Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
FOCUS Magazine Plant City Edition Issue 11-04, April 2012
Citation preview
www.dentalassociatesfl .com
1-855-85-TEETHPlant City | Lakeland | Sun City | Winter Haven
ALWAYS CELEBRATING AT EVERY LOCATION WITH FREE EXAM AND
X-RAYS FOR NEW PATIENTSHealthy Teeth and Gums
for a Lifetime!
NEW PATIENTS AND EMERGENCIES WELCOME
Bartow Location1054 N. Broadway Ave. • 863.533.4444
Winter Haven Location317 Cypress Gardens Blvd.near Wal-Mart Supercenter
CELEBRATING A NEW LOCATION
TAMPA OFF BUSCH BLVD. 1311 W BUSCH BLVD (1 MILE W OF I-4 ON BUSCH BLVD)
PLANT CITY 1701 S. ALEXANDER ST. • 813.719.2222
Locally ownedand operated
www.dentalassociatesfl .com
Periodontal disease treated with a Laser. Faster healing with this procedure. Come in and ask about the “Lanap” Procedure
Bartow863.533.0777
1475 W. Main St.www.BartowChevrolet.com
Zephyrhills813.782.1538
36822 State Road 54www.SparkmanChevrolet.com
THIS MONTH’S SPARKMAN SPECIAL! Silverado Trucks as low as $17,997, payments as low as $309.99.
Complimentary NitroFill (Nitrogen in all -4- tires), Complimentary -2- year maintenance (includes lubrication, oil changes, fi lter replacements and tire rotations as recommended by the manufacturer) and vehicle detail on every
service visit. 0 percent fi nancing for qualifi ed buyers for up to 72 months!!* One huge inventory, 2 convenient locations and the Sparkman Advantage….why buy anywhere else?
*All prices plus tax, tag and $499.95 dealer fee WAC Ally Financial. Must trade 1999 or newer vehicle for trade assistance bonus cash. Vehicle pictured for illustration purposes only.
Bartow863.533.0777
1475 W. Main St.www.BartowChevrolet.com
Zephyrhills813.782.1538
36822 State Road 54www.SparkmanChevrolet.com
THIS MONTH’S SPARKMAN SPECIAL! Silverado Trucks as low as $17,997, payments as low as $309.99.
Complimentary NitroFill (Nitrogen in all -4- tires), Complimentary -2- year maintenance (includes lubrication, oil changes, fi lter replacements and tire rotations as recommended by the manufacturer) and vehicle detail on every
service visit. 0 percent fi nancing for qualifi ed buyers for up to 72 months!!* One huge inventory, 2 convenient locations and the Sparkman Advantage….why buy anywhere else?
*All prices plus tax, tag and $499.95 dealer fee WAC Ally Financial. Must trade 1999 or newer vehicle for trade assistance bonus cash. Vehicle pictured for illustration purposes only.
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com4
BEST BUFFET IN PLANT CITY
Lunch $6.99Dinner $9.99
Over 100 itemsSalads • DessertsSteak • Seafood& Much More Plant City Homestyle Buffet
Steak & Seafood1914 James Redman Pkwy • 813-754-4488
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11a.m. - 8:30p.m. • Fri & Sat 11am - 9pm
SeniorsFREEDRINK!
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 5
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com6
16-40 LOCALSpringtime means Relay for Life and Little Miss Plant City. Among this month’s stories you’ll also read about Pastor Don Mason’s retirement, Jarrett Scott Ford’s 100th Anniversary and the annual Friends of Scouting dinner honoring five new Eagle Scouts and Fred Johnson as Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
45-51 FEATURELearn about the new 60,000 square foot red brick home of the 13th Judicial Circuit and meet Judy Dominguez, Director of Branch Operations for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, a woman who is very proud of her staff and the services they provide to citizens of eastern Hillsborough County.
53-55 SPOTLIGHTChris Tancredo and his capable staff at Tancredo Law Firm are experts when it comes to legal issues involving financial difficulties such as foreclosure and bankruptcy. They can offer hope, so call now.
59 BUSINESS PROFILEThe Tooth Caboose is a Plant City landmark and home to three dental partners who thoroughly enjoy their careers because building great smiles is such rewarding work.
101 DINING PROFILECheckers has something for everyone and for prices everyone can afford. Fast service, tasty food and money saved - be sure to try something new and soon.
61 - FINANCE COLUMN64 - HOME GUIDE66 - REAL ESTATE68 - WALDEN LAKE COLUMN70 - MORTGAGE COLUMN74 - SPORTS78 - ATHLETE OF THE MONTH80 - BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH88 - AL REUCHEL COLUMN
90 - DEREK MAUL94 - ARTIST OF THE MONTH96 - AUTO REVIEW102 - DINING GUIDE104 - RED ROSE ENTERTAINMENT106 - CLASSIFIEDS108 - EVENT CALENDAR109 - CROSSWORD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ON THE COVER
CHRIS TANCREDO TANCREDO LAW FIRM
Vol. 11 Issue 4 • April 2012 www.focusplantcity.com
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 7
Braces and Invisalign for Children and Adults
Plant City’s only Elite Invisalign Provider
Se Habla Español
Now scheduling Pediatric Dental Patients in our
Plant City Location
NEW LOCATION623 East Alexander Street • 813.759.9474at Alexander Crossings Plaza
515 Corner Street, Brandon813-681-9473
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY!
Dr. Derek M. BusciglioLICENSED ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST
Dr. Dana M. BusciglioBOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTISTLICENSED ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST
www.TheOrthoDoc.com
Your Kids Will Love It Here!
Now Offering
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 9
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 | April Langston
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
Contributors Al Ruechel | Gil Gott Bruce Rodwell | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERChildren do and say the darndest things. They also keep us on our toes.
DeDe and I were totally caught off guard recently when our youngest son Zy, who will have his 5th birthday this month, surprised us with this invitation: “Mom, Dad - come see my clean room.”
So we did and we were blown away. Zy had organized his toys, his clothes, his closet - it looked like he had hired professionals to do a room makeover. Needless to say, we showered him with encouraging compliments and we’re thinking he could open a business already.
Then a week later, he did it again - caught us off guard at the grocery store while we were shopping for the Floyd food bank and snack pantry. Zy asked Dede, “Mom, how much is all this going to cost? Are you sure we can afford it?
Since when did 4-year-olds start caring about the price of food? We answered his questions, which prompted a few of our own, such as, “What about those who can’t afford food?” and “Do we really need everything we buy?”
These were teachable moments in the Floyd household, and we’re hoping for many more.
In this issue we hope to teach our readers about the new courthouse and its operations, a law firm that specializes in helping those with financial difficulties, the Tooth Caboose, a very special auto-mobile dealer’s 100th anniversary, the community supported Relay for Life event and the retirement party for Pastor Don Mason of Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Once again, the issue is filled with the local flavor that makes Plant City so unique. Read, learn, know and share - your stories are always good.
As you watch daily for teachable moments, keep your eyes on the kids because they have it goin’ on and our opinion matters to them. Just ask Zy - the organizing Certified Financial Officer (CFO) in training. And we doubt he even knew we were his students.
Warmest Regards,Mike Floyd
1425 W. Main St (Hwy 60 W), Bartow, FL 33830
(813) 708-1181
www.edwardschrysler.com
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 7:30pm • Saturday 9am - 5pmClosed Sunday for Family
TOM EDWARDSCHRYSLER DODGE JEEP
See why everyone is driving to Bartow to buy a car from
TOM EDWARDS.
HWY 60
N
HWY
37
Come to TOM EDWARDS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP to get that personal down home touch that will save you money!
BEST PRICE, BEST SERVICE FOR OVER 37 YEARS
Welcome To
RRR FARMRRR FARM813-982-1172 7449 Loghouse Rd,
Plant City, FL
SPRING RIDING SPECIAL
Call us now for your Gift Certifi cates.
$10000RRR Farm • 7449 Loghouse Rd, Plant City, FL
813-982-1172 • Expires 5-15-12
WE SPECIALIZE EACH PARTY TO YOUR NEEDS!
Call us for your private parties while we still have availability!
Have us cater your next
Birthday Party or Barn Party
We provide Intimate settings that you will not get anywhere else.
COUNTRY ELEGANCE
RRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARM
4 Lessons
for
Welcome To
RRR FARMRRR FARM813-982-1172 7449 Loghouse Rd,
Plant City, FL
SPRING RIDING SPECIAL
Call us now for your Gift Certifi cates.
$10000RRR Farm • 7449 Loghouse Rd, Plant City, FL
813-982-1172 • Expires 5-15-12
WE SPECIALIZE EACH PARTY TO YOUR NEEDS!
Call us for your private parties while we still have availability!
Have us cater your next
Birthday Party or Barn Party
We provide Intimate settings that you will not get anywhere else.
COUNTRY ELEGANCE
RRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARMRRR FARM
4 Lessons
for
“MAN IN THE STREET” SCULPTURE EXHIBIT TO ENLIVEN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
“Creme de la Creme” A musical review
Area Youth to compete in Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition
Power of Parents
Eight life-sized bronze sculptures from the “Man in the Street” collection of professional artist and sculptor J. Seward Johnson will be on display in and around Plant City’s historic downtown beginning Tuesday, May1, 2012, when the truck arrives about 8 AM at the “Depot”.
The painted bronze pieces will be on loan from The Sculpture Foundation, headquartered in Santa Monica, California, for the months of May, June, and July, of 2012, through an arrangement made by Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, with the sponsorship of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Plant City, and the Arts Council of Plant City. The life-sized sculptures, weighing hundreds of pounds each, will be placed essentially throughout the Union Station/Depot and McCall Park area and are interactive in that people love to get up next to them, touch them, and have their photos taken with them.
For more information contact the Photo Archives and History Center at 106 South Evers Street, 813.754.1578, or the website plantcityphotoarchives.org.
Bring a date or the whole family to dinner and a live performance event featuring young local talent. Make plans now to attend “Crème de la Crème,” a musical review with dinner at The Brick House Café on May 4-5, 2012, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy popular tunes from the 40s through the 80s in the show produced by Al Cohen. Tickets for $22 can be purchased at Hardee’s Fashion Center, 1501 W. Wheeler Street in Plant City. Your support will be appreciated.
The Plant City Little League will host a free Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for area youth. April 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Mike Sansone Ball Park. All Participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate and fill out a registration/waiver form prior to the start of the competition. For questions concerning the competition, please contact Danny Coton at 813-763-8829.
TALK OF THE TOWN Submit your Talk of the Town info to: [email protected]
We care, DO you? Fearnow Insurance is conducting a MADD-Power of Parents luncheon on April 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 11607 E. Dr. MLK Blvd, Seffner, FL 33584. Lunch will be served after the presentation.
Let’s make a difference! The risks associated with underage drinking are sobering. Parental influence is the most important factor in keeping your children safe.
RSVP required to attend so reserve your spot ASAP. 813-689-8878 www.fearnowins.com or [email protected]
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 13
www.feltonsmarket.com
Felton’s Meat & Grocery617 North Maryland Ave. Plant City, FL • 813-752-1548
Monday - Saturday 7am-9pm Sunday 7am-8pm
Freshest MEAT and LOWEST prices in town!
STEAKSTEAK
RIBSRIBS
CHICKENWINGSCHICKENWINGS
SAUSAGESAUSAGE
Happy Mother’s DayHappy Mother’s Day
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com14
Join the PCHS Cosmetology Team for a Princess Makeover!!
Register for your Chance to Win!!!!
Woman’s Club Fundraiser to benefit Bruton Memorial Library
Downtown Art Walk
2012 Relay for Life
April 20th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Plant City High School Cosmetology will be doing Princess Makeover’s for $10 each prior to Plant City’s Relay for Life. Sparkly Makeup, Nails Polished, Butterfly Face Paint. Butterfly Wand and Real Fairy Princess Crowning by the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. Sponsored by PCHS Cosmetology all proceeds benefit Relay for Life.
Florida Strawberry Festival is Raffling off 2 Guitars! One Signed by Reba McEntire and one by Hank Williams Jr.
Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. You can purchase tickets at the Florida Strawberry Festival office located at 303 North Lemon Street. Don’t delay, enter TODAY! All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Plant City Relay for Life. Drawing will be held Saturday, April 21, at 9:00 a.m. at Plant City High School
For more information contact the Festival office at 813.752.9194
Woman’s Club of Plant City Fundraiser to benefit Bruton Memorial LibraryThursday April 19th at 11:30 AMLuncheon and Informal Fashion show. Last year the Woman’s Club raised $2000.00 for the library. Let’s beat that amount this year. Join us and enjoy a great meal and see new fashions. Carrabas Italian GrillTickets: $20.00For more information please contact Jean Ann Eatman 813.752.3737
Join the artists of the ART lounge Gallery for our Downtown Art Walk Saturday April 21, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Our artists and other local artists will be setting up along Reynolds St. demonstrating various art forms and many will also be for sale. Come join us and enjoy watching ART in the making.
Are you an artist interested in participating? There is a small participation fee of $10. Set up will start at 10 a.m. and we ask you stay until 5 p.m. Contact Beverly at the ART Lounge Gallery at 863.660.5322 or [email protected].
April 20 Plant City High School Track Opening Ceremony: Begins at 6:00 p.m.Survivor Lap: Begins at 6:30 p.m.Luminaria Ceremony: Begins at 9:00 p.m.Closing Ceremony: Begins at 11:30 a.m. April 21
No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay. Each dollar you raise will help save lives. How far will you go to make a difference in the fight against cancer?
Your reasons for walking in Relay For Life are as unique and special as the story that motivates you. This is your opportunity to not only honor cancer survivors and remember people we have lost, but also to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Because of your support, we are creating a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life. You are helping create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!
For more information visit the relay for life website: www.relayforlife.org
TALK OF THE TOWN Submit your Talk of the Town info to: [email protected]
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 15
1505 South Alexander Street • Suite 102 • Plant City, FL 33563
813.717.7700
Pamper and love your MOTHER like we do!
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com16
LOCAL » FOCUS
DIVAS GETAWAY 2012:
The divas of Plant City and surrounding areas got dolled up for a night of treats at the American
Business Women’s Association of Plant City’s 3rd annual “Diva Getaway” on March 31. Because the fundraiser’s popularity has grown so much in its first two years, it was moved this year to the 25,000 sq. foot Trinkle Center at the HCC campus.
More than a dozen vendors and service providers skirted the walls of the “room turned lounge.” Booths on display represented businesses like Thirty-One Gifts, Riley’s Rhinestones, House of Envy Boutique and many more.
Easy tunes, delicious eats, to-die-for raffle prizes and a picture slideshow were just
a few of the entertaining pleasantries for attendees, which included a few men. It wouldn’t have been a true ladies’ night without make-up, manicures and massages courtesy of The Artistry Salon and Spa, Quality Care Massage Clinic, Bleu Salon and Spa, Remedi Medispa and more service providers. Many women concluded that the evening was full of much-needed fun.
“Women don’t have enough fun. Women need to get out and enjoy themselves. They have work. They have family. But they don’t have fun. This is all about fun,” one vendor said excitedly.
There was a more important issue at hand, amid all of the evening’s fun.A portion of the proceeds from tickets went toward scholarships awarded by the
Plant City ABWA and fundraising for women’s education.
Veronica Prostko, a Nu Skin distributor at the event, is also one of the 10-year-old chapter’s founding members and a past president.
“Although I’ve lived in Plant City for almost 23 years, I wanted to introduce the community to a product that I have fallen in love with, and this was a great opportunity to do that in a social way,”
she added. “All of the AWBA fundraisers help women in some way; We really try to mentor the students and get them involved.”
Civinettes from Plant City High School were also scattered throughout the room as volunteers for the benefit.
“It feels good to help in the community and help these lovely ladies have fun,” Liliana Martinez, a Civinette, said.
THE PLANT CITY ABWA HOSTS LADIES’ NIGHT FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Vice President Jennifer Chamberlain, ABWA member Courtney Paat, Event Chairperson Rebecca Williams and members Natalie Sweet and Lizzette Sarria. Photo by Terrika Mitchell
WRITTEN BY: TERRIKA MITCHELL
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com18
LOCAL » FOCUS
STINGRAY CHEVROLET GIVES SO OTHERS MAY RECEIVE
Unity In the Community is not just the name of an organization comprised of people. Unity in this
community called Plant City is made up of people who unite to give to those in need.
Their belief in “charity begins at home” is shown and not just talked about in this caring town with an overabundance of need for helping our own. On March 22, 2012, founder Joyce Jordan Hooke accepted a check in the amount of $100,000 from Bill Hurley, owner of Stingray Chevrolet and current president
of Unity In the Community. A joint venture of the organizations of Unity In the Community, Stingray Chevrolet, the Florida Strawberry Festival and, most importantly, people, came together to raise funds to help with the many needs in our own hometown. “I want to thank everyone for their generosity. I also want to give a special thank you to Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Auto Trader and the Dealer Tag Agency for combining their efforts and raising five thousand dollars for this heartfelt cause,” Hurley said in humility.
He continued, “I’m proud to be part of such an organization that believes in helping others in our own backyard. I was guessing about $85,000 had been collected. Was I ever surprised!”
This is the third year Stingray Chevrolet has given away a car to the winner of a drawing held at the Strawberry Festival.
Donna Minatee, owner of ticket number 422 and winner of the beautiful red Camero SS Convertible expressed her happiness by saying, “I just can’t believe it. But I am so glad to know that the money is going for such a good and much needed cause.” Minatee lives in Temple Terrace. Hurley presented the key to the bright red Camero at the Stingray Chevrolet location. Unity in the Community board member Marsha Passmore offered these words of appreciation: “The partnership between Unity in the Community and Stingray Chevrolet’s owner Steve Hurley are paramount. He has truly moved the organization to the next level in his commitment, and the Plant City area benefits greatly. Every dollar raised is filtered through the non-profit organization to help others. What I find unique about Steve Hurley is that he never purposely brings attention to himself, but is always ready to credit others for doing the job.”
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY WORKING IN AND FOR THEIR COMMUNITY WRITTEN BY: DALE BLISS
Donna Minatee, winner accepting the keys from Steve Hurley, President of Unity in the Community. Photo by Dale Bliss
www.tiptotoeplantcity.com101 South Alexander Street
813-759-8637
gift certifi cates available
www.tiptotoeplantcity.com101 South Alexander Street
813-759-8637
gift certifi cates available
www.tiptotoeplantcity.com101 South Alexander Street
813-759-8637
gift certifi cates available
$25deluxe pedicure$25 full set$50 facial
Happy Mother’s Day
Expiration date 7/1/12 Expiration date 7/1/12 Expiration date 7/1/12
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 19
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com20
LOCAL » FOCUS
WANTED!The Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s
Office (HCSO) is actively recruiting male and female Deputy Trainees.
The HCSO is one of the ten largest Sheriff ’s offices nationwide and is seeking dedicated, ambitious individuals who can uphold their motto: “Serve, protect, and defend the community while preserving the rights and dignity of all.”
Annually, the HCSO receives approximately 1,500 – 1,700 employment applications.
According to Detective Jeremy Davis, the HCSO takes the recruitment and hiring process very seriously. Candidates go through a meticulous series of processes just to be invited to interview, and then more steps to continue through the recruitment process with the goal of gaining employment. Detective Davis adds, “The order of the recruitment process includes: Civil Service/fill out profile, invitation is sent for Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA), once passed PAA, invitation to submit application, assigned to a detective and all submitted items are processed, interview is scheduled, pre-background started, interview, polygraph, Wonderlic, writing sample, ride-a-long, ride-a-long
synopsis, Oral Board, references (personal, employment, neighborhood, agency checks, other), final report along with conditional offer and if accepted, final phone call and meeting with secretary who will set up final testing.”
If a candidate does not pass any phase of the recruitment process they do not move forward. The entire process can take a month to two months depending on selection times and available academies.
In a typically considered male-dominated profession, the HCSO is now focusing high energy on recruiting women to careers in law enforcement. Detective Andrea Eagon has been with the HCSO since February 2001. In a recent article in Tampa Woman she was asked “What do you love most about your job?” Her response was, “This line of work is very interesting. We are involved in situations that society is intrigued by, and we get to have an effect on the outcome of some of those scenarios. The most fulfilling part is being able to have an impact on someone’s life and knowing that you helped make a difference.”
Starting pay for a Law Enforcement Deputy after training is $44,881.20 and for a Detention Deputy after training
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND DETENTION DEPUTIES
WRITTEN BY: KELLEIGH KLEIN
Sheriff’s Office Recruitment Team: Detective Andea Davis, Detective Gary Denbigh, Sgt. Wes Luckey, Deputy Kristi Allen, Detective Jeremy Davis, Lt. Jim Bradford, Sgt. Ed Shea, Dt. Don Metcalf and Cpl. Dave Evarts
Potential recruits performing sit ups as part of fitness testing criteria
$44,335.20. All applicants must meet the following: a United States citizen, 21 years of age, no illegal drug use of any kind in the past 36 months, no use of any tobacco products in the last 6 months, no more than 3 moving violations in the last 5 years, NO more than 5 moving violations, total, on driving history, no felony convictions, no misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement or domestic violence.
For Law Enforcement Applicants: A minimum of 60 semester hours from an
accredited college or university; or three years experience as a law enforcement officer; or three years active duty U.S. Military Service.
For Detention Applicants: A High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
For more information about a career in law enforcement with the Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office, visit www.joinhcso.com.
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 21
CCCCCC
Educated and Dedicated to serve you!
Auto InjuryWhiplash
HeadachesBack and Leg Pain
SciaticaMuscle Spasms
Neck, Shoulder, and Arm PainHerniated/Bulging Disc
Fibromyalgia
Dr. Todd GlennDr. William "B.J." Garrison
(Palmer College Graduates)
Caring for you.
813-754-2273 • 1215 W Baker Street • Plant City, FL 33563
We accept all auto insurances, and most major insurance and HMO's
Thank you Plant City for 22 years of trusting us with your care.
To learn more about our services visit our interactive website at
www.caringconceptsinc.com
Visit us at our NEWLY RENOVATED
OFFICE
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com22
LOCAL » FOCUS
PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES:THE CHAMBER-SPONSORED EVENT MAKES ITS SECOND SUCCESSFUL LANDING
Antique plane fanatics were not the only ones taking flight. Children ages 8 to 17 participated in free flights in more modern aircrafts courtesy of the EAA. The real treat was for local Boy Scouts in attendance who got to earn their Railroad Merit Badges and Aviation Merit Badges. Volunteers taught navigation, runway labeling and layout and more at work stations that scouts were required to complete.
“They’ve really enjoyed the Aviation Merit Badge opportunity because it’s one of the more difficult to get,” said Brett Clancy, Scout Master of Troop 14. “A lot of times it takes weeks and weeks to get the merit badge because you have to coordinate with different people who will teach them the various aspects. Here, we’ve got volunteers at every table with everything they need to do here in one place.”
The entire experience was a one-stop-shop for transportation gurus. A range of antique cars like Ford trucks, Corvettes, Mustangs and others lined the lot. Live music, bouncing houses and food vendors were an added bonus for children and families.
The Planes, Trains and Automobiles vision originated with Chamber member and event Chairman Jason Jones whose son is fascinated with air craft.
“Noah loves planes and he points them out
all the time,” Jones said. “I was looking for a fun family event; then we decided let’s add something more than planes. Then we came up with planes and trains and the next thing we added were the automobiles, and that’s what we have here.”
Plant City Police joined the festivities with a K-9 demonstration for interested viewers.
Jones was most thrilled to see the pleasant reactions and anticipates next year’s event.
“A personal favorite is really just seeing all the kids out here having fun. Next year is a surprise but we’re going to possibly have something with jets. We’ll let that out in about six months,” he laughed.
In its second year, Plant City’s Chamber of Commerce pulled out all the stops for its Planes, Trains and Automobiles
event. The free family fun day was held March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Plant City Airport.
The Chamber sponsors the event but they also partner with the Tampa International Airport, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and more. According to Chamber President Marion Smith, this year’s event attendance was double that of last year’s.
“We just expanded the event this year. Something that is new is, through the EAA, we were able to get the 1929 Ford tri-motor plane. There are only three left in operation in the world.”
According to Jason Swilley from Jarrett-Scott Ford, only nine tri-motor Ford planes were ever created. He says partakers were in for a rare and rewarding opportunity by flying in the nine-passenger aircraft.
“It’s very rare to see this kind of plane in this part of the country too. They flew it from the Midwest to get it here,” he said. “When passengers come off, they have a big smile on their face. Everyone really enjoyed getting to see how the plane was built and how primitive the plane is but that it’s still flying today.”
Venture Scout Anthony Pallara (front) assisted Scount Masters Brett Clancy (left), Michael Baird (back center), and John Scarbrough (right)Photo by Terrika Mitchell
Participants had an opportunity to take flight in this 1929 Ford tri-motor aircraft.Photo by Terrika Mitchell
Antique train exhibits were displayed in the airport’s hanger.Photo by Terrika Mitchell
WRITTEN BY: TERRIKA MITCHELL
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 23
Almost PArAdise cAbin rentAlAlmost PArAdise cAbin rentAl
813-752-1333 or 813-478-1988813-752-1333 or 813-478-1988Owner Richard & Marilyn Hicks VRBO listing 38719 VRBO.com
Book Your Summer Vacation Now While There Is Availability
cAll now to book your summer VAcAtion!
New members only. Valid only at participating clubs. Free week may be exchanged for a special first visit discount. Not valid with any other offer. © 2012 Curves International, Inc.� Zumba®, Zumba Fitness®, and the Zumba Fitness logos are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC. Used with permission.
813-719-18221822 James L. Redman Pkwy.
Plant City, FL, 33565Come and burn tons of calories with Kristy Smith at Curves in Plant City
Isn’t it beautiful?
Let’s keep it that way!
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com24
LOCAL » FOCUS
KERRI MILLER CITY CLERK
Kerri Miller is a dedicated professional who serves our community in a vitally important role as City Clerk.
Appointed by the City Commission and under the supervision of the City Manager, she serves both, as well as all administrative departments within Plant City.
Prior to her appointment April 20, 2009, she had worked in Plant City public service for 11 years, including positions as a legal secretary and Hillsborough County Public School bus driver for special needs children.
Of the work she loves now, Miller says, “When I started working for the City, I felt I was finally where I was supposed to
be. Everyone’s hometown friendly spirit made me enjoy coming to work every day. I like being the go-to person for the citizens of Plant City and its employees.”
Here follows a few of our City Clerk’s responsibilities:- act as liason between civic organizations, the public, and City Commission- manage/digitize/lawfully record all records including official minutes- prepare/distribute all commission/municipal code enforcement board agendas - advertise ordinances, resolutions and public hearing notices - administer/record oaths of office- maintain custody of the municipal seal, receipts for services and legal documents- sign all official documents and update/maintain the city code- receive/process applications for volunteer boards/committees- serve as community historian; handle public and Freedom of Information Act requests- coordinate voter registration/election activities with Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, accept/review/maintain candidate records and certify results Big job, right? Miller shared, “My biggest challenge is keeping up with law changes that affect recordkeeping to ensure the City’s compliance, especially in this paperless, social media era. Our office efficiency and information accessibility would not be possible without records clerk Charlene Broome and administrative assistant Shona Gadde. We are a team!”
Miller is a Certified Municipal Clerk, a nationally accredited designation through the International Institute for Municipal Clerks (IIMC). She holds memberships also in the Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC) and the Florida Records
Management Association (FRMA).
For relaxation with family and friends, this country music fan enjoys activities revolving around the beach, boating, saltwater fishing and hunting. Married to Tim for 16 years, Miller said she’s “a very proud mother of three sons - Chase, Preston and Austin - and two grandchildren.” She added, “I tell people that as a single man at 30, he really took on a challenge marrying a woman with three kids. We came along and turned his nice, neat life upside down, so it must have been true love.”
In this Relay for Life month, Kerri felt it was important to share a little more personally to “raise awareness and encourage men over 40 to have the simple, life-saving blood test.” She explained, “Tim was diagnosed in August, 2011 with prostate cancer and had surgery at age 45. Thankfully, we have a very good support system through coworkers, family and friends. Annually, one in 36 die with this second leading cause of death in American men. This is not an old man’s disease anymore.”
Miller calls her decision to work for the City “a very positive and rewarding experience..” She added, “We have a great Commission that really cares about our City and its employees. Plant City has always been a loving caring community and a great place to work and raise a family. I grew up here and plan to stay here.”
Visit Plant City’s webpage: http://www.plantcitygov.com/index.aspx, reach Kerri via phone, 813-659-4200, or stop in at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds, weekdays from 9-5.
WRITTEN BY: ROBERT TILFORD AND CHERYL JOHNSTON
Photo by Robert Tilford
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 25
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS NOW!
focusmakeover
on you
Many people know someone who is selfl ess, someone who always seems to be helping others. Now think for a second about someone you know like that. Who was the fi rst person that came to your mind?
Sometimes those people need a break, and they need a day where they aren’t concerned about helping those in their lives. It is not a selfi sh thing, just something well-deserved.
Well, fortunately, FOCUS is offering a day like that for four lucky people. It is the magazine’s annual “Focus on you Makeover,” which rewards people with a day of pampering.
So if you know anyone who deserves a makeover, FOCUS is here to make it happen with the help of other businesses in the community.
To nominate someone, send a 300-word letter describing why he or she deserves a makeover. It can be submitted via mail, e-mail, or fax. All nominations must be received by midnight May 15. Four winners will be chosen and notifi ed on May 16.The Makeover will be held on May 18.
Letters should be titled “Focus on you Makeover” and mailed to 702 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant CIty, FL 33563. Entries can also be e-mailed to editorial@fl oydpublications.com. Write “Focus on you Makeover” in the subject line and send the entry in the body of the e-mail – please, no attachments. Entries should
include the name of the nominee and the nominator, along with the nominees address, home phone number, and work phone
number. For faxing, call (813) 764-0990, Attn: DeDe.
Submit your nomination online atwww.thefocusmagazine.com/makeover
makeovermakeover
W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant CIty, FL 33563can also be e-mailed to “Focus on you Makeover” in the subject line and send the entry in the body of the e-mail – please, no attachments. Entries should
include the name of the nominee and the nominator, along with the nominees address, home phone number, and work phone
number. For faxing, call
www.thefocusmagazine.com/makeover
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com26
Our Tasting Room & Gift Shop is
open daily until 6PMSample 12 wines
for just $6 We have added two new wines
Dry Blackberry and Sweet Blackberry
Host Your Next Special Moment at
Keel & CurleyWedding
Ceremonies & ReceptionsShowers,
Parties, & Corporate
Events
Friday Evening After Hours Wine BarHappy Hour 6PM - 7PM
Wine Tasting until 9PMLive Music
6:30PM - 10:30PM
813.752.9100 5202 W. Thonotosassa Rd.
Plant City keelandcurleywinery.com
Our Tasting Room Come Experience the Napa Valley Of Tampa Bay
Spyro GyraApril 21 at 7PM
Tickets start at $20.Onsale now at
keelandcurleywinerycom.
Come see brand new corvettes as well as
classics at the winery with live music, vendors,
wine specials, winery tours, and tastings from
Noon to 7PM.
Presented by
SummerConcertSeries
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 27
LOCAL » FOCUS
FRIENDS OF SCOUTING ANNUAL DINNER CELEBRATES FIVE NEW EAGLESAND FRED JOHNSON AS DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN
The Friends of Scouting 9th Annual Distinguished Citizen Dinner event recognized five new Eagle Scouts on
February 9, 2012 at the Trinkle Center. The group also honored Fred Johnson with this year’s Distinguished Citizen Award.
NASA Astronaut and guest speaker Captain Winston E. Scott addressed a room filled with uniformed Scouts, their leaders, interesting displays, family and friends.
With respect for an organization that upholds strong beliefs in God, country and family, each came to pay tribute to the young men who have achieved Scouting’s highest rank and to Johnson, a man who contributes so much to civic efforts in his hometown. A long time supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, Johnson has twice served as the Friends of Scouting chairman.
These Eagles are: Alan Avelar, John Baird, and Ryan Stanton Cook of Troop 14 in Plant City (Scoutmaster Brett Clancy); Jacob Barr of Troop 734 in Springhead (Scoutmaster John Scarborough); and Benjamin Schulte of Troop 5 in Plant City (Scoutmaster Scott Hamilton).
According to BSA, only four percent of
boys become Eagle Scouts, a title held for life that’s achieved through a process spanning five to six years. Scouts must earn at least 21 badges before they turn 18 and plan and accomplish a service project to benefit a school, religious institution or the community at large.
For the fourth consecutive year, CF Industries was the event’s signature sponsor. Robert Ghent, CFI Community Affairs Director, along with Stefan Katzares, presented a check for $10,000 to the BSA, Gulf Ridge Council. Of this money, $1,000 benefits the James E. West endowment fund. The Gulf Ridge Council operates from Tampa but serves youth of Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk and Sumter Counties.
Dr. Hal Brewer, 2011 Distinguished Citizen, presented the 2012 award to Johnson, who in humility responded, “This is not about me; it’s about making boys into men who will serve and be leaders in our country.” He continued, “What and who truly deserves recognition is the organization and the Scoutmasters who keep it going.”
Johnson spoke of the Eagles’ contributions to the community and referenced the morals taught in Scouting. He added, “Our world is crazy right now. It seems like you
can’t find truth. This organization (BSA) trains these kids to be real men.”
Captain Scott attributed his career choices in part to the lasting, valuable lessons experienced through BSA adventures, saying, “Characteristics you learn in scouting will serve you well in whatever you do in life.”
After reciting the Scout Oath and Law from memory, he said reverently, “I did not go home and practice that. It is part of me. That’s what scouting taught us.” In conclusion, Captain Scott encouraged, “Whatever you do in life, reach for your stars, and the lessons and values of Scouting will teach you well.”
Molly Blanton, Gulf Ridge Council Timucua District Executive, expressed delight with the area’s support. “The Plant City community is very supportive of the Boy Scout movement. More than 300 youth and many dedicated volunteers are involved here in fourteen local troops.”
She continued, “The great success of the annual Plant City Friends of Scouting Dinner is due to the hard work and dedication of the committee chaired this year by the Honorable Bill Dodson.” She also thanked the many generous supporters and contributors.
Friends of Scouting Executive Committee member Dean Snyder, who began the annual fundraiser nine years ago, served with Dodson and co-chair/emcee Marsha Passmore. Brett Clancy and Dave Davenport coordinated with Scout leaders.
Dodson reported later that the event raised a little over $50,000 for the Gulf Ridge Council.
For details about local Scouting, contact Molly Blanton at 813-210-1788.
WRITTEN BY: DALE BLISS AND CHERYL JOHNSTON
Scouting “Distinguished Citizen” of 2012 - Fred JohnsonPhoto by: Cheryl Kuck
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com28
LOCAL » FOCUS
MEMORY LANEJANELL JOHNSON REMINISCES ON HER CHILDHOOD IN PLANT CITY AS PART OF THE BING FAMILY
along with the Improvement League, took the lead in raising funds to renovate the house. It was almost torn down. If you had seen it, it was on stilts. The upstairs still has some of the old timbers. The entire bottom floor is brand new.”
The couple says it has been exciting to watch the museum progress to the point it has. Henry Johnson says they were able to add a “flare of yesteryear” to the renovation—his wife more so than him. Janell Johnson contributed specific details about the house’s structure based on photographs from her childhood and having lived in the home until she was seven years old.
“Every Sunday grandmother would cook dinner. This was just the place to get together,” she remembered. “It just brings back fond memories of childhood because all of the grandchildren gathered here. The room that’s now the restroom used to be my room. The rooms bring back memories.”
Janell Johnson, who was a member of the second class to integrate her high school, recalls several memories of the community
where she was raised. From being the only African American in a class to watching the Marshall High School Homecoming parade grace Laura Street, she now notes one change in the relationships between members of her hometown. It’s one toward acceptance.
“For the younger generations especially, unless their parents or grandparents tell them about what happened when they were coming along, they don’t know about how we had to get books from other schools to be taught from,” Janell Johnson explained.
These memories of the former black-business metropolis are what the Bing family descendents and Improvement League intend to highlight throughout the museum. Area families have donated artifacts, as well as oral stories, to display the history of educators and more from the district.
One significant educationalist to be featured is another member of the Bing family, E.L. Bing. The administrator is widely known for his contributions to the Hillsborough County school district–which included a Desegregation Plan to integrate public schools. The proposal was later adopted by the school board.
“It’s the Bing House because of the family, but we really wanted to showcase families who contributed to the community,” said Mrs. Johnson, who is a school teacher at Lincoln Elementary IB School. “It really was a joint effort.”
One historical family is leading the showcase of contributions toward preserving the history of what was
once considered the “Black Downtown” of Plant City. As the city’s Laura Street area is revitalized, the Bing Rooming House Museum, according to Henry Johnson, will be, “somewhat of the centerpiece of the Laura Street redevelopment.” Johnson’s wife, Janell Johnson, is the granddaughter of Janie Bing who operated the rooming house during segregation.
“This was the only place for African Americans to stay,” said Janell who is Bing’s maternal granddaughter. “So, for church conventions and any special events, this is where they would usually stay.”
The house was recently renovated into a history museum after a nearly six year collaborative effort between the Improvement League of Plant City (on whose board the couple serves), many donors and the eldest grandson of the Bing family.
“It was a brain thrust of James Washington originally,” noted Henry Johnson. “[He],
WRITTEN BY: TERRIKA MITCHELL
Photo by: Terika Mitchell
2406 James L. Redman Parkway Jim Redman Parkway & Alexander Street, next to Beef O’ Brady’s in Walden Woods Mon.-Sat. 11AM-10PM | Sun. 11AM-8PM
© M
ay 2
011
JIng
ram
, LLC
. All
right
s re
serv
ed.
2406 James L. Redman Parkway With this coupon only. Not good with other offers or discounts. One coupon per person, per visit.
EXPIRES 5/15/12
all you can fit in one cup $ 5 00
for only
Flavors:Cake Batter
Cookies & CreamClassic Chocolate
CoconutRaspberry Pomegranate
Reese’s Peanut ButterCountry Vanilla
Strawberry
Flavors:Cake Batter
Cookies & CreamClassic Chocolate
CoconutRaspberry Pomegranate
Reese’s Peanut ButterCountry Vanilla
Strawberry
(Blue Cup)
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 29
Dr. Brenda Dukes • Chiropractic Physician752-2524 • 2401 Walden Woods Dr. • Plant City, FL 33566
Dr. Dukes encourages you to write her with any questions concerning chiropractic care.
Dr. Brenda DukesChiropractic Physician
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE CARDIOVASCULAR TESTING
Non-invasive with the Digital Pulse Wave Analyzer (DPA).
The key to prevention is awareness. Most people are unaware of the state of their health until it is too late. FDA approved DPA screens the arteries to fi nd those hidden cardiovascular problems.
DPA screens for possible problems such as: Hardening of the arteries, Plaque build-up, Poor circulation, Heart strength or weakness, Pulse rate, Pulse height and biological age of your cardiovascular system.
Some clinical indications: Hypertension, Arteriosclerosis, Arrhythmias and Migraine/Cluster Headaches.
Suggested products for cardiovascular support which we have available as needed:
Argenix – arterial stiffening and thickening are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Serrapeptase – an enzyme that tends to digest the cement-like substance that holds the plaque to the artery walls.
Calcium EDTA & Aspartic Acid – have been shown
to “claw” out this calcium plaque. EDTA is PH sensitive.
Antioxidants – prevent artery damage, improve circulation and keep the arteries free of debris.
Other nutritional factors – help to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and homocysteine blood levels as well as preventing sticky platelets, increasing HDL levels while controlling LDL and VLDL levels. Some nutrients help to control blood sugar levels and high blood pressure while others strengthen the heart.
Remember, plaque is a combination of cholesterol, fat, fi brin and calcium.
This evaluation is benefi cial as part of your wellness care.
Call for your appointment today!
We would like to send a special Blessing to all women, especially mothers and grandmothers on Sunday, May 12, 2012 for Mother’s Day. May God continue to Bless you.
Blessings,Dr. Dukes and staff
Call me to put your business and vehicles in Good Hands®.
Mark Cornett(813) 754-2277 1701 S. Alexander StreetPlant [email protected]
Subject to terms, conditions and availability. © 2011 Allstate Insurance Company
It’s your business. Let me help protect it.When your business relies on your vehicles, you put your reputation on the road. Make sure you have the quality protection of Allstate Business Insurance. At Allstate, we understand each business has its own unique needs. That’s why we offer products with a broad range of coverage for all types of businesses. Don’t wait - make sure you’re covered. Call me today.
AMERICAN BOARD CERTIFIED
1009 W. Baker St.Plant City, FL 33563813-759-1232
nowcareclinic.com
1009 W. Baker St.Plant City, FL 33563813-759-1232
nowcareclinic.com
• No Appointment Necessary!• Most Insurance Accepted• Experienced Urgent Care Physicians• On Site X-Rays• EKG & Labs• Stiches• Sore Throats• Infections• Physicals• Sprains• Occupational Medicine• Much More!
• Medically Supervised• Appetite Suppressants• Vitamin Injections• Diet Plans• Meds & Injection Included in the total price• Member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians
Urgent Care Weight Loss
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm • Sat & Sun 9am-5pm
Ale
xand
er
Whe
eler
BakerNOW CARE
Reynolds
Dav
isWhi
teha
ll
PLANT CITY’S URGENT CARE & WEIGHT LOSS
WEIGHT LOSS FINANCING AVAILABLE CALL FOR
DETAILS
Bariatric Physicians
Thank You Now Care for helping me achieve my weight loss goal.
Dede Floyd
$50.00 OFFinitial
WEIGHT LOSS consultation
Offer expires 5-15-12
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 31
LOCAL » FOCUS
JARRETT-SCOTT FORD CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICEThe Jarrett-Scott Ford dealership,
winner of 11 of Ford’s prestigious President’s Awards in the last
17 years, had even greater cause for celebration recently. The oldest Ford dealership in Florida threw a community party in honor of its 100th Anniversary in 2012.
In 1995, the Jarrett family purchased the dealership on U.S. 92 at Park Road that was founded in 1912 by R. M. Fletcher. Today the Jarrett group has five Central Florida locations. Jarrett-Scott Ford is co-owned and managed by Jim Scott, the Michigan State graduate who was transferred here 16 years ago by Ford Motor Company.
Approximately 400 people were on hand to enjoy BBQ, cake, prize drawings and plenty of fun for the children - an event Scott described as “not really about selling today. It’s about celebrating what this community has meant to us.”
Scott thoroughly enjoys living and serving in this “tight-knit community of great people.” He explained, “We have worked
hard in these tough economic times and this dealership has survived through the Great Depression to weather many other storms. But we didn’t do this alone. We did it with the help of loyal customers, faithful, long-term employees, supportive bankers, and our helpful vendors. They have made it easy to do business here.”
The dealership and its 55 employees give generously to the community, too. A showroom bulletin board displays thank you letters from youth who showed livestock at the Strawberry Festival and received add-on donations from Jarrett-Scott. The company also contributes to scholarships at the high school, supports events to benefit the United Food Bank, YMCA and South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation and sponsors local ball teams for the city’s various leagues.
In addition to new and used vehicle sales, Jarrett-Scott Ford boasts a service department and body shop with state-of-the-art paint booth to repair all makes and models from any manufacturer. The highly trained, long-term and very experienced staff take great pride in providing the company’s customers affordable vehicle
maintenance with award-winning precision and efficiency.
A popular sentiment among purchasers today is that the Ford brand has earned and deserves American loyalty because Ford Motor Company continues to grow and remain profitable without the benefit of government intervention.
In Plant City, Jarrett-Scott continues that
historical tradition of award-winning customer service. As they begin their second century, it’s the dealership’s hope that when shopping for our next vehicles, we would all “shop local.”
Visit online at www.jarrettscottford.com, in person at 2000 East Baker Street, Plant City, FL 33563 or phone 813.752.4171 to shop, schedule service or be pre-approved for financing.
TO CENTRAL FLORIDAWRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON
“...we didn’t do this alone. We did it with the help of loyal customers, faithful, long-term employees, supportive bankers, and our helpful vendors. They have made it easy to do business here.”
“...we didn’t do this alone. We did it with the help of loyal “...we didn’t do this alone. We did it with the help of loyal
They have made it easy to do
Photo by: Cheryl Johnston
Photo by: Cheryl Johnston
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com32
LOCAL » FOCUS
DAISY DUKE IS CROWNEDExcitement filled the Plant City High
School auditorium March 31, 2012 as 46 young ladies, ages eight to ten, vied
for the title of Little Miss Plant City.
Before the pageant began, each contestant met with judges to show off their personality. They walked in a few at a time to speak for just a few moments. Following the time when each participant walked on stage with great poise, the four judges were left with a very difficult decision to make.
It takes such courage for girls at their age to speak in front of a large audience, but these lovely young ladies made the public speaking portion of the competition look easy. They displayed tremendous confidence and poise. Contestants introduced themselves and offered information about their age and grade level in school. During the modeling phase, the girls walked across the stage to show their beauty and poise. Flawless would be a good word to describe this segment of the evening.
Intermission gave the audience a welcome break, during which they enjoyed an exciting dance number performed by last year’s beautiful queen and her court.
Following intermission, two contestants were recognized with special awards.
Autumn Hope Miller was named Miss Congeniality, a title voted on by all contestants to recognize the friendliest girl. Madison Michele Harden won the Sponsorship Award for having sold the most program advertisements.
The ten finalists, announced in no particular order, were: Mary Catherine Stephens, Camryn Wineinger, Alyssa Nicole Grines, Riley Buttorff, Regan Brooke Messick, Kennedy Morgan Sapp, Katlyn Yarborough, Daisy Duke, Kellieanne Kirkland, and Avery Laverne Surrency.
Next it was time for more public speaking. Contestants had to answer the question, “Who is your hero and why?” Kennedy Sapp spoke about her Aunt Joan. She began by saying her hero didn’t save a woman from a burning building, cat from a tree, or catch a mugger on the street. She went on to say, “But man was she ever brave. She fought cancer and still managed to keep a smile on that sweet face. She was a great fighter and never complained, not one little bit…” Kennedy concluded by explaining that her aunt was now her guardian angel and added, “Man, she must be tired.”
The competition’s finale is always the announcement of the five finalists and new queen. When eight-year-old Daisy Duke
was crowned, her mouth dropped wide open. The daughter of Hollie and J.W. Duke said, “I was so excited” and described her experience in the pageant as, “a lot of fun.”
Other members of the court are: First Maid, Kennedy Morgan Sapp; Camryn Wineinger, Avery Laverne Surrency and Regan Messick.
So now it begins - a year of making wonderful memories as these lovely young ladies represent Plant City at area functions. From the smiles on their faces it was obvious they can’t wait to get started.
2012 LITTLE MISS PLANT CITY WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON
Camryn Wineinger, Avery Laverne Surrency; Queen, Daisy Duke; First Maid Kennedy Morgan Sapp, Regan MessickPhoto by Deanna Garrison
Last year’s queen and court perform during intermissionPhoto by Deanna Garrison
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 33
Protecting your investment . . .We were there when you first decided to
follow your passion. Today, we’re still here keeping all you have built
Safe. Sound. Secure®.
414 N. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563813-754-3561 Fax: 813-764-8402
WWW.FLORIDAINSURANCECENTER.COM
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com34
WHAT EVERYBODY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VISITING THE DERMATOLOGIST
NOW OFFERING COSMETIC PROCEDURES.
Sanchez Dermatology | 420 N. Plant Ave., Plant City, FL 33563 | phone 813-830- DERM (3376) | E-mail - [email protected] Facebook Sanchez Dermatology of Plant City, FL | A division of Sanchez Dermatology Services, PL | www.Sanchezdermatology.us
Have skin related questions you’d like answered? Contact Dr. Sanchez himself at:
Often times when patients are sent to specialist physician practices, they will only see a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant, and may not even realize they did not see the actual doctor. At Sanchez Dermatology, every patient that comes through our doors will see Dr. Sanchez, not just a P.A. or N.P. There is valuable information specialist physicians learn during their extensive education that you and your insurance company are paying for. When you need a dermatologist, come see a dermatologist.
Fitzgeraldo Sanchez, M.D.
SANCHEZ DERMATOLOGY
during their extensive education that you and your insurance company are
Fitzgeraldo Sanchez, M.D.
SANCHEZ DERMATOLOGY
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 35
LOCAL » FOCUS
ANNUAL FISHING DERBY HOSTED BY THE PCRPD
It was fun to watch the younger participants smile and reel in a fish. With a great big, “LOOK” coming out of their mouths, accomplishment was written all over their faces. Some got plenty of bites but had no luck at hooking a catch. That didn’t stop them from having fun with their friends and family members.
The adults had a great time as well. Many sat back in their chairs as they watched the youngsters have a blast. Others had to pitch in to fix a problem or two but did it with a smile.
As a participant caught a fish, they ran it up to the weigh station in their buckets, had it weighed, and then released it back into the pond.
Sophie Estes, one of the younger participants was excited as she stood holding her pole with no hook at the end saying, “I caught a fish and it was so big it took my hook and got away.” Estes was there with Jason Swilley, who helped her fix her pole and get her fishing line back in the water. In the end she didn’t catch a fish, but Swilley said, “We had a good time
though. That’s all that matters.” Her huge smile confirmed his comment.
Jean Jent, the great grandmother of Jasmine, Austin, and Jordan Kennedy, watched as they caught several small fish. Jent laughed and said, “They don’t care how little or big, as long as it is a fish.” They may have gotten a few lines mingled, but they waited patiently as a family member got them fixed and ready to fish.
Every participant received a goody bag filled with fishing supplies and fun items, so none went home empty handed.
The total amount of fish caught at the derby was 99. The winners of each category received a rod and reel, tackle box, and a trophy. The winners are:
Age 5-10 division: First Bass Caught, Jay Pacheco; Most Fish Caught, Rylie Roark; Biggest Fish, Caleb Hammock.
Age 11-15 Division: Most Bass In One Day, Zac Campbell; Most Fish, Nathan Suarez; Biggest Fish, Tanner Chamberlin.
The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department hosted their annual Fishing Derby Saturday, March 31st
at the pond off of Gordon Food Service Drive.
This event is sponsored by T.J. Vail from Landshark Charters and co-sponsored by Tom Mahoney from TA Mahoney Marina in Tampa. Deborah Haldane, the program manager at PCRPD directed the event.
The fishing derby has been a much-anticipated event by children for the past 20 years. In fact, the committee is now seeing the second generation of children show up to win just like their parents did when they were younger. They recall many faces during sign-ups each year.
The 57 participants began fishing at 8:30 a.m. and had to pull everything in at 11:00 a.m. Each brought their own pole, bait of their choice, and a 5-gallon bucket to transport their catch to the weigh station. Many could bait their own hook and throw their line in like a pro.
The Derby Winners smile proudly. In back row from left to right are: Deborah Haldane, Zac Campbell, Tanner Chamberlin, Nathan Suarez, and T.J. Vail. In front row from left to right are: Jay Pacheco, Caleb Hammock, and Rylie Roark.Photo by: Deanna Garrison
WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON
Tanner Chamberlin holds his winning fish. Chamberlin won the biggest fish caught in his division.Photo by: Deanna Garrison
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com36
FREDDIE MULLIS
PLUMBING, INC.
Plant City’s Hometown Plumber You Can Depend On
Repipe Experts
WE GUARANTEE ALL OUR WORKFamily Owned & Operated
Since 1984
(Not F.C. Mullis Plumbing)
Fast Service
-Leaks Repaired
-Sewer Lines
-Drain Cleaning
-Water Heaters
-Toilets
-Faucets
-Disposals
813-754-0317
Lifetime Plant City ResidentBONDED & INSURED
PLUMBING, INC.
WE GUARANTEE ALL OUR WORKWE GUARANTEE ALL OUR WORK
(Not F.C. Mullis Plumbing) PLUMBING, INC.
(Not F.C. Mullis Plumbing) PLUMBING, INC.
Lic. # RF0066444
Only Plumber Recommended By The
www.freddiemullisplumbing.com
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 37
Health Center of Plant City
Call the
of Plant Citytoday for a tour
The Health Center of Plant City
Biodex Balance System
Ideal for the following Rehab clients
Our team of rehab experts has extensive experience in today’s most advanced therapeutic methods
and technologies
813-752-3611701 North Wilder Road,
Plant City, FL
• Improves balance & agility• Develop muscle tone & strength• Excellent tool for fall prevention
& assessment
• Osteoarthritis• Parkinson’s disease• Stroke (CVA)• Post hip or knee replacement• Sprained/fractured ankle
Plant city’s highest rated skilled nursing & rehab center
LOCAL » FOCUS
EGG DROP FESTIVAL 2012
Photo by: Cindy De La Paz Photo by: Cindy De La Paz
Photo by: Cindy De La Paz
WRITTEN BY: CINDY DE LA PAZ
Plant City’s First Baptist Church hosted its 6th Annual Egg Drop Festival on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at
the south campus at 3309 James L. Red-man Parkway.
As guests arrived, each received a New Testament Bible distributed by Gideons International members. Each child was also given a color-coded bag for collecting eggs with others in 15-minute intervals in the field area specific for their grade level.
As they waited for the “egg drop”, they enjoyed popcorn, snow cones (courtesy of Sonic), hot dogs, face-painting, a rock climbing wall, balloon sculptures and lots of laughs prompted by clowns Richard and his son Mylo.
At 11:45 a.m. the excited youngsters and onlookers of all ages watched as 50,000 eggs were dropped from a hovering heli-copter. What a sight - and thus began the scramble to find the most.
While the egg hunt was definitely a delight for the kids, the main attraction of the day proved to be” The Trail of Miracles.” Family groups touring a shaded trail through the woods were escorted and addressed by representative Biblical characters depicting the Easter story. For
example, Randall and Nancy Miller played Pontius Pilate and his wife. Chad Jordan performed as an especially believable Jesus, proclaiming “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life” upon his resurrection.
Live music was provided by First Baptist’s band, Overflow, which is led by David Morris.
Parking was especially well organized, with shuttles providing rides to the event entrance gate. This annual event would not be possible without the many sponsors and volunteers; many individuals also included members of Explorations Children’s Mu-seum, Trinity Special Sportsman Ministry, The Faith Riders, the Plant City Fire and Sheriffs Departments and the Tampa Radio Control Aircraft Club (TRAC).
To continue the event of Resurrection weekend, Pastor Lewis has posted the answer to the question “WHY do we do what we do for the Egg Drop Festival?” on his blog at pastorlewis.blogspot.com.
Take some time to read the entire explana-tion of First Baptist’s desire “to show love to the community and share the real mean-ing of Easter.”
In the end, it’s all about Christ and the ultimate sacrifice He made for all mankind.
Dream Limousine 813-662-7300
SERVING THE GREATER TAMPA BAY AREA • WWW.DREAMLIMOLLC.COM
Where every ride is a dream!
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com38
LOCAL » FOCUS
PASTOR DON AND JO ANN MASON
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church will honor Pastor Don Mason and his wife Jo Ann as they retire from
full time ministry on April 28, 2012 at a reception from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
While the Masons have thoroughly enjoyed their 27 years in Plant City, they are also excited about the doors God has opened for this next life stage their friend Dr. Michael Lewis describes as a “spiritual re-deployment.”
They will move to New Smyrna Beach, an area they discovered years ago when Don drove son Tommy and his friends to surf camp. EPC members are also familiar with how God affirmed through the Plant City home sale, east coast condo purchase and provision of an apartment for periodic
visits back to Plant City.
The good news is that Pastor Don will be here several days a week to teach classes at the Evangelical University and Seminary downtown.
Focus could probably fill an entire issue with heartwarming, appreciative sentiments of those who know the Masons well. Following are only a very few of the many expressed.
EPC administrator and 44-year Presbyterian Church member Hank Sytsma called Don Mason “a great Bible teacher, Pastor and spiritual leader in the community.”
Bruce and Sharon Herbitter described themselves as “hooked on the spot” when
the quick-witted Mason responded with “We can dance” to Sharon’s question about differences between the Baptist and Presbyterian denominations. Bruce continued with this high compliment: “In his own special way, Don took the lofty goal of living out a daily Christian life and made it reachable. He told us, in other words, that in a life suffused with the gospel, your spiritual life comes by naturally to you and you are spiritual in the natural areas of your life…He made me realize that no matter what, I could always do something for Christ, because Christ had already done so much for me.”
The Kicklighters “dearly love” the pastor who performed their 1997 wedding ceremony. Dawn explained, “Don and Jo Ann have been instrumental in our lives, seeing our family through every major event in our marriage, including baptisms, loss of loved ones, sickness, and job changes. No words can adequately describe what their counsel, mentorship and friendship have meant.”
Julio A. Santana considers himself “blessed to know such a versatile and humble minister” as the “co-worker, friend and personal pastor” of 20 years. He explained, “Don Mason helped me in organizing the Bread of Life Mission programs’ first
steps, and he is still doing it. Whenever I encounter tough issues, he is available to listen, offer guidance, counsel and to pray for and with me.”
Ann Holz, with her late husband Kenny, shared a close friendship the Masons. She said, “Our families became friends, and more importantly, family. Together we have laughed, cried, played, worked and more. It has always been about being there for each other. As a friend and a mentor Don has been a rock, a man who can be counted on.”
Pastor Mason, Dr. Lewis of Plant City’s First Baptist Church, and Pastor Robert Herrin of Plant City Church of God have forged an encouraging friendship through regular meetings. Herrin offered this: “Don Mason is one of Plant City’s valuable assets - a good and godly man and wonderful pastor. He is a barrel of fun, faithful husband and father. He is a confidant who is and will continue to be MY FRIEND. I love you, Don, and trust you enjoy your new deployment.”
And many, many others, along with the Focus folks, agree. We know that as you continue to claim Proverbs 3:5-6, He will continue to direct your paths. Our wish for you is God’s very best.
RETIRE FROM SERVICE TO EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Don and Jo Ann Mason have enjoyed 27 years of ministry together here in Plant City.Photo courtesy of Don Mason
Pastor Don Mason showing his skills on the waves.Photo courtesy of Don Mason
WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 39
Beall’s Fashion Show - Lakeland Center $200.
MILANIA MUNCHEL
You see them in T.V. commercials and in magazines!
www.jessandersontalentandmodelagency.com
Publix Supermarkets Print Ad and Training Film $450.00 for 2 days
MATT SESSOMS
CALL FOR ANAPPOINTMENT
TODAY!LIC#1290000013
They’re the JESS ANDERSON MODELS! All ages & types needed • No experience necessary • Free training
863-688-9939 1037 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE, SUITE 115 • LAKELAND, FL 33803
Disney’s Reality Family TV Show Principal Role. 2 Publix Print
Ads and Training Films $525.00
SUSAN GOODINGPublix Supermarkets Print Ad and Training Film $450.00 for 2 days
Addidas, Marriott & Blue Cross Blue Shield National TV Commercials, Principal Role in The
Punisher. Publix Print Ads and Training Film
RHIANNON NAGEL GREG PERRITT
Finland Lottery TV Commercial. Orlando Hair Show Featured Model.
DONNA HETTMANSPERGER
Jess Anderson index APR12.indd 1 3/16/2012 4:57:51 PM
JUST INNEW PRE-STAINED
FIBERGLASS DOORS
2670 Highway 92 East, Plant City, FL813-752-3378
www.brokepoor.com
8 Ft Tall - 6ft 8 in Tall (standard size) - Slabs and Pre-Hung Doors
Open Mondays - Saturdays:
8:30-5:00
Located Between Lakeland and
Plant City
MENTION THIS AD FOR 10%
OFF
ALL WOOD, NO PARTICLE BOARD
PERFECT FOR THE
DO-IT-YOURSELFERS
ALLCARE REHABILITATION
OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER SINCE 1990
1214 W. Reynolds St. Ste. 1, Plant City, FL • Phone: (813) 754-1062Fax: (813) 759-8254 • www.Allcare-Rehab.com
*Medicare and Most Insurances Accepted
When you need Physical Therapy consider choosing Allcare Rehabilitation. Allcare has
been providing the Plant City Community with excellent care for over 21 years.
W E C A R E - W E L I S T E NW E G E T R E S U LT S
Dan Manfre, PT ~ President
INDOOR AQUATIC THERAPY AVAILABLEwww.facebook.com/allcareplantcity
KIMBERLY’SINFANT CARE
605 Sw Drane St
Plant City FL 33563
813-757-0546FREE REGISTRATION
Come Check out Our
CHILD CARE SPECIALS
Now o� ering a� er School and Half
day programs, call for details
Welcome all Children from 0 to 12!
Rewarded Star Quality
Designation
Certi� ed Teaching sta� low class ratios
FREE REGISTRATIONRewarded Star Quality
Designation
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com40
My name is Henry Burke Yoho and I am an American. But I am also German, Swiss, Irish,
Polish, Canadian, English, French, Native American and more. Many of my ancestors came to America centuries ago. I came into this world, an American, little more than a decade past and was named for just two of the thousands of my ancestral families: the Burkes and Yohos.
My Yohos came to America from the German Palatinate. In the early part of
the 18th Century, Johannes Yoho—a wooden shoemaker—and his wife Susanna Catherine Lau lived in a small Alsatian village not far from the Rhine River. Johannes’ family had likely moved there years earlier from the German speaking region of Switzerland. My Yohos, Protestants, were probably victims of religious persecution by other Swiss Protestants. Life in the Palatinate wasn’t much, if any, better. Decades of war, political strife, decimated lands, weather disasters, and starvation were just some of the reasons people moved on. Like others
before them in the first mass migration of Germans to America, my Yohos travelled the Rhine to Rotterdam, secured passage on the snow ship Two Sisters, and survived months of perilous hardships on their voyage to Philadelphia, finally setting foot on the “Land of Opportunity” in September, 1738.
Johannes Yoho and his family settled first in eastern Pennsylvania in what was then Lancaster County. Many of their neighbors would have been fellow countrymen; by 1745 over 40,000 Germans had immigrated to Pennsylvania alone, with thousands more settling in the other colonies. By mid-century, Germans constituted one third of the American population, second only to the English. My Yohos moved westward, living in northern Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and in what is now West Virginia and Ohio. Three of Johannes’ sons, Peter, Henry, and John served in the American Revolution with the Virginia Militia.
My forefather, John, the son of the original pioneer Johannes, settled in western Pennsylvania and a century-and-a-half-later gave rise to a sixth generation Yoho born in Pennsylvania: my Grandpa. Grandpa served as an Army infantry officer in World War II, ironically against the Germans. During the War he married my Grandma, an Army nurse from Lakeland. When the war was over they came to Plant City and Grandpa found a teaching job, beginning his lifelong career in public education.
My dad, (Donald R. Yoho, Jr.), hails from Plant City. While serving in the Air Force, he met and married my mom. I was born an American citizen at the United States Air Force Hospital in Bitburg, Germany. In a sense, with my birth, my Yohos have come full circle—I was born less than 100 miles from where Johannes Yoho first began his journey to America! Since my father returned to his home in Plant City after he retired from the Air Force, I now call Plant City my home.
My mother’s paternal grandmother, “Granny,” was a Burke and I am also a Burke—Henry Burke. Like my Yohos, my Burkes came to America many years ago. In the 1840s, Thomas Burke was a “middleman” land agent, probably for an English ruling class landlord, in Cashel, Tipperary County, Ireland. Legend reveals that Thomas sided with the peasant
farmers in a dispute and subsequently lost his job for failing to collect rents. All the while, the Irish Potato Blight of 1845 coupled with famine and otherwise terrible living conditions launched the second wave of Irish immigration to America, (the first was the Scotch-Irish colonial immigration in the 18th century).
In 1848, with misfortune at his heels, Thomas Burke looked to America as a solution to his jobless problem. He wasn’t alone. More than half a million Irish came to America in just the five years after the potato famine began. In the 1840s, the Irish constituted nearly half of all immigrants to America. Thomas and his family first settled in the Columbia and Rensselaer Counties area of New York, working in the paper industry there.
In 1855 Thomas took his family and followed the railroad industry to Wisconsin. However, Thomas’ oldest son, also named Thomas, who at 20 years old came with his family to America, stayed behind in New York and farmed the land into the early 20th century.
“Granny” Burke was just the second generation Burke born in the New World. She was actually born in Canada since her mother was Canadian, but like me she was born an American citizen by virtue of her American father. And just like her father and grandfather Burke, she lived most of her life in New York. Her son, my grandfather “Pop,” was a career Air Force pilot whose family eventually retired in Tampa after serving at MacDill Air Force Base. My mom was an Air Force “brat” and lived across America before moving to Tampa with her family. That’s where she met my dad when he was stationed at MacDill.
My Burkes and Yohos came to America seeking a better life. They and their generations that followed found it in New York and Pennsylvania. In a very real sense, it was the military that brought my families from New York and Pennsylvania to Plant City. The end of World War II and the end of Army service brought Grandpa looking for work in Plant City. The end of an Air Force career brought “Pop” to Tampa. That led to Mom and Dad, and then to me, and then to all of us – all living in Plant City.
My name is Henry Burke Yoho and I am an American. Plant City is my home.
LOCAL » DID YOU KNOW
JOURNEY STORIES:STORIES OF AMERICANS, THEIR TRAVELS, AND EXPERIENCES (FOURTH IN A SERIES)SUBMITTED BY: PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES & HISTORY CENTER
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 41
CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGSVenning Pest Control P.O. Box 1122, Seffner, Fl 33583-1122Contact: Keith Venning Phone: (813) 685-7378 Website:www.venningpestcontrol.com Email: [email protected]
AT&T - Mobile Communications 2513 Thonotosassa Road, Suite 2, Plant City, Fl 33563-1467 Contact: Will WelchPhone: (813) 759-1323Email: [email protected]
Zaxby’s - BLB Restaurants, LLC 2901 1/2 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL 33566-9467Contact: Shannon Knight Phone: (813) 752-1971 Fax: (813) 754-1980 WebSite: www.zaxbys.com Email: [email protected]
European Hair Designers 2412 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL 33565-7111Contact: Cortney Parker Phone: (813) 754-4141 Email: [email protected]
Tobacco Road 1707 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL 33563-6911Contact: Frank Struchen Phone: 813-704-4839
Trevor Thomas Drama Ministries, Inc. 1104 West Cason Street, Plant City, FL 33563-8935Contact: Trevor Thomas Phone: (813) 754-7445 ext 207 Fax: (813) 759-6687 WebSite: www.trevorthomasdramaministries.com Email: [email protected]
509 West Alexander Street • Plant City
(across from Plant City High School)
813-707-6506
1016 Bloomingdale Ave. • Valrico
813-657-8989
Hometown Banking at its best!
Come and bank with your friends and neighbors
Isn’t it beautiful?
Let’s keep it that way!
O’Neal & Sons UpholsteryQuality Craftsmanship Spanning 4 Generations
2303 James Redman Pkwy., Suite G • Plant City, FL 33563Phone: (813)-752-0405 • [email protected]
www.onealandsons.net
We specialize in everything from Automotive, Marine, Home Furniture and Commercial Applications
AUTOMOTIVESeats and cushions • Carpets • Headliners • Door Panels
Convertible tops • Vinyl tops • Tonneau Covers
HOME FURNITURECouches • Love seats • Chairs • Bar stools
MARINESeats and cushions • Carpets • Bimini Tops • Clear plastic Windows
T-Top canvas replacements • Console and boat covers
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONSRestaurant Booths and Chairs • Bar Railings • Long Wall Seats
Custom Golf Cart Seats • Pool and Spa Areas • Customized Seating
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 45
Plant City took another giant step forward into
the future with the official opening in December of
a new two-story county courthouse on Michigan
Avenue.
The courts of the 13th Judicial Circuit and its
related support functions now occupy the 60,000
square foot building. These support offices
include the public defender, state attorney,
sheriff’s office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
East Hillsborough Courthouse
Dedication Begins New Era in Civil ServiceStory and Photos by Cheryl Johnston
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com46
The environmentally friendly and very attractive red brick structure was designed with energy-efficiency, security, functionality, and low maintenance costs in mind. According to those locals in the know, the new facility is definitely a mission accomplished.
City Commissioner Bill Dodson, who is also Vice-Mayor of Plant City and former mayor, noted, “City officials have promoted the need for new courthouse facilities to service growth in East Hillsborough County for the past decade. Judges, attorneys, and courthouse employees also demonstrated the need for additional courtroom and office space. All involved in seeing this project through to completion have much to be proud of in this facility that will serve the area well for years to come.”
Indeed, it was a combined concerted effort. When the County Commission asked the Plant City Commissioners to make recommendations for the project, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce formed an ad-hoc committee of attorneys, local business owners, and other interested parties, which met on several occasions to accomplish the detailed list.
The courthouse project was funded entirely through state and county funds. Dodson confirmed, “There was no money spent of the city’s budget to fund construction cost.”
Mayor Dan Raulerson also credits state legislators and county building officials for the accomplishment after 20 years of conversation and planning.
Hillsborough County clerk and court system employees have worked in the former courthouse since 1958. On November 14, 2011 they moved across the street into the $10.2 million Plant City Courthouse at 301 N. Michigan Avenue and got right back to work serving the citizens who arrive each weekday to procure licenses, pay fines, apply
for passports, and all manner of legal business.
Judy Dominguez, Director of Branch Operations for the Clerk of the Circuit Court (Hillsborough County, 13th Judicial Circuit), couldn’t be more pleased or more proud of the new workspace she oversees. The first-floor area for clerk activities more than doubles the former. She is also very proud of her staff and described them as “the best anywhere,” explaining, “They are outstanding and must switch hats all day long in their strong commitment to serve with excellence the residents of East Hillsborough County. It’s a team effort.”
The building’s exterior complements City Hall and other historic district buildings, which was a special request of city officials. William Hand, AIA and the Courthouse Project Manager for Hillsborough County Real Estate, was pleased to have spent time with Plant City Commissioners during the design process and pleased that the red brick façade was accomplished. He said, “Even though the building’s exterior is more contem-porary, it is designed to serve well now and for the next 50 years.”
Some of those cost saving features include water-efficient plumbing and energy-efficient lighting. In the bathrooms, for example, hand dryers will save money over paper towels. Throughout the building, in order to reduce electricity usage, lights will turn on and off depending upon the motion in the room.
Mike Bridenbach, Hillsborough County Court Administrator, acknowledged the state legislators, court administrators, and city officials for working closely together. He said, “There was great cooperation between state, county, and municipal officials to bring the building in on budget and on time.”
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 47
He continued, “We are very excited because people seem to be happy. The facility is efficient, but not extravagant, and it meets the needs of county residents in an affordable manner.”
The new courthouse features enhanced security for the lock-up areas and the four courtrooms, which is one more than in the 1958 building. Mediation and hearing space is more than doubled. Provisions for technology are better as well. Visitors will also ap-preciate the welcoming warmth of cherry-toned interior doors and the clean, crispness of stainless steel handrails and elevators. Plenty of light is also a plus.
The Naples-based general contractor and construction management firm of Kraft Construction built the new facility. In its 40-year history, the company has specialized in commercial, educational, government, hospitality, medical and mixed-use multi-million dollar construction projects.
Kraft is also known for its environmental stance. Plant City’s new courthouse meets the certification criteria the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings sets the standards high. The payoff in energy efficiency, however, is well worth the effort made by designers and contractors. Kraft was diligent in the use of recycled and regionally available materials.
According to Bridenbach, plans are also underway to expand services to Plant City. Dodson confirmed that the old courthouse will be removed from its current location and the land re-used for parking to accommodate the courthouse.
Hand explained, “The parking lot phase has already been funded, but this is just the beginning. Over time we want to replace the social services center next door facing Michigan.”
Hand added. “The new building is much more functional than the original 30,000 square foot courthouse. They basically had to live with a facility not specifically built for courthouse activity. The new courthouse was built as a multipurpose space for court busi-ness, the state attorney, public defender, and sheriff ’s officers that provide security.”
Dominguez is especially pleased of the special spaces set up for passport applications and courthouse weddings. She said, “Local business was a consideration as well in the design process. Rather than a café for refreshments and lunches, the building has a small vending area. Hand explained, “We didn’t want to detract from the local restaurants that serve the downtown area so well already.”
A salute to the strawberry industry is also permanently incorporated into the new struc-ture. Inset into the main entrance portico’s floor is a strawberry blossom image in tones of yellow and gray.
Numerous state, county, and city officials attended the official dedication ceremony held December 9, 2011. Pat Frank, Clerk of the Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial District, aptly expressed a sense of pride in accomplishment for all involved in a job well done. Optimism permeated the beautiful new courthouse and overflowed outside for the photo shoot commemorating a significant redbrick moment in our city’s history. Note the smiles in the photos - they say it all.
“City officials have promoted the need for new courthouse facilities to service growth in East Hillsborough County for the past decade. Judges, attorneys, and courthouse employees also demonstrated the need for additional courtroom and office space. All involved in seeing this project through to completion have much to be proud of in this facility that will serve the area well for years to come.”
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com48
Tony D’s Garage Doors813-754-9552
www.TonyGDS.Com
Family Owned & Operatedsince 1983
Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured
New SaleS / Service / OpeNer iNStallatiON / SpriNg replacemeNt / Free QuOteS
Farm Credit finances dreams large or small.
• Rapidturnaround• Loansforlargeorsmallacreage
We provide:
Vonda Fulwood800-713-7550
• Financingorrefinancing• Loansonsecondresidences
Whetherlargeorsmall,FarmCreditcanhelpyouachievethelifestyleyou’vebeendreamingof.We’vebeenfinancingdreamsformorethan90years.Callus,we’retheexperts.
Loans for land, homes, & agriculture.
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 49
DJudyominguez
Her Heart Beats for Civil ServiceInterview by Cheryl Johnston
Photos by Tammy Smith and Tony Cartagena
Judy Dominguez is a woman
who loves her work and her
community. As Director of
Branch Operations for the Clerk of the
Circuit Court (Hillsborough Circuit Court,
13th Judicial Circuit), she is thrilled with
the recent move across Michigan Avenue
from the old courthouse to the brand new.
The delight shows in her face and smile
as she oversees the daily business affairs
at the beautiful new facility.
Dominguez lives in Walden Lake with
her husband Jimmy, who is also a
Hillsborough County Judge. The kind
community and the caring people of Plant
City add to their life’s enjoyment, so here
is where her heart is.
Enjoy this inside look at a true civil servant
and come away realizing that always, she
and her staff have your best interests at
heart.
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com50
Focus: Thanks for your time and service, Judy. We know how proud you are of the county’s new courthouse in Plant City. Can you tell us how you came to work for Hillsborough County and began your now almost 34-year career in civil service?
Dominguez: When I was in high school, Civil Service staffers came to my high school and tested everyone for possible employment opportunities. I passed the test, but was only 17 when I graduated, so I had to wait until I was 18 to apply.
Focus: Prior to and in addition to your work here, what other companies have you worked with or for?
Dominguez: I cashiered at Zayre’s until called by Civil Service to work for the Welfare Board at Tampa General Hospital for 2 ½ years. Then I worked at Western Union for a year and Pan American Bancshares Corp. for two years. I began with the Clerk of Circuit Court in 1978 and left to have my son, then came back in 1981 until the present.
Focus: Tell us a little more about yourself and your family.
Dominguez: I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and graduated from Brandon High School after we moved to Florida. I moved here to Plant City in 1970. I have attended Hillsborough Community College and classes at the American Institute of Banking.
My husband Jimmy, to whom I’ve been married 17 years, works as a County Judge. We have five grown children and 9 grandchildren (with another soon to be born).
Focus: What do you enjoy about life in Plant City?
Dominguez: The people, of course. There’s nothing like a small town. We have friends and family here. People are friendly and caring. It’s so nice to ride around and have people wave at you and smile. That just doesn’t happen in “big towns”.
Focus: You mentioned possible retirement in the not-too-distant future. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Dominguez: Retired but active. I have no plans to leave Plant City. My husband and I love to travel. We have been members of Sister Cities and have traveled with them to Spain several times and also to Sicily. My husband and I recently went to Italy and we want to go again because we had such a wonderful time.
Focus: It is obvious you are passionate about your work. What aspects do you enjoy most?
Dominguez: The variety of the work here in the Branch keeps you involved in all areas of the office. The ability to solve problems and stay within our mandates is very rewarding. The people I work with are great people. We are a team. We work together to meet all our challenges each day. The mandates change each year with the Legislative sessions and we have to work proactively to stay prepared to make the changes dictated. The public that comes to the Branch or any office of the clerk have needs that affect their lives, and it always makes you feel good when you’ve been able to deliver a service that can meet their needs. Focus: Aside from this work you love, how do you spend your time?
Dominguez: Of course, I have my family and grandchildren that I love to spend time with. I am a member of the Krewe of the Unsinkable Molly Brown and involved in the parades each year. The Krewe supports charities such as Chair Scholars. Last, but not the least, I am an avid fisherman. I love being on the water. My husband and I have a place in Homosassa we enjoy. I’d also like to volunteer with the Strawberry Festival.
“The variety of the work here in the Branch keeps you involved in all areas of the office. The ability to solve problems and stay within our mandates is very rewarding.” Beatrice Richardson presented Judy Dominguez
with a “Berry Good” in 1989.
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 51
Focus: The compliments you paid to your staff when I asked about them impressed me.Can you share some of those thoughts with our readers?
Dominguez: I always tell people that the Plant City employees have to be the best because they are responsible to learn and perform in many, if not all, of the areas of the Branch. We have all court divisions except Felony and Juvenile, along with the Board operations under the Clerk of Official Records, Marriage License, and Passports. Switching hats all day to work the front counter, prepare records, serve in courts, and docket all proceedings results demands flexibility. Employees in Official Records, Marriage License and Passports also switch from one function to another. They perform with professionalism and efficiency. All of these employees carry a great responsibility and they do a wonderful job for the public and the Branch. Focus: With regards to the move to the new courthouse, what has been a highlight thus far?
Dominguez: Of course, the building is beautiful and we can finally all be together. We were in different rooms in the old courthouse. We have the new chapel now with accommodation for 14 guests for the ceremonies that will take place there. We have seating in our lobby area for customers to wait for service. The courtrooms are beautiful and most are larger. We are excited to offer more to area citizens. I’ve always loved coming to work, but in this new facility, work is an even more pleasant experience. Focus: Will you comment on the involvement of the city commissioners, local officials, business owners and Chamber members in this work to see the new courthouse dream come to fruition?
Dominguez: Yes, we have a very dedicated group of active and involved citizens who did anything and everything they could to move this dream forward. From the letters by Mayor Bill Dodson to Governor Jeb Bush in 2004 and from Mayor John Dicks to the Honorable Jim Norman, Chairman of the Hillsborough County Commission in 2005, to the city commissioners’ resolutions to the state for funding (159-2001 signed by then Mayor Mike Sparkman and 34-2008 signed by then Mayor Rick Lott), everyone has professionally served and represented Plant City well. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce was active as well. So many deserve to celebrate with us. Their support has been invaluable.
Focus: Do you have some sage advice for folks considering a career in civil service?
Dominguez: Just know that most Civil Service jobs are exactly what the name implies. You are truly a Civil Servant. You work with the Public every day. Most of the time you are the only one/place where they can go to get what they need. They need you to be knowledgeable and dedicated enough to deliver effective, efficient service with courtesy and professionalism. Sometimes they come to you at a low point in their life and you experience their frustration. Just remember that when you have helped them, although they may not show it at the time, they truly are grateful for your patience and understanding.
Well spoken, Judy. It’s good to know that folks with true servants’ hearts are ready and willing to help folks in East Hillsborough County handle their needs for legal documents and judicial requirements.
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com52
The Law O�ces of Joseph M. Williams, P.A. o�ers legal representation in the areas of personal
injury, wrongful death, small business litigation, contracts, estate planning, guardianship, family and criminal law. In addition to providing legal services, The Law O�ces of Joseph M. Williams
P.A. has been recognized for its community involvement and support throughout Plant City
and the Tampa Bay area.
SINKHOLES?ACCIDENTS?
1701 Jim Redman ParkwayPlant City, FL 33563
813.719.6605
Joseph M. WilliamsHorace Moore, Jr.
Joy Smith-McCormick
Family Law Criminal Law
Personal InjuryBusiness LitigationCorporate LawReal Estate
Divorce • AlimonyChild Support • PaternityCustody & VisitationPost Judgement Modifications
Felony & MisdemeanorsDomestic ViolenceBond ReductionsDrug ChargesAssault & BatteryDUIsSealing or Expungements
Catastrophic InjuriesWrongful DeathAuto & Motorcycle AccidentsInsurance ClaimsSlip & FallsInjuries from Defective Products
24/7 Appointments • Free Hospital and Home CallsCredit Cards Accepted • Habla Español
Byrd & Barnhill, P.L.AttoRnEyS At LAW
813.759.1224206 n. Collins St.· In Historic Downtown Plant City
www.byrd-law.comThe hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based upon advertisements. Before choosing a lawyer ask for written information about the lawyer’s legal qualifications and experience.
Johnnie B. Byrd, Jr. David H. Barnhill
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 53
Tancredo Law FirmWorks to Protect Your Assets
Interview by Cheryl Johnston | Photography by Anthony Sassano
Chris Tancredo would like folks to know that “In this economic climate there need be no shame in financial difficulties.” He’d also like them to know that the Tancredo Law Firm is their best source for solutions.
In fact, he explains, “Our mission is to help people out of stressful situations, to protect their assets and to use financial planning to their advantage.” He added, “We are very comfortable and confident in what we do and we definitely know what we’re doing.”
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com54
The Tancredo Law Firm represents individuals in a variety of areas of law,
with a focus on financial matters, namely bankruptcy, defense of lawsuits by creditors,
foreclosure defense and mortgage loan modifications.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing legal difficulties, recommend Tancredo. Chris points out that legal options are available for everyone, no matter what their financial situation might be.
He also recommends that people “be proactive” and explained, “Most people take the ostrich approach to financial troubles. They bury their heads in the sand until it’s too late. Our advice is to be fearless, to be realistic, and to be totally honest with your attorney. There is always a way you can work out your problems with the help of a good attorney.”
Experience in the financial arena garnered by the Tancredo Law Firm staff provides a definite advantage to their clients. Chris explained, “We have a very good relationship with the Bankruptcy Trustees. We know our way around bankruptcy court and we know what the trustees expect and will do. I have appeared on behalf of clients in front of judges in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers and South Florida.”
Needless to say, the firm is very busy in today’s economically trying times. Chris himself works seven days most weeks and clients have his personal cell number. Most clients are referred. “One difference,” he offered, “is my ability and willingness to meet them at their convenience. When clients make an appointment with me, I will spend hours with them to make sure they have all the information they need.”
He continued, “Our office is a very comfortable setting, much like a home. I believe that bankruptcy can be an excellent financial planning tool for some of my clients. And I’m in court every day, working to improve their situations.”
Obviously, Chris could not continue this pace without the assistance of his excellent staff. These include office manager Kayle Wiggins, the mother and daughter legal
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 55
Your Tancredo Team
Tancredo Law Firm | 1306 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, FL 33563 | 813.659.3612
Kayle WigginsOffice Manager
Jennifer Richie Legal Assistant
Sandra RichieLegal Assistant
Patsy FlinkAdvertising Manager
Bill FlinkSpecial Projects Manager
assistant team of Sandra Ritchie and Jennifer Ritchie, and his wife Beth’s parents, Patsy and Bill Flink who handle the advertising and special project responsibilities.
Since moving here at age 24, Chris Tancredo has thoroughly enjoyed the work he’s trained for, which is guiding others through the difficulties of divorce and financial turmoil. The St. Thomas University School of Law graduate, licensed in 1998, holds memberships in the Florida Bar Association as well as in the county bar organizations for Hillsborough, Pinellas and Broward. Additionally, he’s active with the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, a tremendous resource for his particular field of practice.
Tancredo credits an artistic mother and exceptionally hard-working father for his own success. “They supported me 100% in my chosen path while they put four kids through
college and built a business that my older sister still runs (Tancredo Foods). From them I learned creativity and strong work ethic.”
He also credits his wife Beth for her support and encouragement. As Manager of Physician Relations for South Florida Baptist Hospital, she also works long hours for many of the hospital’s outreach events. Her efforts have helped the Tancredos connect with many local families.
“And today,” said Chris, “I’m privileged to focus these strengths provided by my family on helping others to enjoy theirs, and life, more fully.”
Don’t hesitate. Be proactive and schedule an appointment with Tancredo Law Firm today. Chris promises, “We can help if you give us the chance.”
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com56
MARCH 17“THE FIDDLER” BOB RYMANA ST. PATRICK’S DAY
BALLROOM DINNER SHOWCome celebrate the event! Ryman is a masterof the violin and takes you through a magicaljourney of the classics to country favorites.The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform.Car show in the afternoon and deck party witha St. Patty’s tradition of green beer before theshow. Pre-show at 7–Main-show at 8.
MARCH 17RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
MARCH 23 thru 24DOO WOP WEEKENDEXTRAVAGANZA VISTARRING - BARBARA HARRIS & THE TOYS
THE MYSTICS • THE LEGENDARY TEENAGERS
JIMMY GALLAGHER OF THE PASSIONS • DESTINY
THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS • BOB RYMAN
The annual event is taking on its sixth yearof fun, food, contest and great music from abygone era. Friday night performances include:The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher (lead singer ofthe Passions), Barbara Harris & The Toys andThe Las Vegas Sounds.Saturday night performances include:The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher, The Legendary
Teenagers and The Las Vegas Sounds Bandwill perform in the Ballroom. Bob Ryman willperform in the Dining Room.
MARCH 30JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.
MARCH 31BOB RYMANBob Ryman is a master of the violin. Rymanplays favorites from Bluegrass to Broadway,from Country to Classics. Destiny before andafter the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.
APRIL 6BOBBY PALERMOBobby Bobby Palermo has been voted TampaBay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations andfabulously listenable and danceable music.Destiny opens and closes.
APRIL 7TREY DEES AND DESTINYPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
APRIL 8EASTER BUFFETOur chefs are preparing a fabulous feast for you!The Easter Bunny will drop by for photos.Call for seating times and reservations.
APRIL 13JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.
APRIL 14THE JARMELSThe Jarmels are a Doo Wop/R&B group.Their single, “A Little Bit of Soap,” reachednumber 12 in America on the Billboard chart.Destiny opens and closes the show in theRed Rose Dining Room.
APRIL 20JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.
APRIL 21RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
APRIL 27JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.
GIFT CARDSAVAILABLE
Show Guests stayovernight at special rate!
WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM
Red Rose Inn & SuitesI-4 Exit 21
2011 N. Wheeler St. • Plant City, FL 33563Mrs. Evelyn Madonia -Owner
Call 813.752.3141 for Reservations Today!
The Premier Showplacefor Talent in Florida
APRIL 28SIMPLY STREISANDA TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTYOF BARBRA STREISAND
Starring Carla DelVillaggio, this AWARDWINNING Tribute Artist has the look andsound of “the Greatest Star,” the incomparableBarbra Streisand. From the hair down to thetrademark nails, she is “Simply Streisand” inevery way. Destiny performs before and afterthe show in the Red Rose Dining Room.
MAY 4BOBBY PALERMOBobby Bobby Palermo has been voted TampaBay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations andfabulously listenable and danceable music.Destiny performs before and after the showin the Red Rose Dining Room.
MAY 5THE MARCELSIn 1961 their first recording, “Blue Moon”sold over two and a half million copies.“Blue Moon” has been used in at least fourmajor motion pictures and various TV shows,such as: Sha Na Na, Cheers, Moonlighting,Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days.Destiny opens and closes in the Red RoseDining Room.
MAY 11JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.
MAY 12RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
MAY 18BEAUTIFUL BOBBY BLACKMON& THE B3 BLUES BANDBobby Blackmon's career began in a small townnot far from the Dallas, Texas area.His Texas blues influence is heard loud ‘n’ proudin his soulful guitar playing. He's worked withthe likes of Barbara Lynn, Jimmy Reed, ZZ Hill,Johnny Taylor, Lavelle White and Lou Rawls.Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose DiningRoom.
MAY 19JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.
MAY 25
BRIAN ROMANOne of Canada’s finest entertainers! Romanperforms the classics – spanning the GoldenEra, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones.Destiny also performs.
MAY 26RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
SSimplyimplySStreisandtreisand
BobRyman
The JarmelsJohnny Alston’s
Motown Rock ‘n Roll Revue
The Marcels
Brian Roman
RRCalendar_Mar2012:Layout 1 2/29/12 3:02 PM Page 1
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 57
MARCH 17“THE FIDDLER” BOB RYMANA ST. PATRICK’S DAY
BALLROOM DINNER SHOWCome celebrate the event! Ryman is a masterof the violin and takes you through a magicaljourney of the classics to country favorites.The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform.Car show in the afternoon and deck party witha St. Patty’s tradition of green beer before theshow. Pre-show at 7–Main-show at 8.
MARCH 17RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
MARCH 23 thru 24DOO WOP WEEKENDEXTRAVAGANZA VISTARRING - BARBARA HARRIS & THE TOYS
THE MYSTICS • THE LEGENDARY TEENAGERS
JIMMY GALLAGHER OF THE PASSIONS • DESTINY
THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS • BOB RYMAN
The annual event is taking on its sixth yearof fun, food, contest and great music from abygone era. Friday night performances include:The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher (lead singer ofthe Passions), Barbara Harris & The Toys andThe Las Vegas Sounds.Saturday night performances include:The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher, The Legendary
Teenagers and The Las Vegas Sounds Bandwill perform in the Ballroom. Bob Ryman willperform in the Dining Room.
MARCH 30JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.
MARCH 31BOB RYMANBob Ryman is a master of the violin. Rymanplays favorites from Bluegrass to Broadway,from Country to Classics. Destiny before andafter the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.
APRIL 6BOBBY PALERMOBobby Bobby Palermo has been voted TampaBay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations andfabulously listenable and danceable music.Destiny opens and closes.
APRIL 7TREY DEES AND DESTINYPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
APRIL 8EASTER BUFFETOur chefs are preparing a fabulous feast for you!The Easter Bunny will drop by for photos.Call for seating times and reservations.
APRIL 13JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.
APRIL 14THE JARMELSThe Jarmels are a Doo Wop/R&B group.Their single, “A Little Bit of Soap,” reachednumber 12 in America on the Billboard chart.Destiny opens and closes the show in theRed Rose Dining Room.
APRIL 20JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.
APRIL 21RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
APRIL 27JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.
GIFT CARDSAVAILABLE
Show Guests stayovernight at special rate!
WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM
Red Rose Inn & SuitesI-4 Exit 21
2011 N. Wheeler St. • Plant City, FL 33563Mrs. Evelyn Madonia -Owner
Call 813.752.3141 for Reservations Today!
The Premier Showplacefor Talent in Florida
APRIL 28SIMPLY STREISANDA TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTYOF BARBRA STREISAND
Starring Carla DelVillaggio, this AWARDWINNING Tribute Artist has the look andsound of “the Greatest Star,” the incomparableBarbra Streisand. From the hair down to thetrademark nails, she is “Simply Streisand” inevery way. Destiny performs before and afterthe show in the Red Rose Dining Room.
MAY 4BOBBY PALERMOBobby Bobby Palermo has been voted TampaBay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row.Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations andfabulously listenable and danceable music.Destiny performs before and after the showin the Red Rose Dining Room.
MAY 5THE MARCELSIn 1961 their first recording, “Blue Moon”sold over two and a half million copies.“Blue Moon” has been used in at least fourmajor motion pictures and various TV shows,such as: Sha Na Na, Cheers, Moonlighting,Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days.Destiny opens and closes in the Red RoseDining Room.
MAY 11JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room,plus Destiny.
MAY 12RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
MAY 18BEAUTIFUL BOBBY BLACKMON& THE B3 BLUES BANDBobby Blackmon's career began in a small townnot far from the Dallas, Texas area.His Texas blues influence is heard loud ‘n’ proudin his soulful guitar playing. He's worked withthe likes of Barbara Lynn, Jimmy Reed, ZZ Hill,Johnny Taylor, Lavelle White and Lou Rawls.Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose DiningRoom.
MAY 19JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEPerforming in the Red RoseDining Room, plus Destiny.
MAY 25
BRIAN ROMANOne of Canada’s finest entertainers! Romanperforms the classics – spanning the GoldenEra, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones.Destiny also performs.
MAY 26RALPH ALLOCCO& SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room.
SSimplyimplySStreisandtreisand
BobRyman
The JarmelsJohnny Alston’s
Motown Rock ‘n Roll Revue
The Marcels
Brian Roman
RRCalendar_Mar2012:Layout 1 2/29/12 3:02 PM Page 1
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com58
HEYSEK & KEPES RADIATION ONCOLOGYHEYSEK & KEPES RADIATION ONCOLOGY(Formally Known as Plant City Cancer Center)
Call 813-719-7705 for appts/consultations303 North Alexander Street, Plant City, FL
(still located with South Florida Baptist Hospital)
Heysek & Kepes Radiation Oncology CenterWe have changed our name to show who we are and what we do.
We continue to provide personalized and state of the art care.
Randy V. Heysek, MD FACRO
Kathryn L. Kepes, MD FACRO
· IMRT· 3- Conformal· HDR (High Dose Rate)· Prostate Seed Implants· Accuboost HDR for Breast Cancer· Leizip for Skin Cancer
· IMRT· 3- Conformal· HDR (High Dose Rate)· Prostate Seed Implants· Accuboost HDR for Breast Cancer· Leizip for Skin Cancer
H A Y D E P O T
COASTAL, ALFALFA, COMPRESSED ALFALFA, TNA, COMPRESSED TIMOTHY, PERENNIAL PEANUT, & PINE SHAVINGS
COASTAL, ALFALFA, COMPRESSED ALFALFA, TNA, COMPRESSED TIMOTHY, PERENNIAL PEANUT, & PINE SHAVINGS
1001 S. ALEXANDER ST. PLANT CITY, FL. 33563
(813) 478-1654STORE HOURS:
7:00 AM TO 5:30 PM MON-FRI 7:00 AM TO 3:30 PM SATURDAY
1001 S. ALEXANDER ST. PLANT CITY, FL. 33563
(813) 478-1654STORE HOURS:
7:00 AM TO 5:30 PM MON-FRI 7:00 AM TO 3:30 PM SATURDAY
Pine Straw is the better alternative for your Flower Bedding as well! Termite and Bug
resistant, and weed resistant is the best cost e�ective way to clean out flower beds. Giving
a natural look to your Landscaping.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Plant City Offi ce1804 James L. Redman Pkwy., Plant City, FL 33563
Telephone (813) 659-1234 | Fax (813) 659-9134
BANKING THE WAY IT USED TO BE.
Lobby Hours: Monday –Thursday 9:00am – 4:00 pm Friday 9:00am – 6:00pmDrive Thru Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00 pm
24 hour ATM in the Drive ThruMember FDIC
Other Locations: Brandon, Lakeland, Tampa, and Winter Haven
www.platinumbank.com
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 59
COMPREHENSIVE, EXPERIENCED CARE FOR A LIFETIME OF SMILES
THE TOOTH CABOOSE
BUSINESS » BUSINESS PROFILE
The Tooth Caboose has been a Plant City landmark since the mid-1980s when it arrived at its new permanent
home at the corner of Thonotosassa Road and Baker Street.
Dr. Howard Howell, DDS, established his orthodontic practice in 1977. After earning an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Medical College of Virginia, the Plant City native and Plant City High School graduate was ready to return to his roots.
Today the local practice boasts three highly regarded dental professionals in a “natural marriage of specialties” who frequently consult with regard to best treatment approaches for patients with difficult dental situations: Dr. Howell, an orthodontist, who treats children, adults and those with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Dr. Gene Whitehead, past
president of the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and a board certified pediatric dentist; and Dr. Steve Slavkin, who joined the practice after 10 years as the Dental Executive Director of the Children’s Dental Program for Duval County, a general dentist with his practice limited to children.
The doctors are quick to recognize their “stellar staff.” Dr. Whitehead said, “Thanks to our talented staff and our gracious patients, we are now treating the third generation of many families.”
Dr. Slavkin added, “This exceptionally experienced staff thoroughly enjoys making kids feel comfortable, relaxed and happy before I begin their specific procedure, which makes my job easy.”
That’s probably why the average length of employment for the five orthodontic assistants, four pediatric dental assistants
and two office organizers is 15 years. Dr. Howell noted, “These ladies have very caring hearts and that shows even in their work outside the office to help those with needs in the community. They share our passion to serve others.”
Because the Tooth Caboose offers the full range of sedation dentistry, other area dentists frequently refer the more difficult cases to Drs. Whitehead and Slavkin. These patients might be especially apprehensive or have special needs for which a certified pediatric anesthesiologist is required.
Take the case of MaKenzie, 7, the homeschooled daughter of Rhonda and Jeff Tomlinson, for example. Rhonda shared, “Since MaKenzie started the free well-care visits at age 4, Sheri has done wonders. She spent lots of time showing and explaining the instruments to her. Now MaKenzie is no longer nervous and she feels right at home. They even allowed us to sit with her during treatments, which is very unusual in other practices. The staff and doctors are just awesome and everyone I talk to says the same thing. I always recommend The Tooth Caboose.”
Karen Rodriguez feels the same way. She explained, “We came to the Tooth Caboose, where I’d had my orthodontic work done as a young adult, for help after my now 16-year-old daughter had a very traumatizing dental experience in Brandon at age two. They worked and worked with her, so patiently, to help her overcome her fears. She’s absolutely fearless now and the orthodontic results are beautiful. I highly recommend them and recently referred a friend whose son has Asperger’s Syndrome.”
Suzie Poppell agreed, explaining, “When our son, Cameron, who has Down Syndrome, first started treatment at the Tooth Caboose, he was fearful. But Dr. Slavkin and Dr. Howell and their staff have been patient and kind in helping Cameron. They listened to my concerns and suggestions on how to approach reassuring Cameron during a dental exam and he’s now comfortable and confident when he has his teeth cleaned. All of the dental assistants are excellent, but Cameron and dental assistant Sheri have a special trusting friendship and he looks forward to seeing her during his visits.”
The Tooth Caboose dental team also performs adult orthodontics (braces), even two patients travel from London and Moscow to continue treatments here. Many drive over from Tampa, Lakeland and Brandon like Nancy Pistilli Hurst. She tells everyone, “Orthodontic work in my 50s to correct misalignment is the best money and time I’ve ever invested in myself.” At age 12, her son also asked to have braces and he too experienced great results. Hurst continued, “I love the staff. They have always worked with me to schedule around the dictates of my career as an attorney. They want you to have healthy, natural looking teeth. At no age do your teeth become less important. Visit the Tooth Caboose. These doctors can definitely help.”
For consultation regarding which orthodontic appliances would best suit you or your child - Invisalign®, ClearCorrect or Traditional Braces - or to help your child overcome fear of dental treatment, call today. Great smiles are in your future.
2005 THONOTOSASSA RD # BPLANT CITY, FL 33563813-754-2161
CRITICAL INFORMATION
WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com60
SDISCOUNTCREENING
Inc.®Marty Johnson
Specializing in ReScReening & RepaiR
813-752-3306www.discountscreeninginc.com
1406 W Knights Griffin RdPlant City, FL 33565
Since 1983
Pool EnclosuresScreen RoomsLanais
Screen EntrywaysNew Doors & HardwarePet Screen & Pet Doors
Window ScreensVinyl Window RepairsAluminum Repairs
5 Year Warranty on rescreening
10 Year Warranty on super-screening
We Will Meet or Beat Any Advertised Price!licensed & insured
Free
estimates
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2012 61
HIGHEST IN EMPLOYEE ADVISOR SATISFACTION
The J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Financial Advisor Satisfaction StudySM ranked Edward Jones
Highest in Employee Advisor Satisfaction among Financial Investment Firms. Eight financial services firms ranked. This is the fourth time J.D. Power has conducted the study since 2007.
“For us, this honor is particularly significant because it is based upon input from our financial advisors and reflects their satisfaction at Edward Jones,” said Managing Partner Jim Weddle. “Our 25-point score improvement over our previous ranking is a tremendous vote of confidence in our firm as a great place to work.”
Edward Jones financial advisors gave the highest satisfaction ratings in seven of the nine study factors, which placed the firm 203 points ahead of the industry average and 37 points above its nearest competitor. Edward Jones performs particularly well in Firm Performance, Technology and People factors, according to the study.
Edward Jones financial advisors also ranked the firm highest in Firm Performance, the highest-weighted factor in the study.
“I am extremely gratified that our financial advisors report they have confidence in
our mission, our vision and our values,” Weddle said. “We are always striving for improvement, and these results validate our efforts. This is a wonderful tribute to the strength of our partnership and our culture.”
Edward Jones scored 895 in technology – 61 points higher than its closest competitor and 24 points higher than previously.
“This reflects our many recent investments in resources, systems and tools,” Weddle said. “Our financial advisors indicated that our technology’s integrated functionality supports the work they do to help meet the needs of the individual investor.”
Weddle said he would like to thank the Edward Jones financial advisors for their tremendous confidence.
“And congratulations to all our branch office administrators and home-office associates who support our financial advisors,” Weddle said. “These results make it clear that everything we do is aligned around one purpose: doing the best possible jobs for our clients as we strive to make a positive difference in their lives.”
Edward Jones also ranked highest in the 2007 and 2010 studies and tied for the highest ranking in 2008. The study was not conducted in 2009 or 2011.
BUSINESS » EDWARD JONES
SUBMITTED BY: EDWARD JONESAMONG FINANCIAL INVESTMENT FIRMS
Hours: Tue. - Sat. 10am - 5pm; Sun. 1-5pm; Closed Mon. and major holidays
800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland • 863.688.7743www.PolkMuseumofArt.org
Exhibition-related merchandise available in The Shop at PMoA.
March 31 — June 23, 2012
Albert Paley: Sketches & Steel
Alb
ert
Pale
y, E
po
ch
(mo
de
l/ske
tch)
, 200
1-20
05
Polk Museum of Art presents
Sponsored by and The Men of Iron
APRIL 2012 focusplantcity.com62
BUSINESS » SUCCESS
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS YOU ARE IN NOW?We have always been interested in new homes. Even when we were college students, we would drive around to new home model centers and plan for our future by choosing floor plans and picking out colors. We met as high school sweethearts, and within six months of college graduation, we were married and became homeowners. Through the years, we have bought and sold many homes and helped friends and family with their home searches as well. Finally, about eight years ago, Kathleen became a Realtor and turned her hobby into a career. Very shortly thereafter, Randy joined her, and Team Wainoris began.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR FUTURE?We look forward to working together as Team Wainoris for many years. We are so blessed that every year our real estate business keeps on growing. We moved our real estate practice to Superior Property Management and Sales LLC last year so we could offer our clients property management services in addition to first class service in buying and selling residential homes. We have raised our family here in Plant City since 1995, and hope to continue to grow our real estate business one client at a time.
WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST SUCCESSES?We really enjoy the opportunity to help so many people who fell victim to
the housing bubble collapse. With the substantial fall in home prices over the past few years, short sales have become our specialty. As an attorney, our clients are very comfortable allowing Randy to negotiate their short sales and work with the banks in this complicated market. It is wonderful when we can help friends and neighbors navigate through this complex real estate market and help them achieve their own goals and dreams.
WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS?Our real estate business has provided us with the ability to travel with family. We really enjoy traveling with our family and have been fortunate to vacation every year. In fact, to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, we plan on taking an Alaskan cruise this summer! We have traveled across most of the continental United States with our three children, traveling from Maine to the Grand Canyon. However, our dream is to see Europe...but we will probably wait a few years until after the kids are gone!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?We feel there is perhaps nothing more gratifying than helping a client through the entire complicated home buying and selling process and finally handing them the keys at the closing table. There is nothing like the smile of a new homeowner. We have always maintained that we don’t sell houses to strangers; we sell homes to our friends. As long as we can keep putting smiles on faces and making new friends, we will be here to help our clients in this crazy real estate market.
RANDY WAINORIS
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 63
SUMMER SPORTS CAMPSJune 18th - 22th, 2012 • June 25th - June 29th, 2012
July 9th - 13th, 2012 • July 16th - 20th, 2012July 23rd - 27th, 2012 • August 6th - 10th, 2012
August 13th - 17th, 2012Times: 10am - 2pm
Hitting Fundamentals • Pitching &Throwing MechanicsInfi eld Play • Outfi eld Play • Bunting
Instructional Scrimmage Games/Team ConceptsDrills ForThrowing Harder, Hitting Farther & Running Faster
Strength & Conditioning
$175 FOR EACH WEEKLUNCH & SNACK PROVIDED
GENDER: M&F MINIMUM AGE: 6 • MAXIMUM AGE 13
Drills ForThrowing Harder, Hitting Farther & Running Faster Call 863-644-0500 for more information or
visit our website at www.baseballheavenpc.com
Free Varicose Vein Screening Events!
Painful varicose veins keeping you from enjoying the activities you love?Visit Dr. Obinna Nwobi, a Tampa Bay-area vein specialist dedicatedexclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease.
Stop Hiding!Start Living!
Obinna Nwobi, MD, Mph, RPVI
AfterBefore
To attend a FREE event, call now: 1-800-VEIN-DOC
www.CFVeinInstitute.com
Board Certified PhysicianGeneral Surgeon,Vascular Surgeon
Phlebologist
● Minimally Invasive
● Fast & mild recovery
● Covered by most insurance
● No insurance, No problem(payment plan available)
Dr. Jeremy Gaffney graduated from Jesuit High School in Tampa and attended Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business. Jeremy then decided to pursue his Doctor of Optometry Degree and
was accepted by the UAB School of Optometry in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Barry Gaffney also graduated from UAB and established his practice in Plant City 33 years ago. When his son told him of his intention to become an optometrist and join him in practice, Dr. Barry Gaffney made the decision to relocate his practice into a new building which would accommodate the growing practice. The new building at 2002 South Alexander Street has multiple exam rooms, a full optical, a contact lens training area and two rooms to house high tech diagnostic equipment used in both the identifi cation and preventive treatment of eye disease
Dr. Jeremy Gaffney brings with him knowledge of the most recent innovations in the fi eld of medical optometry and is trained to provide quality eye care to every family member. He grew up in Plant City and looks foward to caring for area residents as his father has for the past 33 years.
2002 South Alexander Street Plant City, Fl. 33563
813-754-3593
Dr. Barry Gaffney welcomes Dr. Jeremy Gaffney
2011 Graduate of the UAB School of Optometry.
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com64
8 ACRES
BIGGER IS BETTER… 6 BIG Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 4048 Sq Ft Home on 8 Acres in North East Plant City. Built in 2005. Open Floor Plan. Completely Tiled. Gorgeous Kitchen. Fireplace. Screened Porch. Metal Roof. Small Barn and Pole Barn. Large Screened Patio. Greenbelted. $390,000
1.6 ACRES
NEW CONSTRUCTION… 5 Bedroom, 3 Bath, 3 Car Garage Home. Al-most 3,000 Sq Ft. Just Completed. Granite Counters. 42” Cabinets. Stainless Steel Appliances. Beautiful 18” Tile throughout except Bedrooms. Very Open Floor Plan with 3-Way Split. Triple Sliders. Wonderful Neighborhood of Executive Style Homes. Builder will pay Closing Costs! $269,000
HOME BUSINESS?
BUSINESS OR PLEASURE? HOW ABOUT BOTH??? RARE FIND… 4 B/R, 3 BATH 3377 SQ FT CUSTOM HOME ON 1+ ACRE W/ DETACHED 30X40 BUIILDING THAT CAN BE USED FOR A HOME OFFICE/WORK-SHOP/MOTHER-IN-LAW SUITE; 30X16 UNDER A/C W/ A 24X30 GARAGE. BUILDER’S PERSONAL RESI-DENCE – LOADED W/ UPGRADES: GOURMET KITCHEN, CROWN MOLDING THROUGHOUT, TWO TIER TRAY CEILINGS W/ CROWN MOLDING & LIGHTING, EXTRAVAGANT WINDOW CASINGS W/ CROWN MOLDING, BRICK PAVERED LANAI, HEATED LAGOON POOL & SPA, OUTDOOR KITCHEN, BUILT-IN ENTERTAINMENT CENTER W/ 65” FLAT SCREEN TV & 6.1 SURROUND SOUND, WHOLE HOUSE AUDIO, CLOSED CIRCUIT COLOR & INFRARED CAMERAS FOR SECURITY, AND SO MUCH MORE... $399,000
MODEL PERFECT
WALDEN LAKE... 4 B/R, 3 BATH, 3 CAR GARAGE NEWER HOME! BEAUTIFUL WOOD FLOORS IN FORMAL LIVING/ DINING ROOMS, OFFICE & MASTER B/R AREAS, DESIGNER CERAMIC TILE IN FAMILY ROOM, KITCHEN & BATHS. HUGE KITCHEN, GAS FIREPLACE, 3-WAY SPLIT FLOOR PLAN, LARGE SCREENED PATIO, NEW A/C TOO! $215,000
New Look...
Same Great Service!
Lorraine BennettYOUR Plant City Realtor
Lorraine Ben
(813) 716-3997
SOLDSOLD
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 65
813.707.62001507 S. Alexander St. Suite 101
Plant City, FL 33563
PCM
PLANT CITY M O R T G A G E C O R P W W W .P L A N T C I T Y M O R T G A G E S . C O M NMLS 289323
http://www.youtube.com/user/PLANTCITYMORTGAGE
• Purchase loans• Refi nance Loans• First Time Home Buyer• HARP (NO Equity ) REFINANCE• VA LOANS• FHA LOANS• USDA LOANS
• Conventional LOANS• Primary Residences• Vacation Homes• Investment Homes• Reverse Mortgages• Mobile Homes• FHA/VA STREAMLINE REFINANCE
Natasha Davis Vice President- Offi ce Manager
Nate DavisPresident- Loan Offi cer
NMLS #294701
Carol BartonAdministrator
Sherri JudahAdministrator
Brandi Carlough Administrator
Heather DeVane Administrator
Paul Pritt Loan Offi cer
NMLS #336840
Tom RoeLoan Offi cer
NMLS #327319
Barbara HallLoan Offi cer
NMLS #338772
Stephanie Donalson Swindle
Loan Offi cer - NMLS #357527
Jaida DavisOffi ce Assistant
Paitlyn Davis Offi ce Assistant
Buster DavisSecurity
HARP 2.0 IS HERE!No Equity Refinance Program for Primary, Second,
and Even Investment homes
Plant City Mortgage Corporation is offering NO EQUITY REFINANCE loans.Appraisals are NOT REQUIRED in most scenarios
Refi nance to today’s lower interest rate despite having no equityWith this aggressive new program you can literally reduce the number of years you owe on your home
and with the same or less payment in many situations.
Let me be very clear, if you do not take advantage of this window of opportunity, you are literally throw-ing your money away each month on needless interest payments Common Questions• So can you refi nance a $300,000 loan on a home worth $50,000? Yes• I don’t have mortgage insurance now, do I have to add it since I am now over 80%? No• If I have mortgage insurance now, does it come off? No• Do I need an appraisal? In most cases yes, but in many cases they are waived.• Do I need to bring money for closing? In most cases not one penny. On Fannie Mae loans, you never do, on some Freddie Mac loans you may need to.• My lender (or whomever) said I am not eligible. Many lenders either do not participate in this program, or have their own self-imposed “overlays” that are simply not a requirement of the program. We have no overlays.• I don’t want to extend my loan out for another 30 years. You don’t have to. For example, should you do nothing at all and your current payment is say 1000 you have 24 years left on a 30 year mortgage (you have been paying for 6 years) , You can refi nance to a 15 year mortgage OR refi nance to a lower rate 30 year mortgage. New payment is 800. Keep sending in 1000 as you were before and pay your loan off YEARS sooner than the 24 years you were going to pay with the exact same money. I am certain there are many, many more questions, and we can list them all, but give us a call at 813.707.6200 for answers.
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com66
LOCAL MARKETThe first Quarter of 2012 has brought
about slight changes in the Real Estate Market here in Plant City. At
this time last year Short Sale and Bank-Owned Properties were easily 50% of the market inventory. Today that number is around 32% of the active inventory. Interestingly the Distressed properties (short sales, bank-owned) are still a major part of what is currently pending to close (62%) in addition to what has been sold in the last 6 months (63%). Most of 2011 was depleted of bank-owned/foreclosure inventory; however, several lenders are beginning to release some of their inventories. The good news…many are selling as fast as they hit the market. Multiple offers are becoming more and more common as buyers and investors race for highest and best bids.
Here is what the first Quarter looked like:
Through March: Active Listings 229Sold 54
Under Contract 85Avg Days on Mkt 88Avg Sq Ft Price $56
Inventory is down approximately 15% over the past 6 months; new listings are down close to 20% over the same period. Sales and Contracts Pended are up 35% and 49% respectively. When your Realtor keeps after you about the price of your home, its because the homes that are priced right, are selling. That’s not rocket science. I know many of you think that if inventory is down and demand is high, prices should increase. That may be true, but there are factors that are keeping things “in check” so that we don’t see things spike like years past. Forecasters predict a slight increase in prices over the next 2-3 years. Rental rates are also on the rise as demand increases due to tighter lending rules. In this market, if you can buy – you should buy. The monthly mortgage is more affordable than rent.
REAL ESTATE » JO-ANN LUSK
UPDATE
Availability varies by product type and is subject to availability and qualifications. Discount amount may vary bystate.Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity Company: Northbrook, Illinois © 2009Allstate Insurance Company.
RALPH L. FEOLA, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF(813) 752 2556
Talk to me about Allstate Power Sports Insurance.I can help protect your recreational vehicles. Plus, the moreyou protect, the more you can save-with multi-policydiscounts. Call me and I can help you find the discounts youmay qualify for.
1003 S COLLINS STPLANT [email protected]
3909 N. Keene Rd. • Plant City, FL 33565Office: 813.757.6752 • Cell: 813.716.0623
www.homeprotectionpc.com • email: [email protected]
Roaches • Ants • Spiders
Carpenter Ants (inside & outside)
Fleas and Ticks (inside and outside)
Service tubes in the wall
We’ll get the bugs moving in the right direction.
Owned and Operated bySteve and Kathy Paul
Thank you Plant City for 6 wonderful years of service!
Steve with Walter Warrenand Bud O’ Callaghan
SUBMITTED BY: JO-ANN LUSK
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 67
GREAT OPEN FLOOR PLANShort sale: Great 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in wonderful location near Polk Parkway. Large kitchen and inside utility. Asking $74,900.
BANK APPROVED DREAM!Stunning 5 bedroom 4 bath home on beautiful secluded lot with no deed restrictions. Gourmet kitchen, real wood fl ooring, volume ceilings and so much more. Call today to see this incredible home. Bank approved price of $287,900.
ALMOST NEW 5 BEDROOM HOMEOpen fl oor plan near Lakeland Square Mall. Master suite with garden tub, large island kitchen: short sale, asking $169,900.
WALDEN LAKE TWO STORYAdd your fi nishing touches and a little TLC to this beautiful home with vaulted ceilings, brick fi replace and granite counters and so much more. Short sale: asking $150,000.
...Selling Hillsborough and Polk
REALTOR® Notary
Team Wainoris
Randall Wainoris 813-997-3000Randall Wainoris 813-997-3000
Kathleen Wainoris 863-608-1557Kathleen Wainoris 863-608-1557REALTOR®/Attorney at Law
Multi-Million Dollar Producers
[email protected] | www.teamwainoris.com
Looking for an investment that provides you both potential tax advantages and almost certain appreciation? Looking for an investment with immediate positive cash fl ow? Invest in real estate! With home prices so low, and with our strong local rental market, have you considered buying a home as an investment? Interest rates have never been so low. Maybe it is time to upgrade to your dream home? The possibilities are endless! Buying? Selling? Leasing? Call us here at Team Wainoris; we are here to help.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR IRS REFUND?...INVEST IN REAL ESTATE!
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com68
The Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are the third Monday of each month at 6:00
p.m. at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meeting will be April 16th with a Presidents’ meeting right after. The meetings are open to all Walden Lake residents. Marlene continues to do a great job of code enforcement of the deed restrictions in many of the neighborhoods. With the rainy season coming, she is hopeful that some of the lawn issues will resolve themselves. She continues to take on additional communities, with Clubhouse Woods and Aston Woods being one of the most recent. At the most recent meeting, the Board voted and approved the purchase of a golf cart for her use while doing inspection.
As promised, the real estate statistics for the first quarter:In Walden Lake and Walden Lake East, there were 22 sales in the first quarter of 2012. The highest priced sale was one that was listed by me in Sutton Woods and sold for $250,000 and the lowest sale was a Bank Owned Villa that sold for $59,430. The average sale price in the first quarter of 2012 was $136,447. Four homes sold for less than $100,000, seventeen sold between $100,000 and $200,000 and one sold over $200,000. The average number of days on the market was 207, with the average list to sale price at 93%. The list to sale price is the list price of the home at the time it
went pending contract and does not take into consideration any price reductions from when it was originally listed. There are currently 41 active listings ranging from $99,900 to $799,900 and 33 listings pending contract ranging from $60,000 to $174,277.
The Walden Lake sales information is deemed reliable and is the supported by data provided by the Multiple Listing Service. Lately, local agents are beginning to see many homes go pending contract quicker, especially when they are well priced, well staged homes in good condition.
The food drive continues for the United Food Bank of Plant City. Any non-perishable food donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the HOA office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Walden Lake Golf & Country Club has Ladies Clinics on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., and Junior Clinics on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. You can sign up ahead of time to be sure you can join in or you can sign up the day of the clinic. Dinners in the main dining room are on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, and the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. A full calendar of events is posted on the website, www.waldenlakegolf.com. Come out and see all the improvements.
Feel free to call me at 813-758-9586, if you have any questions on this article about real estate.
REAL ESTATE » WALDEN LAKE
WALDEN LAKEREVIEWSUBMITTED BY: NATALIE SWEET
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 69
Natalie SweetNatalie SweetREALTOR®
813-758-9586
Angel MillerAngel MillerREALTOR®
813-546-9863
Cathy MartinCathy MartinREALTOR®
813-376-0891
Natalie SweetNatalie SweetREALTOR®
813-758-9586
Angel MillerAngel MillerREALTOR®
813-546-9863
Cathy MartinCathy MartinREALTOR®
813-376-0891
HISTORIC PLANT CITYCharming 3 Bedroom 2 Bath 2338 sq’ home on paved street with the charm of years gone by. Gleaming hard wood fl oors, high ceilings and so much more. $214,900
PRESERVE CONDO ON GOLF COURSE
Move right into this wonderful 2 Bedroom 2 Bath condo in this carefree gated community in Walden Lake. Move in ready for you to relax and enjoy. $115,000
WALDEN LAKE AFFORDABLEYou enjoy this 1632 sq’ home with 3 Bedrooms & 2 Baths, formal living and dining, family room & large fenced yard. Priced affordably at $129,900
WALDEN LAKE BEAUTY!
Mrs. Clean lives in this wonderful 3 Bedroom 2 1/2 Bath home on cul-de-sac with complete master bath remodel, 2138 sq’ living area, great room w/fi replace and much more! $175,000
GOLF COURSE HOMEAs you enter through the glass doors you will notice the love & care this home has had. Quality remodeled kitchen w/Alder wood cabinets, huge lanai w/large bar, pavers, & beautiful pool w/a great view. $235,000
COUNTRY LIVING IN THE CITYLush Landscaping frames this beautiful home on 3/4 Acre. 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath, Family Room w/fi replace, loft that overlooks the family room, large screened pool and huge fenced yard. $199,900
WEDGEWOOD WONDERFULEntertain in style in this lovely home set for large family gatherings & parties, featuring 4 large bedrooms, private offi ce, sunken family room, huge pool & more. $325,000
“BIG KIDS” TREEHOUSE W/BARNUnique 2419 sq’ 3 bedroom, 3 bath home plus large offi ce. This home is ready for your horses with a fabulous 3 stall barn & attached tack room w/water and electric, 3 paddocks & so much more. A must see at $239,900.
New homes from the $160s
Fabulous fl oorplans Energy Savings Features
WaldenPointe
Sanctuary $197,9903 Bedroom • 2 Bath • 3 Car Garage
2017 sq’ living area + 684 sq’ bonus space
Pinnacle $189,3903 Bedroom • 2 Bath • 3 Car Garage
1936 sq’ living area + 713 sq’ bonus space
Inventory HomesAvailable Janurary 2012
Your Walden Lake
SpecialistsNatalie SweetNatalie Sweet Angel MillerAngel Miller
REALTOR®
813-758-9586REALTOR®
813-546-9863
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com70
Let me be very clear, if you do not take advantage of this window of opportunity, you are literally throwing
your money away each month on needless interest payments. What does the program really mean? Before HARP even existed, if you have a VA or FHA loan, you could, and still can refinance without an appraisal and regardless of value. But Now, if you have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac Backed loan and qualify, then you can refinance your loan to today’s lower rates REGARDLESS of how much you owe compared to today’s value.
COMMON QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS• Socanyourefinancea$300,000loanona home worth $50,000? Yes• Idon’thavemortgageinsurancenow;doI have to add it since I am now over 80%? No
• IfIhavemortgageinsurancenow,doesit come off? No• DoIneedanappraisal?Inmostcasesthey can be waived.• DoIneedtobringmoneyforclosing?In most cases not one penny. On Fannie Mae loans, you never do, on some Freddie Mac loans you may need to.• Howlongdoesittake?About30days,but the longer you wait the longer it will take since I suspect 15-20% of all Florida loans will be attempting to refinance around the same time and this will add to underwriting turn times. The quicker you are in, the better.• Mylender(orwhomever)saidIamnot eligible. Many lenders either do not participate in this program, or have their own self-imposed “overlays” that are simply not a requirement of the program. We have no overlays.• CanImakeextrapaymentsonthenewloan and pay it off sooner? Yes.
REAL ESTATE » MORTGAGE
NO EQUITY REFINANCE PROGRAM FOR PRIMARY, SECOND, AND EVEN INVESTMENT HOMES
HARP 2.0 IS HERE!SUBMITTED BY: NATE DAVIS
Owned and Operated by Greg and Tanya
Mayfi eld
813-785-0500 www.brandonseptic.com
SEPTIC PROBLEMS?
Honesty and Great Service Provided Daily!
* Drain� elds Installed/ Replaced* Septic Tank Pump Outs* Septic System Maintenance
Mention this add and recieve 5% o� a Drain� eld Replacement
SEPTIC PROBLEMS?SEPTIC PROBLEMS?WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
Providing short Term and Long
Term Care.
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
We offer a wide range of nursing services:Infusion & Enteral, Therapy~Wound,
Respiratory, Tracheotomy, and
Total Parenteral Nutrition Care
We accept Medicare, Humana, Wellcare and Other Major Insurances.
2202 West Oak Ave. • Plant City 33563 • 813-754-3761
The New Physical Therapy Gym
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 71
Darby Hastin g / Nephcure Foundation Teen/Adult Night Out Benefit
Mark your Calenders! May 19th, 6:00 P.M. Red Rose Ballroom! Great Food, Drinks and D.J. Fun for All Ages! Weekend Trip Giveaways, Dancing
and A Great Way to Support a Beautiful 15-year-old Young Lady who is battling FSGS (an incurable disease)
Tickets for Adults are $50.00. (This includes Drink Tickets)
Tickets for Teens are $15.00
Sponsors are Needed Please contact Julie Hasting
(813) 695-1783 for Sponsorship
information or any questions.
Darby Hasting has a Fund set up at Bank Of America if you would graciously like to
make a Donation.
Darby was diagnosed with FSGS last year and this has taken quite a toll on her. Her Faith, Her Family, & Her Loving Friends have been a Huge Support
system for Her. Unfortunatly it is not enough. There are Medical Bills and the Prescriptions will continue to take the rest of her life.
She is also facing the possibility of a Kidney Transplant. We would like to see Our Sweet Community come
together and make This Event a Success!
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com72
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 73
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com74
HOOKED ON FISHINGOn most weekends at the crack of
dawn, 19 year-old Levi Brown can be found on a lake in central Florida
doing what he does best... fishing. It’s not a leisurely hobby that he indulges in because he has nothing to do. Fishing is what Levi wants to do for a living. He wants to be a professional bass angler and he is building his resume for the future.
Levi, the son of Roger and Lori Brown, has been bass fishing for as long as he can remember, but several years ago, he made a decision to focus on the sport as a potential career. With a growing list of accomplishments, Brown is hoping to lure a sponsor that will come along beside him and back him in his quest to see his dream come true.
In 2007, at age 14, Levi entered his first tournament on the Accent Marine Trail along with Roger as a father-son duo they titled “Team Wrecked It.” He still fishes
in those tournaments every month, but lately has added club events and open tournaments to his schedule.
After that initial tournament, at the recommendation of family and some local anglers who recognized his potential, Levi was encouraged to join the Lakeland Junior Bassmasters Club. In 2009, he captured the club’s Angler of the Year award in the 15-18 year-old age division. That honor qualified him to compete in the Florida Junior Bassmasters Federation Nation Tournament held on Lake Toho near Kissimmee. Levi finished fifteenth of seventy-four entries. The next year, Levi finished as Co-Angler of the year and shared the title of Sportsman of the Year.
In addition to his involvement with the Lakeland Bassmasters, Brown also holds memberships in the Florida Bass Federation Nation, the Mosaic Bass Club, the Walmart Bass Fishing League, the
FLW Everstart Series, and the Toyota Tundra Bassmasters Weekend Series (American Bass Anglers) with hopes of improving his knowledge, honing his skills, and attracting the attention of the public and possibly the eye of a potential backer.
Occasionally, Levi fishes with others, but his favorite partner is his dad, and over the past two years, they’ve added to Levi’s resume. Here are some of his accomplishments. Levi took first place with a total weight of 16.34 lbs. and also captured big bass honors with a lunker that weighed 8.39 lbs. in the Mosaic Bass Club tournament held on Crooked Lake. As a father-son team, the Browns captured first place with a total weight of 27.25 lbs. and took big bass honors one again with a weight of 8.35 lbs in the Accent Marine Trail Tournament.
Levi has also earned another first, two seconds, two fourths, two fifths, one seventh, and one eighth place finish, as well as four more big bass honors highlighted by his invitation to compete last November in the Toyota Tundra Bassmasters National Series Championship in Manning, South Carolina.
Levi’s previous sport was baseball. He played on the Plant City Planters AAU team that captured the Florida AAU 14-under State Championship in 2007. He was also a member of the Plant City High School Raiders baseball team before deciding to focus on fishing. He later transferred to Strawberry Crest where he graduated last year.
Levi is very thankful for his family that has served as a source of encouragement and support as he continues to pursue his dream. Anyone interested in following Levi may go to the website he created at www.levibrownfishing.com.
SPORTS » FISHING
LOCAL ANGLER PURSUES DREAM WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES
Photo courtesy of Roger & Lori Brown
Photo courtesy of Roger & Lori Brown
www.brandondivorcehelp.com
CALL TODAY for a FREE Inital Consultation
813-902-3576
Helping Florida Families with
the following legal issues:
a Family Law | Divorce
a Child Custody | Paternity
a Personal Injury
a Social Security | Disability
a Criminal Law
a Traffic | DUI | DWI
a Bankruptcy
a Wills & Trusts
Law Office of Ingrid M. Hooglander P.A.
Connect with Us:
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com76
MAGAZINE
GET YOUR CAREER ROLLIN’PLANT CITY, LAKELAND, AND BRANDON
TERRITORIESFAX RESUME TO:
813.764.0990
SALESPOSITIONSAVAILABLE!
813-752-4459 813-752-4459 1905 S. FRONTAGE RD. PLANT CITY, FL. 33563
WWW.I-4-POWER.COM
WE CAN CUSTOMIZE YOUR CART FROM
1905 S. FRONTAGE RD. PLANT CITY, FL. 33563MILD TO WILD!
Formally known as Country Village PowerFormally known as Country Village Power
WWW.I-4-POWER.COM
1905 S. FRONTAGE RD. PLANT CITY, FL. 33563
WE CAN CUSTOMIZE YOUR CART FROM
Authorized Dealer
HUSTLER “SPORT” ZERO TURN MOWER
Sale $2995.00List $3395.00
Become a fan of Focus Magazine on Facebook and be the first to know.
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 77
ATTENTION PLANT CITY RESIDENTSATTENTION PLANT CITY RESIDENTSATTENTION PLANT CITY RESIDENTS
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the improvement in the cost of Homeowners Insurance. The reduction of $1,400 per year was a great relief consid-ering all of the cost increases that families are faced with today! I feel like I have much better coverage and saving money helps to make it even better. I was just surprised by the savings considering I have not researched Homeowners Insurance in 10 years. Thank you for taking care of my insurance needs. You now have a very happy customer for a long time. -Roy Peterson
If you have received bad news about your Homeowners policy being non-renewed....
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!!!
CALL NOW 813-707-1000 / WWW.ROLLYSONFEARNOW.COMOR EMAIL: [email protected]
See what we have saved others in you area...
Act now and have a dedicated Neighborhood Agent help protect your Home and be with a credible carrier. We also offer GREAT RATES for Auto, Boat and Commercial Insurance
SAVE UP TO 23%Like Many of your Neighbors Already Have!
SAVE UP TO 23%
Rhett Rollyson President Rolly Rollyson Sr. Advisor
For all of life’s occasions
1802 W Reynolds StPlant City, FL 33563
813-752-5189www.brownsfl oralshop.com
106 E Reynolds StreetPlant City, FL 33563
813-752-5189www.brownsfl oralshop.com
FLORAL SHOPBrown’s
Wra
p Mom in Love
with
bea
utiful flower’s on Moth
er’s
Da
y
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com78
CODY CHENEYIn the ninth grade Cody Cheney was
told that he ought to join the wrestling team because it would make him a better
football player. That bit of advice, four years later, led this month’s featured athlete to a second place finish in the recent Florida High School Wrestling Championships.
The son of David Cheney and Polly Fink (and the older brother of siblings Matt, Chase and McKenzie), Cody worked hard to learn wrestling. Because of his success and continued improvement, he gave up the gridiron at the end of his sophomore season to concentrate solely on wrestling.
Every year Cody improved and he felt the improvement was linked to the off-season practices and the summer camps he attended. For the past several years, the Raiders have attended Appalachian State University wrestling camp.
“We were always told that the more matches we had, the better wrestlers we’d become,” said Cheney. “What I like about Appalachian State is that in addition to their instruction, we’d get to wrestle about 20 matches, which is a lot more than at other college camps.”
As a sophomore, he finished the year with a 35-15 record, coming on strong late in the season to take third place at the district tournament, fourth place at regionals, and a strong showing at the state tournament. His junior year started out well, but midway through the season, after compiling an impressive 22-2 record, Cody suffered an injury and was unable to compete the rest of the season. By the time this season rolled around, the 5’8” 170 lb. Plant City High School senior, determined to make a comeback, was stronger physically and more prepared mentally. The result was a phenomenal senior season. Cody finished with a 44-6 record and became the first Raider in over
a decade to wrestle in a state championship final.
The state tournament took place at the Lakeland Center on February 17-18, and Cody is still excited about the experience.
“Just being there in front of all those people was exciting, but it was also nerve wracking at the same time. It was kinda cool having everyone watching you at the sport you excel in.”
And Cody gave everyone present a show. He won his first match 5-1. His second match was a little more challenging, but he eventually put away his opponent, an All-Walton County selection by a score of 9-5. Cody had a little easier time in his third match keeping his opponent scoreless in a 4-0 victory, before losing in the finals.
“Words can’t describe the enthusiasm and heart that Cody brought to every match,” remarked Kevin Wynne, whose son is one of Cody’s teammates. “His matches were the highlight of every meet. Spectators on both sides would stop to watch whenever Cody wrestled.”
In addition to bringing a second place trophy back to Plant City, Cody helped lead the Raiders to a winning season. This was quite an accomplishment, considering the overall age of the team with a lot of inexperienced wrestlers and only three seniors.
As Cody reminisced about the season he said, “I just want everyone to know how appreciative I am of everyone for all their support, especially all the parents who were there for us all year.”
Following graduation, Cody plans to join the Army where he will be able to continue to wrestle. After he serves his country, he wants to wrestle in college and eventually coach the sport in high school.
SPORTS » ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 79
Next to NewAll Inclusive Consignment
Kim MillerOwner
(813)719-8922nexttonewfl .com
109 W Reynolds St. Plant City FL
inside Kims Kafe Downtown
OUR 50TH YEAR
THIS COULD BE YOUR...
“FACTS”We give you Start and
Completion Dates
Customer Referrals on Request
Quality Construction
Competitive Prices
50 Years of Professional Service
Financing Available
We have a complete product line of “Do it your self kits”
Concrete Floors and Drive Ways
Screen Room!!
lantity wning & Aluminum Products, Inc.
“Serving Your Home Improvement Needs Since 1961”806 WOODROW WILSON ST. UNIT #1 • 7-5 WEEKDAYS • SAT BY APPOINTMENT
PCA
659-2501“FREE ESTIMATES”Licensed-Bonded-Insured
RX00063299
We Also Offer...Carports, Glass Rooms,
Vinyl Windows, Siding/Soffit, Roofovers, Skirting,
Pool Enclosures,“Your Full Service Aluminum Contractor”
www.plantcityawningandaluminum.com
Don’t DelayWe will show you how affordable your room can be while adding
value to your home.
Roofover and Mobile Home Skirting
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com80
NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS 10-6NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS 10-6NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS 10-6NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS 10-6
WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS AND EBT
Come by to see our In House Specials!
NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS 10-6NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS 10-6
CLEMSCUSTOMMEATSLLC.COM JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
SPECIAL CUTS for Ribeyes, T-bone,Porterhouse, Filet Mignon, New York Strip,
ROAST CUTS- Pork Tenderloin, Beef Tenderloin, Sirloin, Prime Rib, Bottom Round, Boston Butt
ALSO AVAILABLE: Pork Chops, Bacon, Sausage, Hamburger, Cubed Steak, Alligator, Rabbit, Goat, Black Canyon, Black Angus
Jams, jellies, relishes, chicken, beefbrisket, fresh and frozen vegetables, deli meats and fresh Plant City strawberries.
SPECIAL CUTS for Ribeyes, T-bone,Porterhouse, Filet Mignon, New York Strip,
ROAST CUTS- Pork Tenderloin, Beef Tenderloin, Sirloin, Prime Rib, Bottom Round, Boston Butt
ALSO AVAILABLE: Pork Chops, Bacon, Sausage, Hamburger, Cubed Steak, Alligator, Rabbit, Goat, Black Canyon, Black Angus
Jams, jellies, relishes, chicken, beefbrisket, fresh and frozen vegetables, deli meats and fresh Plant City strawberries.
206 South Evers StreetPlant City, FL 33563
(entrance on Collins St.)
813-752-5724
DEER PROCESSING AVAILABLE
CALL AHEAD
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 81
2418 James L. Redman Pkwy.,Plant City, FL(813) 757-0300
BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTHOn Thursday April 5, in Plant City
Little League competition, Magnum Pest Control captured a hard fought
8-6 victory over Hillsborough Title to solidify first place in Minor League (9 & 10 year-olds) action heading into the second half of the season and they looked like they were having fun doing so.
The Minors is divided into two leagues, the American and the National. Magnum is leading the National League, two games ahead of Southern Towing, and they possess the Minors’ best overall mark at 10-1.
For head coach Danny Coton, first place feels good, “It’s good to be where we’re at, but I’m just really happy for the boys. They’re having a lot of fun.”
According to Coton, Magnum’s formula for success wasn’t something that was planned out. It was something that just developed. Unlike the Majors and Juniors division, the Minors have a complete draft every year. So, there were no carryover players on the team from last season. What Coton and his assistant coaches Andy Knotts and Jim Wingo did was evaluate every player at the tryouts and then draft the best player available when it came their turn in each round. What they ended up
with was a team with pitching depth and speed on the bases.
“Unlike a lot of the teams in our league that have had to rely on only two pitchers,” said Knotts, “we’ve had the luxury of having five pitchers - Chase English, Jared Wingo, Brent Coton, Chris Rodriguez, and Jackson Knotts - which gives us an advantage on the mound, but our strength is really on the bases. Nearly every kid on our team is fast. When they get on base we usually find a way to get them home.”
Indeed they do. Magnum has averaged eight-and-a-half runs per contest while limiting their opponents to less than three.
With just two weeks between the draft and the start of the season, the coaches chose to work primarily on fundamentals in preparation for opening day. Surprisingly, even with such a brief preseason, Magnum has been consistent all year. They started strong and other than one bad game, have remained that way, playing steady baseball all spring.
“We had a great start to the season and we have played pretty solid so far,” Knotts remarked. “Everyone has been pretty consistent and lately we have started swinging the bats… we’ve been gaining confidence at the plate.”
Coton teaches the importance of playing as a team. He is trying to develop every player into a leader. He wants everyone to understand that no one player can win or lose a game, but that baseball is about “everyone making a contribution.” This season, Coton chose not to single out individual accomplishments by awarding game balls to the “player of the game” following each contest, as some teams do. Instead, he feels that doing so, takes away from his “team” philosophy.
“These boys get along with each other so well,” Coton proudly said. “They enjoy being together. There is no criticism… no arguing. We pray before every game. If we forget, the boys remind us. They’re having fun.”
The regular season will wrap up in early May, followed by the city tournament. Magnum players include Jacob Fuentes, Dawson Traffanstedt, Austin Kaczmarek, Colten Drawdy, Jack Sparkman, Michael Gaudet, Chase English, Jared Wingo, Brent Coton, Chris Rodriguez, and Jackson Knotts.
SPORTS » BEEF O’ BRADY’S, BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH
WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES
Magnum players: Jacob Fuentes, Dawson Traffanstedt, Austin Kaczmarek, Colten Drawdy, Jack Sparkman, Michael Gaudet, Chase English, Jared Wingo, Brent Coton, Chris Rodriguez, and Jackson Knotts.Coaches: Andy Knotts and Danny Coton
MAGNUM PEST CONTROL
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com82
304 E. Baker Street, Plant City813-752-9629
Store Hours: M-F 10:30-5:30 and Sat 10-4
Plant City’s Largest Selection of Fine Jewelry at
Affordable Prices
Designer Styles in Gold, Silver & Platinum
15% - 50% OFF Storewide
Expressions of Love
for Mother’s Day
J & G JewelersMaking Dreams Come True
Since 1983
14 Karat White Gold 6.5 carats of Gem Weight.
$2,400.
Shamballa with genuine crystals
in all colors$35
Key NecklacesCherish the Key
Moments with the Ones you Love. In
Gold and Silver with Diamonds
From $75 and up.
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 83
WALDEN LAKE CAR WASHAND SERVICE CENTER
1414 S. Alexander St. • 813-752-7226www.waldenlakecarwash.com
PAY-ONE-PRICE and get your car washed whenever you
like during the month.
Easy sign up, no obligations,
automatic monthly billing, no contract.
Prices starting just $22.00 per month.
Stop by for your spring cleaning car wash
Sweetgum Environmental
Sweetgum Environmental
Sweetgum Environmental is a Full Service Environmental Consulting Firm with National Experience and Recognition. Headquartered in Plant City, Sweetgum provides a full
range of Services throughout Florida and the Southeast.
• Phase I and II Site Assesments (CFEA and LEP on Staff)• Wetland Delineations, Mitigation and Compliance• Protected Species Surveys and Relocations• Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent• Water/Soil/Sediment/Air Quality• Environmental Impact Assessments • Stream Condition Index (SCI) -FDEP Certifi ed• Tree/Botanical Surveys• Additional Services Offered
• Phase I and II Site Assesments (CFEA and LEP on Staff)• Wetland Delineations, Mitigation and Compliance• Protected Species Surveys and Relocations• Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent• Water/Soil/Sediment/Air Quality• Environmental Impact Assessments • Stream Condition Index (SCI) -FDEP Certifi ed• Tree/Botanical Surveys• Additional Services Offered
Sweetgum Specializes in:Sweetgum Specializes in:
For More Information, Please ContactRob DeGraaf, President/Senior Environmental Scientist
(813) [email protected] • www.Sweetgumenvironmental.com
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com84
EXTRA » SENIOR OF THE MONTH
With both a sharp mind and an ear for music, Donna (Colleen) Shulmister perpetually excels at
any task she is given. These combined attributes have led her to become an outstanding representative in our community.
Ranked 11th in her class with a 6.155 GPA, Colleen has proven to be a dedicated academic. This scholastic excellence provided her memberships in the National Honor Society and the 1270 Club. She has also been distinguished as an AP Scholar with Honor Award and as a Tribune Scholar for ranking in the top 3% of the 2012 graduating class.
For three years Colleen has been a member of the PCHS Raider Band. During that time she earned the Most Outstanding Freshman award, the Best Overall Sophomore musician award, the Top Woodwind musician award, was recognized as Superior in both Solo and Ensemble all three years, and earned membership in the Florida Flute Association. She has also participated in the Patel Conservatory Junior Philharmonic and Youth Symphony
Orchestra, and designated Hillsborough All-County Band member all three years, earning 3rd, 1st, and 4th chair flute respectively. Shulmister has been distinguished as a Principal Flutist at both the University of Tampa and the University of Florida band camp; she was also the UT band camp scholarship recipient.
In alignment with her passion for music, Shulmister also joined Plant City’s chorus, where she currently serves as the Soprano section leader. With her voice and acting talent, Colleen was selected to play Patty Simcox in the upcoming musical Grease.
Shulmister gives back to the community whenever she can. Throughout high school, she has accumulated over 100 hours of community service by
volunteering though the Leo Service Club, where she has served as Historian and Treasurer, and by mentoring peers who struggle academically.
Colleen’s hard work has proven to pay off. She won 1st place in both the St. Pete International Folk Festival essay competition and the VFW art contest last year. This year, Shulmister won honorable mention in the Plant City Archives competition. She was also voted onto the Homecoming Court both her junior and senior year and has been selected as a Senior Superlative.
In her free time, Colleen holds down a job in Dinosaur World. She is also self-employed as a flute lessons instructor, teaching private lessons to beginner musicians.
Next year Colleen plans to pursue a major in psychology at the University of Florida. She one day wants to become a Clinical Psychologist, helping people overcome traumas. Being both a strong leader and role model, Colleen is entering college next year with a confidence that will surely lead to success.
COLLEEN SHULMISTER SENIOR OF THE MONTH WRITTEN BY: JEREMY MINAYA
OFFERING SCHOOL
READINESS K-2,3,&4 AND
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE.
B&G DAYCARE & KINDERGARTEN INC.
14419 DR. MLK BLVD.DOVER, FL. 33527(813) 659-0904
Hours of operation 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.License Number CHC 110014 | Family Owned since 1984
& KINDERGARTEN INC.
B&G DAYCARE
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com86
EXTRA » SENIOR OF THE MONTH
Parthick Patel pairs a strong academic drive with an even stronger knowledge of how he will achieve the
esteemed goals he has set himself. Patel is truly the epitome of what hard work and dedication can do for a student.
Academics are beyond significant to Parthick. Patel is graduating from PCHS as Salutatorian of his class with an 8.88 GPA (4.0 unweighted). He has an impressive overall SAT score of 2090 and a 32 ACT composite score. In addition to these prestigious academic accomplishment, Parthick has been listed on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years, is a National Honor Society inductee, and he has earned him a four or higher in all his AP exams. He is also distinguished as both a Tribune Scholar and National AP Scholar.
Parthick has joined various academic clubs to showcase his knowledge. In Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), Patel won first place in both Regional
and State Medical math competition two years in a row; he then won 7th, and then 2nd place in the National Medical Math competition. Through Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where he serves as treasurer, Parthick has won 1st place in both the Regional Business Math and Parliamentary Procedures competitions. Patel has won 7th place in the Algebra II and 4th place in the Pre-Calculus Regional Math Competition. He also competes frequently with the Academic Team, as co-captain, and the science club, as past Vice President. For his diligence as secretary of Key Club last year Parthick earned recognition with the Regional Best Secretary Award. He also served as treasurer of the Best Buddies Club.
Parthick has earned more than 300 hours of community service. Through Best Buddies, Parthick has dedicated much time to Special Olympics in
the sports of volleyball, basketball, and bowling. Patel has also volunteered in the Physical Therapy and Surgery center at the South Florida Baptist Hospital.
Parthick also holds down a part-time job as a cashier and stocker for the local Ambika Inc. and as a customer service representative for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers through the Student Ambassadors program. Through this ambassador program, Parthick attends monthly meetings and serves at public service events and Bucs’ home football games.
In the upcoming years Parthick will attend the University of Miami to major in biochemistry through the Advance Program for Integrated Science and Math (PRISM). He plans eventually to become a neurosurgeon.
Obviously, there is no argument - Parthick Patel’s future is very promising.
PARTHICK PATEL SENIOR OF THE MONTH WRITTEN BY: JEREMY MINAYA
kelly morris (813) 727-28022553 st. rd 60 east valrico, florida 33594
(next to beef o bradys)
kelly morris (813) 727-28022553 st. rd 60 east valrico, florida 33594
(next to beef o bradys)
WH
ERE YOUR IN GO OD CO
MPA
NY
Every Military Guy Harvey Shirt Sold
$2.00 goes To The Military!
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 87
APARTMENTSFOR THE ELDERLYOne bedroom Apartments • Rent based on income
Plant City Towers103 W. Mahoney St.Plant City, FL 33563
813.752.5116
Plant City Living Center405 E. Damon St
Plant City, FL 33563813.659.2669
Applications available at each location
RUBEN PEREZ, MDBoard Certified Internal Medicine
JSA MEDICAL GROUP - PLANT CITY1001 East Baker Street, Suite 400, Plant City, FL 33567
We offer many services in-office for your convenience!
JSA MEDICAL GROUP - PLANT CITY1001 East Baker Street, Suite 400, Plant City, FL 33567
We offer many services in-office for your convenience!
NEW ADULT PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN IN YOUR AREA!JSA Medical Group has opened a NEW
Adult Primary Care Center in your community!
Call to Make an Appointment Today!(813) 708-0164
Call to Make an Appointment Today!(813) 708-0164
Se Habla Españolwww.JSAMedicalGroup.com
Accepting New Patients Including Humana andCarePlus Medicare Advantage Plan Members
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com88
WHY PEOPLE SUE INSURANCE COMPANIES!We got hit again! Yes, again. From
behind! Let’s see with our four kids that’s about the fourth or
fifth time. I’m not complaining too much because the injuries were minor in most cases, in some, not all.
Problem is we keep our vehicles a long time---like ten years. I change the oil often, keep the brakes tiptop, make sure nothing is leaking and keep the engine bay as grease free as possible.
So inevitably when the insurance
companies want to total our vehicles we get the shaft. Our van is a perfect example. Sure the Town and Country had 168-thousand miles-but I had put in about six thousand last year… trying to make the car run for another three or four years, if possible. It ran and drove smooth and quiet. My wife and I called it our retirement vehicle because without a car payment we could save for retirement.
Now the back bumper is where the second row of seats once were. The lady was reaching for a tissue on the floor and creamed my wife at about 40 miles per
hour. And unless something unusual happens, I’m sure they will call with some sad story and write me a check for three grand, if I’m lucky.
My claims guy, nice enough fellow, feels bad about it. That’s just the way it is. So, if you can get me my same vehicle with all my improvements for that three grand, I’ll be a happy camper. That vehicle doesn’t exist! They never do. Keep your vehicles and take care of them and you will lose every time.
Enter the lawyers. They will take the case
and only collect if we win. Their take is close to 40 percent. And the insurance companies roll over when they see the lawyers get involved. I wish they were as afraid of me as they are the legal folks, maybe we could all save a bunch of money that way.
So here’s the quandary! Why don’t the insurance companies pay to replace my vehicle...with a real vehicle of the same kind that I can drive and that has been cared for as well as I care for my vehicles no matter their mileage? Sure it is more than the three grand, but it has to be cheaper than hiring a bunch of your lawyers and mine to sit down and negotiate based on what might have been or could be medically!
People seek legal counsel because they feel they are being taken advantage of. Maybe we just don’t understand how insurance works? Maybe we need re-educating about who covers what and why! Maybe we need to blow up the insurance industry and start over. Maybe I’m full of it and hope someone out there has gone through the same demoralizing process of “getting an insurance settlement” that feels more like a kiss from your sister than a company committed to actually helping you recover from an accident you didn’t cause and wish had never happened.
Oh well!!!!!!
EXTRA » AL REUCHEL
WRITTEN BY: AL REUCHEL
“Why don’t the insurance companies pay to replace my vehicle... with a real vehicle of the same kind that I can drive and that has been cared for as well as I care for my vehicles no matter their mileage?”
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 89
High Field Open MRI | Multi Slice CT | Ultrasound Digital Mammography | X-Ray | CT Bone Density
Upright Open MRI (Lakeland Only)
813.750.1724 | 206 West Alexander St. Suite 1 | www.RISimaging.com
MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED
Superior Care with theLATEST CT TECHNOLOGY
Superior Care with theSuperior Care with theSuperior Care with theSuperior Care with theSuperior Care with theSuperior Care with theLATEST CT TECHNOLOGYLATEST CT TECHNOLOGYLATEST CT TECHNOLOGY
Superior Care with the
A Division of Radiology and Imaging Specialists
PCI OFFERS A PATIENT-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT DESIGNED FOR SUPERIOR PATIENT CARE AND COMFORT. WE HAVE OVER 20 BOARD-CERTIFIED RADIOLOGISTS THAT ARE DEDICATED TO UTILIZING THE BEST TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE FOR EXCEPTIONAL PATIENT CARE.
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com90
WHEN DEATH IS A HOLY MOMENT
EXTRA » DEREK MAUL
This month’s column is based on the blog I posted the day after my brother died, March 12. The message
is poignant, and – I believe – important, so I wanted to share it with my FOCUS readers.
This is going to be a hard column to do right. But I have to try. I process a lot of my life this way, through thinking out loud. And you, those readers curious enough to look over my shoulder, are a huge part of how I write and how I continue to grow. Thanks so much for being a part of me.
I lost an important part of me around 8:15 Monday evening. My brother, Geoff, is just plain gone.
Oh, I understand the fact that Geoff is - and always will be - a critically important element of what it means to be a Maul, and I’m confident without question that he is now more alive than he has ever been and in the presence of the God he loves so deeply. But Geoff is still gone, our lives are still undeniably empty, our hearts are literally aching with grief, and our spirits are heavy with sadness.
PASSAGE:I headed down to his house Sunday afternoon, and my privilege was to spend the next twenty-two hours doing absolutely everything in my power to serve my brother and to bring into play every possible resource on his behalf.Geoff ’s daughter, Hannah, and I were able to make sure that he completed this particular phase of his journey in the comfort and security of the beautiful Tidewell Hospice facility in Ellenton. He passed away in the evening, literally surrounded by family and friends.
His death was, in every sense of the word, a “holy” passage. The presence of God literally filled both the physical space and the hearts and minds of everyone present. My sense was that the reality of the holiness was evident to everyone, official “believer” or not. The truth of such an experience has enough gravity to transcend even the most deep-seated conviction or doubt.
GOD IS:And that is really the point of my column today. God is. And God is all about the business of saving people. And by that I don’t mean the clichéd, formulaic version of salvation pushed by some. What I’m talking about is God’s constant invitation that we participate in the fullness of life, the “life that truly is life,” the new and living way of Jesus. Geoff ’s death, my brother’s passageway into the next stage of this journey, turns out to be more evidence of the life-charged life. There was so much living faith in that room with Geoff when he passed away that the very walls were crying out, “Peace!” “Love!” “Salvation!” “Rest!”
PARADOX: It’s a difficult paradox, I’ll acknowledge, because that room was also loaded to the ceiling with grief, and sadness, and a sense of loss that will stay with those of us who love Geoff for a very long time. And so, “God-Speed” my brother. Thank you so very much for all the adventures, the laughter, the tears, the challenges, the irrepressible enthusiasm, the complications, the travels, the conversations, the insight, the honesty, the shared family, the broadening of my horizons (voluntary and otherwise!) and - most of all - the enduring love.
WRITTEN BY: DEREK MAUL
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
- Romans 14:8
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 93
Residential & Commercial CleaningWeekly • Bi-Weekly • MonthlyQuality, Dependable Service
NEW SERVICE OFFEREDLet us make your move less stressful. In addition to
our cleaning service we now offer packing your home for a move. You provide boxes, etc., we pack your
home, the movers do the rest.Prices are Based on Time that is Needed.
Locally Owned and Operated
We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!
Fine Touch CleaningFine Touch Cleaning813-300-4763 • 813-757-0140
Same Great Service,Same Great Cleaners,
Everytime!
We Offer One Time Cleaning • Licensed - Insured - Bonded • References Available Upon Request
Same Great Service,Same Great Cleaners,
Everytime!
We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!We Will Make Your Home Sparkle!
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com94
WHAT DO A PAIR OF SCISSORS AND AN ELEPHANT HAVE IN COMMON?Some artists have a knack for taking
art out of its box and turning it upside down on its head. Artists like
Salvador Dali and even Dr. Seuss come immediately to mind. With artists like these two, what can be seen in one way can be seen in a totally different light, which broadens our perspective and open our minds to new possibilities.
It is this new and fresh way of looking at things that sparked the imagination of student and artist Justice Bulerin.
Justice is an eighth grade student whose favorite subject is the art class taught by at Mr. Edgemon at Tomlin Middle School. The teacher encourages his students to embark upon the creative process through various artistic projects. Recently one such project was the bringing together a list of objects and animals to create something unique. What called to Justice was an elephant and a pair of scissors. In place of where the elephant’s trunk would be, Justice placed a pair of scissors, resulting in what she calls a Scissorphant.
This unique Scissorphant has since received a lot of attention. Justice’s artwork
was chosen to represent students of Hillsborough County Schools in an art contest held at the Salvador Dali Museum. Just to have the opportunity to be chosen for this special contest, which included students from many different schools, was in itself a victory. Recognition of Justice’s Scissorphant was further established when she earned the Merit award, the second highest prize awarded.
Justice’s Scissorphant has been on display at the Salvador Dali Museum for a little over a month as part of the student exhibition. She also was able to attend an Awards Banquet held in her honor.
When the young artist is not creating art or attending school, she enjoys spending time with family, cheerleading, and reading. Justice feels she wants to be able to help others express themselves through art. She hopes one day to pursue art as a career, possibly providing Art Therapy for children with special needs.
Needless to say, it is a great encouragement to see the far-reaching benefits an art class and an encouraging teacher can have upon a student.
EXTRA » ARTIST OF THE MONTH
WRITTEN BY: HEATHER DAVIS
Photo by Heather Davis
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
6:30am
to
10:00am
Gift Cards and
Party Trays
Available
Notice portions shrinking while prices increase?
NOT HERE.We’re still making it like we
always have since 1993
WE WON’T ASK YOU TO SUPER SIZE YOUR
COMBO CAUSE IT ALREADY IS.
NEW EXTENDED
HOURS!Terrifi c Breakfast at Terrifi c Price!
NEW EXTENDED
HOURS!Best Cuban
RCA Winner
Busy? Pick up your Cuban Sandwich ANYTIME!
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 95
May 11,12,17,18 and 19 at 8:00 p.m., and a matinee on Sunday, May 13th at 2:00 p.m. This extraordinary comedy is under the direction of Kelley Gustafson and assistant director, Kay Secord. All performances are held at the Plant City Entertainment Community Theater located 101 North Thomas Street, Plant City, Fl. 33563. Ticket prices are Adults $14.00, Seniors and Students $12.00, and members and Groups of 10 or more are $10.00. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at Hardees Fashions on Wheeler street in Plant City, or at the door prior to performances. For more information consult our website at: www.pce-inc.com.
The Red Velvet Cake War is a riotously funny Southern-Fried Comedy written by the Award-Winning writing team of Jesse
Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. The play showcases the three Verdeen cousins (Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wyvettte) who
could not have picked a worse time to throw a family reunion.
The cast includes: Jennifer Jackson, Mollie Anderson, Judy Barta, John Harrer, Robert Wagner, Jeri Scheller, Glenda Thurmond, Dana Welch, Tom Guerre, Nadine Guerre-Grimm, Tom Mitchell, and Lou Baird. Backstage crew includes: Linda Rembowski, Jeff Moranville, Carmen Wenczel, and Paul Hetrick.
Plant City Entertainment, Inc.Plant City Entertainment, Inc.is proud to present our Spring Production
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com96
EXTRA » AUTO REVIEW
GOT WORK? 2012 SIERRA IS HERE TO DELIVER
These days, if someone is shopping for a full-sized pickup, domestically there are three choices: Chevrolet,
Ford or GMC. GMC is widely viewed as a Chevrolet, but with a nicer interior and a smoother ride. Sure, there are subtle differences in the styling, and that may be the biggest reason the Sierra ranks third among full-sized pickups. It’s simply due for makeover.
The Sierra interior shines with trim packages that include wood grained enhancements, easy-to-read dash gauges and egonimically sound controls. I drove a crew cab model, which includes four full-sized doors and seating for five or six,
depending on the front seat configuration. The front seat is available as a bench or buckets. If you choose the bench seat option, you won’t find the same seat from 20 years ago. GMC updated this configuration to include a fold-down center console that retains the look of bucket seats. When you’re ready, fold it up to create space for that additional seat. The one missing component was a place to plug in my iPod/iPhone. Maybe next year.
The extra room offered in the crew cab is a bonus. Three 6-footers could easily fit in the back seat and everyone would have room. There’s plenty of room for a growing family.
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 comes in a
variety of trims, including the base WT (Work Truck), SL, SLE, SLT, XFE and Denali. It can be configured with regular, extended and crew cabs; short, regular and long beds; and two, four, or all-wheel drive. The Denali package is the top-of-the-line for GMC and is most recognizable on the exterior by the honeycomb grill. Like other manufacturers, GMC also offers 20” and 22” wheels. They’re pricey, but nice.
Under the hood, the Sierra has plenty of power for most any special assignment and the day-to-day driving most of us endure. The Sierra offers five available suspensions, including an off-road-oriented Z71 package and the NHT enhanced trailering package. The 5.3-liter V-8 features fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology,
which basically shuts down some of the cylinders when they’re not needed in order to conserve fuel. The Sierra is also available with a 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6, a 302-hp, 4.8-liter V-8, a Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 and a Flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8. Each are available with four-speed or six-speed automatic transmissions. (As a side note, the 2013 Sierra is rumored to have an eight-speed automatic transmission.)
Of all the pickups I’ve driven, I must say that the ride in the Sierra is the smoothest. It seems to float over the road. I could easily picture myself driving this truck over long distances for trips to the mountains.
If you’re interested in a new Sierra, visit James Rivard GMC in Brandon on Hwy. 60 just east of I-75.
SUBMITTED BY: BRIAN WEST
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com100
Large/Xtra Large Pizza garlic knots Drink/Sandwich/Sub Salad
$2 off any pizza 6 Free Garlic Knots Free Small Drink $1 off any saladdine in or take out with any dinner
dine in or take outwith any Sandwich or Sub Dine In or Take Out
Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. Exp 4/30/12)
Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. Exp 4/30/12)
Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. Exp 4/30/12)
Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. Exp 4/30/12)
Excludes Cheese Only Pizza
Excludes Cheese dine in or take out
Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 101
ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE
2405 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33566(813) 759-0151WWW.CHECKERS.COM
CRITICAL INFO
CHECKERS - QUALITY MEALS SERVED QUICKLittle did we know that lunch at
Checkers could be such a joyfully informative experience. Even though
we are regular customers, we had no idea so many others were as well.
Checkers has been a mainstay in Plant City for almost 20 years now and business here, according to General Manager Gail Gentry, is “very good.” She attributes that to the approximately 600 orders they serve daily and the 900-1,000 served on a busy Friday or Saturday. Considering that many orders serve more than one person, the estimates for numbers served could easily increase.
Thirty employees work to serve the company’s loyal customers and the occasional “first-timer.” In all our visits here, including this one, we’ve never encountered an employee who wasn’t smiling. Hanna, who helped us on this day, couldn’t have been more pleasant. Her pride to be employed by the company for five years was obvious.
We went hungry and tried to beat the noon lunch crowd. We ordered the “Medium Buffalo Wings” combo (because we’ve never tried Checkers wings and because they look delicious on the sign) and the “Champ Burger” combo. Within minutes and with food in hand, we headed over to the trademarked black-and-white
checkered outdoor tables. Perfect Florida springtime weather made this dining adventure a delight.
What can we say except - oh, yeah! Few entrees are more satisfying than a great burger and tender, juicy sauce-covered wings. Checkers knows how to season food, too, and especially the fries - cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crunch and salt. Many people, including us, forego the ketchup with Checkers fries. It just isn’t necessary.
Gail had warned us about the “Crazy Good Wings,” which the website describes as “made fresh to order and popping with flavor - tossed and sauced in five flavors: Medium Buffalo (featuring Frank’s Redhot Buffalo Wings Sauce), Insanely Hot Angry Buffalo, Sweet ‘n Spicy Asian Kick, Honey BBQ, and Garlic Parmesan.” And you know what, Gail was right. We were especially impressed with the size and the tenderness of the meat that easily pulls away from the bone. Napkins are a necessity, but the flavor is so worth the little extra effort required to keep your mouth (and cheeks) clean.
We wanted to order dessert, too, but honestly, there was just no room left in our bellies. So, an evening trip back was in order (and so worth it). The Oreo Sundae is a deal at $2.49, and delicious, too. Checkers offers creamy shakes, refreshing
floats, Spoonbreakers, sundaes and cones in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and banana or combinations thereof.
This trip’s highlight was learning about Jimmy, who comes daily (and has for 19 years) to pick up lunch for his 90-something-year-old grandfather. The
whole staff knows the drill - “Champ Burger with mustard, pickle, onion and tomato.” How’s that for customer loyalty and customer service?
About a year ago, our Checkers began to stay open late to accommodate customers who work through the night at Walmart, Taco Bell and the warehouses in the Park Road area. Gail reported, “We get a rush crowd between 2 and 3 a.m. It feels good to know we can satisfy the hunger of our hard working customers in the wee hours of the morning.”
When we asked Gail the reasons that Plant City’s Checker’s one of Central Florida’s busier locations, she responded: “I think the people here are very down-to-earth. They work hard and are careful with their money and they don’t particularly need fancy. They just want good food at a fair price. We’re convenient, we care and we want them to know we’re happy they’ve chosen to eat here.”
WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTONFEAST ON FOR A FAIR PRICE
Pictured here are the popular and deliciously spicy “Medium Buffalo Wings”, served “Seriously Sauced” as their ad describes. Napkins will be necessary - and that’s a good thing.Photo by Cheryl Johnston
Photo by Cheryl Johnston
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com102
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENTFIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM » DINING GUIDE
Cowboys Steakhouse and Saloon features a restaurant for meat-loving southerners to enjoy southern cooking and a connected saloon to line dance in afterwards. Inside everything is wooden from the floors to ceiling. Come in and
enjoy juicy steaks,but don’t forget about our fresh baked sour-dough bread, and other appetizers and entrees that are sure to make your mouth water.
COWBOY’S SALOON AND STEAKHOUSE
106 STATE ROAD 60 E.PLANT CITY, FL 33567-9253
813- 650-8888
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
Come visit Kim’s Kafe downtown from 11:30am-230pm Freshly Home made cooking with a variety of fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, and signature dishes with a little touch of love to get your day started.
Located In the heart of Plant city, Kim’s Kafe downtown is your next hot spot for lunch.
KIM’S KAFE
109 W. REYNOLDS STPLANT CITY, FL
813-719-8922• WWW.NEXTTONEWFL.COM
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 103
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
1914 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAYPLANT CITY, FL 33563
813-754-4488
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT » DINING GUIDE
If you love deep-dish pizza, Olde Town Pizzeria is the only place around to find it. The cheesy Chicago-style pizza is a popular item on the menu, as well as the Award Winning Strawberry Walnut
Salad and thin crust pizzas. In addition, they have an array of delicious pastas, salads and sandwiches to satisfy all taste buds. This family owned and operated restaurant is a Plant City favorite for those who love high quality food and friendly service.
OLDE TOWN PIZZERIA
3011 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAYPLANT CITY, FL 33566
(813) 752-5800 • WWW.OLDETOWNPIZZERIA.COM
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
The Red Rose Dining Room is the only 5-star rated restaurant in Plant City. Mrs. Evelyn Madonia invites you to help her welcome back Executive Chef Riccardo Ciabatti! Enjoy an elegant
setting and beautiful atmosphere for lunch or dinner. On Tuesday night we have a “Southern Buffet”, and on Wednesday night it’s “Seafood Buffet”! On the weekends you can catch fabulous entertainment (visit the website for upcoming shows).
THE RED ROSE DINING ROOM
2011 N WHEELER STPLANT CITY, FL 33563
813-752-3141 • WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM
FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com104
RED ROSE DINING ROOMYou asked for it and Mrs. Evelyn
Madonia has delivered. The Red Rose Dining Room has a casual flair.
The tuxedoes have disappeared in time for summer fun!
Guests can now feel comfortable dropping in for a quick bite or a dining experience in casual attire. Chef Riccardo Ciabatti has created a menu to cater to both. A children’s menu is also available for affordable family meals throughout the week. On a typical weekend or weeknight guests can enjoy a burger for $8.95 or a New York Strip for $26.45 with other choices in between to suit culinary preferences.
Mrs. Madonia has created “real deals” that can compete with the likes of Groupon. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings an Early Bird Special offers 10% off from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays is the “Two for $25 Menu.” This special menu allows two guests to select one appetizer or one dessert to share, two salads and two entrees. The list of eight entrees is varied to please the most discerning palates. Of
course the regular menu is available for those who want the full dining experience.
The fabulous Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet complete with crab legs, shrimp, oysters and a host of other culinary delights is still offered on Tuesdays for $32.95. Guests who would prefer a lighter meal may request items from the new menu.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights offer the new house menu plus daily specials. There is dancing music every night of the week except for Sunday and Monday evenings. The restaurant is closed for evening meals on Sunday and Monday.
The Red Rose Dining Room now offers Happy Hour in the Dining Room from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Well drinks are 2 for 1. Enjoy specials in The Polo Club Lounge, as well. Guests may text Polo to 24587 and receive notice of the Polo Club’s weekly specials. Free appetizers, drink specials and more will be offered when a guest shows a valid text special to a bartender. Sports events are on the flatscreen televisions in the lounge area for those wanting to get with
friends and keep up with the scores of favorite teams.
Destiny will perform each Friday and Saturday night. This fabulous group can entertain guests with a wide range of music
from country to Sinatra to pop. Dennis, Bruce and Melissa welcome requests from guests and set the mood for anniversaries, birthdays, retirement parties and other special occasions.
On a recent Saturday night Susan McCaughey was celebrating her 60th Birthday. Friends and family came from South Carolina, Orlando, Ft Myers and Valrico to help her celebrate. Most guests stayed overnight at the Red Rose Inn. Susan exclaimed, “Red Rose is awesome. It is the perfect place for my birthday celebration . . . great food, fabulous entertainment and a place for all my friends to stay. With this new menu I hope to come every weekend. I love it here!”
While Susan was celebrating with friends; Dan Hogan and Aileen Perlman were enjoying a casual night out. Dan commented, “We come to the Red Rose often. We love the diversity of the new menu. It’s great with reasonable prices. We’ve never had a bad meal at the Red Rose.” Aileen and Dan have been coming to the Red Rose since it opened in 2003 and love and appreciate all the changes.
Thank You, Mrs. Evelyn for creating a fun atmosphere for guests to get together with friends and family and have a wonderful evening at affordable prices.
Reservations may be made by calling 813-752-3141. The Red Rose Inn and Suites is located off I-4 Exit 21 in Plant City.
ENTERTAINMENT » RED ROSE
Mary Jane and Jim Stewart of Tampa enjoy coming to the Red Rose Dining Room to meet Mac and Cookie Smith of Plant City for dinner.
Destiny plays every Friday and Saturday night at the Red Rose Dining Room.
CASUAL AND FUN!WRITTEN BY: SHERRIE MUELLER
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 105
(813) 931-4663 • (727) 502-5300Morgan Exteriors is committed to providing the most innovative, energy efficient and highest quality products available
We Take the Risk Out of Home Improveme n t
s
*Some Restrictions Apply and cannot be combined with any other offersLicense CRC-057210
Morgan Exteriors is committed to providing the
most innovative, energy effi cient and highest quality
products available
Energy Effi cient Replacement WindowsSolid Core Insulated Siding Products
Door’s of all typesRoom Additions
Stucco, Painting and much more.
Dinner for Two just for the Estimate
$100.00 Gas Card with Purchase!
60% off Labor for a Limited Time!
Hurry This Offer Ends 5/15/2012
Your Exterior Home Spring
Cleaning Starts With Us!
www.morganexteriorsinc.com
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com106
FOCUS » CLASSIFIEDS
MISCELLANEOUSAT&T U-Verse for just $29.99/mo! SAVE when you bundle Internet+Phone+TV and get up to $300 BACK! (select plans). Limited Time CALL NOW! 866-944-0906
Bundle & Save on your CABLE, INTERNET PHONE, AND MORE. High Speed Internet starting at less than$20/mo. CALL NOW! 800-306-1733
DIABETIC TEST STRIPS WANTED!!! Get the Most Cash, up to $27 per box! Shipping Paid! Must be Sealed & Unexpired. Call Tony 813-528-1480 [email protected]
DISH Network. Starting at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL - 888-418-9787
Every baby deserves a healthy start. Join more than a million people walking and raising money to support the March of Dimes. The walk starts at marchforbabies.org.
MANTIS Deluxe Tiller. NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE. One-Year Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book! 866-674-4644
SAVE on Cable TV-Internet-Digital Phone. Packages start at $89.99/mo (for 12 months.) Options from ALL major service providers. Call Acceller today to learn more! CALL 1-888-903-2647
CASH FOR CARS! We Buy ANY Car, Truck or Van! Running or
Not. Get a FREE Top Dollar INSTANT Offer NOW! 1-800-558-1097 We’re Local!
SWIM SPA LOADED! Brand New with Warranty, 3 Pumps, LED lighting, Ozone Deluxe Cover, maintenance free cabinet. Retails for $18,900. Sacrifice $8995. Can deliver. 727-851-3217
WANTED UNEXPIRED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up To $26/Box. Pr ePaid Shipping Labels. Hablamos Espanol! 1-800-267-9895 / www.SellDiabeticstrips.com
$$$ We Buy Diabetic Test Strips $$$ We pay TOP $$$ Get paid fast in 24 hours! Visit Traderjackproducts.com/strips. Call today free quote! 772-263-0425
SERVICES/MISCELLANEOUSAbortion Not an Option? Consider Adoption. It’s a Wonderful Choice for an Unplanned Pregnancy. Living/Medical Expenses Paid. Loving, Financially Secure Families Await. 1-877-341-1309 Atty Ellen Kaplan (#0875228)
ADOPTION GIVE YOUR BABY THE BEST IN LIFE! Many Kind, Loving, Educated & Financially Secure Couples Waiting. Living & Medical Expenses Paid. Counseling & Transportation Provided. Former Birth Moms on Staff! FLORIDA ADOPTION LAW
GROUP, P.A. Attorneys who truly care about you. Jodi Sue Rutstein, M.S.W., J.D. Mary Ann Scherer, R.N., J.D. Over 30 Combined Years of Adoption Experience. 1-800-852-0041 Confidential 24/7 (#133050&249025)
ADOPTION 866-633-0397 Unplanned Pregnancy? Provide your baby with a loving, financially secure family. Living/Medical/Counseling expenses paid. Social worker on staff. Call compassionate attorney Lauren Feingold (FL Bar#0958107) 24/7
ADOPTION 888-812-3678 All Expenses Paid. Choose a Loving, Financially Secure family for your child 24 Hrs 7 Days Caring & Confidential. Attorney Amy Hickman. (Lic. #832340)
*DIVORCE* BANKRUPTCY Starting at $65 *1 Signature Divorce *Missing Spouse Divorce “We Come to you!” 1-888-705-7221 Since1992
DIVORCE $50 - $240* Covers Child Support, Custody, and Visitation, Property, Debts, Name Change… Only One Signature Required! *Excludes govt. fees! 1-800-522-6000 Extn. 300 Baylor & Associates
KILL ROACHES & PALMETTO BUGS! Buy Harris Roach Tablets. Eliminate Bugs - Guaranteed. Available at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot & Home Depot.com
PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring adoption expert. You choose from families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6298. License #100013125
ADOPTION Give your baby a loving, financially secure family.
Living expenses paid. Call Attorney Charlotte Danciu 28 years experience. 1-800-395-5449
www.adoption-surrogacy.com FL Bar # 307084
ROOF REPAIRS ROOF OVERS Mobile Home Roof Specialist & Flat Roof. Free Insurance Inspections. Lic/Ins CCC1327406. All Florida Weatherproofing & Construction. 1-877-572-1019
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. You WIN or Pay Us Nothing. Contact Disability Group, Inc. Today! BBB Accredited. Call For Your FREE Book & Consultation. 888-903-1353
JEWISH SURROGATE NEEDED for Orthodox Couple Please help us have our
baby! Generous Compensation Paid. Call Attorney Charlotte Danciu 1-800-395-5449 FL
Bar # 307084
EDUCATION/INSTRUCTIONAIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-314-6283
ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-203-3179 www.CenturaOnline.com
AVIATION MAINTENANCE / AVIONICS Graduate in 14 Months. FAA Approved; financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call National Aviation Academy Today! 1-800-659-2080 or NAA.edu
Earn your high school diploma at home. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy, nationally accredited. Call for free brochure, 1-800-658-1180, ext. 77. www.fcahighschool.org
EARN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Educators Inc. High School over 25 years of experience. Fully accredited. Use for College, Military, Trade School or Job. 1-800-590-9611 www.Eduhighschool.com
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA From Home 6-8 Weeks Accredited Get A Diploma! Get A Job! Free Brochure 1-800-264-8330 www.diplomafromhome.com Benjamin Franklin High School
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIESFREE WEBINAR Learn how to build a daily cash-flow machine w/profits of 80-90%, with residual income of hundreds, even thousands mthly. Join us @ www.smallbusinesswebinar.co
FINANCIAL$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT Cash Now!! Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates Apply Now By Phone! 1-800-568-8321. www.lawcapital.com
LAWSUIT CASH Auto Accident? All cases Qualify Get CASH before your case
settles! Fast Approval. Low Fees. (866) 709-1100 or www.glofin.com
HELP WANTEDNOW HIRING: Companies desperately need employees to assemble products at home. No selling, any hours. $500 weekly potential. Info. 1-985-646-1700 DEPT. FL-820
REAL ESTATEBOTTOM LINE PRICES - NORTH FLORIDA PROPERTIES 1/2 acre to 100 Acres. Call 1-800-294-2313 ext.2873 For information and pictures 7 days a week 7-7, A Bar Sales Inc.
FLORIDA KEYS Marathon. Luxurious Oceanfront vacation homes. 4-6 Bedrooms. Private Pool, hot tub, docks & more! Start Planning Your Spring & Summer Vacation Now! 1-888-564-5800. www.american-paradise.com
MIDDLE GEORGIA Land Prices starting at $995 per acre. Thousands of acres available. Call for list 478-552-5681
NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS Seeking Developer to Purchase Beautiful 18 Lot Approved Subdivision. Underground Utilities, Was $810,000 Now $495,000 OBO Terms - Will Divide Moneymaker, Owner 706-374-1136
OWNER WILL FINANCE. Bank or seller won’t finance? We help! No qualifying. No credit! Low Down. Call Today! 1-800-563-2734 [email protected]
W. KENTUCKY 3 Premier Hunting / Investment Farms. Wildlife Managed, Income, Excellent Building Sites, Timber, Road Frontage, Water & Electric, Beautiful Views. From $1,300/ac Owner 270-556-3576
WESTERN CAROLINA REAL ESTATE Offering unbelievable deals on homes and land in the beautiful NC mountains. Call for free brochures, foreclosures, and area information. 800-924-2635.
HEALTH/MEDICALATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a Free Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at No Cost, plus Free home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-377-3536
TAKE VIAGRA/ CIALIS? Save $500.00! Get 40 100mg/20mg Pills, for only-$99! +4-Bonus Pills FREE! #1 Male
Enhancement. Discreet Shipping. Blue Pill Now. Call 1-888-800-1280
Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 888-372-6740 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. Prescriptions Dispensed from Canada are Dispensed by: Health One Pharmacy. License Number: 21791
AUTOMOBILESAmerican Auto Transporters Reliable Shipping of Your Car Member BBB, Guaranteed Rates, Pick up date and satisfaction Daily trips from Florida to NorthEast 1-800-800-2580 www.shipcar.com (Place Under Automobile Services)
CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-871-9638
SPANISH SECTION¡COMIENZA TU PROPIO NEGOCIO! Vende por catálogo productos para el hogar. Llama sin costo 1.877.426.2627. CATALOGO GRATIS. Intima Hogar te da más. www.intimahogar.com
MISCELLANEOUS
SERVICES/MISCELLANEOUS
EDUCATION/INSTRUCTION
REAL ESTATE
HELP WANTED
FINANCIAL
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
HEALTH/MEDICAL
AUTOMOBILES
SPANISH SECTION
CASH FOR CARS! We Buy ANY Car, Truck or Van! Running or
Not. Get a FREE Top Dollar INSTANT Offer NOW! 1-800-558-1097 We’re Local!
ADOPTION Give your baby a loving, financially secure family.
Living expenses paid. Call Attorney Charlotte Danciu 28 years experience. 1-800-395-5449
www.adoption-surrogacy.com FL Bar # 307084
JEWISH SURROGATE NEEDED for Orthodox Couple Please help us have our
baby! Generous Compensation Paid. Call Attorney Charlotte Danciu 1-800-395-5449 FL
Bar # 307084
LAWSUIT CASH Auto Accident? All cases Qualify Get CASH before your case
settles! Fast Approval. Low Fees. (866) 709-1100 or www.glofin.com
TAKE VIAGRA/ CIALIS? Save $500.00! Get 40 100mg/20mg Pills, for only-$99! +4-Bonus Pills FREE! #1 Male
Enhancement. Discreet Shipping. Blue Pill Now. Call 1-888-800-1280
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 107
2301 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City (813) 707-9303
BUY ONE GET ONE FREEAny Cone
2301 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City (813) 707-9303
BUY ONE GET ONE FREEAny Milkshake
Expires 5-15-12Expires 5-15-12
(813) 707-93032301 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL
(813) 707-93032301 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL
Were not just Pizza, Come try our Hambugers and Chicken and Steak too!
Lunch and Dinner specials every day! and View our Printable Menu on Abcpizza.com
813-752-5146114 North Alexander Street • Plant City, Fl. 33563
BRING THIS AD IN AND RECEIVE 15% OFF
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com108
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:
THURSDAY, APRIL 19» Business After Hours Hosted by: Mango Family Cleaners5:15 p.m.2404 Jim Redman ParkwayFor more information: 813.754.7768
» Woman’s Club of Plant City Fundraiser to benefit Bruton Memorial Library11:30 a.m.Luncheon and Informal Fashion show. Last year the Woman’s Club raised $2000.00 for the library. Let’s beat that amount this year. Join us and enjoy a great meal and see new fashions. Carrabas Italian GrillTickets: $20.00For more information please contact Jean Ann Eatman 813.752.3737
FRIDAY, APRIL 20» Children’s Classic Golf Tournament11 a.m.Walden Lake Golf and Country ClubFor more information: Contact the Chamber 813.754.3707
» Relay for Life6 p.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21Plant City High School TrackFor more information: www.relayforlife.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 21» 15th Anniversary Strawberry Classic Car Show4:00 p.m.Historic Downtown Plant CityFor more information: Contact the Chamber 813.754.3707
» Plant City Little League Girls Softball Clinic
10 a.m.-5 p.m.Cherry St. ComplexGuest coaches will be Christina Dovale and Former Webber International University Coach Julie Mulder along with several high school and college volunteers.Cost: $7.50 lunch will be providedFor more information call Tommy Newberry 813.400.7525
» Downtown Art Walk11 a.m.-5 p.m.119 E. Reynolds StreetFor more information: www.theartloungegallery.com or find us on Facebook: The Art Lounge Gallery
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25» Administrative Professional’s Day
SATURDAY, MAY 5» Bike Fest5 p.m.You will not want to miss the next award-winning Bike Fest, featuring a bike show, music, food and merchandise vendors, a 50/50 drawing, and lots of fun for the whole family. For Bike Fest attendees, admission is FREE, and FREE parking is available on surrounding streets.Historic Downtown Plant CityFor more information: Contact the Chamber 813.754.3707
MAY 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19» Plant City Entertainment Presents: The Red Velvet Cake War8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on the 13thTickets $10 for members and group advance sales, $14 general admissionTickets available at Hardee’s Fashion’s
1501 N. Wheeler Street 813.754.4929Tickets also available at the door101 N. Thomas StreetFor more information: www.plantcityentertainment.com
SATURDAY, MAY 12» HOPE Ministries7 a.m.-12 p.m.Children’s Spring SaleFirst Baptist Church105 E. Baker Street Plant CityClothing, Books and Toys at very low prices.Benefits local missionsFor more information: Contact First Baptist Learning Center 813.754.1773
» The Florida Opry6 p.m.Great Family Entertainment - Bluegrass, Country and Gospel. Reserved seats $12, and General admission $10 (season ticket package available) 1914 High School 605 N Collins StreetFor more information contact Shelby or Christa 813-757-9226, [email protected] or www.floridaopry.net
MAY 26-JULY 7» Journey Stories / Smithsonian ExhibitionJourney Stories is a compelling Smithsonian exhibition that shows how our evolving mobility changed a young nation and how transportation made us grow.
106 South Evers Street, Plant CityFor more information call Plant City Photo Archives at 813-754-1578
ONGOING EVENTS» Red Rose Inn and Suites Ongoing Events:
Red Rose Inn and Suites- Every Monday Learn to Dance with Susan7 to 9 p.m. Learn and easy, fun, and fast method to start dancing with any partner on any dance floor. No partner needed.Call: 863-604-5060 (Small fee)
Red Rose Inn & Suites- Every Tuesday Prime Rib & Seafood BuffetEnjoy baked, broiled, steamed, and fried seafood including lightly battered fried shrimp, succulent steamed crab legs, even tender prime rib au jus with all the trimmings! All this plus salads and desserts to tempt the most demanding palates! Music from Free Time Jazz.
Red Rose Inn & Suites- Every ThursdaySingles Night OutHappy Hour, Dance Contest, Bottle of Wine and $50 Gift Card giveaway PLUS music from Destiny and either Melissa Malone or Tony Johnson!
Red Rose Inn & SuitesSunday Famous Champagne BrunchEnjoy complimentary mimosas with prime rib and Georgia peach glazed ham. Sweet potato casserole, crisp salad creations and a host of fanciful desserts!
Red Rose Inn & Suites-WeekdaysSensational Southern Style Lunch Buffet Weekdays 11AM to 2PM$13.95
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 Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd.,Plant CityA full schedule of Square and Round Dancing is happening every day at Strawberry Square. We have many callers and cuers on the schedule. Visit our website: www.strawberrysquaredancing.com or call the office: 813-752-0491
SPATARABSDAWNSADAM
OLIOMONETELIOTLORI
BUNNYBONESBUNNYFARMS
SSTALTORAMSEMMYS
OLESDROSSBLAB
DENIESGOOSEARISBAS
IDOLBUNNYDOLISTERN
REBSJUANWANTASIA
EMUCUMMERBUNNYOTTER
RANALPOASESEDIBLE
NAPECURERLIEU
STYLESCIERASMUNEE
ASHESBUNNYSYSTEMNFL
LAOSRAIDICERAIRE
ARMBUNNYPAPERSSEEN
SSEOLEGICILYPLASMA
AGESAMENDDROP
OHAREIDESSAABORB
BUNNYEBSENBUNNYORDER
OMNILEAPTAPACEAIDE
ESSESAWTORAGEDPEST
Easter Bunnies
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
31 32 33 34 35
36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
44 45 46 47
48 49 50 51
52 53 54 55 56 57
58 59 60 61
62 63 64 65
66 67 68 69 70 71 72
73 74 75 76 77
78 79 80 81
82 83 84 85 86 87
88 89 90 91 92
93 94 95
96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103
104 105 106 107 108 109
110 111 112 113
114 115 116 117
© Puzzle Features Syndicate
ACROSS 1. Quarrel 5. Saudis & others10. __ on; occurs to15. First of zillions19. Mixture20. French
impressionist21. T. S. __22. Actress Loughlin23. Easter elbows?25. Easter loony
bins?27. Concorde: abbr.28. Choir voice29. St. Louis __30. Acting awards31. Pamplona cries32. Sediment34. Spill the beans36. Refuses to admit39. Canadian bird40. Onassis and
Velshi41. __-relief44. Superstar45. Paper asking
hubby to do some jobs before Easter?
47. Sea eagle48. Yanks’ foes49. Spain’s King __
Carlos I50. Desire51. Huge land mass52. 2nd-largest bird53. Tuxedo sash for
Easter?57. Fish-eating
mammal58. Hightailed it59. Mont Blanc, e.g.60. Fertile spots61. Digestible62. Part of the neck64. Healer65. Stead66. Fashions68. Olds made from
1982-199669. Univ. near Dallas70. Michelle Obama
__ Robinson73. Lent-opening
distribution74. Easter setup in
which one always swims with a pal?
77. Titans’ org.78. Asian nation79. Bug’s nemesis80. Cake decorator81. Yorkshire’s river82. Weapon83. Easter comics?87. Spotted88. ENE plus 90°89. Designer Cassini90. In a cold way91. Blood fluid93. Grows gray
94. Make right95. Lemon candy96. Busy U. S. airport99. Bad day for Julius
100. Swedish auto101. Sphere104. Favorite “The Beverly
Hillbillies” actor for an Easter TV viewer?
107. Cashier’s check alternative on Easter?
110. Old Atlanta arena111. Jumped112. Quickly113. Classroom helper114. To be in old Rome115. Took care of116. Hit the ceiling117. Nuisance
DOWN 1. Boo-hoos 2. Adder’s sign 3. Isn’t in street talk 4. Truck scale unit 5. Walks leisurely 6. 1977 TV mini-series 7. Part of A.D. 8. Speller’s chance to shine 9. Nov. 1 honorees10. Lowered in value11. Grads12. Is victorious13. Prefix for stop or sense14. Where slop is served
15. Meek as __16. College bldg.17. National fighting force18. Feel the loss of24. Ivy League school26. Banquet29. Promising31. Lubricates32. English poet John __33. Presidential nickname34. Like seawater35. Shopper’s paper36. More urgent37. Water accumulation38. “Light’s on, but there’s __”;
dingbat’s mind on Easter?39. U. S. island territory40. Greenspan and Arkin41. Closest of pals on Easter?42. Lead character in “The
Little Mermaid” 43. Pitfall45. __ into; meet by chance 46. Title holder49. Verne, for one51. In __; even, as a score53. Horn and Cod54. City on the Seine55. One of the Bee Gees56. “__ directed”; advice
on a bottle label57. Hatred61. Bugs’ enemy63. Pub orders64. Williams or Crawford
66. Casa rooms67. Rulers of old68. Giving hints69. Geneviève and
Thérèse: abbr.71. __ Zimbalist, Jr.72. Actress Verdugo74. Curses75. Give in76. See the future in
a crystal ball79. Regulation81. Urgent letters83. One over par84. Olive stuffing85. Big hearts86. Piece of jewelry91. Said the rosary92. Gray wolf93. Palmer, to pals94. Skilled95. Twist or minuet96. Double-reed97. Droning sounds98. Jillian & others99. “__ Three Ships”
100. Obstacle101. Cartoon pooch102. Cincinnati __103. Writer Harte105. Rail systems106. Arthur, for one107. Forbid entry to108. “__ Lazy River”109. Knock
EASTER BUNNIES by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews
ENTERTAINMENT » CROSSWORD
EASTER BUNNIESCREATED BY: CALVIN R. AND JACKIE MATHEWS
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com110
First Presbyterian Learning Center
CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL PROGRAM AGES INFANTS-4
404 W. Reynolds St.Plant City, FL 33563
-Low Classroom Ratios
-Christian Curriculum & Environment
-All Staff Accredited
-Full Day, 3 Day, 1/2 Day programs offered
-Summer Program for
Infants - 7 years
For registration information, please come by the offi ce or call
813-752-6874
Plant City, FL 33563
For registration information, please come by the offi ce or call
All Staff Accredited
Register Now!!
Beginning in April
Fall Preschool Registration2012-2013 School Year
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY AORIL 2012 111
301 N. Alexander St. | Plant City
BC120110-0112
For a free physician referral or more information:
(813) 644-6738
SouthFloridaBaptist.com
Our acclaimed scope of services includes:
‘‘ We trust South Florida Baptist Hospital to take care of our family.’’
- Melissa and Brad Palmer Tampa, FL
• Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr. Heart and Vascular Center
• Jim and Ruby Jean Redman Emergency Center/First Care
• Pete Beaty Surgical Center• Diagnostic Imaging Center
• Swindle Imaging Center• Bone, Joint and
Reconstructive Center• Complete women’s services• Cardiac, pulmonary and
physical rehabilitation
AORIL 2012 focusplantcity.com112
2000 East Baker StreetPlant City, FL 33563
Service HoursMon-Fri 7am-7pm
Sat 7am-3pm
813-757-6429
ALL MAKES AND MODELS! WE’LL BEAT YOUR BEST TIRE PRICE GUARANTEED!
Life is better in the Quick Lane.
2 OR 4 WHEELALIGNMENTS $19.95$20 OFF
$50.00 OFF THE WORKS PACKAGE
PARTS AND SERVICE.Includes up to 7 quarts of synthetic blend oil, 31 point VCU inspection,
Check and top off all fl uids, Tire presure check, Balance check, Four Tire rotation
after $10.00 mail in rebate
Cannot be used for parts only, collision work or tires. Savings not to exceed 10 percent of total parts and labor
Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Shop supplies and installation extra
Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Shop supplies and tax extra. Most cars and light trucks excludes diesels. Expires 5/15/12
Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Shop supplies and tax extra.
Auto service just got better!Quick Lane® at Jarrett-Scott Ford provides all the services your car or truck needs most. All our services are performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. No appointment necessary and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends.
We’ll take care of any make or model, using quality parts from trusted brands like Motorcraft® and name-brand tires from Goodyear, Continental, Michelin and more.
800-545-2018 • 2000 East Baker St,.Plant City, FL 33563www.JarrettScottFord.com
Jarrett Scott Ford of Plant City is among an elite group of Ford and Lincoln dealerships to be recognized with the President’s Award by Ford Motor Company. The prestigious award honors dealerships that have excelled in automotive retailing, by providing
exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
“Earning this award is a refl ection of our entire staff’s commitment to delivering the best customer experience possible” says Jarrett Scott Ford. “We couldn’t be more proud to receive this recognition, especially since it comes from the people we value most – our
customers. They’re the reason we were able to achieve this award.”
