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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY JUNE 2012 5


Contents JUNE2012

Local Plant City Page 16

Feature-FOCUS on You MakeoverPage 51

Spotlight-High School Valedictorians 3

Business Profile-Women’s Care Page 67

Dining-Carrabba’s Italian Grill Page 93

In this issue•

•

•

•

•

FOCUS on You MakeoverEnjoy reading about the four 2012 winners who have endured their own personal challenges but kept their commitment to care for others. We promise - you will be inspired.

Watch the video online atwww.focusplantcity.com

focusplantcity.com • Issue 11-06


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Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.Plant City, FL 33563

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

www.focusplantcity.com

Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail [email protected]. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

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

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced 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.

Publisher Mike [email protected]

Office Manager Dede [email protected]

Copy Editor Cheryl [email protected]

Credit Manager Angel [email protected]

Sales Julie Hasting | Kelleigh Klein | Aldo TrevinoJared Guyer | Christina DoVale | Susan Nieves

Production Anthony SassanoTony Cartagena

FOCUSTV Shana Mitchell | Victoria Garren

Distribution Byron SpradlinBelva DeVane

Photographers Kendra Conner

Staff Writers Cheryl JohnstonBrian West | Joe BowlesDerek Maul | Kelleigh Klein Heather Davis | Deana Garrison

Contributors Al Ruechel | Gil Gott Bruce Rodwell | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERLife is short. Sometimes we don’t realize it until we experience a loss.

And that’s why it’s so important to make time for family and friend-ships in the busyness of our days.

This truth was driven home to our entire Focus family this month as we thought about the recent deaths of two who died much too young - Laurie Madonia and Mike Storter.

Both were proud to call Plant City home and both did more than their share of community activities. They loved their work and their close-knit families, too. And by more than just their families, both will be greatly missed.

Our community lost more than just two lives. We lost personalities and doers and givers. We lost their smiles and laughter. We lost two friends.

And in grieving these losses, we’ve made time to reflect on the impact one’s life, and death, can have on all who knew Laurie and Mike.

Focus Magazine shares a special relationship with the Madonia family because we have worked to-gether for 10 years to promote the happenings and incredible service at their Red Rose Inn, the special event venue recognized by most as the best in town. When Laurie lost her battle with cancer in April, the Madonias made a decision to close the hotel’s operations for an undetermined amount of time. They need and deserve time to grieve the loss of their daughter. While we can only imagine their pain, we can only hope they know how much this community values what their family has accomplished and contributed to life here. Countless generations will be the beneficiaries of this family’s generosity. Their loyalty to and love for Plant City has been a priceless gift.

The same can be said of Mike Storter and his family - wife Laura, daughters Taryn and Hope, and in-laws Coleman and Sue Davis. When Mike lost his faith-filled fight with leukemia, Plant City lost a great encourager, mentor and friend. Plant City’s First Baptist Church lost a pastor and prayer warrior, our high school lost a much-loved teacher, and Relay for Life lost an inspiring activist. But Mike’s legacy will live on.

The four FOCUS on You Makeover winners reminded us, too, of how caring for others will always make a difference. What a privilege for our magazine to recognize these women and their compassion.

This month, as we all remember and reflect on life’s impact and we look forward to celebrating our great nation on the Fourth of July, it is our prayer that Plant City’s good people will learn to stay focused on living every day to make the moments make a difference. We pray this for ourselves as well.

For in the end, it’s all about the lives we touch.

Warmest Regards,Mike Floyd

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Celebrating 70 years of Wedding Bliss


Talk of the Town Welcome to the Soc ia l

Join the conversation! Submit your info to: [email protected]

Congratulations Nicholas Rodriguez SAR Award RecipientDon Humphrey, Secretary-Treasurer of the Major John Devane Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution of Plant City recently presented the SAR Award to Nicholas Rodriguez of Plant City High School. The award goes to the top male eleventh grade history student. Nicholas was honored with a Bronze personalized medal, certificate and a savings bond. The purpose of the Sons of the American Revolution organization is to promote patriotism, American history and community service.

Hans and Dianne Harvey celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a cruise with their family.They were married in Valdosta, Georgia on May 26, 1962 immediately after Hans’ completion in basic training.Hans worked for the FDOT 32 years and PBS&J for 12 years, before retiring. Dianne retired with 30 years of service with the Hillsborough County School System with most of the years at Trapnell Elementary. They are members of First Baptist Church of Durant and have a small blueberry farm.They have lived in Plant City and Turkey Creek their entire lives.

PCHS Soccer Players Sign to Play at College Level

Walden Lake Elementary

Cameron Roberts and Trent Lott signed to play soccer at the college level. Cameron will play for Palm Beach Atlantic College. Trent will play for the University of Tampa. Both students were members of the Plant City High School Boys Soccer Team coached by Chris Black.

Walden Lake Elementary was represented well at the Area 6 Battle Of The Books competition on May 25th at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. Their team consisted of Jada Brown, Rebecca Field, Katie Spiker, and team captain, Kyle Hamilton. These fourth graders made the job look easy as they cooperatively worked together to show what team work is all about.

Prior to the Area Battle, the team had a tremendous amount of preparation planned. After reading 15 battle books, taking a qualifying test to make the team, and winning the school battle the team worked diligently everyday studying quotes from all the books in order to be ready to face 16 other schools. These fourth graders had to know the name of the book and/or author after a quote from that particular book was read aloud. Way to go Walden Lake Battle Team!

Wins Area 6 Battle of the Books!

Florida Federation Hall of Fame RecipientMs. Ellany Johnson of the Florida Strawberry Festival was inducted

into the Florida Federation Hall of Fame. More than 30 members of the Festival’s Board of Directors, Staff, Family and Friends of Ellany

were present as she was presented with the award.

“Ellany Johnson is the heart and soul of The Florida Strawberry Festival. Her commitment to the success of this organization, our

Board of Directors, Staff, Vendors and Entertainers is unparalleled,” says Festival General Manager, Paul Davis.

Congratulations! Ellany we are all very proud of your dedication to the Strawberry Festival and the Plant City Community.

Do you have an interesting local story about something or someone? Submit your info to: [email protected]

Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary!!


Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy

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PCHS Hall of Fame

Plant City High School is accepting nominations for the 2012 Hall of Fame. This honor is given each year to a graduate of PCHS who has accomplished success in his/her career or community. Those wishing to nominate may mail a letter or resume of the out-standing graduate they wish to recommend to the selection committee at Plant City High School, One Raider Place, Plant City, FL 33563. Nominations will be accepted through August 6, 2012. The indi-vidual selected will be honored in September during half time at a Raider football game. John Germany, Class of 1940 was inducted in 2011.

Woodmen of the World is HiringThursday July 19th Woodmen of the World will be holding an informational meeting for anyone interested in becoming a Field Representative. 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Plant City.

You can love what you do and earn a great living doing it. RSVP to 1-800-555-9981 by July 16.

PCHS Class of 1977 ReunionBroadway”!!

Welcome Back Mayor!

Plant City Class of 1977 announcing their 35th high school reunion to be held on August 4, 2012.

Embassy Suites Brandon 100220 Palm River Rd Tampa. Cost is $55.00 per person. Casual get together Friday night at Keel and Curley 6:00 to 11:00. Sunday morning farewell breakfast optional at Embassy Suites. For more info email Plant City [email protected] or facebook Plant City High School Class of 1977. You may mail checks to PCHS Class of 77 P. O. Box 347 Lithia, FL 33547. Please RSVP by July 6, 2012

Commissioner Dan Raulerson passes the gavel to newly elected Mayor Mike Sparkman. This will be Mayor Sparkman’s 5th term in office. We are glad to have you back!

PCHS Class 1991 and 1992 Reunion!!

Summer Styles at SouthsideNOW AVAILABLE!

Join us as we reminisce about old times and in the process make some new memories.

Time flies when you’re having fun! And even if you’re not having fun, Father Time still has a way of sneaking up on all of us. The good news is that every five years we, the Classes of 1991 & 1992, can get together and see how our classmates are getting along.

20 Year Class Reunion will be held at the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. Please visit the TradeWinds Island Resorts website at www.tradewindsresort.com. The dates are Friday, August 3, 2012 to Sunday, August 5, 2012.

Standard rooms are $164 at the Island Grand Resort and $149 at the Sandpiper Hotel & Suites. To receive the special rate, you must reserve ASAP before they sell out, which the Resort did every weekend this past summer!! If you plan to attend this event please call this month to reserve your room. The rate will go up as their occupancy level increases! There is no penalty to cancel your reservation prior to one week before the reunion. If you reserve your room and pay your registration fee before November 30, 2011, you will be entered in a prize drawing to win a FREE 3 day 2 night stay at the TradeWinds Sandpiper Hotel & Suites. For reservations, please call 1-800-808-9833 and mention “Plant City High School Reunion / Class of ’91 ‘92”.

Please note: You do not have to stay at the TradeWinds resort if you choose not to. You can come up on Saturday, August 4th and just join us for the day.

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LOCAL » FOCUS

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESSThe State of the City of Plant City is

stable and improving, according to the address delivered Monday, June 11,

2012 at City Hall by City Manager Greg Horwedel.

The event was the third annual open-invitation delivery or “annual report card” on the condition of Plant City, reflecting on accomplishments over the past 2011/2012 year and providing a look at visions for the upcoming year. As Horwedel spoke, a Powerpoint, available for public viewing on the city’s website, provided a visual of the information he provided.

A 2011-2012 budget recap was given,

addressing the city’s condition with last year’s budget of $59.2 million. Topics discussed included water utilities revenue (13.3% increase), sanitation revenue (no rate increase for 4th year), and storm water revenue (11.4% increase). Property tax millage rate is 4.7157, the lowest local government rate in Hillsborough County, and the city’s undesignated fund balance is at 31.1%. A budget preview for the upcoming year was also shown.

Police Department highlights show a decrease in both violent and non-violent crime over the past year by around 10%. The department also acquired a new mobile command center at no cost to local taxpayers, along with the Fire

Department’s receipt of a new state-of-the-art ambulance, reducing the need for Plant City EMS to call on third-party providers in emergency situations.

Also discussed was the underway construction of Eastside canal work south of Reynolds Street, $900,000 to be used for city street repaving as selected by priority assessment, and repairs to Mendonsa Road, which is foreseen to be completed in October, 2012,

Discussion also included CareFest Day, held this year on September 29th. This is a weekend-long staff partnership with local churches and Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, Inc. that focuses volunteers and donations to clean up neighborhood trash and debris. Fourth of July fireworks are also scheduled for the first time since 2007 as a partnership between the City, Chamber of Commerce, Strawberry Festival and local business sponsors.

Monday, June 11th was also the final day of Mayor Dan Raulerson’s term of office. He will be running for the State House Dan Raulerson and Greg Horwedel

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“It has been a hoot,” Raulerson said to the crowd of his time as Mayor of Plant City. “Thank you very much for the honor. It has been terrific.”

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LOCAL » FOCUS

WESTERN WEAR BRINGS OUT THE BESTFor the last 10 years, the Greater

Plant City Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Margarita Ball, a

casual affair held at the home of Rick and Di Lott. In addition to being lots of fun, the fundraiser with its Caribbean/Jimmy Buffet/Margaritaville benefited the Chamber’s Foundation, which funds college scholarships for local graduates.

But, alas, many felt the Margarita Ball had run its course and a change was in order.

This year, the Chamber dressed things up a little with a western themed event called The Boots and Spurs Roundup. The event at Cowboys Steakhouse and Saloon, located at the corner of Highway 39 and Highway 60 just south of Plant City encouraged attendees to wear their best western wear: boots, hats, jeans, cowgirl dresses, cutoff shorts, etc.

Live music provided by the Ace Jackson Band, line dancing with a great instructor,

heaps of hearty grub, libations, an LCR tournament, a silent auction and a lot of great company made for an exciting time. Jim Scott, Chamber Board Chair Elect, said, “It was nice to see a good turnout for a new event.”

Everyone enjoyed the great food and the LCR tournament – especially the winners. Many participants likened it to playing Craps because everyone is emotionally involved and in every roll of the dice they found themselves cheering for someone one moment and against them the next. The tournament was all in good fun and definitely a keeper for future events.

The line dancing was also a big hit, especially with Jack Vasconcellos, David Davenport and all the ladies. Some might question why the guys were on the dance floor, but they were definitely having a great time surrounded by beautiful women. Lori Towler Rogers attended with friends and said, “The line dancing wore me out. It

really was a lot of fun.”

All in all, the new event was a great success. The Boots and Spurs Roundup netted as much to the Chamber Foundation as at least one of previous years of the Margarita Ball. Now the Chamber must decide whether to repeat for next year and grow the Roundup as a western themed event or move to a different location and change the theme.

Some great ideas are being considered, and we’ll learn about the decision next year. Chamber members do a wonderful job of developing new ideas, and no matter the decision, next year’s event is sure to be successful.

And at the end of the day, that success is measured, most importantly, by the college scholarship money it can provide to our area high school graduates.

BOOTS AND SPURS ROUNDUP IS A SUCCESS WITH CHAMBER

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LOCAL » FOCUS

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOLPlant City High School recently

hosted the 14th annual Honor Graduate Banquet at the Red Rose

Ballroom. Seniors with a 4.0 or higher grade point average were invited to this prestigious event, along with their parents.

Students were awestruck by the beauty of the candlelit ballroom. Special touches included place settings with a program, a custom made PCHS cookie, and a Class of 2012 milk chocolate candy. The chocolate was added courtesy of Robert and Lynda Carty, parents of honor graduate, Caitlyn Carty. The buffet meal included a carving station of Steamship Round, house salad, Chicken Marsala, rice pilaf, roasted potatoes and a fresh vegetable medley. To top off the meal a dessert station with an assortment of delicious cakes. Evelyn and Batista Madonia also donated a chocolate fountain served with a variety of fruits and sweets for the festive occasion.

Honor graduates were recognized individually and presented with an orange beach towel embroidered in teal with “PCHS – 2012 Honor Grad.” Parents then had the opportunity to photograph their student with PCHS Principal Colleen Richardson. A “photo booth” was an added surprise for the graduates. They enjoyed having souvenir photos taken with

other students and parents. These pictures were personalized as well with “Honor Grad Banquet 2012.” The expense of each honor grad’s meal and gift was covered through the generous contributions of community businesses and parent sponsorships.

The highlight of the evening was the premier showing of the 2012 Honor Graduate video produced by honor grad parent, Michael Daly. Students had been asked to submit pictures depicting their life from birth to graduation with an emphasis on including pictures that include other honor graduates. Mrs. Colleen Richardson, Principal and Miss Traci Durrance, Assistant Principal for Administration agreed to participate in the video filming as well. The video, which received rave reviews, provided humor and sentimental moments. Each student received a copy of the video for personal use.

The Honor Graduate Banquet is planned and orchestrated each year by school staff and parents. Di Lott and Sherrie Mueller, co-chairs for the 2012 gathering, were assisted by committee members Megan Woods-Daly, Mike Daly, Julie Holbrook, Stephanie Humphrey, Karen Hurst and Donna Keel.

HONOR BANQUET A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

WRITTEN BY: SHERRIE MUELLER

J.P. Coton, Cameron Roberts, Addison Killebrew and Brennan Smith enjoy time together at the Honor Banquet. Photo by Stephanie Humphrey

Dale and Leslie Rice, both teachers at Plant City High School enjoyed attending the event as parents of honor graduate, Dane Rice. Photo by Stephanie Humphrey

The first honor banquet, held in 1999, saluted 53 honor graduates. The Class of 2012 event paid tribute to 144 honor grad. In expressing her appreciation, Mrs. Richardson said, “This event would not be possible without the support of our community and parents. We love this event as it recognizes our students who

have excelled in the classroom.”

From the sounds of lively conversation and laughter throughout the evening, it was obvious the honorees and their parents loved it, too. What a way to finish strong.


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LOCAL » FOCUS

TEEN/ADULT NIGHT OUT BENEFIT FOR DARBY HASTING A HUGE SUCCESS

joined together to help her family.

Julie Hasting, Darby’s aunt headed up the event. “When I first discussed the Benefit with Gloria after the Nephcure Walk, I told her I thought we could raise at least $10,000 in one night. Never did I imagine it would be double that,” Julie stated. The Hasting family will donate 25% of the $22,000 that was raised to the Nephcure Foundation.

The night included great food catered by our local Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Chili’s. Jennifer and her staff from the Red Rose made sure this benefit was perfect. Bill Butler, who tended bar, made Sangria from his own private recipe collection and made sure everyone was well served.

The night started out with a delicious dinner and an auction that brought in almost $5,000 alone. Raffle tickets were

also a big hit as many won items that had been graciously donated by generous individuals and businesses. This night of dancing, lively conversation, raising awareness and community support won’t long be forgotten.

The Hasting family would like to thank all of their sponsors which include: The Garrett Family, Unity in the Community, Henry Falcon, Susan and Steve Hurley, Will and Christine Smith, Carrabba’s, Chili’s, Dr. Gauthier, The Breeze, DeeDee Wheeler, You Boutique, IMS, Andreu Family, Hillsborough Title, Macale Builders, Busiglio Orthodontics, Jim Young, Bungalow Beach Resorts, Tortuga Inn, Tradewinds Anna Maria Island, Keel & Curley Winery, Parrish Threads, Bert’s Painting, Carolyn Wood, Cheveux, Rotarty Club, Merrin Family, Jarrett Scott Ford, Kelleigh Kline, Doug Driggers, Johnson Family, Harold’s Feed and the Burnette Family.

And the work towards this cause won’t stop here. With a goal of $50,000 in mind, friends and family have joined together with even more fundraising ideas.

On September 22nd Keel & Curley will host The Blueberry Stomp Mud Run to benefit Darby. Darby’s friends plan a car wash. The Young Sprouts 4-H Club will raise a pig to show at the Hillsborough County Fair Swine Show in Darby’s honor, with proceeds going directly to Darby’s Foundation. Bracelets, car decals, and t-shirts have also been hot items for purchase during this time.

If you would like to contribute to Darby’s fund, donate at Bank of America under the custodial trust fund of Dwight and Darby Hasting. The family thanks you for any and all of your support.

Excitement and generosity filled the night air recently as nearly 300 guests gathered May 19th at the Red Rose

Ballroom to support a beautiful young teenager in her battle with the incurable disease known as FSGS (Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis).

FSGS is scarring within the kidney. Right now, Darby’s medicine is maintaining her situation; however, as time goes on she may need other medications, dialysis and eventually a transplant. There is no way to know how long it will be before she will need further treatment. Only time will tell.

The success of the Night Out Benefit will certainly help in any future costs Darby and her family may face. Gloria Hasitng, Darby’s mother, was amazed and appreciative at the number of people who

The Strawberry Festival Queen and Court showed their support by helping with the auction and raffle. Pictured: Victoria Garren, First Maid Calli Jo Parker, Queen Chelsea Bowden, Darby Hasting, Olivia Higgins, Erica Kelley Photo Courtesy of Julie Hasting

WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON


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LOCAL » FOCUS

HOSPITAL FOUNDATIONREIGNS ARE TURNED OVER

Judy Martin is one of the most recognized and respected individuals in the Plant City community. She

worked for Tampa Electric Company for 32 years in marketing and community affairs. In addition, she has been involved with supporting community events, activities and organizations like the Woman’s Club and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. However, she is most well known as being the Executive Director of the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation.

The South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation provides philanthropic support to South Florida Baptist Hospital. It is the foundation’s responsibility to ensure that the hospital can continue to meet the community’s need for top quality/local health care. Most importantly, thanks to the generosity of thousands of individuals, families and businesses, they have raised more than $7.5 million to benefit hospital patients and their families (www.sjbhealth.org).

At the helm of this very successful organization since it’s start up in October of 1995 has been Judy Martin. When she started the Foundation, there was no donor database, so they started from scratch. According to Judy, “We’ve built it up through the years with direct mail, events, capital campaigns, team member campaigns, etc. The foundation has only been possible because of great volunteers and a receptive/supportive community. I’ve been very lucky!”

Examples of events benefiting the Foundation include Diamonds & Denim, Fall Fancy and Lights of Love. Also, programs like Ladies Night Out, Keystone Circle and Mother’s Day have been instrumental in drawing attendees

and funds to the hospital. When asked what Judy feels have been her top two fundraising opportunities overall, she responded, “The capital campaign for the new ER – the volunteer committee raised some $1.3 million in record time – the new ER opened in 2006 with all 64 naming opportunities taken. “ The second of the top two fundraisers, she indicated, would be the Diamonds and Denim event. Judy continued, “It has constantly been well attended and the sponsorships have grown tremendously – it’s probably raised nearly $1 million for the hospital.”

Judy recently decided it was time to retire and turn over the reigns to the Foundation. She officially retired in May. As to her plans for now Judy explained, “I plan to take a few short trips during the summer. And . . . . . . my house will get a good thorough cleaning – closets, drawers, garage, . . . everything! I also plan to take an afternoon nap if I feel like it. Life is good.”

Taking over at the helm is Jana Butler. Jana is not a stranger to South Florida Baptist Hospital or Plant City. She has worked with the South Florida Baptist Hospital/Baycare Health System since January 2013 and lives in Plant City with her husband Bart. They have two children, son Blair, 21 and a junior at the University of Florida and daughter Brittany, 18, a 2012 Plant City High School graduate who will also attend UF in the fall.

Jana said, “I am looking forward to building new relationships with the people in Plant City through promoting South Florida Baptist Hospital’s missions and direction. Our annual fundraisers are great ways for people to get involved and support the needs of our community hospital.”WRITTEN BY: KELLEIGH KLEIN

Jana Butler (new Executive Director for the Foundation) and hospital COO, Stephen Nierman. Congratulate Judy Martin on her retirement. Photo by Kelleigh Klein

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LOCAL » FOCUS

PREGNANCY CARE CENTER OF PLANT CITY

Darlene Davis arrived here approximately three-and-a-half years ago to accept the position

of Executive Director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, a faith-based, non-profit organization that provides pregnancy and parental counseling. Plant City’s First Baptist Church owned the building housing the PCC. Immediately Davis knew that the building’s layout was not the best suited for the vision she and PCC board members had. The building, originally a one-story motel, had exterior doors spaced in equal intervals across the front and rooms were separated one from another by permanent walls. When clients visited, they would ring a doorbell at one of the many doors and then staff members would all race to determine which door should be opened to greet them. Mrs. Davis began the search for a more suitable building. Fortunately, this effort was not successful. One day while standing in the center’s parking lot, Davis realized that the present location was the perfect one. With bold and undeterred gumption, she asked Dr. Lewis if the church would be willing to give the building to the center. Dr. Lewis took this request back to the church board. Much prayer and wise counsel went into consideration of the request. On April 15 our community of families was blessed with the answer “Yes”. First Baptist of Plant City agreed to deed the building over to the Pregnancy Care Center and they now own it free and clear.

Now the real work was at hand. With the help and vision of local contractor Ray Young, Mrs. Davis, and board members of the Pregnancy Care Center, plans for renovations were drawn up. However, with this vision and desire came a hefty price tag. The PCC receives financial support through area churches and individuals and community fundraising efforts. To

date, approximately $60,000 toward the construction costs has been raised. The Center’s goal is to complete the building debt free and at this point only a mere $20,000 more is needed.

Recently, our community experienced the loss of an esteemed supporter of the PCC, Mr. Mike Storter. With his family’s encouragement, the Center will now accept donations towards the final amount needed to complete construction. The reception area will be dedicated in memory of Mike Storter and his faith-filled fight against leukemia. Mrs. Davis explained this decision’s significance with a profound but simply stated thought: “Mike Storter showed us how to fight for life and the fight for the unborn babies’ lives starts the second their mothers step into our reception room.”

The new ultrasound room will be dedicated in memory of baby Lilly Nicole Kocab. Her father, Tampa Police officer Jeffrey Kocab was killed in the line of duty while his wife Sara was still pregnant. Despite an adverse diagnosis determined by an ultrasound of their unborn child, the Kocabs had decided to carry Lilly to term. Sadly, she was stillborn upon delivery. Donations can be made to the Center in memory of father and daughter.

During renovations, the Center will remain fully operational. One of the original rooms now serves as a makeshift office for all business affairs. The Network at 639 E. Alexander Street in Plant City will handle the needs of women and families who come into the Center for help. Contact The Network at 813- 752-8700.

Stay posted for the grand opening of the newly renovated center in the early fall of 2012.

WRITTEN BY: APRIL LANGSTON

Pastor Jeff Howell President of Care Center Board and Darlene Davis Care Director. Photo by April Langston

Beginning the demolition project. Photo by April Langston

Pastors Michael Lewis and Jeff Howell with Colman Davis present the deed to the Pregnancy Care Center’s Director, Darlene Davis. Photo by April Langston


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How Florida’s New P.I.P. Insurance Law will Affect Aventura Drivers

Let’s just come out an say it, No matter what some cute little lizard on T.V. may try to tell you, most of us feel like we’re paying a bit too much for car insurance these days. Certainly, our Governor trumpeted it as a top priority this legislative session. It seemed like you could hardly open up a newspaper without reading about the imminent collapse of the car insurance market (usually right alongside a full-page ad of some cute critter trying to sell you some more . . . you guessed it . . . car insurance) and that something by golly had to be donen about it - now! Folks like me were paying close to $200 per year for P.I.P. insurance (creeping up from about $178 two years before). Forget skyrocketing gas prices, never mind a crumbling educational system, shove aside concerns about plummeting tourist numbers - we all wanted to know that as soon as our legislators had safely fi nished securing their own political places on the redistricting map they were getting right to work on this P.I.P. thing. And work on it they did. Let’s start with the premise that if we needed rate relief - we didn’t get it. This year our legislature passed comprehensive P.I.P. reform but they never actually required insurers to reduce rates. Sure, there is a suggestion that P.I.P. companies begin rate rollback but the law does not force a rate drop (it doesn’t even prevent rate increases). It only requires that insurance companies send an explanation letter to the insurance commissioner if they don’t lower rates. That’s it. So what did we consumers get from this reform designed to put money back in our pockets? In short, we got less coverage for the same (or more) money. For example, P.I.P. policies will now only offer $2,500 in coverage (down from $10,000 in coverage) unless the patient is diagnosed with a serious “emergency medical condition.” Services like massage and acupuncture will no longer be available and there will be no benefi ts at all unless the patient presents to a qualifi ed physician within 14 days of the accident.

For patients who do timely seek treatment, only services that are consistent with the physician’s initital diagnosis will likely be covered. In other words, if the ER omits an injury in their records (not to say that could ever happen), watch out - your insurer may claim it’s not covered even if you prove that the ER just missed it. Your treating doctors and hospital can also expect lower reimbursements based on new fee schedules (a 25% - 35% cut to nearly all hospital reimbursements) and watch for slower payments based on provisions allowing the insurer an additonal 60 days to investigate the claim for fraud. Finally, if you thought your P.I.P. insurer may now be able to require you to present yourself to their lawyers for an examination under oath (essentially a deposition) before deciding whether to pay your claim and may be able to force you to fi le a lawsuit if you want documentation verifying why your claim isn’t being paid. No doubt next year we’ll see bigger ads with even bigger reptiles promising to save us a ton of money on car insurance. I for one won’t hold my breath for the savings. I expect we’ll hear that we need just a few more insurance “reforms” before we all can fi nally see those savings they’ve been promising. Russel Lazega is an attorney and author of the most widely distributed legal textbook on Florida automobil insurance (P.I.P.) law, West Florida Practice Series Volume 7. Mr. Lazega represents over 400 medical providers, including 10 Florida hospitals, and is based in Dania Beach, Orlando and Tampa Florida. July 4th is “Independence Day” - Please join with us to pray for our countryGod Bless YouDr. Dukes and staff

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LOCAL » FOCUS

TURKEY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOLOLYMPIC DAY

soldiers and Turkey Creek athletes. The school’s staff organized this event in which students tried out and competed in track and field, basketball, archery and other sports. A teachers’ pentathlon and closing ceremonies followed the afternoon session.

Turkey Creek Middle School’s annual Olympic Day held Wednesday, May 23 featured opening ceremonies

that included the Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office, MacDill Air Force Base

WRITTEN BY: APRIL LANGSTON

2nd- Kevin Mohler 2nd- Rebekah VanHorn3rd- Darrell Burnside 3rd- Lily Foley

7th/8th Grade Boys Long Jump: 7th/8th Grade Girls Long Jump:1st- Pedro Espinal 1st- Traile Robbins2nd- Robert Lara 2nd- Jackie Altman3rd- Chance Lapidus 3rd- Kaleigh Raulerson

7th/8th Grade Boys 200 meters: 7th/8th Grade Girls 200 meters:1st- Jonathan Sanchez 1st- Alexis Brundridge2nd- Julian Ibarra 2nd- Brittani Shaw3rd- Pedro Espinal 3rd- Traile Robbins

7th/8th Grade Boys 100 meters: 7th/8th Grade Girls 100 meters:1st- Justin Rogers 1st- Maddie Reed2nd- Kevin Kern 2nd- Kaleigh Raulerson3rd- Henry Betancourt 3rd- Aubrey Davis

7th/8th Grade Boys 400 meters: 7th/8th Grade Girls 400 meters:1st- Robert Lara 1st- Savannah Shaw2nd- Michael Whatley 2nd- Kayla Macomb3rd- tie- Steven Witchowsky & 3rd- Kailey LockeSergio Quiroz-Cruz

7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball: 7th/8th Grade Girls Basketball:1st- Blake Moody 1st- Brandy Ashmore2nd- Steven Witchowsky 2nd- Lily Foley3rd- Travis Riley 3rd- Alexis Brundridge

7th/8th Grade Boys Archery: 7th/8th Grade Girls Achery:1st- Isaiah Cavataio 1st- Brandy Ashmore2nd- Federico Gonzalez 2nd- Mariah Calvillo3rd- Chris Lane 3rd- Cyan Perez

Winners of the events were: 6th Grade Boys 400 meters: 6th Grade Girls 400 meters:1st- James Sloan 1st- Emily Beauchamp2nd- Bryar Christian 2nd- Naomi Hernandez3rd- Ferman Bueno 3rd- Adrianna Lane

6th Grade Boys 200 meters:6th Grade Girls 200 meters:1st- Cody Vining 1st- Kathrina Jean2nd-tie: Estevan Castro & Daimon Shepherd 2nd- Vashaura Green3rd- Juan Rojo 3rd- Ana Gonzalez-Medina

6th Grade Boys 100 meters:6th Grade Girls 100 meters:1st- Gunner Thomas 1st- Lauren Hoges2nd- Jordan Clark 2nd- Ashley Davis3rd- Tanner Jurnigan 3rd- tie: Danyelle Harris & Baylee Astin

6th Grade Boys Basketball: 6th Grade Girls Basketball:1st- Bryar Christian 1st- Cheyenne Renner2nd- Dakota Allen 2nd- Adrianna Lane3rd- Charlie Heidel 3rd- Harley Jameson

6th Grade Boys long jump: 6th Grade Girls Long Jump:1st- David Morales 1st- Emily Beauchamp2nd- Omar Delgado 2nd- Lauren Hoges3rd- Tanner Jernigan 3rd- Salma Rosales

6th Grade Boys Archery: 6th Grade Girls Archery:1st- Jory Cole 1st- Callie Dilport2nd- Kyle Almskog 2nd- Alita Mehaffey3rd- Ian Youmans 3rd- Cathy Santana

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LOCAL » FOCUS

PRESCRIBED LIFEPlant City High School graduate,

Morgan Davis (Class of 2009) is a new local author.

Through an eclectic process and with support from friends and family, Davis has created a fantasy novel that will take readers to the land of dreams with characters they will want to know and with whom they can connect.

According to Morgan, Prescribed Life started off as an unwritten manuscript designed to entertain an underground audience. In the beginning he sent text messages to a friend that quickly filled the inbox and wore out the keys on his phone. Chapters developed and with the encouragement of a friend and a secondhand laptop, Morgan was able to complete his first rough draft in January 2011.

Morgan’s imagination and gift with words far exceed what most would expect for someone his age. He works two part-time jobs to make ends meet and believes that stepping out on this ledge and taking this leap will lead to success. With his imagination and spark he should easily create a popular and sought after series. Morgan simply wants to create easy reading, suspenseful literature that is

attractive to all readers.

Along with close friends and with the push and motivating support of his brother, Jesse Starr, Morgan has finished his first book and is working his way through the second in the series. All of the design and artwork for the book and Morgan’s website http://www.prescribedlife.com/ are Jesse’s work. Readers and visitors can also learn more and share thoughts through book discussions at http://www.facebook.com/#!/prescribedlifeliterature. While scrolling through Morgan’s website, pay close attention to the music and lyrics, all original work by Morgan. With his natural ability as a wordsmith and with the help of the musically talented Cliff Brown from Plant City’s own Clemons Road band, Morgan desires to continue to piece music with his books. His book is available through his website, or through Kindle and Amazon.com. (http://www.amazon.com/Prescribed-Life-ebook/dp/B0082HCP92)

Morgan’s inspiring words resonate and encourage, “Remember, anything can be achieved through the initiative of an open mind.”

A NOVEL BY MORGAN DAVIS WRITTEN BY: APRIL LANGSTON

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LOCAL » FOCUS

BURNEY ELEMENTARY

The Esther D. Burney Elementary School at 901 S. Evers St., grades pre-kindergarten through grade five,

is a school where 90% of the children are considered ‘at-risk’. Approximately 96% of all 348 students attending qualify for the free or reduced lunch program and 95% of Burney students are considered a minority group.

In 2002 the school received an F-failing grade for its overall educational rating. Since then, Burney has been showing marked improvement.

Last year a check for $10,000 in grant money from Beall’s Department Store was presented to Burney. “The money will give us the base we need to develop new learning tools for our students,” said Principal Sally Stephens.

The greatest ‘learning tools’ she invested in were two teachers: Josh Cline a Physical Education teacher and Adrienne Wills, a music teacher. This is the first year teaching for both. One of the first things each accomplished was to apply for and receive additional grants for their departments.

Wills’ grant was for guitars so her students could learn to play the popular instrument. “We had a tremendously large audience for our spring concert. It was wonderful to see so many parents here to support their child’s interest in music. Like P.E., it teaches teamwork and a spirit of cooperation. Her students are very excited about the school summer program she is

conducting,” said Stephens.The grant Cline applied for purchased golf equipment and he now coaches youngsters in a game in which few with economic disadvantages ever have opportunity to learn. He says they are very enthusiastic about the game that also teaches hand/eye coordination, focus and self-control.

He believes these children are natural-born physically gifted athletes who don’t have the dollars to spend on video games and more sedentary activities, so they have been running, playing and strengthening their bodies. Now they need to learn the psychological benefits of being active, fit, and cooperative.

“This was our first field day in eight years. We’re trying to create a renaissance in P.E., minimizing traditional games by getting the mind involved with timed rotations and innovation. The goal is to bring the health fitness beyond the 88 percentile we have already reached. When we started the year many were below 50%, so that is a huge advance. If you are physically fit, the odds are that you are also mentally fit. Our FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) scores have gone through the roof this year,” says Cline.

Stephens is proud of her teachers and what is happening at Burney. “It was a spectacular field day despite the rain. In all my years of teaching, I have never had teachers display such thoughtful patience and be such encouragers to their students.”

FIRST YEAR TEACHERS INSPIRE STUDENTS TO EXCELWRITTEN BY: CHERYL KUCK

This station is called the ‘parachute’ and students bounce the balls out of the parachute by shaking it.Photo by Esther D. Burney Elementary School

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LOCAL » FOCUS

LIBRARIANS RETIRE

After a 35-year career with Bruton Memorial Library, Carol Lane will soon be retiring. Throughout her

time here, she has become an appreciated mentor who has impacted children through games, story times and many other family events. Carol reminisced, “I will miss the staff, the patrons, the books and most of all the children and the programming.”

In addition to the extensive list of retirement activities she has planned, such as painting, woodworking and knitting to name a few, Lane still hopes to interact with children. She explained, “I would like to continue to do something similar on my own, creating programs, presenting programs or just working with children.” After a 45-year career and 10 years of service to Plant City, Gale Vaccaro is retiring. She utilizes her expertise in computer skills and research to aid young

and old alike. Gale described her work as “piecing together a puzzle with clients of the library. People will come into the library wanting factual information for school projects, work or even to satisfy their own curiosity.” Together with the clients, Gale searches to answer and solve these puzzles.

As to how she plans to spend her retirement time, Vaccaro explained, “After two hip replacements my husband found the perfect form of exercise for us - Three-Wheeler Low-Riding bikes- so we can explore more of Florida together and stay in shape.”

Many have asked offer a donations for gifts or to place a book in honor of Gale or Carol. To do so, make checks payable to Bruton Memorial Library and mark to the attention of Danielle or Debbie. The City’s gifts policy can be viewed at http://www.plantcitygov.com/index.aspx?nid=469.

BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY WILL BE SAYING FAREWELL TO TWO BELOVED EMPLOYEES, GALE VACCARO AND CAROL LANE WRITTEN BY: APRIL LANGSTON

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After months of promise the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center cut the ribbon and officially

opened the Smithsonian exhibition Journey Stories on Saturday, May 26. State Representative Rich Glorioso and a number of Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors assisted Photo Archives Executive Director Gil Gott in the ribbon cutting.

Those gathered for the ribbon cutting were the first to visit the exhibition following the invitational preview and reception Friday evening and were treated to coffee and pastries while they took in the expansive display. The first tour group was a women’s church group led by Photo Archives Advisory Council members Gwen Thomas and Liesta Sykes.

Other groups enjoying the gripping stories told by the exhibit include Hillsborough Virtual Middle School, McDonald

Training Center – James Ranch, and Wilson Elementary third graders. Other groups scheduling tours include Aston Gardens Court, University Village, and various Red Hat groups, seniors, and church groups. For groups and tour information call the Photo Archives office at 813.754.1578. The exhibition is open every day – Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Journey Stories is part of the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibitions and will be on display at the Photo Archives until closing at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7. The exhibition consists of six free-standing multi-sided kiosks covering the flow of American history from the colonies to the jet age. The exhibit stands over seven feet tall and all six kiosks cover over 800 square feet of gallery space and includes audio narrations, spectacular graphics, flip-books, videos and more.

Sculptures Capture VisitorsThe Plant City Sculptures Exhibit, featuring eight life-size bronze sculptures from the Seward Johnson “Man on the Street” series, has captured the fancy of Plant City residents and visitors alike. Candy Owens, secretary at the Photo Archives, says that people come by all day long and pause to have their photo taken with the “Sidewalk Judge” on the bench. This unique sculpture sits on the sidewalk in front of the Photo Archives building and has attracted women, who plop in his lap, and children, who enjoy holding his cane.

The eight sculptures are located in front of the historic Union Station, and in McCall Park, as well as in front of the Photo Archives building at 106 South Evers Street, and in front of the Plant City Entertainment building at the corner of Thomas and Drane Street. Maps showing the sculptures and their

locations can be picked up at the Union Station / Depot, at the Photo Archives office, or at the Chamber of Commerce building at 106 North Evers Street.

The sculptures were brought to Plant City through the work of Myrle Henry, Marion Smith, Jim McDaniel, and the Photo Archives and History Center, and are sponsored by the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, the City of Plant City Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Arts Council of Plant City, and also with assistance from the Art Gallery and Lounge. The sculptures will be on display until the end of July and are on loan from The Sculpture Foundation in Santa Monica, California.

Journey Stories Storytelling Evenings ContinueAs part of the Smithsonian exhibit program, the Photo Archives and History Center has been holding storytelling events at various locations in Plant City. The first was held at the Bruton Memorial Library January 24, and then on February 17 a special lunchtime program was held at the Bealsville Recreation Center. On April 26 a program was held at the Union Station/Depot in downtown, and on May 10 a storytelling evening was held at the historic Bing Rooming House on Allen Street.

On Tuesday, June 19, a Journey Stories local storytelling evening will be held at the Educational Partnership Center on the HCC-Plant City Campus, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The building is on the south side of Cherry Street behind the Workforce Alliance building. Speakers include local residents Jack Gibbs and Martha Sue Hawkins Skinner speaking on their journey stories, and Dr. Gary Mormino, Frank E. Duckwall Professor of History and Co-director of the Florida Studies Program at the University of South Florida, will speak on Florida’s social development.

The final storytelling evening will be Thursday, July 26, at the Photo Archives and History Center, 106 South Evers Street, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and will include Jossie Azorin, Judith Gaspar, and Dr. Dania Alarcon speaking about migrating from Cuba to America. for further information call 813.754.1578, or email [email protected].

LOCAL » DID YOU KNOW

SMITHSONIAN EXHIBIT OPENS TO ENTHUSED PLANT CITY VISITORS

SUBMITTED BY: PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES & HISTORY CENTER

Gil and the Sidewalk Judge, who has proved to pretty popular. Photo by Plant City Photo Archives

Smithsonian exhibition Journey Stores opened to a church group visit, May 26, 2012. Photo by Plant City Photo Archives

University of Florida History Professor Dr. Steve Noll presents a talk on the history of transportation in Florida at the Plant City Photo Archives Journey stories event 04.26.12 Photo by Plant City Photo Archives


GREATER PLANT CITYCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Juneteenth Culture Fest 2012 will be held Saturday, June 16th from noon until 7:00 p.m. at Sam Cooper Park,

which is located at 912 E. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. They’ll have music in the genres of rhythm & blues, hip hop, and gospel, along with dance and more. Juneteenth is a national celebration to commemorate the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was effective on January 1, 1863, Texas resisted. Federal troops, led by Union General Gordon Granger, arrived in Texas to seize control of the state and ensure the abolishment of slavery. For more information on this annual family event, contact Sharon Moody at 813-453-7234.

The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be held Saturday, June 16th from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. in downtown Plant City. The car show features cars that are at least 25 years old, with may classics on hand from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. This is a great family event if you’re looking for a relaxing evening. Several downtown merchants are open longer hours to accommodate the crowds. You’ll probably run into many of your friends and neighbors. There are several food vendors, and the atmosphere is great.

Sunday June 17th is Father’s Day! Happy Father’s Day to everyone!

The new Chamber members this month include:• Elite Credit Solutions, which held its ribbon cutting June 7th at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce• Liberty National Insurance will hold its ribbon cutting on Tuesday June 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce,• Fluid Measurement will hold its ribbon cutting Tuesday June 26th at 11:00 a.m. at 911 S. Woodrow Wilson St. Suite 22-23• Faith Christian Academy will hold its

ribbon cutting Wednesday June 27th at 11:00 a.m. at 1202 S. Collins St. Come join everyone to learn a little about each business, wish them much success and participate in the ribbon cutting.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will be holding their monthly Business After-Hours on Thursday June 21st at Chili’s, 3001 S. Jim Redman Parkway. The Business After-Hours is held the third Thursday each month, hosted by a current Chamber member, and allows members an opportunity to network and spend time with each other in a casual environment. If you’ve never attended a Business After-Hours event, come out to Chili’s and enjoy a great experience.

The Summer Patriotic Concert, presented by the Plant City Community Choir, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 30th at St. Clemet Catholic Church. For more information, contact Joyce Nestor at 813-493-1979.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the 2012 Business of the Year Awards, which will take place in November. It is an honor simply to be nominated by your peers. Chamber members, please take a moment to complete the form included with your last newsletter. You can fax it to the Chamber at 813-752-8793. To request another, call the Chamber at 813-754-3707.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome Nikki McAlpine as the new Membership Director. Nikki, a lifelong resident of Plant City, is very excited about her new challenge. If you’re not a Chamber member, Nikki will be happy to stop by your business and explain the great benefits of Chamber membership.

LOCAL » CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUBMITTED BY: BRIAN WEST

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focusmakeover

on you

Most of us will experience stressful times at some point in our lives. If we’re lucky, the stress comes and goes quickly and we return to our “normal.” However, some people go through times that involve much

more and last months or even years - events like death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, personal illness or serious injury.

FOCUS Magazine recognizes that many in our community not only go through stressful times, but they also walk through them while continuing to bless and care for others. Each year we invite our readers to write in to describe the heroic women they know, who even while facing difficult times, still “give back” and positively impact those around them.

On May 14th, the FOCUS Magazine team read through every letter submitted for this year’s makeover. Each was compelling and written from the heart. It is obvious to the staff that our community is stronger for the many determined women who even though facing challenges, still give of their time and their talents to help someone else. The team then had the difficult task of selecting just four ladies who would get to enjoy a full day of pampering, focused on them and for their relaxation.

In the pages that follow, read to learn more about the wonderful women we selected to be featured in the 2012 FOCUS on You Makeover.

From the moment the contest is advertised, team FOCUS begins inviting local businesses to contribute time and talents to help ensure a wonderful day for our winners. The FOCUS On You Makeover experience begins on a Thursday evening at Dillard’s at the Westfield Brandon shopping mall. This year manager Jill Nicholson greeted the ladies, congratulated them for being selected and explained how the shopping for a new outfit would begin.

A friend or family member attended with each lady to help her select an outfit. The women modeled, laughed, snapped pictures and received input from their friends on the best styles, colors, and flattering fit. Brigittia Long, owner of the You Botique, donated accessories to complement the outfits each selected.

On Friday morning, May 18th, the winners met at Fred’s Southern Kitchen to enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet and meet one another. Jarrett-Scott Ford and Bartow Chevrolet donated SUVs for the day, so the ladies could be chauffeured to their appointments. The first stops were at The Artistry, Textures Hair Studio and Remedi Medispa for massages and facials. Lunch provided by The Catering Company and Café was delivered to the ladies while they were relaxing.

Next, it was off to get manicures, pedicures, hair styling and make-up, courtesy of The Artistry, Textures Hair Studio, Shear Divine Hair and Nail Salon, and Merle Norman. With their fresh new looks, the ladies headed home to dress for dinner.That evening, three of the winners and their escorts were delivered to Cowboys Steakhouse and Saloon in a limo provided by Kings Limousine for a night of dining and fun.

FOCUS would like to thank those who took time to write letters nominating their heroic woman for our annual Makeover event. The selection process becomes more difficult each year. We’d also like to acknowledge the generosity of the businesses that made this 2012 Makeover a very special experience for the winners. All of you touched our hearts and confirmed for us once again why we do what we do - tell your stories and connect with the best community in the world.

Continue reading to learn about our amazing winners.

FOCU

STV

EXCLUSIVEFOCUSTV followed these four amazing women on their makeover journey.

See the full video of the days events here...

www.focusplantcity.com

We would like to thank all of the businesses that participated in the 2012 Focus On You Makeover

The Artistry, Bartow Chevrolet, The Catering Company, Clemon’s Road Band Cowboy’s Steakhouse, Dillard’s Brandon Westfield Mall,

Fred’s Southern Kitchen, Jarrett-Scott Ford, Merle Norman, Remedi Day Spa, Shear Divine, Textures Hair Salon

by Kelleigh Klein

focusmakeover

on youfocus

makeoveron you

http://www.focusplantcity.com


Laura Johnson

Hi,

My name is Daryl Johnson. I want to nominate

my wife, Laura Johnson. She has been an

inspiration to my family.

Almost two years ago she made a decision to

undergo a stomach staple procedure. This

resulted in her health improving as she lost

almost 200 pounds. She has been going back

to school full-time and working full-time until

recently when she lost her job. She has been

fighting depression ever since.

In addition, we recently lost our first grandchild

after birth. This was a truly devastating

event in our lives. However, through all of

the challenges, Laura has been worried about

everyone else and put herself and her needs last.

I feel she is very deserving of this makeover and

it would be good for her to feel special for a

day.

Thank you,Daryl Johnson

Before

After

Laura Johnson


Sometimes life presents us with great opportunities and sometimes we are presented with seemingly unbearable challenges. Laura Johnson has been a recipient of both these past few years . . .

Two years ago, due to obesity and poor health, Laura opted for a gastric bypass proce-dure. The resulting 200-pound weight loss improved her health and renewed her energy enough that she returned to school full-time while still working full-time and caring for her family.

Last fall, Laura lost her job of six years due to financial cutbacks after working 6 years with this company. The current economic climate has prevented Laura from finding new work, a real challenge for someone who’s worked many years to help support her family.

The “straw that broke the camel’s back” for Laura came in May this year when the much anticipated birth of her first grandchild ended tragically during the delivery of Daryl and Laura’s beautiful grandson, Clayton Keith Johnson.

Laura’s makeover day began at Remedi Medispa with a personal greeting from owner Stacey Dunn. Laura was treated to a massage and luxurious facial. Stacey said, “I hope Laura was able to relax and put her stress and care to the side for awhile and enjoy being pampered.” If Laura’s big smile was any indication, she was definitely feeling less stress by the end of her visit.

Next Laura visited Shear Divine Hair and Nails where salon owner Julie Broome provided her with an “in vogue” haircut and style that made her feel like a new woman. Sharra Bledsoe-Ferguson, the manicure and pedicure “perfectionist,” gave Laura a fresh and fun color that worked perfectly with her dress for dinner. The finishing touch to Laura’s new look came from makeup by Merle Norman’s Allison Adcock.

And perhaps the best part - Daryl was completely wowed by his wife’s new look. The couple enjoyed the entire evening from limo ride to dinner’s end.

meet the makeover team

massage facial mani/pedi

makeup hair

Abbey JonesRemedi Medispa

AllisonMerle Norman

Julie BroomeShear Divine

Maria PadronRemedi Medispa

SharraShear Divine


Cindy Bedolla

Hi FOCUS Magazine-

My mom, Cindy Bedolla, deserves to have a day just for her where she

doesn’t have to worry about anyone other than herself for several

reasons.

First, when I was six my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. When

she first discovered the lump in her left breast, the doctor told her

it wasn’t anything to worry about and to come back and see him in six

months. Uncomfortable with that diagnosis, she went for a second

opinion where she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

When given the option for a lumpectomy with an increased risk of the

cancer returning or a mastectomy with a much less increased risk of

the cancer returning, she opted for the full breast removal and told the

doctor, “I will worry how I look later.” So she went in for the surgery

on my seventh birthday, followed by rounds of chemo and radiation

treatment. I am proud to say that in January I turned 24 and she has

been cancer free for 17 years now!

Another reason I feel my mom deserves this opportunity is because

about nine years ago one of our cousins was diagnosed with cervical

cancer. She was just 27 and a single mother of a 3-year-old son and

a 4-year-old daughter. My cousin lost her battle to cancer that same

year. As the children’s father was not involved in their lives, my cousin’s

mother volunteered to care for the son, but she was unable to take on

both children. So rather than see the 4-year- old face foster care, my

mom stepped up and asked to adopt her, so not only could she stay in

the family, but she would have two loving parents to raise her. She has

been considered my sister from then on. My parents both love her as

if she were their own. My mother is always putting everyone else first

and never expects anything in return. If she were to win, I’m sure she

would probably burst into tears because she never expects people to do

anything like this for her. I am forever grateful that you offer these

opportunities.

Thank you,Cayla Ramirez

Before

After

Cindy Bedolla


Cancer has impacted Cindy and her family in many challenging ways. Her personal battle with breast cancer was a hard fought win. After surgery to remove the can-cer, she still had to face rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to ensure a second

chance at life. Her daughter indicated that even when Cindy was going through cancer herself and dealing with the physical challenges of treatment, her primary focus was her family and making sure that their needs were met.

Nine years ago, when Cindy’s 27-year-old cousin and single mother of two was diag-nosed with cervical cancer, Cindy stepped up to be her caregiver. She knew the illness could be devastating and that she would need someone to hold her hand and help with the children. When the young mother lost her cancer battle, Cindy did not feel her caregiving role was over. She learned that one of her cousin’s children (a four-year-old daughter) had no one to raise her and was facing possible foster care. Cindy knew she could provide a loving home for the little girl, so she and her husband adopted their new daughter.

When a member of FOCUS Magazine called Cindy to let her know she had won, she indicated they were short staffed at work and she didn’t know if she could get off. Within an hour, she called and said her boss, Marc Poling with Mango Cleaners was in full support of Cindy taking the day off to participate in the FOCUS On You Makeover Day. He was very happy she had been selected and thus, her makeover journey began.

Cindy’s makeover day, spent at the Artistry, began with a massage by Leah Clark, LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) and a facial by Tonya Groninger. Jenna Gates Berg-wall styled Cindy’s hair and her JoAnn Register provided the finishing touches to her makeup and nails.

Since Cindy’s daughter Cayla nominated her for the FOCUS On You Makeover, Cindy brought Cayla as her dinner guest. The two ladies were picked up in the limo and en-joyed a wonderful dinner and night together with one another and new friends. Cindy said, “ I have never been pampered this much . I truly feel like a princess”


massage facial mani/pedi

makeup hair

LeahThe Artistry

JoannThe Artistry

JennaThe Artistry

TonyaThe Artistry

LindaThe Artistry


Angel Sullivan

Dear FOCUS Magazine-

I want to nominate my Aunt Angel.

Her son just died in February and she

is always crying. She has the whole

house covered with pictures of him.

She is always alone and said that

every night she would climb in his

bed and every morning she would feel

his pillow and then start crying again.

She does a lot for my uncle and her

brother.

From, Joel

Before

After

Angel Sullivan

On January 22, 2012, single mother Angel Sullivan’s world changed forever . . . Her son Brandon Sullivan, age 16, walked with a friend to a nearby convenience store for a beverage. Angel had no idea it would be the last

time she saw her son alive. A car driven by Timoteo Gabriel DeJesus struck Brandon and another young man. Brandon died instantly. In an online post at tbo.com, Angel said, “I’m lost.” She continued, “He had so much to live for and was doing well. He didn’t even have a chance.” Brandon, who wanted to be a chef, would have graduated high school in 2013.

Angel has not left her home much since the tragedy. She’s been unable to return to work. Her friends and family indicated she really needed to have a day of pampering. Angel was hesitant about accepting the makeover invitation. However, as the day unfolded, she appeared to be opening up and relaxing.

Angel’s day of pampering was spent at Textures Hair Studio. When she walked through the door, she was immediately greeted with hugs, tears and the phrases “I love you” and “We miss you.” Some may call it fate, some may call it God’s divine intervention, but Angel was spending the day with her fellow employees from whom she had taken a leave after the accident. Catching up with good friends started the day off perfectly . . .

Angel’s makeover team at Textures provided an over-the-top experience. Not only did Team Textures massage, cut, color and style her to look like a new woman, but her friends at Textures also stayed around for the day to catch up and visit with her. She was truly treated like a queen.


makeup/hair

Lisa EdwardsTextures Hair Studio

massage/facial

Diane StocktonTextures Hair Studio

mani/pedi

Carla YoumansTextures Hair Studio

Laura Storter

Dear FOCUS,

I go to church and my friend that goes to church with me

is struggling with a lot, especially with her dad. Her dad has

been struggling with Leukemia for 2-3 years. My friend’s

mom, Mrs. Laura Storter, has been dealing with two children,

a house, pets and Mr. Mike Storter. She also has to cook

dinner. Her daughters are Taryn and Hope Storter. Taryn is

a 4th grader and 10 years old. Hope is in preschool and is 5

years old.

Mrs. Laura is a sweet, nice and loving woman that does

everything for everyone else but herself. I think she needs

a little time to relax and have some time to think about

the good things that have happened, like how long Mr. Mike

Storter has lived. The doctors gave him 14 days, but it has

been 40 – 50 days that he is still alive. Mr. Mike Storter is

in a horrible situation right now. But I hope you understand

the problems and situations that Mrs. Laura has been going

through and that she will be picked and be one of the four.

Sincerely,

Jacelyn Shissler

Before

After

Laura Storter

Many letters were sent to FOCUS Magazine nominating Laura Storter for this year’s makeover. Laura and her husband Mike Storter, who passed away in late May, have been strong Christian role models devoted to their faith in Christ, to

one another, to their daughters and to their church family and friends. Their life testimo-nies during times of health and times of sickness have blessed thousands.

Since Mike was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009, Laura has not wavered in her faith in Jesus nor wallowed in her circumstances. Because of God’s indescribable peace, she is handling her husband’s death with assurance and grace as she continues to bless others. Those who attended Mike’s funeral will likely never forget the slideshow of the loving and much-loved family, often surrounded by the young people to whom they ministered and served as examples.

Due to a conflict with Hope’s graduation from preschool Thursday evening, Laura couldn’t join the group for shopping, so she selected her new outfit earlier in the after-noon.

She met the group at Fred’s the morning of the makeover and immediately bonded with the other three winners. The group chatted over breakfast and coffee, sharing their stories and kinds words of encouragement with one another.

Laura also spent her day of pampering at The Artistry, where Leah Clark provided a relaxing massage and Tonya Groninger provided a soothing facial. Afterwards Mistie Collins styled her hair and applied her makeup. Linda Hall was Laura’s manicurist for the day.

Laura did not ride in the limousine to Cowboy’s for dinner because she was accom-panied by her two daughters, Taryn, 10, and Hope, 5, along with her parents Coleman and Sue Davis and her brother Jamie Davis. When Taryn saw the limo pull up with the other contestants, she mentioned that was one of things she really wanted to do sometime . . . “ride in a limo”. Her wish came true when at evening’s end, Laura and her daughters were taken home in the limousine.


mani/pedi

LaVonneThe Artistry

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MistieThe Artistry

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LeahThe Artistry

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TonyaThe Artistry

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This month we know our readers will enjoy and be more than encouraged by the words of three local Class of 2012 high school valedictorians:

Bijen Patel of Plant City, Kellen Fisher of Durant and Ruben Godinez of Strawberry Crest.

Traditionally, this title from the Latin root “vale dicere,” which means to say farewell, is conferred upon the highest grade point graduate. In turn, that student wordsmiths and delivers a speech at the class

graduation ceremony that inspires reflection and expresses gratitude for the years many call the happiest of their lives.

Focus Magazine would like to extend special appreciation to the HCPS system, supportive families, dedicated educators, and this caring community for assisting such outstanding scholars. Our future lies in the great hands and great minds of students like these three.

Interview by Cheryl JohnstonPhotography by Anthony Sassano


Focus: Congratulations, Gentlemen. Tell us rst a little about your supportive families and the schools you have attended.

PATEL: My family includes my mother Mayuri, my father Jayesh and my brother Samir Patel, who will soon be a junior at PCHS. We enjoy going out for special meals and attending social gatherings together with friends. I’ve attended only three schools: Walden Lake Elementary, Tomlin Middle, and PCHS.

FISHER: My parents are Jeff and Karen Fisher and I have a brother, Duncan Fisher, who’s 15. I spent all four years at Durant after Mulrennan Middle and Buckhorn El-ementary. My family enjoys going out to dinner and just hanging out together.

GODINEZ: Maria and Ruben Godinez are my parents and my sister Karen is 20. She’s married to Jesus and has a son Pedro. We are a very close family and we’re good friends, too. We like to watch movies together. I attended elementary school at Jackson and at Escuela Primaria Jose Rolon in Mexico. � en I went to Tomlin, PCHS for one year and Strawberry Crest for three years.

Focus: What did it take to become valedictorian and when did you decide to pursue that position?

PATEL: I have not long had a goal to be valedictorian, but I have always made education a priority. My weighted GPA was 8.92 and 4.0 unweighted. I’ve taken 14 AP classes and some online. Science was my favorite subject. � e time I spent on studies varied quite a bit.

FISHER: I knew in the 9th grade that I wanted to be a valedictorian. After 15 Advanced Placement courses my GPA is 6.715 weighted and 3.87 unweighted. I took one online course. History was my favorite subject and typically, I studied two hours a day.

GODINEZ: When I learned that I was ranked #1 at Strawberry Crest I was determined to keep my position. With 15 AP classes, my weighted GPA is 7.0 and unweighted is

3.97. I took no high school courses online, but did 5 dual enrollment classes at Hillsborough Community College. My favorite subjects were

Law Studies, Statistics, Weight Lifting and lunch. I usu-ally studied for one to two hours a day.

Focus: What are your plans for college?

PATEL: I will attend the University of South Florida in Tampa as a USF Presidential Scholar and USF Honors

Scholar and major in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training with the eventual intent to be an anesthesiologist. I’m

thankful for the Bright Futures 1270 Scholarship and Armed Forces Communications and Electron-ics Association (AFCEA) Scholarship, too.

FISHER: I was awarded a freshman scholarship to Florida State University and I plan to graduate there. I’m not sure at the moment as to a major.

GODINEZ: I will attend Duke University on their Trinity Scholarship and then law school with plans to become a prosecuting attorney. Additionally, I’m

BubbaQues and am involved in community service with My Brother’s Keeper at St. Clement’s Catholic Church, where I’m in the youth group. I volunteered also with the PC Recreation Dept. At school I was voted “Best All Around Senior” and Prom King. I received an Academic Letter and an Athletic Excellence Award as well.

Focus: Describe your career goals and future.

PATEL: First, I will graduate from college and then make decisions from there.

FISHER: Although I’m unsure of my major yet, I expect to be in graduate school within fi ve years and have a steady career within ten years.

GODINEZ: My fi ve-year goal is to graduate from Duke and be enrolled in Duke’s Law School. Within ten years I hope to pass the bar exam and become a member of the Hillsborough County District Attorney’s Offi ce.

Focus: What lls your spare time? Name a few of your favorites.

PATEL: In my spare time I hang out with my friends, go to the gym, play basketball and play video games. I like to eat Baby Back Ribs, watch Boss on television and listen to music by Lil’ Wayne, Drake and Tyga. It would be interesting to have LeBron James as a Facebook friend.

FISHER: I spend time with my girlfriend and I enjoy working out. I watch the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and the Colbert Report. My favorite food is steak and I like the song “Take Care” by Drake and Rihanna.

GODINEZ: I like to be either at the gym or playing soccer. My favorite foods are enfri-joladas and sirloin steak. I listen to Blink 182, Rise Against, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley and Yellowcard. On TV I watch How I Met Your Mother, Scrubs and Lie to Me. � e Marvel movies are great - like Ironman and � e Avengers. As for sports teams, I’m for

the Dallas Cowboys, Chivas de Guadalajara and FC Barcelona.

Focus: Brie� y mention one thing you’ll remember about your high school experience.

PATEL: I did not expect to learn statistics, which is a very unique type of math class and one I enjoyed. � e entire senior year has been full of fun and joy since day one and I will never forget it. � anks to all my friends for the numer-ous memories throughout the senior year.

FISHER: It’s been a great four years with plenty to remember and it’s diffi cult to narrow it down to just one.

GODINEZ: At the end of my AP Microeconomics exam, the whole class was doing the wave from one side of

the testing room to the other and when time ex-

thankful for the Barnes Scholarship and a Hillsborough County Scholar Athletes Scholarship as well as scholarships from St. Clement’s Catholic Church, Unity in the Community, Plant City Chamber of Com-merce, SCHS Booster Club.

Focus: Will you mention a few favorite teachers, classes and strong in� uences?

PATEL: I would like to give a shout out to Mr. Padgett. He has been my teacher for three years now and is a phenomenal advanced placement teacher. Since ninth grade he has prepared me for rigorous course work and has played a role in my success. He set me on the right path early in high school. Mrs. Rice, who I have known for 10 years now, is another teacher who has always been there for me. Mr. Schism is a phenomenal English teacher who gives great advice for life through his daily lessons. One person who has had a great infl uence on me is my dad. He worked very hard to get to where he is at now, and he continues to work hard on a daily basis.

FISHER: Mr. Haczynski in AP Human Geogra-phy and in Philosophy opened my eyes on how to look at life. Mr. Shimkus, who teaches AP U.S. History and AP Government, is a great teacher and someone who really knows his subject.

GODINEZ: Mr. Boyd in AP World His-tory helped me discover a love for history. Mr. Meredith in AP U.S. History guided me and helped with college applications and recommended me for several scholarships. Mr. Compton in AP U.S. Government helped me to prepare many essays for scholarships. I admire my mother because she does not only work from 7AM-4PM, but also from 4PM-7AM. She never stops providing for our family. She’s an inspiration and a role model.

Focus: With what activities were you involved?

PATEL: I earned community service hours and enjoyed the work environment in the surgery center at our local hospital. I was also involved in Future Business Leaders of America, Science Club, Math Club, Academic Club, National Junior Honor Society, Key Club and the Special Olympics.

FISHER: I was a member of National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor So-ciety and recognized as Order of the Elks- Student of the Year. I played JV and Varsity football, performed 100+ community service hours at TOPS and Cracker Country, and I worked at Publix.

GODINEZ: I served as President of National Honor Society at SCHS, belonged to Mu Alpha � eta, took 5 dual enrollment classes at HCC, played SCHS soccer as team captain and traveled also with the Plant City Lancers soccer team. I am employed at

pired we all began to clap, knowing it was our fi nal AP exam of our high school careers. It was a very great sight to see.

Focus: What advice have you for students following in your footsteps?

PATEL: � e secret to my success so far has been to prioritize education, but also to enjoy life whenever possible. My toughest high school moment was eleventh grade when I took on seven advanced placement courses. � e best advice I would give my classmates is to pick a career or major that they enjoy because you only live once and life should be enjoyed to the fullest.

FISHER: Your guidance counselors are your best friends.

GODINEZ: Never let anyone tell you that you don’t have the potential to achieve your dreams; if someone does, use that as a motivation to prove them wrong.

Focus: So, about the speech - was it di� cult to write and present?

PATEL: It was diffi cult to write the speech because I had a lot of things come to mind, but I knew I would not be able to include all of them. I simply included the best advice I could give to my classmates.

FISHER: I didn’t fi nd it hard to write. I just focused on inspiration.

GODINEZ: It wasn’t diffi cult for me because I have a good connection with the senior class. I wrote a rap about our experiences with a message for our futures.

Focus: We asked your parents to share a few thoughts about your achievement. Here’s what they said.

Jayesh and Mayuri Patel: Bijen has worked hard throughout all 12 years of school. We are very proud of him for becoming valedictorian and we are very excited about his future. We will also never forget to be thankful for every PCHS teacher, counselor and administrator. � ey have always made us feel so at home. Bijen’s brother Samir will be a junior next year and we know they will be a help to him as well.

Jeff & Karen Fisher: Lucky for us, Kellen has always been a self-motivated student. Even in the early days of elementary school he was diligent in doing his homework. He took a few high school classes in middle school and after getting to high school with an established GPA, he decided he wanted to be the valedictorian one day. While we were all for that, we never tried to put a lot of pressure on him, as it was his goal and not something we decided for him. We are very proud of him for this accomplishment. We are just as proud of him for being the young man that he is.”

Maria & Ruben Godinez: We are very proud of Ruben and of his accomplishments. He’s been so dedicated to school and he off ers help to everyone and everybody - in school, after school and at home. We are so happy and we know he will have a wonder-ful future.

Congratulations, 2012 Graduates. You will be di� erence makers and powerful in� uencers as you move forward to impact our future. You � nished at the top and it just doesn’t get any bet-ter than that. Your community is very, very proud of you.

“I have not long had a goal to be valedictorian, but I have always made education a priority”

- Bijen Patel

to keep my position. With 15 AP classes, my weighted GPA is 7.0 and unweighted is 3.97. I took no high school courses online, but did 5 dual enrollment classes

at Hillsborough Community College. My favorite subjects were Law Studies, Statistics, Weight Lifting and lunch. I usu-ally studied for one to two hours a day.





FISHER: Florida State University and I plan to graduate there. I’m not sure at the moment as to a major.

GODINEZ: Trinity Scholarship and then law school with plans to become a prosecuting attorney. Additionally, I’m


thankful for the Barnes Scholarship and a Hillsborough County Scholar Athletes Scholarship as well as scholarships from St. Clement’s Catholic Church, Unity in the Community, Plant City Chamber of Com-

Focus: Will you mention a few favorite teachers, classes

I would like to give a shout out to Mr. Padgett. He has been my teacher for three years now and is a phenomenal advanced placement teacher. Since ninth grade he has prepared me for rigorous course work and has played a role in my success. He set me on the right path early in high school. Mrs. Rice, who I have known for 10 years now, is another teacher who has always been there for me. Mr. Schism is a phenomenal English teacher who gives great advice for life through his daily lessons. One person who has had a great infl uence on me is my dad. He worked very hard to get to where he is at now, and he continues to

Mr. Haczynski in AP Human Geogra-phy and in Philosophy opened my eyes on how to look at life. Mr. Shimkus, who teaches AP U.S.







“My fi ve-year goal is to gradu-ate from Duke and be enrolled in Duke’s Law School. Within ten years I hope to pass the bar exam and become a member of the Hill-sborough County District Attorney’s Offi ce.”

“Although I’m unsure of my major yet, I expect to be in gradu-ate school within fi ve years and have a steady career within ten years.”

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

- Ruben Godinez

- Kellen Fisher

- Nelson Mandela


Focus: Congratulations, Gentlemen. Tell us rst a little about your supportive families and the schools you have attended.

PATEL: My family includes my mother Mayuri, my father Jayesh and my brother Samir Patel, who will soon be a junior at PCHS. We enjoy going out for special meals and attending social gatherings together with friends. I’ve attended only three schools: Walden Lake Elementary, Tomlin Middle, and PCHS.

FISHER: My parents are Jeff and Karen Fisher and I have a brother, Duncan Fisher, who’s 15. I spent all four years at Durant after Mulrennan Middle and Buckhorn El-ementary. My family enjoys going out to dinner and just hanging out together.

GODINEZ: Maria and Ruben Godinez are my parents and my sister Karen is 20. She’s married to Jesus and has a son Pedro. We are a very close family and we’re good friends, too. We like to watch movies together. I attended elementary school at Jackson and at Escuela Primaria Jose Rolon in Mexico. � en I went to Tomlin, PCHS for one year and Strawberry Crest for three years.

Focus: What did it take to become valedictorian and when did you decide to pursue that position?

PATEL: I have not long had a goal to be valedictorian, but I have always made education a priority. My weighted GPA was 8.92 and 4.0 unweighted. I’ve taken 14 AP classes and some online. Science was my favorite subject. � e time I spent on studies varied quite a bit.

FISHER: I knew in the 9th grade that I wanted to be a valedictorian. After 15 Advanced Placement courses my GPA is 6.715 weighted and 3.87 unweighted. I took one online course. History was my favorite subject and typically, I studied two hours a day.

GODINEZ: When I learned that I was ranked #1 at Strawberry Crest I was determined to keep my position. With 15 AP classes, my weighted GPA is 7.0 and unweighted is

3.97. I took no high school courses online, but did 5 dual enrollment classes at Hillsborough Community College. My favorite subjects were

Law Studies, Statistics, Weight Lifting and lunch. I usu-ally studied for one to two hours a day.





FISHER: I was awarded a freshman scholarship to Florida State University and I plan to graduate there. I’m not sure at the moment as to a major.

GODINEZ: I will attend Duke University on their Trinity Scholarship and then law school with plans to become a prosecuting attorney. Additionally, I’m

BubbaQues and am involved in community service with My Brother’s Keeper at St. Clement’s Catholic Church, where I’m in the youth group. I volunteered also with the PC Recreation Dept. At school I was voted “Best All Around Senior” and Prom King. I received an Academic Letter and an Athletic Excellence Award as well.

Focus: Describe your career goals and future.

PATEL: First, I will graduate from college and then make decisions from there.

FISHER: Although I’m unsure of my major yet, I expect to be in graduate school within fi ve years and have a steady career within ten years.

GODINEZ: My fi ve-year goal is to graduate from Duke and be enrolled in Duke’s Law School. Within ten years I hope to pass the bar exam and become a member of the Hillsborough County District Attorney’s Offi ce.

Focus: What lls your spare time? Name a few of your favorites.

PATEL: In my spare time I hang out with my friends, go to the gym, play basketball and play video games. I like to eat Baby Back Ribs, watch Boss on television and listen to music by Lil’ Wayne, Drake and Tyga. It would be interesting to have LeBron James as a Facebook friend.

FISHER: I spend time with my girlfriend and I enjoy working out. I watch the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and the Colbert Report. My favorite food is steak and I like the song “Take Care” by Drake and Rihanna.

GODINEZ: I like to be either at the gym or playing soccer. My favorite foods are enfri-joladas and sirloin steak. I listen to Blink 182, Rise Against, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley and Yellowcard. On TV I watch How I Met Your Mother, Scrubs and Lie to Me. � e Marvel movies are great - like Ironman and � e Avengers. As for sports teams, I’m for







thankful for the Barnes Scholarship and a Hillsborough County Scholar Athletes Scholarship as well as scholarships from St. Clement’s Catholic Church, Unity in the Community, Plant City Chamber of Com-merce, SCHS Booster Club.

Focus: Will you mention a few favorite teachers, classes and strong in� uences?

PATEL: I would like to give a shout out to Mr. Padgett. He has been my teacher for three years now and is a phenomenal advanced placement teacher. Since ninth grade he has prepared me for rigorous course work and has played a role in my success. He set me on the right path early in high school. Mrs. Rice, who I have known for 10 years now, is another teacher who has always been there for me. Mr. Schism is a phenomenal English teacher who gives great advice for life through his daily lessons. One person who has had a great infl uence on me is my dad. He worked very hard to get to where he is at now, and he continues to work hard on a daily basis.

FISHER: Mr. Haczynski in AP Human Geogra-phy and in Philosophy opened my eyes on how to look at life. Mr. Shimkus, who teaches AP U.S. History and AP Government, is a great teacher and someone who really knows his subject.

GODINEZ: Mr. Boyd in AP World His-tory helped me discover a love for history. Mr. Meredith in AP U.S. History guided me and helped with college applications and recommended me for several scholarships. Mr. Compton in AP U.S. Government helped me to prepare many essays for scholarships. I admire my mother because she does not only work from 7AM-4PM, but also from 4PM-7AM. She never stops providing for our family. She’s an inspiration and a role model.

Focus: With what activities were you involved?

PATEL: I earned community service hours and enjoyed the work environment in the surgery center at our local hospital. I was also involved in Future Business Leaders of America, Science Club, Math Club, Academic Club, National Junior Honor Society, Key Club and the Special Olympics.

FISHER: I was a member of National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor So-ciety and recognized as Order of the Elks- Student of the Year. I played JV and Varsity football, performed 100+ community service hours at TOPS and Cracker Country, and I worked at Publix.

GODINEZ: I served as President of National Honor Society at SCHS, belonged to Mu Alpha � eta, took 5 dual enrollment classes at HCC, played SCHS soccer as team captain and traveled also with the Plant City Lancers soccer team. I am employed at

pired we all began to clap, knowing it was our fi nal AP exam of our high school careers. It was a very great sight to see.

Focus: What advice have you for students following in your footsteps?

PATEL: � e secret to my success so far has been to prioritize education, but also to enjoy life whenever possible. My toughest high school moment was eleventh grade when I took on seven advanced placement courses. � e best advice I would give my classmates is to pick a career or major that they enjoy because you only live once and life should be enjoyed to the fullest.

FISHER: Your guidance counselors are your best friends.

GODINEZ: Never let anyone tell you that you don’t have the potential to achieve your dreams; if someone does, use that as a motivation to prove them wrong.

Focus: So, about the speech - was it di� cult to write and present?

PATEL: It was diffi cult to write the speech because I had a lot of things come to mind, but I knew I would not be able to include all of them. I simply included the best advice I could give to my classmates.

FISHER: I didn’t fi nd it hard to write. I just focused on inspiration.

GODINEZ: It wasn’t diffi cult for me because I have a good connection with the senior class. I wrote a rap about our experiences with a message for our futures.

Focus: We asked your parents to share a few thoughts about your achievement. Here’s what they said.

Jayesh and Mayuri Patel: Bijen has worked hard throughout all 12 years of school. We are very proud of him for becoming valedictorian and we are very excited about his future. We will also never forget to be thankful for every PCHS teacher, counselor and administrator. � ey have always made us feel so at home. Bijen’s brother Samir will be a junior next year and we know they will be a help to him as well.

Jeff & Karen Fisher: Lucky for us, Kellen has always been a self-motivated student. Even in the early days of elementary school he was diligent in doing his homework. He took a few high school classes in middle school and after getting to high school with an established GPA, he decided he wanted to be the valedictorian one day. While we were all for that, we never tried to put a lot of pressure on him, as it was his goal and not something we decided for him. We are very proud of him for this accomplishment. We are just as proud of him for being the young man that he is.”

Maria & Ruben Godinez: We are very proud of Ruben and of his accomplishments. He’s been so dedicated to school and he off ers help to everyone and everybody - in school, after school and at home. We are so happy and we know he will have a wonder-ful future.

Congratulations, 2012 Graduates. You will be di� erence makers and powerful in� uencers as you move forward to impact our future. You � nished at the top and it just doesn’t get any bet-ter than that. Your community is very, very proud of you.


- Bijen Patel

to keep my position. With 15 AP classes, my weighted GPA is 7.0 and unweighted is 3.97. I took no high school courses online, but did 5 dual enrollment classes

at Hillsborough Community College. My favorite subjects were Law Studies, Statistics, Weight Lifting and lunch. I usu-ally studied for one to two hours a day.





FISHER: Florida State University and I plan to graduate there. I’m not sure at the moment as to a major.

GODINEZ: Trinity Scholarship and then law school with plans to become a prosecuting attorney. Additionally, I’m


thankful for the Barnes Scholarship and a Hillsborough County Scholar Athletes Scholarship as well as scholarships from St. Clement’s Catholic Church, Unity in the Community, Plant City Chamber of Com-

Focus: Will you mention a few favorite teachers, classes

I would like to give a shout out to Mr. Padgett. He has been my teacher for three years now and is a phenomenal advanced placement teacher. Since ninth grade he has prepared me for rigorous course work and has played a role in my success. He set me on the right path early in high school. Mrs. Rice, who I have known for 10 years now, is another teacher who has always been there for me. Mr. Schism is a phenomenal English teacher who gives great advice for life through his daily lessons. One person who has had a great infl uence on me is my dad. He worked very hard to get to where he is at now, and he continues to

Mr. Haczynski in AP Human Geogra-phy and in Philosophy opened my eyes on how to look at life. Mr. Shimkus, who teaches AP U.S.







“My fi ve-year goal is to gradu-ate from Duke and be enrolled in Duke’s Law School. Within ten years I hope to pass the bar exam and become a member of the Hill-sborough County District Attorney’s Offi ce.”

“Although I’m unsure of my major yet, I expect to be in gradu-ate school within fi ve years and have a steady career within ten years.”

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

- Ruben Godinez

- Kellen Fisher

- Nelson Mandela


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EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN’S CARE FOR EVERY PATIENT, EVERY TIME

WOMEN’S CARE

BUSINESS » BUSINESS PROFILE

Women’s Care, a practice tending to women’s medical needs, has conveniently located offices in

the four communities of Brandon, Lithia, Gibsonton, and Plant City.

The beautifully decorated patient rooms at each Women’s Care location go beyond the average doctor’s office décor and help patients feel relaxed and comfortable as the highly qualified physicians and staff address their healthcare needs.

To add to the level of comfort, Women’s Care is proud to offer Patient Education Systems™, a new interactive information program installed in all of the group’s locations. This system provides patients with an educational experience while they wait by offering point-of-care, interactive health information. Women learn about the latest advances in healthcare options in the privacy of the exam room as they wait for their attending physician. Through a user-friendly remote control, patients can view brief high-definition educational videos focused on their individual areas of concern. They also have the option to receive additional information from

their doctor. In clear language and with phenomenal graphics, each topic is overviewed in a way the patient can completely understand. Patients can also learn how the services available from Women’s Care physicians will be of benefit to their health.

Additionally, Women’s Care leads the way with the latest technology and especially with the da Vinci® Robotic surgery for hysterectomies. Using this minimally invasive procedure, da Vinci® Robotics provides unbelievable benefits. Patients will experience substantially less pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker returns to work and regular activities, often in as little as two weeks. Dr. Steven Granger explains, “This is not your mother’s hysterectomy.” Today’s technology has made fear of hysterectomy a thing of the past. Dr. Granger, Dr. Greg Den Haese, and Dr. Karin Stanton are the most experienced da Vinci® Robotic surgeons in the area and they are all at Women’s Care.

Each Tuesday is “Ladies Night” at the Women’s Care location in Brandon. Office hours are extended to 7:30 p.m. to accommodate those who need a later than

typical appointment time.

For women of all ages and varying obstetric or gynecological needs, Women’s Care is the place to seek the most advanced medical advice. Services include the following:

Annual Wellness Exams Obstetrics/Gynecology Bio-Identical Hormone Consultations In-Office Procedures with Anesthesia: Nova Sure & Essure Minimally Invasive Surgery Options da Vinci® Robotics High Risk Deliveries FREE Childbirth Classes Mammogram Screenings Urodynamic Testing Bone Density Scanning Tuesday Evening Appointments and Mammograms available at the Brandon Location Vaccinations: Flu, Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Pregnancy Testing at Lithia, Gibsonton and Plant City locations.

SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL CONSULTA-TION TODAY! OFFICE HOURS AT ALL LOCATIONS ARE MONDAY-FRIDAY FROM 8:30AM-5PM AND UNTIL 7:30PM TUESDAYS IN BRANDON. CALL OR VISIT WOMEN’S CARE ONLINE AT WWW.WCOBWEB.COM OR IN PERSON AT ONE OF THE FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:

BRANDON: 731 SOUTH PARSONS AVE. 813.681.9171

LITHIA: 5470 LITHIA PINECREST RD. 813.699.1006

GIBSONTON: 13123 KINGS LAKE DR., STE. 102 813.574.1350

PLANT CITY: 103 SOUTHERN OAK DR. 813.754.7561

CRITICAL INFORMATION

WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON


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ARE YOU READY?

There’s a whole lot more to retirement than money. Of course, it’s important to know how much money you need

to live the lifestyle you want to live. But what exactly is that lifestyle? Many people will say, “I want to travel” or “I want to spend time with my grandchildren.” An increasing number of people want to work part time or volunteer in the community.

Envisioning how you’ll spend your days can be a fun activity – but in order to be really ready for retirement, you probably need to dig a little deeper.

For example, envision your typical day. How will you spend your time on an average day in retirement? Can you write out a schedule for the week?

Say you’d like to travel. That’s great. Are you going to travel internationally, drive across the country in an RV or pop in on your kids a couple times a year?

When you’re not traveling, what will you do during the day? Will you volunteer or work part time? Visiting the grandchildren sounds fantastic. How often will you go?

Retirement is something you look forward to for a long time, and it will likely be a big change from your working years. It’s important to invest some time now to prepare for this change, and be sure to get your spouse, family members and friends involved in the conversation. Openly discussing your vision will help ensure a successful adjustment to your new life.

BUSINESS » EDWARD JONES

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BUSINESS » SUCCESS

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS YOU ARE IN NOW? After my son was born my skin took a really bad turn for the worse. Hormones caused my skin to become blotchy and dry. My skin tone was uneven and I had constant breakouts. I started seeing an esthetician who prescribed a treatment plan of facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and an at home skin care regimen. This completely turned my skin around and it started looking better than ever. I want to help other people with similar issues regain their confidence and look their very best. My passion for skin care led to the creation of The Face Place.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR FUTURE?My future plans are multidirectional in the fields of fitness and skin care. I’m a group fitness instructor and Zumba instructor at the Plant City YMCA, as well as the owner of The Face Place. Through continuing education and hands on training I want to expand my knowledge

in both areas. I love helping clients feel better about themselves, and I hope to reach as many people as possible through fitness and skin care.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST SUCCESSES?Aside from being a mom to two great boys, my greatest success has been setting goals and having the guts and determination to achieve them.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS?Setting my future goals close to my last achievement. I aspire to be better at what I do and more knowledgeable than the day before.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I’m inspired by anything that gives you results. Whether it’s a skin care treatment or a fitness plan, I will spend hours reading and researching it so that I understand it and can use it to help others.

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BUSINESS » SUCCESS

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS YOU ARE IN NOW? There are multiple factors that have inspired me over the years. Without my wife Stacy by my side, I would not have been able to accomplish anything of meaning. She has been by my side every step of the way, and has always been a huge source of support and encouragement. Of course, every day I strive to be able to provide for her and our 3 beautiful children. And, without a doubt, I owe God above for giving me the breath of life he provided through his Son.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR FUTURE?Everyday I wake up hoping to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Certainly, I want to be successful in my career. And I want to provide for my family the best I possibly can. But, I try to stay focused on doing God’s will. I hope that one day, I will be able to look back and see that I have been a positive influence in the lives of many.WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST SUCCESSES?The greatest success in my life has by far been the fact that Stacy and I have been married for 18 years and that’s still just the beginning. But, other great things in my life include having the privilege to be the father of 3 great kids, and watching them grow up. And in business, I have been able to build and grow a successful healthcare

practice in Plant City for the past 13 years. And I hope that I have many more years to go.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS?Of course, my immediate goals include helping our children finish school and helping them get started with their own careers and families. And in the meantime, I hope to continue to grow the practice and make it an anchor here in Plant City. As part of that, as I get older, I hope to be able to bring younger physicians to Plant City to help them develop and continue providing a higher level of to the community. I also hope to be able to find ways to have a positive impact on the community as a whole, and not just through my business.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?When I first graduated the doctoral program, I went to work for another physician in Lakeland. After working for him for a couple of years, I envisioned how I would want the practice to look and function. However, that doctor did not see it the same way I did. So, after several discussions with him and my wife, we all decided that it would be best to venture out on my own. At that time, I wasn’t really looking to start my own practice here in Plant City. But, a deal evolved for me to rent a space which became home to Dunn Chiropractic and Remedi Spa for the next 12 years.

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The Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings, open to all Walden Lake residents, are the

third Monday each month at 6:00 PM at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meeting will be June 18th.

A beautiful Memorial Day spray was presented at the American Legion on Memorial Day, which was then transported to Walden Lake’s front entry off Alexander Street. The Board hopes that many of you were able to see the Spray and remember our fallen heroes who served so sacrificially defending for our freedom.

At the May meeting, the Board assigned chairs to the following Committees:Budget & FinanceSteve Swantek Building & Development: Marcus AlexichLandscape:Jan Griffin Planning & Contracts: Jon CorsonCommunity Involvement & Safety:Jim ChanceyEnforcement of Covenants: Robert HunterNominating Committee: Karen OlsonCommunications: Heather UpdikeSpecial Events: Ray Page

You may have noticed damage to the roadsides along Timberlane. Several residents witnessed an individual “mudding for fun” on the roadsides and reported the license number to Walden Lake. Walden Lake followed up with the police and eventually through legal action recouped the cost of repair. Walden Lake is

committed to discovering individuals who cause property damage and will prosecute each incident of vandalism. Should you witness any acts of vandalism, including those involving vehicles, please call the office at 754-8999.New city water restrictions are now in force. Watering days have been reduced from two days to one day per week. Restrictions can be read online at http://www.plantcitygov.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=4638. At that site, you may also find the regulations for watering when re-sodding or adding new landscape. We have been having some rain, so hopefully that will continue and help us all green up our lawns!

The food drive continues for the United Food Bank of Plant City. In January our residents donated 195 pounds of canned and boxed food; in February 143.6 pounds; and in March and April l07.1 pounds. The need to feed the truly hungry in our community is ongoing and not just during holidays. The Food Bank is offering a summer children’s program and your donations can help it to continue. Next time you see a Buy One/Get One, make a plan to purchase and keep one and donate the other to the Food Bank. Any non-perishable food donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the HOA office Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Next month, I will be delivering the statistics on the Real Estate Market in Walden Lake for first half of 2012. I have had many residents tell me that this is extremely helpful and allows them to understand the market better. If you would like information on any particular property or have a need for specific statistics, please do not hesitate to call me. I can be reached at 813-758-9586.

REAL ESTATE » WALDEN LAKE

WALDEN LAKEREVIEWSUBMITTED BY: NATALIE SWEET

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According to the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, months inventory fi gures are lower now than they have been in over 5 years! Currently, there are only 4.3 months of home inventory. (total home inventory divided by monthly sales). In fact, the average selling price of single family homes was higher in April than it has been in almost two years! What does that mean to you? Houses are starting to sell fast! Thinking of selling your home? Now may be the time! Prices are starting to rise, and inventories are really low! Call us here at Team Wainoris, we are here to help you!

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Since home values have plummeted a drastic 46.5 percent in Florida since 2006, many homeowners are

paying off mortgages nowhere near their homes’ appraisals. A second version of the Home Affordable Refinance Program was established by the federal government to offer such people relief.

HARP 2.0 allows underwater homeowners who have been responsible with making their mortgage programs to refinance to a lower rate. Many people have been taking advantage of the program – a wise decision – and along with its advent have come many misconceptions.

Let’s clear some of this up.

- Do I need to use the same lender from my initial loan?

No. You are allowed to shop around for a better rate.

- My current lender will give me the best deal, right?

No. Rarely is this the case. It is best to shop around. Despite being upside down, you do have options.

- Do I need money at closing?

Depends. Never for Fannie Mae loans. Sometimes for Freddie Mac ones.

- Do I have to extend to a 30-year mortgage?

No. You can do a 15-year mortgage and pay it off sooner if you’d like. Typically, interest rates on 15-year loans are smaller than 30-year ones.

- Will HARP 2.0 reduce the amount I owe on my loan?

No. The objective of a refinance under HARP is to help homeowners get into more stable or more affordable loans. Refinancing will not reduce the principal amount you owe to the first lien mortgage holder or any other debt you owe.

REAL ESTATE » MORTGAGE

THE TRUTH ABOUT HARP 2.0SUBMITTED BY: NATE DAVIS


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COMEBACK KIDS!

After surviving several close calls in the district and regional tournaments, the Durant High School Cougars

claimed their first-ever state championship at the National Training Center Complex in Clermont, Florida.

The Cougars grabbed a semifinal victory over Jacksonville Mandarin on May 13, overcoming an early deficit and a 70-minute rain delay on May 14, before their 8-2 victory over Miami Palmetto.

On their way to the state title, the Cougars ended with a 24-4 record and a #22 national ranking.

Head coach Matt Carter, a Brandon native in his sixth year at the helm of the Cougars softball team, spoke with Focus about their experience.

Focus: What did it feel like when the last out was made in the championship game? Carter: Instant relief! It was a long season, with a lot of emotions. There was a long

break, 12 days, between regions and the state finals, and then there was the rain delay in the final game. So, there was a lot of time to think and all sorts of scenarios were running through my brain.

Focus: Did you know that there was something special about this team?

Carter: When we started our season in the new 8A bracket, we, as coaches, knew itwas going to be tough. Then we went undefeated until the Bartow tournament. We felt great. But then, we dropped three in a row…all district games, and things looked totally different. But, after our annual Cancer Awareness Game in honor of Antoinette Cuellar, things began to click, and from then on, we never lost another game.

Focus: What’s the deal with all the cliffhangers, one-run, and come-from-behind wins leading up to the state tournament?

Carter: We’ve got a great group of girls this year. They just don’t give up until the last out. As a team, they just seemed to

gel. Maybe they didn’t get along 100% of the time, but it didn’t show, and they never tore each other down, which can split a team wide open.

Focus: Taking nothing away from the talent of Mandarin or Palmetto, but it looks like

your toughest games involved battles with Hillsborough County teams. Can you talk about the talent level in this area?

Carter: It seems that sometimes it is harder to advance out of the county. I think it’s because a lot of the girls play each other all year and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Focus: What do you remember most about this whole experience?

Carter: The comebacks, by far. They never gave up. It was even exciting for all the fans that supported our playoff games in record numbers.

Focus: Can you describe this year’s team and what you will remember most?

Carter: This year was all about “team.” I’ll remember that we also had a very devoted coaching staff. Coach Crabb has been with me since I became the head coach and I rely on him a lot. Also during the final game, during our one-hour delay, I’ll remember the singing and the dance competition in the dugout. Our team was really loose considering we were in such a big game. In addition, I want to say, “Thanks to the fan support all season… they were with us ‘til the end. From the whole team and coaches, we say, THANKS!”

Focus: Thanks coach, and once again congratulations on a great season!

SPORTS » BASEBALL

DURANT COUGARS CLAIM FIRST EVER STATE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPWRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES | PHOTOS BY: MATT CARTER


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JORDAN LAFAVEFor Jordan Lafave, her senior season

couldn’t have been scripted any better had the pen been in her own hand. It

was a season filled with personal successes and was topped off with team success, as she and her Durant High School teammates celebrated a state title in a season packed with come from behind improbable wins and a sense of destiny.

“We felt like this was the only way to end our season,” the Cougars outfielder said. “We made it this far and we were not going to accept anything but a win. When the last out was made, it was instant relief. We finally did it!”

They sure did. You see, Lafave was referring to Durant’s final victory over Miami Palmetto that clinched the school’s first ever state softball championship.

For Lafave, the road to the finals began in Belton, Texas when her parents signed her up for tee ball at their local Little League Park. After relocating to this area, she played for Plant City Little League and a series of travel teams that included the Plant City Riptide and the Tampa Mustangs Bell.

Jordan is one of three children. Her older brother D.J. lives in Texas and Jordan lives here with her mother Denise and her 16-year-old sister Allie, who has autism. Despite Jordan’s hectic schedule, the family is very close and they dedicate every weekend to each other, capped off with a Sunday evening movie night.

Lafave readily confesses to be a driven perfectionist when it comes to her passion, “I love the game so much that I want to be a perfectionist and sometimes that gets in the way of just playing the game. I can’t let certain things go. With softball you need to have a short memory, but when you are so passionate, it’s hard to do.”

Lafave hasn’t been perfect, but one could argue that she’s not far from it. This year she’s hit .442 with 46 hits, 13 RBI’s, 31 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. Her efforts over the past few years have not gone unnoticed. She made Focus Magazine’s All District second team as a sophomore and first team as a junior; Tampa Tribune’s All County’s second team as a sophomore and its first team as a junior and senior; FHSAA All State first team as a junior. She also was Durant’s defensive player of the year as a sophomore and offensive player of the year as a senior, along with team MVP. By the way, she set school records for runs scored her junior year and for hits in her senior year.

The highlight of Lafave’s senior year, outside of the team’s state title was something that happened in Durant’s semifinal game in the regional tournament against Palm Harbor University High School. Durant tied the score at 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning, sending the game into extra innings. Lafave, not known for her power, hit a walk-off homerun for the Cougars allowing their magical season to continue. It was Lafave’s first ever over-the-fence homerun.

Involved with the Best Buddies program and the Wiffle Ball Club, LaFave, an honor student, is leaving the school she calls “the world’s best high school” and its “Cougar pride” behind for the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville on a softball scholarship where she will major in criminology.

SPORTS » ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES

Photo by: Jordan Lafave


APARTMENTSFOR THE ELDERLYOne bedroom Apartments • Rent based on income

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BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTHPlant City Little League’s regular

season champions in the majors division (11-12 year-olds) is

Universal Structures, Inc. With a record of 18-3, the team averaged more than 10 runs per game while giving up less than four runs per contest. USI is coached by Dave Byars, former league president, and is assisted by Steve Givens and Chad Eldridge.

USI was a special team, but Byars had a hunch before the season began that he might have had the ingredients in place for something special.

“I had four returning players that I drafted last season, but I had to draft eight new players for the 2012 season. I was fortunate that three of the returning players, Matt Byars, Austin Eldridge and Cody Ginther were part of the 2011 Florida State Champion 11 year- old all-star team and they were all pitchers, so I knew we would be competitive. I drafted Will Johnson who recently moved to Plant City from Tampa. He had played for the 11-year-old Citrus Park Little League all-star team that won their section. Two other players I acquired in the draft,

Sebastian Monserrate and Cole Cothren, were also tournament team players, so I knew we had a chance to be special.”

Byars did have something special and by the end of the season, USI had beaten every team at least once and most teams twice. After looking at the stats, it’s hard to imagine that any team could beat this juggernaut. But unlike other sports, it’s pretty difficult in baseball to end any season at any level undefeated.

USI fell short of an undefeated season, but they may have had one of the best records

in league history. Their only regret was a first round loss in the City Tournament in an otherwise stellar season. USI ended up with a team batting average of .409, and a team ERA of 3.18. Eight different players hit homeruns and nine different pitchers combined to strike out 211 opponents while issuing only 87 walks.

For Byars, it was a total a team effort, “Literally every player on my team contributed to us winning a game this season. Austin Eldridge pitched a 14 strikeout, one-run game to start the season. Then he hit two homeruns with five RBIs, while pitching a four-inning no-hitter in another game. Austin ended the season with eight homers and a batting average of .702 along with being crowned the winner of the Homerun Derby. Cody Ginther hit 10 homers for the season with a batting average of .643 and pitched a two-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts in another game. Will Johnson hit a game winning walk-off grand slam to finish the season with eight homeruns and a .607 batting average. He was also the runner-up in the Homerun Derby. Matt Byars had a 1.93 ERA with 31strikeouts and only six walks in 19 innings as a relief pitcher. He finished the season with three homers and a .440 batting average. Sebastian Monserrate hit six over the fence and finished with a .457 batting average. USI had seven players who hit over .300, so teams had a hard time deciding who to pitch to or pitch around.”

USI will be representing Plant City in the upcoming Tournament of Champions. This event pits the league champions from the various Little League Parks in District IV in a tournament that will determine the best regular season team in each age group within the district.

SPORTS » BEEF O’ BRADY’S, BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH

WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES | PHOTO BY: DAVE BYERS

Universal Structures Inc. Front row: Peyton Martin, Adam Givens, Cole Cothren, Josh Duke, Sebastian Monserrate, William Dunbar. Second row: Blake Price, Will Johnson, Austin Eldridge, Matt Byars, Cody Ginther. Back row: Coach Chad Eldridge, Manager Dave Byars, Coach Steve Givens. Not Pictured: Rex Lott

UNIVERSAL STRUCTURES, INC.


WORDS HAVE MEANINGS. OR DO THEY?No judgments or opinions here - just

trying to sort it all out.

Illegal aliens are those individuals who are not US citizens. They are illegal because they do not have the proper paperwork as established by law. Because they are illegal, by definition of the law, they are breaking the law. But the Justice Department does not want them to be

called illegal because of the stigma that word carries. They are, therefore, now called undocumented.

So it begs the question: are undocumented aliens breaking the law or not? And if they are, why aren’t they all being prosecuted?

If I drive a car without a license, am I breaking the law or am I just an

undocumented driver? And does it matter what you call “it” if “it” still amounts to breaking the law? And who decides what “it” is called? Is it the job of the government, the media, political parties, or somebody else?

In order to vote in this country you must be a U S citizen and have registered to vote in accordance with a series of existing

laws in our state and nation. If you have not complied with those laws, it is illegal for you to vote. Simple! Straightforward!

A number of states, including Florida, are now re-examining voter rolls because independent audits suggest that thousands of non-US citizens have registered to vote, and are, in fact, voting in local, state and national elections. A television station in nearby Ft. Myers found as many as 100 non-US citizens on the voters rolls in Lee County. We don’t know how many non-US citizens are registered to vote in the Bay Area. I know for a fact that some organizations were registering voters at a local mall and several of those folks, residents of Germany, filled out the forms and were told they could vote with no problems.

Let’s put the numbers issue aside. Now the Justice Department wants Florida to stop purging the voter rolls because they say the state is unfairly targeting minorities. Understand that checking to mark sure a person is a citizen with full voting rights is not the same as denying them the right to vote if he or she is a documented citizen. What makes this matter more complicated is that the Department of Homeland Security has a database that could help the state confirm an individual’s citizenship. Homeland Security refuses to allow any cross checking in the name of national security.

So, is Florida supposed to stop the purge because it inconveniences individuals who might have been identified as potential violators of election laws? Or, is Florida supposed to ignore and allow those non-US citizens to vote illegally in the election?

Or is the Justice Department more concerned in defending the long standing policy that prohibits purging the rolls 90 days before an election than it is in finding the lawbreakers? Is Justice worried that non-US citizen’s rights would somehow trump the right of legally qualified voters to secure a fair election?

So, apply the lessons from the above said stories. Let’s apply the new language rule to all of the English language. Each day we will be taking a vote on what meanings the words we use every day will have. That way, when we turn on the news or when we break a law, we might all understand what the heck just happened instead of having to create an entire new dictionary of words that no longer carry any meaning.

EXTRA » AL REUCHEL

WRITTEN BY: AL RUECHEL


Tony D’s Garage Doors813-754-9552

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BULLYING, FREEDOM, AND THE POWERLESS

EXTRA » DEREK MAUL

This issue I’d like to open a discussion on bullying. But I’m not interested in a political slant. Fact is, I’ll likely upset both Democrats and Republicans because my first point goes like this: “Bullying is about the misuse of power, and for many of America’s powerful it is second nature.” Bullying is a coercive transaction between those with power and those without power, in which power overrides the values our culture claims to stand for, such as fairness, justice, decency, equality, respect, kindness etc.

Bullying occurs anywhere where Christ’s commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself ” is not a foundational teaching (read Mark 12:28-31). And I’m including many religious institutions and so-called Christian homes, where religion is used as a tool for control rather than a vehicle for teaching the life-charged principles of the Gospel of Love.

PROBLEMMy concern with the current bullying conversation is that it’s too limited. The foundational orientation does not go away

just because bullies graduate from school. Bullies tend to transfer the ethos to the way they relate to those with less power in the adult world (often as husbands, teachers, coaches, principals, managers, law enforcement officers, airport security etc.). So I don’t believe the problem is necessarily “So-and-so was a bully in high school.” So much as, “So-and-so still describes such behavior as ‘hijinks’ or ‘boys will be boys,’ or ‘tomfoolery,’ or ‘we didn’t really hurt him, so no-harm no-foul….’” In other words, many of the people who

hold power as adults still fail to see “what the big deal is.” And why is that? I believe it’s because even today the knee-jerk response to those with less power remains, “Hold their arm behind their back and apply pressure till it hurts and make them do whatever it is that you want them to do.”

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEEWhat I’d like to see is a kind of informal Bill of Rights for the Powerless. The principles exist already in the text and spirit of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. But too many power-holders act as if those are documents of convenience rather than a practical blueprint for making society work. Here’s an “on the fly” draft:• There is no quirkiness, peculiarity, appearance, orientation or variation from the statistical “norm” that makes any human being less equal, valuable or worthy of respect. So LEAVE THEM ALONE!• The foundational right of the individual to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is not subject to the whim of anyone holding power over them.• The statement “All people are created equal” is not mitigated by accessibility to money, influence, intellect or brute strength.• That right is also not diminished by age. Children are also “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…”• The use of power to belittle, coerce, embarrass, detain, frighten, terrorize or otherwise compromise the “all people are created equal” rights of another human being is un-American, and it’s un-American to the very core of our values as a people.

TRUSTFreedom is predicated on trust, righteousness and mutual respect. In other words, we can’t legislate “nice.” However, we can teach it, and until parents and schools take a more responsible and deliberate interest in the moral development of young people, the United States of America will remain a poor approximation of the society envisioned by the founders. Peace, grace, and kindness – DEREK

WRITTEN BY: DEREK MAUL


Principal- Susan RaburnAssist Principal- Dionne Davis

Michelle ArnNik-Cole AustinAdrian Brown

Carolyn BruttonTanya Byrn

Ragen CarpenterMaria CauthenCheryl ChanceyGertha CoffeePansy CowderGraciela CruzDionne DavisDanece Davis

Marilyn DelgadoAmy Donahue

Denine DouglasCynthia DoyleNorma Falter

Vickie Galloway

Judy GarrellKathleen Giovino

Jeff GoidelJudy Golden

Akilah Graham-AllenKimbley GravesMichele HamblinAmanda Holland

Nikki JacksonPatrick JamesJanell JohnsonAnn JohnsonSarah KeelKaren Kirby

Cheryl MacTammanyGearldine MarshallChristina Mayfi eld

Debbie MurraySarah NussdorferHeather PadgettAmber Pelham

Kathryn PelhamChrestel Penirian

Rustin PerezChristine Perez

Sandra PiergalliniMaria Posadas

Vicky PrinsSusan RaburnNicole Rees

Veronica RiveraDona Sergi

LaGretta SnowdenRoy Spell

Paula SpringerGinger Summers

Thaddeus ThomasCathy Townsend

Elizabeth VandeSandeFrances WalkerJana Williams

Denise Williams

The PTA wants to thank the Teachers and Staff for all the hard work they do to make our school successful!

The PTA wants to thank the local businesses that have supported our school and programs to help our school succeed!

AmericareAnytime Fitness

CarrabasChilis

Chuck E CheeseCK Farms

Commercial Cleaning ServiceDinosaur World

Eye Candy PrintsFamily Bowl

Fish Hawk Sporting ClaysFun Faces 4 U

Hinton Farms Produce, Inc Maryland Fried Chicken

Octopus Carwash

Thank you Mrs Raburn for your leadership and support. You will be missed.

Enjoy your retirement!

Olde Town PizzaOutback

Panera BreadPapa Johns

Parkesdale Farm MarketPeter Comas

Signs By MineoSonic

Southside Feed and SupplySummers Air Mechanical Inc

Surgical Associates of Tampa BaySweetbay

The Corner StoreThe Medicine Shoppe

Twisty Treat

http://www.wcobweb.com


YOUNG LOCAL ARTIST

Art may come to you at any time in your life. For some it may be years later when you now have more time

to follow your interests. But for some fortunate few, art may be something that entered from a very early age.

Such was the case for 11-year-old Wyatt Davis, who was exposed to art at an early age by a very artistic Grandma and two art-loving parents. Not one to shy away from trying anything creative, Wyatt has tried his hand with many different mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpting, quilting, cooking, and music. His favorite art forms are clay sculpting and watercolor painting.

For three years in a row Wyatt has entered his artistic creations in the Strawberry Festival Art Show. The first year he entered a clay sculpted T-Rex dinosaur, which took second place. The following year Wyatt entered a watercolor painting of a turtle, which attracted an interested buyer. As well he spent time hanging in the Art Gallery in downtown Plant City. Last year he entered the competition with an eighteen-patch quilt with matching pillow.

The quilt was awarded both the first place and grand champion prize. Wyatt has already begun work on his next Strawberry Festival entry, which will be a stone carving of a bear.

When creating art, Wyatt says he feels happy and creative, but admits to sometimes feeling frustrated enough to break his paintbrush in two because it’s not working. In the end though, when the picture is done, he thinks it’s nice.

Wyatt has had the opportunity to pursue art as part of his homeschooling curriculum on a regular basis. Some of his other pastimes include reading, designing with Legos, exploring science, visiting the library, taking care of his chickens, playing computer games and cooking. As a fifth generation Plant City native, Wyatt loves living in our community, referring to it as his favorite place.

When asked what words he would use to describes himself, Wyatt chose the words “imaginative, friendly, kind, and silly.” Upon meeting this young artist, I am sure you would agree.

EXTRA » ARTIST OF THE MONTH

FINDS ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS IN MANY AVENUESWRITTEN BY: HEATHER DAVIS

Photo By: Heather Davis

kelly morris (813) 727-28022553 st. rd 60 east valrico, florida 33594

(next to beef o bradys)

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ERE YOUR IN GO OD CO

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First Presbyterian Learning Center

CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL PROGRAM AGES INFANTS-4

For registration information, please come by the offi ce or call

813-752-6874For registration information, please come by the offi ce or call

All Staff Accredited

Register Now!!404 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563

FALL REGISTRATION (2012-2013)

Infants through Pre-KPreschool 8:30am - 11:30amPre-K Class 8:30am - Noon

All-Day Care 7:00am - 6:00pm

Registration going on now - spaces limited!


EXTRA » AUTO REVIEW

CREWMAX MEANS PLENTY OF ROOMTUNDRA CREWMAX OFFERS ROOM FOR TALL PASSENGERS AND MORE

Toyota has been making reliable trucks for years. The Tacoma has become a staple in their lineup, and after a few

iterations, like the T100, the Tundra has cemented itself into the lineup as their full-sized truck.

I’ve always been a fan of Toyota vehicles, and I can say that I’ve never had any problems. As long as you keep them maintained, they’ll last forever. My wife and I recently purchased a Sienna Mini-van, and it’s another winner from Toyota. While having the mini-van serviced, I had an opportunity to get a closer look at the new Tundra.

The Tundra has always been available with a crew cab, but I’d never noticed the CrewMax until now. If you’re someone looking for a full-sized truck with a crew cab, you really need to take a look at the

CrewMax before you make your final decision.

The CrewMax is just what it sounds like; a crew cab maxed out. This crew cab is so large that the seats slide forward and back and can even recline to a very comfortable position. To say there is a lot of room is an understatement. Of course, it does come at a price. You lose about 12” of bed space, but if you use the crew cab more than the bed, it may be worth your consideration.

Another nice feature available with the Tundra is an electric rear window. The entire rear window lowers completely down into the exterior rear wall of the truck. The tailgate has a soft open, which avoids that sudden jolt most truck owns experience when the tailgate drops.

Toyota doesn’t cut corners on the interior’s

creature comforts. The leather interior is nice, with all the instruments laid out exactly where you’d want them. The model I drove even had a sunroof. About the only thing I could find missing were cup holders for the rear seat in the center console. Cup holders in the doors are down low to the side of the seat and aren’t easily accessible when the doors are closed and you’re driving down the road.

Everything else about the truck is all Toyota. Under the hood, you have two options: a 4.7L V-8 or a 5.8L V-8. Both have plenty of power, although the 4.7L averages 18-20 mpg, while the 5.8L averages 14-15 mpg. The single biggest performance difference that matters to most truck owners is that the 5.8L V-8 provides enough power to tow 10,000 lbs. - quite a load for any truck. You could haul cars (that’s plural by the way) with that

kind of towing power.

The model I drove was an XSP-X. The X is an appearance package placed on the truck at the port. It includes 20” wheels, a chin guard, color-coded fender flares, badging, chrome gas cap and chrome muffler extension. The MSRP on the package is an additional $5,000, but it really adds to the look.

When all is said and done, the MSRP for the CrewMax XSP-X is $45,000. It may seem a little high considering it was 2-wheel drive, but again, it may be worth the look. If you’re shopping for a new truck, take a look at the Tundra.

Wesley Chapel Toyota has a great selection and would be happy to help you. Just tell them you read the review in Focus Magazine.

SUBMITTED BY: BRIAN WEST


P L A N T C I T Y D R I V E - I N

Sausage Gravy and BiscuitsMeat, Egg and Cheese breakfast CubanPremium Coffee 12oz. 70¢ plus taxFor Lunch....Large sandwich menuAuthentic Cuban Sandwiches (pressed on request)Extreme Fresh SaladsHomemade Spanish Bean SoupHand made Shakes

1505 N. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL 33563We are open from 6:30a.m - 6:30p.m Mon - Sat.

except Wed. we close at 5p.m.813-752-3779

YOU ASKED FOR IT, YOU GOT IT, NEW EXTENDED HOURS

You can View our Menu online at www.Thestrawberryhut.com

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Isn’t it beautiful?

Let’s keep it that way!

COME ENJOY SUMMER WITH US!

LPR WORLDLY TASTES, MODERN TWISTSAt La Porta Rossa, we showcase Italian Cuisine with modern twists bringing you tastes from all over the world, our Executive Chef is skilled in multi-ethnic cuisine and is prepared to surprise and delight your senses over and over again.

1833 EAST EDGEWOOD DRIVE, LAKELAND • 863.688.9616 MON-THUR 5-10, FRI AND SAT 5-11, LUNCH MON-FRI 11-2

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Walk in today, try one of the house specialties or your own personal favorite, and offer a big thanks for what Buczek and his team do to serve our community. Your satisfaction is their promise.

ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE

1205 TOWNSGATE COURT PLANT CITY, FL 33563813.752.0760HOURS OF OPERATION:MONDAY-THURSDAY 4-10PMFRIDAY 4-11PMSATURDAY NOON-11PMSUNDAY NOON-9PM

CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILLCARRABBA’SWe recently made a visit to

Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Plant City where manager Scott Buczek,

with 15 years of experience, not only runs the restaurant with ease but also serves the community in many ways.

His generous donations and discounts to local schools, charitable causes, and group funding projects have been much appreciated. One recent gesture was an “at cost” non-profit donation to the event held for Darby Hasting. He has also been known to help Relay for Life as well as numerous schools with the $10 tickets for a Carrabba’s meal from which the fundraiser receives half the earnings.

Another event assisted by the restaurant’s staff was an etiquette course for children, provided at minimal cost, to help the

young diners learn proper behavior, table manners and proper use of the dining utensils.

Buczek was recognized for his community activism in 2010 when Carrabba’s won the Special Business of the Year Award from the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

On our visit, we sampled the Chicken Bryan, the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken,

and the Champagne Shrimp and Scallops Pasta. The Chicken Bryan is a delicious pasta dish topped with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and a basil lemon butter sauce. The Parmesan-Crusted Chicken selection is a sautéed chicken breast coated with freshly grated parmesan cheese and homemade breadcrumbs, served with your choice of a side. The very tasty Champagne Shrimp and Scallops Pasta consists of pan-seared shrimp and scallops with jumbo lump crabmeat, mushrooms and roasted red peppers over tagliarini in Carrabba’s special champagne cream sauce. At first sight, all three dishes triggered mouth-watering excitement to take those first bites. Our meal was topped off with cherry cheesecake, definitely a dessert destined to become a favorite.

All of Carrabba’s food is brought in fresh and made from scratch just for you. You won’t find a microwave anywhere near this kitchen. Watching the action at the open grill is one of the attractions to enjoy as you begin your experience with a choice of great appetizers.

Make sure to check out Carrabba’s specials, too. Now available is the popular $10 pasta dish. Happy Hour from 4-7 p.m. includes drafts, house wines, and liquor drinks on the rocks. Wine Wednesdays offers diners a $10 discount on any bottle of wine.

A dining experience at Carrabba’s is a real treat. With top-drawer food and fine service, meals with family, friends and business associates will always make a lasting impression. And with the local support this Carrabba’s team deserves, we all ultimately benefit.

ITALIAN GRILL IN PLANT CITYWRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

Carrabba’s Proprietor Scott BuczekPhoto by Tony Cartagena

Photo by Tony Cartagena


THE KINGIt’s funny how certain foods can come to

be identified solely with one area of the country despite the fact that many are

produced, fished or farmed in a variety of locations. Potatoes define Southern Idaho, and lobsters are synonymous with the state of Maine. If you don’t believe me, try these: peanuts, cheese, and ham. Did you immediately think Georgia, Wisconsin, and Virginia?

As a relative newcomer to Hillsborough County, it didn’t take me long to realize what defines this part of Central Florida. All together now…Strawberries!There is an entire culture built around the little, red, heart shaped orbs. Farm stands open and close with the season, huge throngs of workers tend the crops and then disappear, and acres and acres of fields form the landscape along State Road 60 and throughout Plant City. There’s even a festival for the berry and its own personal Queen. Geez, it’s practically a monarch around here, Sir Strawberry, the king of Hillsborough County.

I was curious about the history of the berry, so I called Dr. Vance Whitaker, a

professor of strawberry breeding and genetics at The University of Florida with a few basic questions, and learned some interesting facts:

Bananas, avocados, grapes, honeysuckle, watermelon, and tomatoes are examples of true botanical berries. The strawberry is not. The fleshy part that we eat develops from the tip of the stem, and what we call the “seeds” on the outside of the strawberry are technically the fruits.

The strawberries we purchase today are actually a cross between a South American wild strawberry and a North American wild strawberry that were shipped back to France by explorers in the mid-1700s and cross- pollinated, by chance, in a botanical garden.

No one really knows why they’re called “Straw” berries. It’s commonly assumed that it has to do with the straw that has historically been used to mulch the young plants, but there are other theories, including a cute little tale about European children harvesting the fruits in the wild and tying their stems with a piece of straw to carry them to market.

Roasted Strawberry, Prosciutto

and Grilled Cheese Sandwich 1 lb. strawberries

(stemmed and halved if large)

4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

5 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon minced lemon zest

4 tablespoons salted butter, softened

8 slices good quality bread

8 slices prosciutto, sliced paper thin.

8 slices Munster cheese

(I’ve tried others, but

Munster seems to be the

perfect combination of

texture, mild flavor and

saltiness…feel free to

experiment on your own.)

My annual birthday cake has

been homemade strawberry

shortcake ever since I was old

enough to articulate a request.

But that’s a once a year event,

and I love strawberries all year

long. Because I have never

been an everyday dessert eater,

I wanted to come up with an

option for a savory strawberry

standby. I learned years ago to

roast tomatoes to intensify and

preserve their flavor, so what the

heck, I tried it with the overload

of Plant City strawberries and

I think that just maybe, I have

served the King well.

Pre-heat oven to 425.

Blend sugar and balsamic in a bowl and warm in a microwave or saucepan to dissolve sugar. Cool slightly. Toss strawberries, balsamic-sugar mixture, and lemon zest together on a deep sided cookie sheet. Roast for ten minutes. Cool slightly.

Meanwhile, lightly butter one side of each bread slice, and melt some of the remaining butter in a skillet to coat. Layer cheese prosciutto and ¼ cup roasted strawberries on unbuttered side of four slices of bread and top with the remaining four. Sear on medium heat to a crisp golden brown and serve with remaining strawberries and balsamic on the side.

*If you have some fresh basil, it is great slivered and tossed in the sandwich.

ENTERTAINMENT » RECIPE

OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTYWRITTEN BY: GAIL JONES


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COWBOY’S SALOON AND STEAKHOUSE

106 STATE ROAD 60 E.PLANT CITY, FL 33567-9253

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Chili’s has been spicing things up since 1975. There is something for everyones taste. From sizzling chicken or beef fajitas, fired grilled classic burgers or the new honey chipotle baby back ribs that are slow

smoked over pecan wood so they’re “fall-off-the-bone” tender with a bold new honey-chipotle flavor that’s impossible to resist. Call in or come in, your always welcome at Chili’s.

CHILI’S

3001 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAYPLANT CITY, FL 33566

813-764-8548 • WWW.CHILIS.COM

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant dedicated to serving the finest foods and atmosphere of Mexico and the Southwest. We serve lunch and dinner, and proudly feature Fajitas,

Enchiladas, Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Chiles Rellenos and Chimichangas, as well as other specialties of the house. In addition, we offer a wide variety of margaritas, beer and drinks to accompany your favorite meal. And best of all, at prices that are affordable to almost anyone. We’ve been voted Best Mexican by the Focus RCA awards five years in a row!

MI CASA

2613 THONOTOSASSA RDPLANT CITY, FL

813-752-0057• WWW.MICASAMEX.COM

Fresh specialties, top chefs, and great prices are what you can expect at The Asian Chen Restaurant located in the Thonotosassa Publix shopping area. Find out why customers are raving about this new fine

dining establishment. Monday-Thursday 10:30am-10pm. Friday-Saturday 10:30am-11pm: Sunday 11:30am-10pm. Seniors receive a complimentary beverage with their meal and party trays are available. LUNCH $ 5.75 • DINNER $6.95 • SENIORS GET FREE DRINK DINNING ORDER FROM MENU SALAD BAR FOR FREE.

ASIAN CHEN CHINESE BUFFET

2609 THONOTOSASSA RD.PLANT CITY, FL 33563

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Plant City Hometown Buffet is a family owned and operated business started by Elaine Vo, a resident of Plant City for the last 24 years. They offer a wide variety of items spanning the five

buffet bars, including seafood and steak. There is certainly something to fit every taste preference, especially if you’re looking for seafood with their catfish, stuffed crab, buttered shrimp and much, much, more.

PLANT CITY HOMETOWN BUFFET


813-754-4488

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OLDE TOWN PIZZERIA


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Zaxby’s offers its guests indescribably good prepared-at-order Chicken Fingerz, Jumbo Buffalo Wings, sandwiches, Zalads, Zappetizers and milkshakes along with a variety of sauces.

Zaxby’s also offers Party Platterz and catering which are perfect for any size event. Visit Zaxby’s location in Plant City at 2901 1/2 James Redman Pkwy. to find out for yourself how delicious and flavorful Zaxby’s is.

ZAXBY’S

2901 1/2 JAMES REDMAN PKWY.PLANT CITY, FL 33564

(813) 752-1971 • WWW.ZAXBYS.COM

Come visit the freshest Shrimp Plant City has to offer at Shrimp & Co. Express and Enjoy some Fresh hand breaded Shrimp with hush puppies, spicy slaw and seasoned herb potatoes, nine Po Boys Shrimp & Co. Dishes to

choose from and more. Open Tues- Thurs. 11am-8pm Fri and Sat. 11am-9pm Closed on Sunday and Monday.

SHRIMP & CO. EXPRESS

3503 W. BAKER STREET (U.S. 92), PLANT CITY FL. 33563

(813) 752-9040 • WWW.SHRIMPANDCO.COM

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM


KEEL AND CURLEY WINERYEvery first Saturday of the month Keel and Curley invites guests to sit back and enjoy their favorite wine, beer or soda and listen to the band.

On a recent Saturday Concert night The Gerry Williams Band comprised of nine members rocked the house as guests danced, celebrated special occasions and enjoyed an evening out with friends. The band entertained with the sounds of a trumpet, trombone, sax, electric piano, steel drums, drums, and guitars. Keel and Curley added to the festive evening by offering the ladies free wine freezes. The frozen, slushy drink choices were Wild Berry Pinot Noir with Pina Colada, Black Raspberry Merlot with Raspberry Mix, Strawberry Risling with Strawberry Mix, and Key West Key Lime with Margarita Mix.

On the spacious covered deck Corey Swingle was celebrating his graduation from Brandon High School with family and friends. Keel and Curley provides a family atmosphere for most any occasion. The venue can accommodate up to 200 people comfortably. Corey’s family brought in Corey’s favorite Mexican food for guests to enjoy as they celebrated his accomplishment. Among the guests were Alex Knott and Robert Woods who were also celebrating their graduations from their respective schools, Armwood High School and Strawberry Crest High School.

Clay Keel, son of owner Joe Keel, is the Venue Manager. He explained that groups can reserve tables for their parties and bring in their own food. If it is a band night there is a cover charge of $8.00 per person. Beverages must be purchased on the premises. For large parties the venue may be rented out for $600 for four hours

during the peak months of November through May. From June through October the fee is $300 to rent the venue. The site has become a favorite for weddings as it includes a spacious outdoor gazebo area.

Starr and Scott Anderson were at the First Saturday Concert enjoying a night out with friends. Both Starr and Scott are active in the Plant City community and were impressed with the facilities at Keel and Curley. Starr offered, “This would be a great place to host a class reunion. It is casual and fun!”

Mike Cook, a weekend server at Keel & Curley explained the Friday Night “uncorked” event as a time to unwind and visit with friends. Guests can enjoy

live entertainment by local musicians on the covered deck. Happy hour, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., includes half price on beer and glasses of wine. Appetizers are served from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. There is a $5.00 cover charge for the popular weekly event. The atmosphere is always casual and fun at “Uncorked Friday.”

Table reservations are recommended for both First Saturday Concert and Uncorked Friday events. The next First Saturday Concert on July 1 will begin at 7:00 p.m. and features The Vodkanauts of Tampa, a group known for their” surf rock” music. Call 813-752-9100 for reservations. Keel & Curley is located at 5210 Thonotosassa Road in Plant City.

ENTERTAINMENT » BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

Gerry Williams Band sang songs of soul, funk and rhythm.Photo by Sherrie Mueller

HOSTS FIRST SATURDAY CONCERTWRITTEN BY: SHERRIE MUELLER

Scott and Starr Anderson order from Mike Cook of Keel and Curley at the First Saturday Concert. Photo by Sherrie Mueller

Mike Cook of Keel & Curley Winery pours a glass of Wild Berry Pinot Noir. Photo by Sherrie Mueller


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PLANT CITY CALENDAROF EVENTS

ENTERTAINMENT » EVENT CALENDAR

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to:

[email protected]

SATURDAY, JUNE 16» Strawberry Classic Car Show4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Downtown Plant CityFor more information: Call the Chamber 754-3707

» Plant City Farmers MarketLast Chance to visit the Farmers Market until September 22nd8:00am ‘til 11:00amLocated at the Train Depot in Historic Downtown Plant City

TUESDAY, JUNE 19» Story Time10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Bruton Memorial LibraryFor more information: (813) 757-9215

THURSDAY, JUNE 21» Business After Hours Hosted by Chilis5:15 p.m.3001 James L Redman ParkwayFor more information: 754-3707

SATURDAY, JUNE 23» 6th Annual O’Brien’s Plant City Charity Golf Classic10:00 a.m.The field is limited to the first 36 paid teamsWalden Lake Golf and Country Club2001 Clubhouse DriveFor more information: 752-1171

TUESDAY, JUNE 26» Sinabouda Lily (storyteller)10 a.m.Burton Memorial LibraryFor more information: (813) 757-9215

THURSDAY, JUNE 28» Fun Fest and Jamboree9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Dancing, Live Music, Free Health Screenings, Bingo, Games and lots more!Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds Expo Hall2202 W. Reynolds Street, Plant CityFor more information: 813.653.1988

SATURDAY, JUNE 30» Summer Movie11:00 a.m.Bruton Memorial LibraryFor more information: (813) 757-9215

MONDAY, JULY 2» Journal Craft3:00 to 4:00 p.m.Create a journal either a personal one or a dream journal and decorate it to suit your tasteBruton Memorial LibraryFor more information: (813) 757-9215

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4» Independence Day!!

» Plant City Parks and Recreation Fireworks Display6:00 to 9:00 p.m.Plant City StadiumThis year’s Fireworks are sponsored by PC Parks and Recreation, Plant City Chamber, and the Florida Strawberry Festival among other sponsors. For more information call the parks department: 659.4225

SATURDAY, JULY 7» The Vodkanauts7:00pmKeel and Curley Winery5202 W. Thonotosassa Rd., Plant CityAll general admission covered seating is $8. ($10 day of show). For advanced tickets call 813-752-9100

» Bike Fest5:00 p.m. to 9:0 p.m.Downtown Plant CityFor more information: 754-3707

MONDAY -FRIDAY, JULY 9-13 » Vacation Bible SchoolChurch on the Rock301 E. Alsobrook Street6:00 to 9:00 p.m.Time to get movin to the Beat of 2012

TUESDAY, JULY 10» Bedtime Stories6:30 to 7:30 p.m.Bring your favorite story to share with everyoneBurton Memorial LibraryFor more information: (813) 757-9215

MONDAY, JULY 16» Batman masks3:00 to 4:00 p.m.Batman comes out this week at Bruton Memorial Library. Make masks and other batman related crafts. Bruton Memorial LibraryFor more information: (813) 757-9215

THURSDAY, JULY 19 » Woodmen of the World6:00 p.m.Informational meeting for persons interested in a Field Representative position with the company.You can love what you do and earn a great living doing it.RSVP to 1-800-555-9981 by July 16

ONGOING EVENTS» Journey Stories / Smithsonian Exhibition May 26- July 7Journey Stories is a compelling Smithsonian exhibition that shows how our evolving mobility changed a young nation and how transportation made us grow. On display May 26th - July 7th. For more information call Plant City Photo Archives 813-754-1578 Location: 106 South Evers Street, Plant City

» The Republican Club of Plant City meets the 4th Tuesday of every month, 7:30 -9:00 am, at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive, Plant City. The next meeting is March 27th. Cost of breakfast is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Come network with your neighbors in the conservative movement.

» Strawberry Square4401 Promenade Blvd.,Plant CityA full schedule of Square and Round Dancing is happening every day at Strawberry Square. We have many callers and cuer’s on the schedule. Visit our website: www.strawberrysquaredancing.com or call the office: 813-752-0491

» Keel and Curley WineryFriday Evening After Hours Wine BarHappy Hour 6:00-7:00 p.m.Wine Tasting until 9:00 p.m.Live Music 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

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ACROSS 1. Voyage 5. Giovanni’s love10. __ Hari14. Animal with a

long snout15. City about

whose streets we sing

17. Silvery fishes20. Nehru23. Period of years24. Beard wearer25. Plundered26. Ahead of time28. Elbowed pipe29. Pen point31. Apparent34. __ out a living;

get by35. Commandment

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abbr.39. Ending for legal

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boss41. Ward48. Lake Indians49. Drives forward50. One in bondage54. Accessory55. Barbie maker58. Marshy area60. Tower city

resident61. Utter62. Neighbor of Nev.63. Bottled drink65. Slot67. Tumbler70. In progress72. More petite75. Large amount77. Buckeyes’ home:

abbr.78. Fail to keep up81. Fraternity letter82. Mr. Potato Head

piece84. Piano solos86. __ monster87. Concepts88. Capital city90. Inclines91. Bill97. Celebration

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additive, for many11. Group for Drs. & others12. Belief13. 1974 Best Actor in a

Comedy Emmy winner14. Lewis or Sandburg16. Cookie variety18. Low card19. Japanese exports20. Payment21. Chili dog topper, for some22. Unfavorable27. However30. Rose-to-be32. Tee forerunner33. Clem Kadiddlehopper’s

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35. Cobb and Burrell36. Keepsake37. Sap producer38. Night before40. Doing nothing41. Attic corner fillers42. Carpet layer’s measure43. Fleur-de-lis44. Permit45. Harness piece46. Tiny47. Colorado ski resort51. “Do __ say, not...”52. Large vehicle53. High school subj.55. Deep mud56. Glorify57. Diet’s drink59. Hangman’s loop64. Unfriendly66. Pope St. __ X67. Beast of burden68. 69 Down’s opposite69. 68 Down’s opposite71. Creator72. Enjoy the slopes73. Raging74. Hairy one76. Hiatal hernia symptom78. Sagging79. Purina rival80. Shocked sound83. Truant’s crime85. Numerical prefix86. Neon or argon

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stamp pad113. Matching pairs114. Elder, for one115. Monster116. Unassuming118. Stun121. “__ Girl

Watcher”122. Ear that gets

buttered123. Turndowns124. Go over

FATHERHOOD by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews

ENTERTAINMENT » CROSSWORD

FATHERHOODCREATED BY: CALVIN R. AND JACKIE MATHEWS

Scan to learn m

ore!

http://www.morganexteriorsinc.com

I want to be sure that the care my baby and I receive is personalized for

our needs. That will require having my baby at a hospital dedicated to

individual care and comfort. St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital and South

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well as exceptional nursing and medical care. And because of the long-

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Few experiences in life are more personal than having a baby.

For a free physician referral or to request a FREE

I Expect Planning Guide:

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TAMPA

PLANT CITY

2000 East Baker StreetPlant City, FL 33563

Service HoursMon-Fri 7am-7pm

Sat 7am-3pm

813-757-6429

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focus plant city 11-06

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