible minute, he pulled her out of the window and down to the platform. He couldnt let her go, and they ended up spending some years in Auschwitz. Her parents didnt survive, but she said that so many times she wondered how dierent her life would have been had her father not pulled her out of that window.

What would you do? Contemplation of this kind can really give us a long look at what were made of. While times have changed, Im enough of an optimist to believe that, if circumstances were very dire, that we would have as many heroes today as we did back then. They are among us every day if we take the time to notice. Sometimes they arent noticed because, as Tom Brokaw once said, Heroes are people who rise to the occasion and slip quietly away. Do you know someone like that? I do; Im married to him.

There are many people in our community that have had to make some tough choices and we highlight a few of them this month. We learn of the struggles of Alexandria Prescott as she tries to overcome a devastating disease at a young age and about the folks in Plant City that want to help her. In our Tell Your Tale this month, Sherri found Tony Evans in the midst of making a life altering decision as he searches for a new job that could possibly move him from the hometown he loves. Patti Britt Walker shares her inspirational story of her determination and positive choices that led to her overcoming four strokes in less than a ten year period.

Thanks for all your support and readership, and, as always, we hope you enjoy this issue.

Linda Floyd

letter FROM THE editor


7local Talk of the Town

6

Starting this month we would like to keep our readers updated on the important events taking place in citizens lives around the community. If you have an excit-ing announcement you would like everyone to read, then contact us and we will include it in the follow-ing issue.

First o, we are saying farewell to the ve seniors of the Plant City High School softball team who have been playing together since they were 11 or younger. All of them received softball scholarships to various colleges and many even a full ride. Congratulations to Leti-cia Manning who will be attending North Florida Community College, Brittany Reece who will be attend-ing St. Leo University, Kayla Adams who will be attending Hillsborough Community College, and to Jessica Polly and Samantha Waldron who will both be attending South Florida Community College.

Also, two local girls, Ashlyn Robinson and Cali Leonard were invited to dance at Epcot during their 4th of July Celebration with their dance team, Mamies School of Dance in Bartow. They put two months worth of practice in to-wards preparing for this event. The show consisted of 5 routines and was repeated three times during the afternoon and evening. Both of these girls will be going into the 8th grade at Tomlin Middle School and were proud to represent the Plant City Community.

The Plant City Flames, the 2005 Machine Pitch All-Star team earned second place at the Ridge Rookie Tournament in Dundee Florida.

In the location where the old Long John Silvers was, there is going to be an 8,000 square foot oce build-ing. Courtney Paat and Jimmy Carapezza are partners in develop-ing this property and will both be occupying the building as well as have space for other tenants.

Just because its not time for the annual Strawberry Festival doesnt mean that those who make it happen are not staying busy. Mrs. Patsy Brooks, General Manager and Ms. Ellany Johnson, Adminis-trative Assistant, attended the Flori-da Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) 11th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Saratsota in July and won three 1st place awards. With competitors ranging from Disney World to Gasparilla, our very own Plant City Strawberry Festival won Best Miscellaneous Printed Materials, Best Press Kit, and Best Website! Congratulations!

Unity in the Community needs more recipes to go in their cook-book. This cookbook is being used as a fundraiser to purchase a concession trailer that they will bring to events. All the concession money will go to benet people in need.

We would like to welcome the new Senior Pastor of First United Methodist, Earl Smith, and the new Music Director, Michele Pruyn to the Plant City Community. In addition, Knights Baptist Church has a new pastor, Rev. Rob Dygert. We would also like to welcome him and his family to the area.

Two dierent congratulations go out to Gail Lyons at Amsouth bank. She was promoted from As-sistant Vice President to Vice Presi-dent and is also the new president of the American Business Womens Association. Other new ocers are Courtney Paat and Tracy Myers who are the two Vice Presidents. Secretary is Tara Smith, and Liz-zette Sarria is the new treasurer.

The Walden Lake Swim team is having a Bar-B-Q swim party on August 27 at the Walden Lake Pool from 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information or tickets call 757-9681.

Check out Part 2 of our Feature coming in the September issue!

BACKTO OURROOTS


Maybe youve already seen one of the shnazzy new coaches rolling in and out of your neighborhood - where the people on the bus go round and round, all through the town. These Red, White and Blue Ford vans are now part of the Plant Citys new demand-response service. I bet Henry B. Plant, railroad developer for which Plant City was named after, didnt envision the rst city-operated bus service in Plant Citys history. Though not a door-to-door service, the Strawberry Express vans are available to groups of ten or more seeking a relatively inexpensive way to get around town. Cheaper than a cab ride at an average of $1.75 just to step into the cab, and then an additional $2 a mile, using the Strawberry Express is cheaper than a cup of latte at your favorite bookstore. Groups such as day care facilities can now use the Strawberry Express for educational outings at a low price tag. Using the new vans is comfortable so youre not at risk being caught in midday gridlock in the citys business

corridors sweating because your vehicle doesnt have air conditioning. Trips on the new vans cost as little as $1 per person in the group and $10 on weekends. The higher weekend rates are due to the need to pay drivers overtime for their services during the weekends. The current city eet is made up of a few vans, two of which are used to cover four routes that span out to the neighborhoods surrounding McCall Park. The service runs daily from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

While the new van service is oered at a slightly higher cost than the Hartline bus, the cost doesnt seem to be a major concern to new riders, who have welcomed this next generation of transportation with open arms. Some new riders are even eager to see this brand new service expanded to cover additional areas. Next time you catch a glimpse of the Strawberry Express vans in your neighborhood, rest assured that youre looking at the next great movement in the citys ever growing battle to provide you with the best public transportation possible.

Look! Its a Bird,

Its a PlaneNO! ITS THE NEW

STRAWBERRY EXPRESS!

Story by Dawn Marie Simpson & Rolando Cruz

Photo by Sophia Dedon

AROUND TOWN

SEND QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO [email protected]

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f youre carrying a B or better average and have a good driving record, you may be eligible for a substantial discount on your auto insurance

premiums through Auto-Owners Insurance Company.

Stop in our agency and ask us about it!


Home of the Plant City Childrens Theatre Guild507 N. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL

(813) 752-1621 (813) 752-1683www.jackiesdance.com

*Transportation available from Plant City High School & Tomlin Middle School on Wednesdays and Fridays,

and Marshall Middle School on Thursdays

Join the great fun at the Prestigious Jackies Dance Theatre, Clogging and Gym and enjoy being a part of a exciting dance shows, Strawberry Festival and

Gasparilla events, Fun Festivals, Fashion Shows, Nutcracker Plays, and Parades!

2005 - 3RD REGIONAL GRAND CHAMPIONS AT DANCE CARAVANOPEN HOUSE - meet our certied staff on Sunday, August 21st from 3pm to 4pm

Zanda Moore, Erick Corryn, Becky Conn, Lydia & Sara Oratowski, Yvonne & Todd Siverling, Robin Dawn and David Chernault, who is on Broadway and will tour with ANNIE 2005-2006

EXCERPTS FROM CATSEveryone WelcomeMonday 4:30-6pm & 7-8pmPRIVATE VOICE, ACTING, DANCEYvonne & Todd SiverlingMUSICAL THEATRENew competition TeamHip-Hop - AcrobaticsClogging

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This has been mentioned before but is worth repeating. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce maintains a Plant City Community And East Hillsborough County Calendar to keep people and organizations informed of events that will be taking place. A call to the Chamber oce at 813-754-3707 will assure your organizations event is listed on the calendar. This is a great way to prevent conicts from occurring when events are planned on the same date.

Congratulations to Doug Gibber Gibbs on being named King Lion of the Year by the Plant City Lions Club. Gibber is Vice Chairman of Membership for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and is involved in many community projects.

On August 3rd the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted a New Teacher Coee for the new teachers in the 22 schools in Plant City/East Hillsborough County. Close to 200 brand new teachers attended this event which was held at the Arthur Boring Building

on the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds. Major sponsors of this event were Bright House Networks, Florida Strawberry Festival, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Americare, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, and Westcoast Enterprise Group, Inc. Each of the new teachers was given goodie bags and there were many door prizes awarded. It was a great welcome for our new teachers.

The Bing House restoration project presents an opportunity for community outreach. During the early 1900s the Bing House served as a hotel for the African American community. Currently there is a campaign underway to raise dollars for the restoration of this National Historic Landmark located at 205 Allen Street. Once restored, this house will serve as a community museum and provide space for neighborhood initiatives.

The restoration has the support of local businesses, faith-based organizations, the City of Plant City, Hillsborough County and the State of Florida. If you would like to contribute to this very worthwhile project, you can mail your donation to: Bing Rooming House Renovation Project, P.O. Box 3962, Plant City, FL 33564-3962. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Improvement League of Plant City, Inc. at 813-757-6760.

On Thursday, August 25th, the Plant City Ymca will hold their annual Strong Leader Dinner. This year they are honoring former City Commissioner and MayorRandy Larson. This event is being held at the Ramada Inn. Information on corporate table sponsorships and tickets can be obtained by calling Scott Warren at the YMCA 813-757-6677.

Speaking of the YMCA, on August 19th at 7:00 PM they are holding a Talent Show and Art Exhibit in the YMCA basketball gym. Interested participants can sign up at the front desk of the Plant City YMCA.

Want to learn all about shing? Bill Heard Chevrolet and Harolds Outdoor Products, Inc hold shing seminars the third Tuesday of each month in the Bill Heard Chevrolet conference room, located on the second oor at the dealership, 2002 North Frontage Road, Plant City. You can learn from professional shing guides all about equipment, bait, and receive pointers on how to catch the big ones! These FREE seminars are open to the public and get underway at 6:45 PM. Refreshments are served and you have a chance to win door prizes.

Bill Heard Chevrolet is also involved in USSSA baseball. The Fall USSSA Plant City A Draft League is currently forming. USSSA Tournament teams will be formed in each age group. A very large number of kids have already signed up for this exciting league. This is real baseball, not AAU, Pony or Little League. All age groups steal bases, lead o, etc. For more information contact Chris Prevatt at Bill Heard Chevrolet 813-478-7286 or Bob Mondeaux at 813-763-5826.

On Thursday, August 18th the Chamber will hold its monthly Business After Hours. This is a great opportunity to meet Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce members and at the same time have a great time socializing with your friends and neighbors. The August 18th event will be held at Tile Barn Carpet & Interiors location, 1103 Goldnch Drive (behind Buddy-Freddys). If you have not had an opportunity to stop in and see their fabulous selection of tile and carpet, then this is your chance. The event gets underway at 5:15 and goes to 7:00 PM. Hope to see you there!

Monday, August 29th is the date of the annual Pregnancy Care Center Of Plant City Celebration For Life Banquet. This years theme is Crown of Splendor. This event benets the intervention program of the Center. The program starts at 5:45 with a social hour and dinner is served at 6:30 PM. Scott Klusendorf is the guest speaker. This event takes place at Cronin

Chamber of Commerce

Story By Bruce Rodwell

AROUND TOWN


localHall, St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 North Alexander Street, Plant City. Information and tickets can be obtained by calling 813-759-0886

Dont forget the date of Saturday, September 10th. Thats the date of the Mock Trial And Plant City Idol Vocal Contest. This event is sponsored by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and is being held at the Plant City Neighborhood Service Center, 307 North Michigan Avenue. This promises to be both a fun and informational event. There will be free food and prizes. Additional information can be obtained by calling 813-757-3871, extension 201.

DATES TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR:August 18 Business After Hours, Tile Barn Carpet & Interiors, 1103 Goldnch Drive, Plant City. Starts at 5:15 PM.

August 19 Talent Show & Art Exhibit at the Plant City YMCA. 7:00-9:00 PM.

August 20 Strawberry Classic Car Show. Downtown Plant City, 4:00-9:00 PM.

August 25 YMCA Strong Leader Banquet honoring Randy Larson, 6:30 PM at the Ramada Inn.

August 29 Pregnancy Care Center Banquet at Cronin Hall, St. Clement Catholic Church. Starts at 5:45 PM. Call 813-759-0886 for information.

September 3 Bike Fest, Downtown Plant City, 5:00-9:00 PM.

September 10 Law Fair & Plant City Idol contest at Plant City Neighborhood Service Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave. Call 813-757-3871, extension 201. for information.

September 14 Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Contact Breakfast at the Ramada Inn. Starts at 7:30 AM. Call the Chamber at 813-754-3707 to RSVP.

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As adults, we get busy about our lives with work and family responsibilities, sometimes putting aside the things wed really like to do. Fifty-two year old Tampa Electric Power Plant Operator, Leo V. Watson, Jr. (Punk) knows all too well what thats like. He has always been interested in drawing but just felt he didnt have the time or the talent to really draw or paint.

As fate would have it, he married Lou Ann Creel, who most of you know is a wonderful artist. He watched and admired her year after year, sad that he wasnt painting, too. She continued to encourage him to take the chance and get started by sketching something out, which he did at 3 a.m. during a slow time at work one day.

On January 29th this year he took a workshop and discovered his long time dream to paint was now something he just had to do. Since then, he has done several acrylic paintings and a couple of trial watercolors. He has done so well that he was the featured artist at the Chamber of Commerce during the month of June. In July, he hung his work at Southern Hospitality. Punk is even more excited that he just sold his rst print. He is a huge history bu and plans on painting pieces that have a historic background. Currently he is focusing on lighthouses. He has two pieces nished,

Cape Anne Lighthouse near Cape Cod, Massachusetts and the Ponce Inlet near Daytona.

Painting is becoming a family aair in the Watson household. They try to have regular turn the TV o family paint nights as much as possible with their daughter and son-in-law. Punk encourages everyone, If you have any

inkling to paint you should at least try it. He and Lou Ann both agree, It is important to nd someones work that you like and get them to show you a few techniques; then is wont seem so hard. They also suggest having a photo or something from which to work. Good luck to Punk, one of our newest Plant City artists.

Its Never Too LateARTIST OF THE

MONTH

Story by Sherri Robinson

AROUND TOWN


local

Leo V. Watson (Punk) proudly holds one of his most recent paintings.

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For many Americans, the idea of receiving the same star-quality treatment as those in Hollywood seems unattainable. Occasionally, the average person may reap some benets if chosen for some reality TV show like Extreme Make-Over. Wait! Citizens of Plant City can receive the same up-to-date treatment that even the movie stars get!

Have you ever envied the beautiful, white smiles of a celebrity and gured it cost them thousands? Truth be told, it probably didnt. Many celebrities in Beverly Hills or New York City use Zoom! whitening. Zoom! is a tooth whitener that can do as much in one hour as the old dentist-prescribed 7 to 10 day treatments. Very rarely is this product oered in towns the size of Plant City, but dentists Dr. Ferry and Dr. Borders decided they wanted to oer people in Plant City the same brand new technological opportunities that people in larger cities receive.

You may be wondering, How much does this cost exactly? Well, if you go to Tampa to get it gone, it will cost you upwards around $700. However, with Dr. Ferry and Dr. Borders, located on W. Reynolds across from the Dairy Queen, you can get it for only $470. We wanted to keep it economical

so people in Plant City could aord it and more people would choose to have whiter smiles, said Dr. Ferry. Not only does that price include the one hour Zoom! whitening treatment, but also the take home treatment that most dentists prescribe for you to use within a week. Only this time, the treatment is for you to use around one time every 6 months, just to keep your smile bright.

It may seem like $470 is a lot of money to spend to get your teeth whitened in one hour, when the 7 day treatment

works just as well at a price of $240. But Dr. Borders and Dr. Ferry shared stories of many patients that would skip one or two days due to the busy American lifestyle and end up not getting the results they wanted. Dr. Borders said, I was born and raised in Plant City and I am proud of living in such a progressive town. If you would like to learn more about all the benets of using the Zoom! one hour teeth whitening treatment, you can call Dr. Ferry and Dr. Borders oce at 754-2605.

Lifestyles of the Rich &

FamousWILL MAKE YOU

WANT TOSMILE!

AROUND TOWN


local

Story and Photo by Sophia Dedon

Dr. Ferry and Dr. Borders standing next to the light for the new Zoom! whitening.


Its been a while since weve enjoyed one of those inspiring letters or intriguing stories from Focus former managing editor, Je Neely. While Je is no longer with Focus, he has not abandoned his talent for writing; he has simply elevated it to a completely dierent levelliterally.

This summer has been such an intense time of top-notch experience and phenomenal opportunities, he commented. I work alongside journalists from all over the world, write for one of the coolest agencies there is, and get to spend my day hanging around spaceships. The fact that they launched the shuttle while I was here was the icing on the cake!

This was denitely an extraordinary opportunity, being that Je is the rst journalism student from USF to intern at NASA, and also the rst intern with the Public Web Operations Group at KSC. Not only has he been able to perform tasks such as providing information for more than 2,600 world-wide media groups, attend press conferences with NASAs senior management, and produce voice-overs for web and video clips, but he has also written feature stories for NASAs website and the Kennedy Space Center Newsletter. So whats the dierence between writing for Focus and writing for NASA?

At Focus, the challenge was trying to really unearth the heart and soul of Plant City and do justice to the rich stories of the people that live there. At NASA the challenge is to take highly technical and complex operations and make them accessible and interesting to a general audience, Je observed. Its literally writing rocket science for everybody! But honestly, the work I did at Focus helped prepare me for the work Im doing now. Mike and DeDe

gave me the opportunity to be a real player in a fantastic publication, and the experience I gained has given me a solid foundation.

Jes internship runs through August 26, and then he plans on returning to this area in anticipation of the next big thing life casts his way. To check out some of Jes current writing, visit www.nasa.gov

The Skys the Limit!

CHECKING IN WITH FORMER MANAGING

EDITOR JEFF NEELY

Story by Kristen ToneyPhotos courtesy of Je Neely

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local

NEW ALGEBRA PROGRAM


If you ever drive through the downtown area during normal business hours, you most likely have noticed a police ocer riding around on a bicycle. Considering this is not a normal site to see, many citizens of the community ask questions such as: Who is he? Why is he on a bike? What is he doing? Is that all he does, ride around on a bike? Well, as you have most likely learned in your life experiences, once you get to know someone, you nd out that there is much more to them than what appears on the surface.

In all actuality, yes, Senior Police Ocer Russell Allen really does ride on a bike all day. However, there is logic behind his assignment. Many years ago when downtown was being revived, there was a problem with crime. So, to solve the problem they assigned a C.O.P. to the downtown area of Plant City. A C.O.P. is a community-oriented policeman. When the position was rst created, the role of the C.O.P was greatly reducing crime. Because of the great job performed by previous C.O.P.s, Ocer Allen now just maintains the downtown area.

A typical day for Ocer Allen consists of him driving to work, getting on his bike and riding around, visiting all the stores. Just to have my presence

known makes all the businesses feel more comfortable, said Allen. Over the past ve years, he has built strong relationships with all the businesses in the area so that he seems easily approachable to discuss any problems they may be having.

Sometimes you may notice him

riding around on an AT-V (commonly known as a four wheeler). He uses this vehicle to haul things or uses it during parades, shows, or any other events taking place downtown. I ride the bike the most because it gives everyone a more one-on-one feeling to see me on a bike rather than in a car or anything else, said Allen.

A Comforting

PresenceOFFICER RUSSELL ALLENS ACTUAL

DUTY

AROUND TOWN


local


Senior Police Ocer Russell Allen can frequently be seen riding his bicycle through downtown.

Thanks to Ocer Allen everyone who visits the downtown area will feel completely relaxed and safe as they walk the streets and visit all the shops. Be sure to say a friendly hello to him the next time you see him riding through downtown.


Tony Evans has been a Plant City resident for the past 6 years and an employee of Owens Corning. He came here in July 1999 from Cleveland after he put in his two year requirement for relocation to anywhere he wanted to go. When they oered him a position in Lakeland as an Operations Manager he took it. Unfortunately, the company recently decided to make some changes. They gave him the options of relocating or taking an early retirement at 49 years old. Early retirement was his best choice since the relocation oers meant he would have to move far from Florida. Currently, he is investigating other job options.

Though he may still need to relocate, he is hoping to take a job that will only be a short plane ride or drive back to Florida. This is his favorite place to live and he has a son and grandson who will still live here. His son, Ty, is 20 and is enrolled in HCCs Fire Academy. His grandson, Anthony, is 21 months and is very sociable. Evans says, Anthony really is an angel and quite the Babe Magnet. No matter where he goes the baby always attracts a lot of attention. Of course, that makes him very proud. Evans also has a newly married son, Marc, who is 22 and who graduated last May from USF. Marc is continuing his education in Austin, Texas, where he is earning his Masters degree in Advertising.

Another reason Evans to loves Florida is Disney. He is obsessed with it and spends at least one weekend and several holidays a year there, and visits as often as possible. When Evans needs to get away he says, Disney is my place of solace and reection. Despite the fact that he spends so much time there, he says Disney World is no comparison to Disneyland.

Speaking of visiting great places, Evans has been to 48 of the 50 states, several times, and says, There are a few places everyone needs to visit before they die. That list includes the Giant Redwoods, the Rocky Mountains, Yosemite, which includes the Victoria Falls, and the Grand Canyon. He is most impressed by that than anywhere else.

Besides travel, Evans likes to keep active by lifting weights, which he has done most of his life. He works out 4 days a week for 2 - 3 hours a day at the Y in Plant City. He says he does it to stay in shape and look good for the ladies. Thats right ladies, hes single. Evans has gone one step further than most and competed in bodybuilding. Though he refused to say which year he competed, he did say that he came in 3rd place in the Mr. Colorado competition. Many people who win competitions continue on to compete at higher levels, but Evans said I decided not to, because I knew I would need to use steroids and I didnt want to do that.

When asked who has inspired him the most in his life, he immediately said his father, who is currently recovering from a stroke. Thanks to the medical training of one of his 5 sisters, he will have his father around awhile longer. His father was a hard working man who raised 6 kids on a limited income and over his lifetime cheated death several times. He survived prostate cancer, an electrocution, a heart attack 3 years ago and a re blast which left him with no hair, but no scars, either. This amazing and courageous man taught Evans all the values he holds as a foundation for his life today. Plant City is made up of great people like Evans. We want to wish him the best in his job search. We hope you dont have to relocate, just know that you will be missed.

When One Door

Closes Another

Opens

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TONY EVANS



Alexandria Prescott is a bright, sweet, 15 year old young woman who was looking forward to being a freshman at Plant City High School this year. Her year started out hopeful but was soon disrupted. Alexandria has been diagnosed with a rare intestinal disease that has no known cure. This disease causes dismobility of the lower intestine.

She has spent a tremendous amount of time in hospitals here in Florida and this summer she was transferred to a wonderful hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where she and her family have discovered there are many other children there from all over the world who are suering just like she is. It has already been a long road for her and her family as she has gone through countless painful tests and procedures and is currently required to take massive amounts of medicine everyday. In addition to her rst diagnosis, she is also diagnosed with another disease called Scleroderma.

This young lady has had a very tough year, but through it all she keeps a smile on her face. Everyone who knows her, including her parents, sees her as an angel. She is polite, good, loving and all a parent could ask for. Now that she is back home, her family and

friends are trying harder than ever to not only make sure she is comfortable but that she gets what she needs. Alexandria takes 12 medicines along with a very important injection everyday which her family is ghting the insurance company to cover. She is also on a special diet that only allows her liquid or bland foods that we know for a teenager must be extremely dicult.

Since there is no known cure for her disease, Alexandrias best option for recovery is an intestinal transplant. What makes it even trickier is that she will also need a liver transplant. The survival rate for those suering from this disease is 3 - 5 years, but currently the waiting list can be as long as 6 years. Thats why its so urgent that as much as possible be done to help her. Her family and friends have banded together to make our community aware of what she is going through

and encouraging the community to get involved. Please donate what you can to any of the money collection jars with her picture on it explaining her illness.

Kelly Morris organized a golf tournament benet for Alexandria at the Walden Lake Country Club Golf Course. The 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament for Alexandrias Angels Fund, which will be a yearly event, took place on Sunday, July 16th. It was a huge success, raising approximately $6,000, after expenses. There were approximately 88 golfers and over 100 people came out to help. Alexandria was also there to enjoy the event. She was extremely touched by all those who came out to help. Individuals from Outlaw 92.5 Country radio station were there to participate, as well as some of the members of the Lightning and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Various individuals, vendors and businesses

Alexandrias Angel Fund

AROUND TOWN


local

HOPE FOR ALEXANDRIA


donated time and items for the rae and other items that were needed. Lunch was also provided.

There are tentative plans to set up a website in conjunction with Outlaw 92.5 to get the word out about Alexandrias Angel Fund and what you can do to help. Silver Eagle was also participating in the tournament as the music for this event. It is hoped that not only Alexandria will be helped by the Alexandria Angels Fund, but that it can be turned into a statewide organization and eventually built into a large foundation.

Alexandria and her family are so grateful to all those who have helped them, especially all the people at Verizon, David Galloway Attorneys Oce and Sherry Mueller. A very special thanks goes to Kelly Morris for all his hard work and support.


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Story and Photos by Ken Lawrence

AROUND TOWN


local First it was Hurricane Francis that roared through Plant City, last September 5th. That was followed by an electrical problem that started a re in the building that housed Broadway Tire Company and a Day Care Center called Tots Active Learning Center. The Plant City sky became lit up brighter than July 4th reworks at the stadium, as burning tires also sent smelly and billowing black smoke into the nighttime. The blaze was one of two major conagrations that struck downtown Collins Street in less than 6 months.

The owner of the building, Ed Verner of City Properties has wasted no time in rebuilding. Of course it takes time to settle many issues related to a massive re, led by cleaning up the debris, then insurance claims. That is followed by discussions as to what is best for the property, then hiring of engineers and architects, meetings with city ocials and nally turning over the rst shovel of dirt. Turning that shovel has not yet happened but the owners are well underway towards start of construction.

City Properties has now announced that a 10,000 square foot building will be constructed on the site, with a combination of retail and commercial oce space. Property Manager Phillip

Baliet tells FOCUS that the building will be sub-divided into four units from 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft each. The interior will be built to suit the clients needs and rents will run from about $10 a sq ft net-net-net with a $3 per sq ft charge for common area maintenance.

The building will be setback from Collins Street to allow for parking in front for up to 35 vehicles. One of

the units will have bay doors for a possible return of a tire company or auto repair business. The other space is being setup for such businesses as an attorneys oce, accountant, engineer or architect. Long term tenants are being sought.

There will be two entrances, one on Collins, the other on Alabama Street.


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My life belongs to the community and as long as I live here, its my privilege to do for it whatever I can. The harder I strive, the more I live. Angela Dixon-Joseph.

Angela Dixon-Joseph believes the Unity in the Park - Back to School Expo was given to her in a vision from God. She organized a super planning team, including professionals such as Juvenile Probation Ocers, Educators, and other Community Volunteers. Born and raised in Plant City, Angela recognizes and has a great deal of concern regarding the breakdown of the American family, especially in Plant City. Families living in Hillsborough County are diverse and complex, alive and adapting to our changing times. Angelas challenge and vision was to help all families, including single parents, blended families, working couples, and older families, develop their strengths and learn to meet daily pressures and change, if only for one day. Angela strongly feels that children are the future and we as adults must mentor and teach them how to lead the way.

Wellness often refers to an individuals physical and psychological health. Indeed, statistics show that each persons wellness helps them manage their daily pressures and this has a positive impact on family well being. But family wellness also means that each family member has to work at having a healthy lifestyle and outlook

that includes proper nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, and respect for others. Family wellness goes beyond the physical body. Its a holistic way of living that nurtures and develops the mind, body, and spirit.

The spiritual aspect of family wellness means looking outside the self and tuning in to the feelings, needs, and welfare of others. It means going beyond the self and becoming part of something larger in the world, the environment, or your very own community.

Ms. Dixon-Joseph believes in leading by example and volunteers throughout Hillsborough County. She travels the United States to attend workshops and seminars to enhance her abilities for coordinating special events for her home-based business called Blessed Occasions. Her experience and education has lent her the opportunity to spearhead and implement the Unity in the Park - Back to School Expo. It was a blistering hot day, yet children from all over the county came out for the special event. The 500+ children that attended the expo in the park received community education and awareness, learned techniques on communication, discovered skills on respecting other cultures and how to develop healthy family communication.

Everyone was given a free lunch, school supplies, and the rst 100 school age students received a free t-shirt donated by one of the many sponsors. All food items were donated by the Childrens Board of Hillsborough County, Plant City Family Resource Center, Neighborhoods United, and out of Angelas own pocketbook. Many local businesses that wanted to join in Ms. Dixon-Josephs eorts provided drinks, which were much appreciated on a sizzling summer day. One of the many guest speakers was James McDaniel, Manager of the Strawberry Express who brought greetings from the City of Plant City. Another was Sergeant Watkins from the Plant City Police Department who provided crime prevention tips and spoke about gang awareness. He also showcased illegal street drugs in a durable case for children to get an up-close look, as well as drug paraphernalia, followed by a Q&A session for all the children. Various Florida Highway Patrol ocers spoke on car safety and oered a hands-on demonstration and proved to us all

Building Unity in the Community of Plant City

AROUND TOWN


local

ONE DAY AT A TIME

Story by Dawn Marie Simpson Photos by Debra M. Hill

how important buckling up is! Evangelist Emmett Lee Wiseman Jr., from Bethel Baptist Church oered inspirational words and prayed that the children would learn cultural diversity. There were special musical presentations orchestrated by Rosalyn Johnson Entertainment and the Unknown Productions, Sam Miller Sounds, and Pure Funk DJs Entertainers for special occasions. Angelas parting words as the expo concluded at 6:30PM was We must recognize that the word Community has the word Unity in it, but it doesnt make communities united; its up to us.

Sgt. Watkins

Angela Dixon-Joseph and Delores


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It all began June 26, 1993. Patti Britt Walker had just come back from enjoying a pleasant trip to Lithia Springs with her 8 yr old son, Drew, and 10 yr old daughter, Brittn. Suddenly, she felt like her leg was asleep and couldnt wake up. She tried to walk and just fell. Immediately her son was frightened by his panicking mother and ran next door to the neighbors house, who called 911. Little Drew stood outside and waved in the ambulance and once they arrived, brought them to his mother.

They later found that Walker had had a stroke at the age of 33. Her entire left side was paralyzed. Because they could not get the bleeding in her head to stop, they gave her 72 hours to live. During that three day period, her three brothers, who all came in from out of state, her parents and a friend gathered around her. After praying over Walker, it was time for another MRI. However, this time the doctors found that the bleeding had miraculously stopped. Walker would not die, but was told she would never walk again.

Walker was full of determination and after three months in the hospital, including time in the ICU, a room and

One Step at a Time

PATTI BRITT WALKERS STORY

OF RECOVERY


AROUND TOWN


local

the rehab unit, she was released to go home and continue rehabilitation there. Two years later, not only could she walk again, but she had gained back enough movement in her body to go back to work for the Hillsborough County School System. Since the initial stroke, she had another minor stroke but did not let that hinder her goal of walking again.

In 1999, Walker had a third stroke that put her back into her state of paralysis, but this time she recovered in just one year. However, in 2002, Walker had her fourth and to this day, nal, stroke that resulted in the end of her working.

Just three months before that stroke, she lost her father who had been a pivotal part in her recoveries since the rst stroke.

Rehabilitation was following the same process as it had in years past but just seemed like a never-ending cycle. In 2003, Walker met Kevin Donofrio, owner of the Athletic Club and Bayside Health Care, who was in utter disbelief that she had overcome four strokes and appeared to be in such healthy condition. Because Walker was not allowed to work, but had served enough time with Hillsborough County, she was living o disability,

social security, and retirement. The insurance that she was under provided the very minimal care she needed but certainly was not enough for her to join a gym or special program of any kind. Donofrio was so touched by what he heard from Walker that he oered all of his facilities to her at no cost.

Through this opportunity she was able to attend stroke rehabilitation programs and get the full care that she needed. Today, Walker would never be recognized as a stroke survivor. She walks normally even though she was never completely able to gain back feeling on her left side. He left arm is worse than her right, but while it is completely numb, is heavy and has no feeling, she can move it freely.

Although Walkers disability prohibits her from working at any profession in which she previously had experience, she hopes that her doctor will soon release her to work again. Walker wants to spread a message of hope to everyone; it is her new goal in life. She wants all stroke victims to know that there is a road to recovery. Since 1993, Walker has

survived 4 strokes, had 6 lymph nodes taken out due to a Lymphoma scare, had an emergency hysterectomy, had her gall bladder taken out, and survived a horse accident where a horse stepped on her stomach, causing a ruptured spleen, resulting in its removal. Despite everything that Walker has been through, she retains a positive outlook on life. Walker said, I could have never gotten through this without the help from so many people in this community, especially my mom, dad and family. Now my purpose is to help others and spread a message of hope.


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BACKTO OURROOTS

Focusing on the Founding Communities of Plant City

Plant City is a community with an abundance of history and heritage, but have you ever really thought about the small, rural communities that surround it? Native Ameri-cans once occupied a village in the area we now know as Plant City, and the rst town there was named after that village: Ichepucksassa. The name was rather difcult to spell and pro-nounce, so the postmaster renamed it Cork after his home town in Ireland. Then in 1884, the city was renamed again in honor of Henry B. Plant. Many of us who were raised in and around Plant City know the history by heart but there is so much more. The areas surrounding the actual Plant City lim-its, many of which existed in some form or fashion even be-fore Plant City was really a city, have their own rich and varied history. Native Americans, military forts, development of the railroad, the growth of towns to support the railroad system, agriculture; these are just a few of the things that shaped rural communities like Thonotosassa, Cork, Springhead, Dover, Knights Station, Antioch, and many others

A few months ago we had a brainstorm here at FOCUS. We decided it would be interesting to go out to these communi-ties and talk to people: try to capture some of the history as well as current information, and bring it to our readers. How did these communities come to be, what have they and their residents experienced as they have progressed to this point, and what might the future hold for them? It takes a lot to pull something like this together, and it is easier to do for some areas than others. When we began trying to list all of the communities, we were amazed at how long the list was. So, we will be presenting a few areas each month for the next couple of months. Hopefully you will nd the journey infor-mative and entertaining. Invariably, as with any endeavor this ambitious, we will probably leave out a community or a fact or gure about one of the areas, so we ask for your forgive-ness in advance.

The best way to nd out about history is to talk to the people who lived it. Some of the oldest history we have to pull from books and articles, but much of what we bring to you comes straight from the residents and their descendents. Some of the folks we had the pleasure of chatting with have lived in the area all their lives, others families have been part of the community for generations. Some were just visitors who wanted to express how they felt about the area. Weve talked to people from 8 years to 80 and beyond, and have collected facts, gures, and treasured memories. This is the way we have chosen to get our information. Remember that as you are reading understand that we wanted the rich stories and memories, not just the clinically researched facts.

As with anything, these communities are changing. At one time many people wanted out of the country. They left ru-ral areas like Pinecrest, Cork, Thonotosassa, and the like for more metropolitan areas like Tampa and Orlando. I guess everything comes full circle, and many now want what they call the country life. Between the stress and difculties of farming, and this new-found demand for land in rural East-ern Hillsborough County, many farms and citrus groves are being sub-divided, and development is happening all around us. Unfortunately, as more and more people move to rural communities, they bring the trafc and hustle and bustle with them driving out the very thing for which they are com-ing here. We are slowly losing the country community feel that makes these areas so special. If we can not hold onto the country, lets at least keep holding onto the history and the memories. Lets keep passing on the experiences and stories of the generations before us.

I N T R O D U C T I O N B Y L Y N N E W A R R E N


BACKTO OURROOTS

Want to do something interesting if youre out for a drive one day? Take I-4 and head to the McIntosh Exit, go north on McIntosh, the road zigzags a bit, then head to the corner of Knights Grifn and McIntosh. On the southeast corner you will see a feed store. Its nameAn-tioch Feed and Farm, which sums up what Antioch is all about, a community that is mostly farmland and sits on the eastern side of Lake Thonotosassa.

Antioch, whose history basically parallels that of next door Thonotosassa, has gone through numerous name changes since the 1800s, back and forth between Antioch and some other name. Long time Thonotosassa residents consider Antioch to be part of their community. To make matters even more confusing, Antioch has a Plant City or Thonotosassa mailing address.

In addition to the Feed Store are a couple of other animal feed businesses and a couple of churches. One house of worship is the Antioch Church of Christ, founded in the early 1800s and has been at its present location on McIntosh

ANTIOCHA community whose name is almost forgotten

Road, just north of Thonotosassa Road, for the past 40 plus years. Attempts to reach anyone associated with the church were unsuccessful.

Crystal Noriega is the owner-operator of Antioch Feed and Farm. The Savannah, Georgia native has lived most of her life in the Antioch area and has worked in construction, farming and now the feed business. She proudly claims that she is the only Nutrena dealer in the area and customers come from as far away as Tampa and Lakeland.

Crystal says she, along with long time residents, dont understand why they have Thonotosassa

or Plant City mailing addresses. She went on to tell FOCUS that one of her customers has looked back at old maps of the area and Antioch once had much more prominence than it does now.

The Antioch area is really farmland and hopes remain such that owners resist the pressure to sell out to housing developers. It will be difcult for them not to take the money and move on. Agriculture takes the form of mostly pasture-land for cattle, horses, chickens and pigs. With a population approaching about 2,500, Antioch has recently seen an inux of newcomers buy-ing land and building homes. One customer at the feed store says it wouldnt surprise him to see the population double in the next ve years.

One notable endeavor is The Antioch Redskins Youth Football and Cheerleading group, formed by locals in 1973 to provide an alternate environment for kids. The group promotes the

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importance of education, non-violence, respect and no-drugs. Operated for kids 5-16 years of age, the group has won football state champion-ships and cheerleading competitions.

There is a sad side to the Youth Football op-eration. Back in 1985, three children from the program were killed instantly when a car driven by an intoxicated driver hit them head-on. The driver served less than 4 years in a youth deten-tion facility. The football park has been named in honor of one of the victims, Roby Burgner, while the baseball eld carries the name of Wendy and Carol Brown. Crystal Noriega says the tight-knit community was devastated and people still talk about the tragedy to this day.

The Pioneers

One family whose roots go back a long way in Antioch is Buckexum. The late Eugene Buckexum was a prominent farmer in the area, owning quite a bit of farmland, where he grew strawberries and citrus. His granddaughter, Barbara Brown and her husband Ralph have lived most of their lives in Antioch and they say its a shame that the name has almost disappeared. No one really does anything to keep up the name, says Barbara.

She tells of one group a few years ago who made their own road signs stating Antioch and posted them on roadways in the area. She says Hillsbor-ough County Public Works crews came along shortly after and took the signs down.

Ralph Brown says there is only one building remain-ing in Antioch that has some history to it and he expects it will be torn down any day. Its the site of a former nursing home, once a school and way back when, an army barracks. Located on McIntosh be-tween Thonotosassa and Knights Grifn, Mr. Brown says hes not even sure its in Antioch or the town of Thonotosassa, the boundaries are that uncertain.

So, in spite of one long time Thonotosassa resi-dent Martha Stewart Chambers, a travel agent, referring to Antioch as a grease spot on the road, locals still like to keep its name going in hopes that one day Antioch will have its own identity returned to it.

S T O R Y A N D P H O T O S B Y B R I A N W E S T

Cork was founded in 1839 as the site of Fort Hichipucksassa, or Fort Sullivan, the former site of an old Indian village that was no longer occupied. At that time, Cork encompassed much more area than today; basically a combination of todays Cork, Knights Station, and Midway. Accord-ing to Plant City Its Origin and History, Quintilla Geer Bruton and David E. Bailey, Jr., the fort was located about 4 miles northeast of the area that would later be platted as Plant City, todays Midway. Presently, the area of Cork is roughly bounded by Knights Grifn Road to the north, Macintosh Road to the west, I-4 to the south, and Wallace Branch-Keene Road to the east.

Apparently, the name Hichipucksassa - often spelled Echebucsassa and Ichepuckesassa, and several other ways - was the most often misspelled of all the Indian names, causing great frustration for the postal service. As the story goes, Captain John Mooney arrived to collect a bag of mail for Ichepuckesassa (whichever spelling youd like). Alfonso DeLauney, Tampa Mail Dispatcher, said frus-tratingly, Captain Mooney cant you get the name of this damn Ichepuckesassa changed. Change it to anything except this Ichepuckesassa! At the time,

the postal service preferred four letter names so Mooney suggested Cork, the name of his birth-place. In 1849, the Cork Post Ofce was estab-lished as the rst white settlement in the area, a short distance west of the former fort.

Today, most residents of Cork are more familiar with the landmarks of the past several decades, like Cork Elementary and the Branch Ranch restaurant.

Cork Elementary is located on Cork Road, just north of the corner of Cork Road and Sam Al-len Road. Hillsborough County purchased the original school site, just more than an acre, in 1879, and two additional parcels were purchased in later years. Prior to that, a private school, Cork Academy, occupied the property. Cork Academy opened its doors as a public school in 1885, and its name was changed to Cork Elementary in the mid 1900s. From the 1920s 1950s, Cork was known as a

Strawberry School. Many of the children attend-ing the school were from families of farmers. Families couldnt afford to hire extra help with the harvest, so the school scheduled breaks around the time of the harvest. Strawberries being the primary crop, children were on break from late December and into March, thus the name Strawberry School. Jewel Graves family has lived in the Plant City area as far back as he

Feed Store Operator Crystal Noriega at the Center of Antioch life.

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 3 0

CORK

4 miles north of this arrowhead, located in downtown Plant City, marks the point where the rst post ofce in Cork was located.


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can remember, at least through his grandparents on his fathers side of the family. Graves said, I remember walking to school about a mile and a half each way. We didnt even wear shoes to school until at least the 9th grade. The roads were all dirt roads except for Thonotosassa Road. It was paved from about Sam Allen Road all the way to the lake. But it was only one lane, so if another car came by, both would have to put two wheels in the grass to get by one another.

The Branch Ranch is another place to mention when talking about the Cork area. The Branch Ranch is a family owned and operated restaurant located on Thonotosassa Road. The restaurant is located in the home built by the Branch family in the late 1800s. The restaurant is famous for its bread, butter pickles, and family style service. The restaurant is detailed in pecky cypress and includes a banquet room thats been used for birthdays, weddings, receptions, anniversaries and reunions, for many, many years. While waiting for a table, youll notice the photos that line the walls of some famous celebrities whove visited, including Elvis Presley. The restaurant is currently closed for the summer through September 13th.

Some families have had roots in the Cork area for decades, including the Bennetts, Burts, Collins, Mileys, and Waldens. The Bennett family, who seems to be related to just about everyone in

CORK contiued

Suddenly,

its hip

to send

a square

gift.


town, still has a home on Wallace Branch Road. The oldest surviving member is Versey Bennett; Granny Bennett, as the family knows her. The Mileys live on Straus Road. W.J. Dub Miley has lived in the area his entire life. My dad was born in 1907 and my family has been here at least that

long. Miley Road was named after my grandfather, William Hampton Miley. He lived in the two-story house on Miley Road. Dubs grandfather bought 400 acres some time around the turn of the century from Mr. Strauss, the founding name of Strauss Road. Joe and Janette Walden, and several

immediate family members, now retired dairy farmers, still reside at their farm on Cork Road, just a couple miles north of Cork Elementary. The area seems to be growing, but aside from new homes here and there, things havent changed that much.

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HOPEWELLResisting Change

It all began with a man named John Robert McDonald. Mc-Donald is one of the oldest names in eastern Hillsborough County. When he migrated from Alabama for health purposes, he settled in an area known by locals as Callsville, yet it had no residents. McDonald later renamed the area Hopewell after his home church in Alabama. In 1870, McDonald de-cided there needed to be a church, and Hopewell Baptist Church laid its roots. More than 130 years ago McDonald founded Hopewell and many of the residents there today can still trace their roots back to him. One such example is 92 year old Roy Hull, who was born and raised in Hopewell and has resided there his entire life. Actually, I was born in the house next door, shared Hull. The home he was referring to was built by his grandparents in 1876. His grandmother was the daughter of John Robert McDon-ald. This house that has surpassed its 125th birthday is still being used today because Hulls son and his wife currently abide there. Hull reported that at one point or an-other, seven generations have lived in that old home. History can be so fascinating at times. Take Hulls property, for example. As previously mentioned, he was born in the house next door. Well, the house he is living in now and has lived in for a long time was built in 1895. If Hull looks out his window, he can see

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his son, and out another window he can see his grandson. His prop-erty consists of multiple acres. This land has grown various crops that Roy himself has farmed. Most re-cently he had orange groves, but a disease came and wiped out most of his fruit. As of now, he rents his land out to berry growers to produce those famous Plant City strawberries. Hull mentioned that he has had offers from people to buy his land and knows he would get a lot of money for it because it would most likely be used to build residential communities. However, Hull delights in the pleasure of looking out off his porch and hav-ing space. If you decided to take a drive out to Hopewell, you may notice that it looks rather barren. What you must understand is that this lack of development is exactly what the locals here enjoy. In his 92 years of existence Hull has seen this community change greatly, but at the same time, not change much at all. The only real changes that have affected Hopewell have been the inven-tions of cars, running water and electricity. Hull can remember back to the horse and buggy days of his childhood. When Hull at-tended grade school, it was a little two-room building, but only one room was used. This room consist-ed of all grades up to 8 and their one teacher. Hulls father attended

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HOPEWELLC O N T I N U E D

the even older school that was one-room. While Hull was still in grade school, they built a four-room school; it was then that he met the woman that would later be his wife. After the 8th grade, the students attending the grade school in Hopewell chose between Pinecrest, Turkey Creek and Plant City for high school. Hull was fortunate to have a car in which he hauled himself and about 7 others to the old 1914 school building in the heart of Plant City. Hull attended school with another great grandson of McDonald, Harry McDonald, who is the only one around his age that he can recall going off to college. Harry attended the University of Florida and came back as an attorney, later serving as a county judge. Although Hopewell has avoided big busi-ness, it has been forced to succumb to other changes in society over the last century. Hull remembers the days when no one locked a door; there was no reason. If everyone in the house was gone and a neighbor needed something, it was common to come home and nd a note saying, Borrowed some our and a signed name. If that happened today, it wouldnt be surprising for a law suit to be in the works. Hull also remembers when men and women entered the church through sep-arate doors and sat on different sides of the church. In Hulls childhood there were only about 7 families that occupied Hopewell and all the children would gather after church on Sunday afternoons to play together. Now, its their descendants that live here, many who no longer attend the local church with over 125 years of history. One hundred years ago, Hopewell was pretty much a church, a funeral home, a graveyard, land, and a few homes. Today, thats about all that still exists there and as long as they can resist the never-ending growth of Plant City, then that truth may remain.

All the students and teachers gathered outside of the original school house that the children of Hopewell attended. Roy Hulls father

was approximately 6 in this picture, meaning it was taken around 1894.

John McDonald and wife, Sally, riding horse and buggy.


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SPRINGHEAD Springhead, or the head as some locals call it, is a great place to live and raise a

family. Springhead was founded by pioneers in the early 1800s. Its a church-and-school cen-tered community located in the rural southeast corner just outside of Plant City. I grew up there in the 70s and 80s and it was wonderful. Springhead is a quiet place. In fact, you barely hear trafc from the roads. Once in a while, if you happen to hear the sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles - unlike living in the city where those sounds are more commonplace it seems to always involve something or some-one you know. The area is roughly bounded by County Line Road to the east, Highway 92 to the north, Highway 39 to the west and Trapnell Road to the south.

There are several landmarks in the area that have been around for years; Springhead Baptist Church, Springhead Elementary School, Spring-head Park, and the Springhead Volunteer Fire Department.

The original building for Springhead Baptist Church was a sprawling wood frame structure. But it burned to the ground during a 5 alarm re in 1982. At the time, my family lived directly across the street. I was an eighth grader and I remember riding the school bus home one afternoon and seeing a rising cloud of smoke from that direction as the bus reached the corner of Park Road and Highway 92. Everyone

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on the bus wondered what could be burning, but it never crossed anyones mind that wed never see the old wooden church again. As the school bus reached the corner of Medulla Road and Wiggins Road, those of us that lived close to the church had to be taken home by the area bus supervisor, Charlotte Britt. She was the only one from the school district allowed within a half-mile of the area. The church was re-built just a couple of years later and still serves as a wonderful place of worship.

Springhead Elementary School began teaching students in 1876. It was originally called Spring Head. That name was chosen because all of the water used for the school was carried from a spring that had been dug in a bay-head nearby. The school was later moved to a more convenient site, the site of the current school, located at the southeast corner of Sparkman Road and Nesmith Road. Appropri-ately, today, Springheads mascot is the pioneers.

Harold Mott, a resident of Cornett from 1930 1950 (a commu-nity within Springhead), attended Springhead for 9 years from 1936 through 1944, not because he couldnt pass the fth grade, but because at that time, Springhead taught students from 1st through 9th grade. Mott bragged that Cor-nett had many things even the kids in the city didnt have, including a swimming pool and tennis courts. All were built by the owners of the Cornett mine for the families of those who worked there. Cornett even owned many of the homes.

Mott said, I remember walking to and from school each day because we lived too close to ride a bus. And Springhead was a Strawberry School, so we went to school from

April through December and we were off in January, February, and March to pick strawberries. Mott picked strawberries for Bryant Hicks, Evelyn Johnsons grand-father. Johnson is the mother of Buddy and Freddy Johnson of Buddy Freddys. Mott also recalls the Strawberry Festival being located where the courthouse is today. In fact, Motts sister Faye was the 1939 Strawberry Festival Queen.

Like people in other communi-ties, many of the residents in Springhead have called the area home their entire lives. But there are also many families who have called the area home for genera-tions. Brothers Rodney, David, and Mike Sparkman have called Plant City home all their lives. Sparkman Road, which runs east and west through Springhead from Wiggins Road to Highway 39, was named after their grandfather, James Marvin Sparkman. Rodney recalled that his grandfather had some land approximately one half-mile east of Highway 39 on the north side of the road, where he farmed and owned some orange groves.

Today, there arent near as many acres of farm land as there once was. In fact, probably the two largest farms in Springhead now are Fancy Farms, owned by Carl Grooms, and Harrells Nursery, owned by Winifred Harrell. The area is currently a mix of older homes and trailers, and now new homes are being constructed most anywhere there was at least a few acres with which someone was willing to part. Much like the rest of central Florida, Springhead is seeing a boom in residential growth, but its still a wonderful place to raise a family.

SPRINGHEADC O N T I N U E D


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Its history goes back hundreds of years and in some respects it looks like time has stood still for Thonotosassa, located northwest of Plant City and a short 20 minute drive. It boasts one of the largest lakes in Hillsborough County, more than 800 acres of calm waters and on any given weekend Lake Thonotosassa attracts quite a few visitors, mostly locals, which is just ne with them. The swimming is good, as is the sh-ing, and boating is not overcrowded. There are some really expensive homes surrounding the lake and more are on the way, as city folk have become attracted to the tranquility of the area. However, business is not too great in the town of some 6,000 people.

The History

Thonotosassa (original name being Tenoto-sassa, meaning lake of ints) has quite the history, dating back many centuries when the Seminole Indian Tribe held a regular festival in which tribes from the surrounding area came to celebrate. Marriages were performed, a court was held to settle disputes and, of course, much

eating and dancing. The white man established a community there around 1825 and a name of one the pioneer families is quite familiar to Plant City residents, Sparkman. All was not peaceful as there were several Indian uprisings over the years, forcing the white settlers to ee, but most would always return. A prosperous citrus indus-try was established around the lake in 1878 by a General William Hazen. It was the rst orange grove in Hillsborough County. Thonotosassa was once connected to Tampa by a railroad, built by none other than Henry B. Plant. It carried citrus and lumber to the city.

The Present

While Thonotosassa was once a thriving com-munity, other than the inux of new residential construction and mainly high-end priced homes, the area needs an inux of investment. What few businesses remain seem to be hanging on by a thread, as people jump in their cars and head to the malls. Take the case of J Js, a combination convenience and hardware store; it is one of the few businesses that seems to have any activity in Thonotosassa. On the Saturday that we visited at high noon, there was little trafc on Main Street. The store (see photo) has had a long history,

from being a general store, a restaurant, a pro-duce market and back to a convenience store. The iron bars on all the windows and doors, plus extra locks, indicate the business has had more than its share of robberies over the years.

The operator of the most successful business in Thonotosassa, Reeses Beach and Fish Camp, says she is perplexed why there are not more businesses in the community. Rosalee Nally, along with her husband Jerry, has been featured in newspaper and magazine articles because of their efforts to bring tourists to the lake. As we sat on the deck of her campsite, looking out over the lake, the Reeses camp manager acknowl-edged that some trendy and pricey homes are being built on just about every square foot of the shoreline. We have 2 Circle Ks, she stated, and that shows you there is a need for business in the downtown to grow. Mrs. Nally went on, The closest supermarket is Winn-Dixie on 301 and Fowler. Theres no pharmacy, no bank, not even a boat dealer, in spite of the boat and jet ski trafc that goes to the lake, she said.

There has been an all out effort by the Thonoto-sassa Chamber of Commerce to attract busi-nesses to the town, which is technically an

THONOTOSASSADont Pronounce the T

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Reeses Beach at Lake Thonotosassa


unincorporated part of Hillsborough County. Even a local Sheriffs Deputy, Roger Bradley, a.k.a. Rabbit, no kidding, has become a strong supporter of the Chamber of Commerce and is often unofcially dropping by and encouraging businesses to attend meetings. One person who has been touting the lifestyle of Thonotosassa is not even a resident of the community. Tracey Elting, an insurance sales-person, lives in Wesley Chapel and has been spending her spare time at the lake. Its my home away from home, says Elting, who even took time off work last summer to help people clean up after the hurricanes. I am impressed with the community spirit in Thonotosassa,

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