focus plant city 08-03 march 2009

Outstanding Citizen AwardOutstanding Citizen AwardPlant Citys 50th Recipient of theOutstanding Citizen Award

Bruce Rodwell

Taking Great Strides Against Cystic Fibrosis

FSGAs Executive Director Talks Marketing

Which Restaurants Were Voted the Best?

TaraParker

A.J. GardenSets New Scoring Record

FSGAs Executive Director

Ted Campbell

RCAWinners

FREEVOL. 8 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2009THEFOCUSMAGAZINE.COM

Two Doctors and a Piano: Concert and Health Lecture SeriesPresented by South Florida Baptist Hospital

301 N. Alexander St.Plant City, FL 33563

southfloridabaptist.com

This special event will feature Dr. Teo Kulyk performing on piano and will be followed by two important lectures.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Teo Kulyk will present a seminar about Aging of the Adult Eye. This important discussion will include related topics such as cataracts, glaucoma and the effects diabetes has on the eyes.

Dr. Scott Goldsmith, orthopedic surgeon, will give a seminar entitled A Global Approach to Hip and Knee Arthritis: Non-operative Treatments to Joint Replacement Surgery. You will learn what arthritis means, the various alternative options available and will be able to touch and hold actual ortho implants.

Call (813) 754-4444 to register. Light hors doeuvres and a question and answer session will follow the presentations.

Tuesday

March 24, 2009

6-8pm

FreePlant City Cornerstone Center (Former site of First Baptist Church)

315 North Collins St. Plant City, FL 33563

Dr. Teo Kulyk Dr. Scott Goldsmith

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ATTENTION STATE FARM POLICYHOLDERS!

If youve received bad news about your State Farm property insurance policy being non-renewed,

the good news is WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

As an independent agency, we are not employed by any carrier and are free to shop the market for the best deal that suits all of your needs. While we recommend you wait until you receive the legally required

180-day notice from State Farm, if you would like to start weighing your options now, were glad to help.

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ADDRESS | CONTACT INFORMATIONINSERT AGENCY LOGO

414 N. Alexander St.Plant City, FL 33563(813)754-3561(813)754-3450 (fax)

March 15, 2009 april 15, 2009 FOCUS Magazine plant City 5

6 FOCUS Magazine plant City March 15, 2009 april 15, 2009

10892

5966

12

MAGAZINE

publisher Mike Floyd

editor in chief Aaron Oberlin

office Manager Dede Floyd

credit Manager Holly Dedon

sales Sophia Hyde Tammy SimpsonAdrienne Plati Lynne WarrenJane Waters Karen Thompson

production coordinatorSusan Riff

production Anthony SassanoJoe PellegrinoJamie Konet

editorial assistantKevin Tall

distributionDoug McGeeBelva DeVane

photographersSuzanne GallagherBil ly FriendLori Blaser

staff WritersCheryl JohnstonRuchelle OwensCole DoddTracy CoxKasey Mil lerCarolyn Mil lerBrian WestJoe BowlesKrystel Knowles

contributorsAl RuechelBruce RodwellGil GottSherry NueeschJoAn LuskNate DavisNatalie Sweet

editorial internSara WymanMarilyn Bistl ineChristian Van NordenTanya Albert

standards of accuracyThe goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warm-ing stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

So if you notice anything that is in-correct, 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 wil l f ix the error in a timely manner.

Readers who wish to respond to an article not correct facts can do so by writing a letter to the editor. If you need any other type of assistance, then please view the directory for the appropriate department. The staff at FOCUS Magazine is committed to serving their consum-ers and customers to the fullest of abil it ies. Youre paying attention to our words. Let us pay attention to yours.

101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563

Phone 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

published by:

floyd publications, Inc.

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

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

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. FOCUS Magazine assumes no responsibil ity 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.

table of contentsIssue 8-3 - March 15 aprIl 15, 2009

local

dining & entertainment

sports & fitness

spotlight

feature

Every year, FOCUS asks you, the reader, to vote for the best places in town to eat, and every year you continue to place your votes. Well the tally is in and the restaurants have received their awards.

A.J. Garden plays basketball for Durant High School. He is, however, more than just a player, he is the schools all-time leading scorer. Find out more about the star athlete in the sports section.

The Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award is considered by many people to be the most prestigious award in Plant City. This year brought the 50th anniversary of the award, and Bruce Rodwell won. The award goes to people who devote much of their time to the betterment of the city. The story about Rodwell and the award is this months feature.

The Florida Strawberry Growers Association named Ted Campbell its new executive director in August of 2008. He brings an extensive knowledge of how to market produce. He spoke with FOCUS about the agriculture industry and what the FSGA is doing to help push the strawberry as a product.

The Florida Strawberry Festival brought 11 days of fun, family entertainment, and FOCUS was there to keep you informed about what went down. Many of the stories are here in the local section. Also, check out www.thefocusmagazine.com for footage on the festival.

Bruce rodwellphoto by S. Gallagher

onthecovercorrection

Peyton Edison made top 10 in the Junior Royalty Pageant.Nathanael Cruzado was the senior patrol leader at the Friends of Scouting Dinner.

HappyBirthday

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5120 State Road 60 E. Plant City, FL 33567 813-737-3259

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5

We would like to thank everyone for a wonderful first year. Thank you to all the family and friends that have helped us in reaching our 1st Birthday!!!

Don & Susann MitchellEvery

Department

March 14th t

hru 21st


letterfroMtheeDItor

A quote I will never forget from my years in school is, If you are not grow-ing, youre dying.

Im not sure who coined the saying, but it rings true in many aspects of the world. Obviously horticulture. Busi-ness? It depends who you ask. I know exactly how a cut-throat capitalist would answer.

In the medical field, due to the fact that technologies are ever-changing, doctors must continually further their education their minds must continue to grow. Next month, FOCUS will highlight several local doctors who stay up to date with their understanding of modern practices in medicine.

When I think about knowing which doctors are the best, the most informed, I cant help but remember reading about a doctor who was still using outdated techniques. He failed to further his education, and he was stripped of his license to practice medicine. His career died. In a sense, he is a plant who stopped getting watered.

Ted Campbell is a man who never wants to see a water shortage for Plant City and surrounding areas, especially since he is heading an organization that is promoting the top cash crop in Hillsborough County: strawberries. He is the executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, and he is this months Spotlight interview. He shares what it is he and the FSGA are setting out to do to make sure Florida strawberries continue to be in demand.

The Florida Strawberry Festival initially started as a celebration of the har-vest of the strawberry, and it was used as a way to push strawberries. Well the festival has certainly grown since then. For those who didnt get to attend, FOCUS has some stories about the festival in the local section for you. There is even a story about how the Strawberry Festival queen and court keeps get-ting more popular in an article titled, Good Morning Strawberry Girls. It is on page 40.

The festival isnt the only thing that has grown significantly in the past sev-eral decades. Plant City has definitely matured. In this months issue, there is a feature story about the people who have helped transform Plant City into a thriving area and the one thing they all have in common they are recipients of the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. Find out more about them and the latest recipient, Bruce Rodwell.

Aaron OberlinEditor In Chief

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5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL(813) 752-9100keelandcurleywinery.com

Keel & Curley Winerys After Hours Wine Bar from 5pm-MidnightNow featuring a delicious menu from Backstreet Blues Catering and Ed Lyonsformer White House Chef!Casey Stidham performs every Friday night and we will feature a new artist every Saturday Night Check our web-site for details!

Our tasting room is open daily from 11am-5pm for your enjoyment... bring your lunch and have a glass of wine out on our beautiful deck!

UnCorked...

Food & Wine FestivalMarch 21 & 22 from 11am-5pm

Bridal ShowApril 4 & 5 from 11am - 5pm

Vendor Booths Available Contact Amanda Dixon


Hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5:30pm

Try our convenient Drop Off service!

3109 SR 574 West(813) 752-2869

Hours: Mon - Fri: Hours: Mon - Fri:

AnimalWellness Center

O F P L A N T C I T Y

Hunnie is a 10 year old Dachshund mix.

She is owned by Joanne and Jim McFarland.

She is so special because she gives nothing but love and devotion to her family.

Her owners are very well trained and they obey her

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Her Dad loves her so much he got her, her own

Veterinarian when he retired 6 years ago

Hunnie

PET OF THE MONTH

Dr. Jennifer Conner

Photo By Robert Coates

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Plantains & Green Bananas (by the box or lb.)

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WiDe selection oF:#10 can And Gallon size items

Martins Potato BreadGoya Lisy La Costena

Hot tortillas

Wide selection of HamsLow cholesterol items:Smoked Turkey WingsSmoked Turkey Necks

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Carrying many items for St Patricks

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local

The 40th season of the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department / Optimist Youth Basketball Program has come to an end with champions crowned in six age groups. The 44-team, 440-player program started Jan. 6 and played 174 regular season games plus 38 tournament games. Pictured are the champions.

Senior Girls League (ages 1214) StarsFront: Kelsey Brevik, Ericka Lott, LaToya Nunley, Kasi Maguire, Domnique Dixon. Back: Haley Burleson, Stephanie Morales, coach Ramone Gregory, Aliyah Gregory, Erin Gregory.

Premier Boys League (ages 1416) NuggetsFront: Spencer Mathis, Ricky Herring, Blake Sparkman, Michael Gary, Kion Richardson. Back: Coach Jeff Jacobsen, Joshua Jacobsen, Aric Aumond, Marshall Korattiyil, Harley Jerkins, Brian Collins, assistant coaches Steven Short and Ricky Herring Sr. Not pictured: assistant coach Richard Semple.

Senior Boys League (ages 12-13) MagicL to R, Front: Jordan Genevie, Jacari Stevenson, Theodus Holloway, Terran Winegeart, Dakota Benton, Will Hippler. Back: Coach David Delgado, Dustin McMath, Julian Kazenas, Matthew Tucker, assistant coach Steven Delgado. Not pictured: Garrett Wright.

Junior Girls League (ages 10-11) NetsFront: Taylor Edgemon, Tadajah Hunter, Tyra Mack, Courtney Bendorf, Crystal Johnson. Back: Arlancia Hargrove, Julia Mendoza, coach Josh Edgemon, Shayla Kelly. Not pictured: Drew Knotts.

Junior Boys League (ages 10-11) HornetsFront: Qumarrius Ross, Travis Riley, Ryan Conner, Joshua Boyd, Devin Rhoades. Back: Coach Mike Palestrini, Nicholas Palestrini, Zachary Smith, Ryan DeMello, Nehemiah McIntosh, Henry Yoho, and assistant coach Rob Yoho.

Cadet League (ages 8-9 co-ed) PanthersFront: Chase Chaney, Chase Lawson, Jordan Bracewell, Jordin Vance, Derek Todd. Back: Jackson Nichols, Austin Eldridge, coach Chad Eldridge, Devonte Lowe, Logan DeShong. Not pictured: Annai Rivas.

Keel and Curley Winery played host to an arts and crafts show Feb. 28 and March 1, featuring Plant City local and artist Jules Burt, who Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio recently presented with a key to the city. Approximately 2,500 people attended to enjoy the many vendors and live music. The winery will have a food and wine festival March 21 and 22 and a bridal show April 4 and 5.

CHAMPIONS


This spring we will unveil our new

look of a town

of our own! We have transformed ou

r KIDS Church

into a whole new look that will be

permanent after

Spring 09. Each year for 14 years w

e have held a

kids crusade during spring break fo

r elementary age

children, and hundreds of kids have

accepted Christ

through the years! Each service is j

am-packed with

powerful messages, object lessons

, cool puppets,

crazy games, TAG team praise and w

orship and fel-

lowship!

Bring a Friend ~ Bring a Car-load

200920092009200920092009

Visitor Contest: The top eight winners will win a fun-fi lled day trip to Old Town in Orlando, lunch and dinner at Red Lobster with Pastor Greg and KIDS staff! The top winner of the visitor contest will win the Grand Prize- a Nintendo Wii!

(Visitors must be age 5-12 or Kg-6th grade and be a new guest to our Kids Church. They must be signed in by and adult each visit and get a name tag).

PLANT CITY CHURCH OF GOD 2103 MUD LAKE RD

2009200920092009Sunday Morning 10:30-12

Visitor Contest starts

Sunday Night 6-8:30Hometown Heroes

Dress-up contest Come as a fi reman, policeman,

teacher, etc.

Monday Night 6-8:30Super Hero Dress-up contest

Come as your favorite super hero or cartoon character

Fritzy the One Man Circus will enterain!

Tuesday Night 6-8:30Deal or No Deal game with BIG prizes, including a boys

and girls bike! And a lucky boy and girl will get slimed!

Wednesday Night 6:30-8Pizza & Ice Cream

Til it Comes Out Your Ears!All FREE and more prizes too!

20092009200920092009

(For questions call Greg Davis, Childrens Pastor)

813.752.4591

Transformation Town is here!

April 5-8


local

Ten area individuals were recognized for making extraordinary contributions to the Tampa Bay community through volunteer work. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers deemed Stacey Heckerman, a senior at Plant City High School, as a Community Quarterback for her more than 600 volunteered hours to the Best Buddies and Special Olympics programs.

Pictured are Sandy Denham, Best Buddies sponsor and nominator; Stacey Heckerman; Sherrie Mueller, PCHS guidance resource specialist and nominator; and Nancy Heckerman, Staceys mother.

Desmond Clark, a tight end for the Chicago Bears, will be present at a scramble golf tournament, at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club, that raises money for three worthy causes: Highland Park Youth Camp Foundation, Teen Challenge Columbus Girls Academy, and the 88Wayz Foundation. These causes benefi ting from the tournament are in memory of Brooke McDonald and Nick Dandridge, who both passed away in 2008. Clark will also be involved in a giveaway, a silent auction, and he will be present during lunch. Sign-in for the tournament is at 7:30 a.m., and a shotgun tee off takes place at 8:30 a.m. It is $100 per player. Call (813) 752-1171 for more information.

Dustin Hinson, son of Rick and Dyanna Hinson, is the winner of the Outstanding Youth Award this year from Plant City High School. Angel Chavez, son of Romon Gonzalez, is the Outstanding Youth for Durant High School. These two students served as parade marshals for the 2009 Plant City Civitan Youth Parade on Feb. 28. This year the Outstanding Youth and Parade Marshals were recognized at the Citizen of the Year luncheon Feb. 18. The students were also honored at the regular meeting of the Plant City Civitan Club on Feb. 19, at Buddy Freddys Restaurant in Plant City.

Plant City High School senior Denzel Drone, football coach Jason Strunk, and se-nior Duran Lowe celebrate the two students commitments to play college football next season. Photo by Aaron Oberlin

609 S. ALEXANDER ST Plant City, FL 33563

813-752-8750

Already a tanner at Tanacabana? Bring a friend and receive a

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Saturday, March 21 - 10am - 5pm

Raes Prizes Food and Drink

Thirteen Plant City High School students received honors for their participation in an essay contest sponsored by the NAACP. Carlos Cardenas placed the highest, at second place, from PCHS. Pictured are (fi rst row) Nathan Cruzado, Max Girling, Trent Lott, (second row) John Kenney, Jaranqeua Hallback, Santos Cardenas, Victor Salgado, Taylor Flumerfelt, and Isis Ash. Not pictured are Ivan Gutierrez, Andrew Orso, Brennan Smith, and Gloria Estrada. Photo courtesy of Sherrie Mueller

Photo courtesy of Sherrie Mueller


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24/7 Appointments Free Hospital and Home CallsCredit Cards Accepted Habla Espaol

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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 lawyers legal qualifications and experience.

Johnnie B. Byrd, Jr. David H. Barnhill


Rodeo fans who see exciting and daring stunts when watching cow-boys bucking around on cantan-kerous bulls needed to come to the annual Florida Strawberry Festival Steer Show and watch middle school and high school age boys and girls display their prized steers, which were born and bred in Hillsborough County and ranged in weight from 1,100 to 1,500 pounds.

The youths hustled the steers around the ring hoping and praying that none of them got a wild hair.

They knew how to persuade the cattle to move with a hard tug on their halter ropes or make them stand still by using their colorful show sticks to scratch just the right spots on the steers backs and stomachs. Wouldnt you know it though, a steer show would not be complete without a few wild hairs getting out of place, especially at this years event held on March 4.

The young handlers held on tight

as some of the contestants bucked their way to the announcers stand or took off across the ring. It is truly amazing to watch these cowgirls, who must not weigh 100 pounds themselves, handle more than one-half ton of bovine energy. In case anyone reading this thinks it was only the young ladies who had some of the trying times, some steers were dragging strapping young men, too.

Boss Man weighing in at 1,225 pounds and raised by Darren Turner, son of Brad and Jill Turner was this years Grand Champion out of the 117 entrants. At the Saturday night sale, the prize-winning steer went for approximately $11 per pound, bring-ing in a total payday for his young owner of over $13,000. Darren plans to use his funds to become a master welder and attend future steer shows as a buyer to support youth just like him.

It is the best thing ever because all I wanted to do is win. One day, I

steer craZyaFter Many teenS tUgged their SteerS FOr ShOw, One SOld FOr MOre than $13,000.story by tr aCy COx

local around toWn

Darren Turner won this years Grand Champion. Photo by Billy Friend

am going to buy show steers because I know what goes into it, and I want to reward them, said the Plant City High School senior.

Katlyn Messick, 15-year-old daughter of Ted and Jimberly Mes-sick, proudly showed off Buckwheat, the Reserve Grand Champion win-ner weighing in at 1,264 pounds. The Durant High School sophomore, who is a straight-A student and var-sity volleyball team member, earned $6 per pound at the sale, bringing in more than $7,500 to go towards her future college plans of studying ani-mal science.

I am very, very excited. I am so happy and proud. It is amazing and I will defi nitely do it again next year. I will never forget this, said Messick.

The annual steer show is a much-anticipated event for Eastern Hillsborough County middle and high schools National FFA Organization members and 4-H clubs. Many of the youths raise the steers not only for the experience and their love for agricul-ture, but also to raise money to enable them to go to college, many with hopes of pursuing careers in the fi elds of ani-mal and veterinarian science.

grand championDarren Turner Plant City High School FFAreserve grand championKatlyn Messick Durant High School FFA

division championsDivision I Derrick Knight J. G. Smith FFADivision II Darren Turner Plant City High School FFADivision III Katlyn Messick Durant High School FFA

division reserve champi-onsDivision I Jesse Wall Antioch Critters 4-HDivision II Jerrod Parker Plant City High School FFADivision III Haley Ours J. G. Smith FFA

classes - 1st place1. Zachary Lloyd

Durant High School FFA2. Jordan Butts

Durant High School FFA3. Derrick Knight

J. G. Smith FFA4. Jerrod Parker

Plant City High School FFA5. Jeffrey Hall

Plant City High School FFA6. Darren Turner

Plant City High School FFA7. Katlyn Messick

Durant High School FFA8. Haley Ours

J. G. Smith FFA9. Garrett Roberts

Durant High School FFA

classes - 2nd place1. Alicia Gilbertson

Plant City High School FFA2. Samantha Newman

Newsome High School FFA3. Jesse Wall

Antioch Critters 4-H4. Katlyn Davis

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story by Cheryl JOhnStOn

The Lamb Jumping Contest is an annual Strawberry Festival event that demonstrates teamwork between an animal and its youthful trainer. Even though ribbons are awarded, thanks to an encouraging crowd and the friendly competitors every entrant in this competition feels like a winner.

The 2009 contest on March 2 was sponsored by CG Industries. Friends, family, old timers, and fi rst timers fi lled the arena stands for this fun challenge. Applause and oohs and aahs followed each lambs two at-tempts to jump hurdles.

Pinecrest Elementary fi fth-grader, Ethan Sistrunk, earned fi rst place in the short-legged division. His sister, eight-grade Turkey Creek student Morgan Sistrunk garnered fi rst in the long-legged category. Both were winners last year as well. Along with older brother Kaleb, the family owns 14 lambs and competes regularly.

Hillsborough County students, ages 6 and older who are members of FFA or a youth agricultural organi-zation such as 4-H may compete.

The audience enjoys lamb jumping for its sportsmanship and friendly cooperation. It is not uncommon for a competitor or club adviser to fol-low behind anothers lamb, clapping to encourage a hesitant animal to jump.

At the signal, a contestant leads his or her lamb on a short rope to the bar, hoping it will jump as theyve prac-ticed. Sometimes they do, sometimes

they dont. Two attempts are permit-ted. If the lamb jumps at least one, then the bar is raised and the team continues until the hurdle is too high.

Its an unpredictable event. The animal can decide to be stubborn and the young trainer wonders what happened. Fortunately, neither the crowd nor the contestants seem dis-appointed when a lamb didnt coop-erate. Thats just the way it goes.

Lambs naturally enjoy jumping and usually respond well to compe-tition. This exercise is good because walking on level ground does not build muscle tone. They also eat bet-ter and remain healthier. Conversely, the trainer must use caution. Too much exercise or overheating causes blue carcasses, not an admirable quality. The slick shorn lambs in this competition have obviously been lavished with tender loving care.

Students in the junior livestock program interact with live animals and learn life skills. Working with, owning, and exhibiting animals in a competitive atmosphere develop character, decision-making abilities, and communication talents.

Qualities also evident in the 2009 shows competitors were confi dence, pride in appearance, and helpfulness. With or without a cooperative lamb, they were audience pleasers. This event is an annual must see.

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Ethan Sistrunk jumps his lamb over a bar. Photo by FSF

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Ethan Sistrunk jumps his lamb over a bar. Photo by FSF


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Parents pulling their children on floats in front of hundreds of spectators is a common sight at the Baby Parade, which has been going on for more than 40 years. Photo by Suzanne Gallagher Zy Floyd won Most Handsome in the 1-year-old category. Photo by Aaron Oberlin

ParaDInG for KInG anD QUeen story by tr aCy COx chairperson, said, We are glad we

have such a good relationship with the festival to do this. We do not know exactly how many years we have done the baby parade, but we do know that is over 40 years. It is awesome.

The baby parade is divided into four age categories with six subcat-egories: Most Handsome Boy, Most Beautiful Girl, Best Costume, Most

Personality, Most Original Float, and Most Beautiful Float. The king and queen were chosen from the first-place winners in the 4-year-old categories, who make up the court. The 2009 king and queen are Gerald Wayne Williams and Emma Reese Showalter. The court includes Haley Bell, Quinton Kahelin, Regan Esler, and Ashley Walls.

The morning air was filled with the sounds of crying babies, mischievous toddlers, and encourag-ing parents as the Plant City Junior Womans Club continued its long-time tradition of hosting the annual baby parade at the Florida Strawber-ry Festival on March 8, 2009.

Sponsored by Verizon and emceed by Channel 8s daytime TV co-

host, Cyndi Edwards, the parade was held before a crowd of cheering and waving grandparents, family, and friends as approximately 140 children ranging in ages from 1 years old to 4 years old walked, rode on homemade floats, or were carried in their parents arms across a stage in costumes from the very simple to the extremely elaborate.

Nia Ramo, the clubs baby parade continued on page 22>


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out cash to anyone who might be a judge.

The baby parade is one of the top two fundraisers for the club, which uses the proceeds for its annual shoe drive to buy athletic shoes and socks for needy children at Plant City ar-eas 14 elementary schools. Every September, club volunteers fan out among the schools and measure the feet of the children who are in need of a new pair of shoes. The shoes and socks are then delivered in Oc-tober to the schools and are placed on the childrens feet by the volun-teers to make sure they fit properly. This years baby parade raised more than $2,000.

You would be surprised how many kids in our community need shoes. They come to school in shoes that are two sizes too small or too big, with holes and duct taped wrapped around them, said Ramo.

As the little girls paraded by, some waving or blowing kisses to their adoring fans, they were visions of springtime in their pretty pastel-colored dresses or fun in the sun splashes of fuchsia and aqua. The floats included butterfly princesses sitting among beautiful flower-filled gardens, ballerinas, patriotic Lady Liberty, strawberries sitting in the strawberry patch, and yes, evident-ly the timeless tradition, one with a pretty little girl riding in her red wagon being pulled by her mother.

Not to be outdone by the girls, the little boys were dapper in their suits or sporting hometown pride in blue jeans and boots. Moms creativity and Dads late nights in the garage designing floats were evident as they road by on white horses in front of medieval castles or sitting on John Deere tractors in fields of strawber-ries that looked like they were ready to be picked. One little guy cruised by in his Corvette as the Most Eli-gible Bachelor, stopping to hand

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The Most Eligible Bachelor made sure he stopped and said hi to the Strawberry Festival queen and court. Photo by Suzanne Gallagher

continued on page 23>


local continued froM page 22The Strawberry Festival queen and court smile with the Baby Parade king, queen, and court, who are Gerald Williams (king), Emma Reese Showalter (queen), Haley Bell, Quinton Kahelin, Regan Esler, and Ashley Walls. Photo by Suzanne Gallagher


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PIece of caKeMiChelle Stringer Made eating FOUr pOUndS OF Strawberry ShOrtCake Cake in 10 MinUteS lOOk eaSy, aS nO Other COMpetitOr CaMe ClOSe tO beating her.story by kryStel knOwleS

Michelle Stringer, a 24-year-old resident of Philadelphia, is the new Strawberry Shortcake Eatin Contest champion.

Ten people competed for the title, but no one had a chance of beating her, as she devoured four pounds of strawberry shortcake compared to the runner-ups three and quarter pounds.

The Philadelphian came to Florida to visit her sister, and said that last year she was planning to enter the contest but missed it.

After I missed the contest last year, I was determined to enter the contest this year and hopefully win, Stringer said. I was one of the fi rst people to sign up. I jumped out of my seat.

Stringer said that she didnt pre-pare for the contest, she ate breakfast and lunch as usual. Stringer added that she has always been a fast eater.

I didnt realize the cake was so big, I didnt realize it was going to be a four-pound cake, said Stringer.

She said she might compete again

next year if her spring break vacation is at the same time of the festival.

Barb Caccamisi is the project co-ordinator for St Clements Make your own shortcake for the past 13 years. She said she enjoys coor-dinating the event because it is fun and guests look forward to the eating contest event.

Previous year winners can enter the contest to defend their title, Cac-camisi said.

There are some rules to participate in the eating contest: Participants must be 18 years old or older, there is a 10-minute timeline to consume the four-pound cake, for the fi rst seven minutes contestants are allowed to use a spoon, and for the last three minutes the cake has to be eaten with their hands.

This is one of the most fun things to do at the festival, and people seem to really enjoy it, said Caccamisi.

Michelle Stringer shovels strawberry shortcake in her mouth to become the 2009 Strawberry Shortcake Eatin Contest champion. Photo by Krystel Knowles

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In GoDs ballParKstory by CarOlyn Miller

The Tampa Bay Rays exorcised the devil in 2008, creating a miracle of a season.

Father Tom Anastasia of St. Clem-ents Catholic Church had been there following the team all along. Father Toms lifelong love of baseball was recently rewarded at the 2009 Rays Fan Fest, where, along with five oth-ers, he was named Fan of the Year and received his very own jersey and trophy.

The franchise was formed in 1995 as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. While the Tampa Bay area was noted as a fantastic spring season training ven-ue, fans in the area had never been lucky enough to attract a team per-manently. A major-league-quality ballpark, now called Tropicana Field, served as the bait and the commis-sioner of Major League Baseball took it hook, line and sinker. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays were born but it wasnt a sure thing that they would make money or win games; nothing is a given in baseball.

That was when Father Tom

began to go to games. Having grown up in New Jersey, it was a given that he would be a baseball fan. He went to Veterans and Shea stadiums to watch Steve Carlton and the left-hander, Mike Schmidt; they were his main influences. Then he moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1977, but that didnt dampen his enthusiasm; he attended Phillys spring training in Dunedin.

In 2008, the Rays kissed the devil goodbye and went all the way to the World Series. Divine intervention? Just ask Father Tom, he predicts they will be better than last year with even a stronger team. You can bet that Father Tom will be there in his usual seat next to other members of the clergy, cheering on Tampa Bays dream team. In the end he had attended more than 200 games and plans on continuing his record-breaking attendance. If asked about this years controversy he says, The sport is great despite the people mak-ing a mess of it. Congratulations Father Tom.

Father Tom Anastasia proudly stands next to some of his Tampa Bay Rays memorabilia. Photo by Carolyn Miller.

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Parents who wish to show their babies off had an opportunity March 1 at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

There were three contests Deco-rated Diaper, Baby Features, and Dia-per Derby for Hillsborough County babies ages 6 to 18 months.

Each of the three categories had their own subcategories. The Deco-rated Diaper contest awarded babies for funniest, most creative, kids TV character, and Hometown Salute to America, which was the festivals theme.

The Baby Features contest subcat-egories included prettiest girl, most handsome, chubbiest cheeks, biggest eyes, most hair, baldest head, and twins.

The Diaper Derby contest pitted babies ages 6 months to 12 months against each other in a crawling race across the floor. Parents did every-thing from shaking a rattler to wav-ing a favorite teddy bear to encour-age their children to crawl faster.

The winners of each event are listed.

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babIes taKe the troPhIesan aSSOrtMent OF COnteStS allOwed parentS tO reCeive trOphieS FOr their babieS CharaCteriStiCS.story by JaCkSOn SMith

DECORATED DIAPER WINNERS:Theme, Hometown Salute to America: Hayden Gabriel NearyParents: John Neary and Meribeth BoggsFunniest Diaper: Kensley Ann HiscockParents: Kenneth and Julie HiscockKids TV Cartoon Character: Zoey Eliza-beth VillaParents: Tania and Cenovio VillaMost Creative Diaper: Bella Grace BikowskiParents: Scott and Stephanie Bikowski

BABY FEATURES WINNERS:Prettiest Girl 6-9 Months: Toriana Lyn ChanceyParents: Ashley Chancey and Bradly Ro-bisonPrettiest Girl 10-12 Months: Saige Alexis TimmermanParents: Lee and Jade TimmermanPrettiest Girl 13-15 Months: Corys Au-drey-Ann BuneyParent: Allison TrevathanPrettiest Girl 16-18 Months: Lyric Nah-vae JudgeParents: Nakita and Rashad JudgeMost Handsome Boy 6-9 Months: Gray-son Alwin Frank VillarParent: Trisha VillarMost Handsome Boy 10-12 Months: Jordan Brady BagleyParents: J.B. and Shea BagleyMost Handsome Boy 13-15 Months: Ryan Restitue StaleyParents: Rosemarie and Brian StaleyMost Handsome Boy 16-18 Months: Nevan Liam DeVereauxParent: Shannon DeVereauxBiggest Eyes: Kyson Blake IturriagaParent: Brad IturriagaBaldest Head: Hayden Gabriel NearyParents: John Neary and Meribeth BoggsChubbiest Cheeks: Alli Jo TaylorParents: Lisa and Joey TaylorMost Hair: Amaya Patrice ComerParent: Jolene Comer

DIAPER DERBY WINNERS6-9 Months: Jacob Michael RobensParent: Angela Roben10-12 Months: Alli Jo TaylorParents: Lisa and Joey TaylorOverall Diaper Derby: Alli Jo Taylor

Lyric Nahvae Judge won Prettiest Girl for 16-18 months. Photo by Suzanne Gallagher

Parents encouraged their babies to crawl faster in order to win the Diaper Derby. Photo by FSF

?2/.A2C.961


the fIGht contInUes

story by ChriSt ian van nOrden

Twenty-one-year-old Tara Parker described it as one of the greatest moments of her life the day she was finally added to a list for liver trans-plant recipients, a call for which she had been waiting for years.

When she was only 6-months-old, Tara was diagnosed with cystic fi-brosis, a life-threatening disease that causes mucus to build up and clog organs like the lungs and pancreas. By the age of 14, she had developed cirrhosis of the liver as a result of the disease. Tara and her family flew to Cincinnati to have her liver evaluated

but were told her liver was in too good of condition for her to be added to the list for a transplant.

While Tara was growing up, life could sometimes be very difficult. At one point, she had to take more than 60 pills each day and dedicate more than two hours a day to breath-ing exercises.

I thought about death and of course I thought that any day could be my last, she said. But I have always tried to remain positive and

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continued on next page>

Tara Parker shows a positive outlook on life with her beautiful smile. Photo by Christian Van Norden.

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keep smiling. In 2001, shortly after she finished

middle school, Tara was finally add-ed to the liver transplant list; she said she was scared but also happy that she might actually have a chance to live a normal life. The next phone call came on the morning of Nov. 5, 2005; it was as joyous as it was un-expected. Tara awoke, at 6:30 a.m., to the phone call informing her that there was a liver waiting for her in Gainesville and that she should get there as soon as possible.

Taras grandfather was with her as she received the good news. He called a radio station to request a song for her.

He requested I Hope You Dance by LeeAnn Womack, she said. He just called and told them that he wanted to request it for me because I have never let anything stop me before now, so he wanted everyone to pray that things would go smooth and that after the surgery I would continue to dance.

Crying tears of joy together, they immediately began calling friends and family to give them the good news.

It was a sweet moment, Tara said. It was a very good moment in my life.

Tara and her family flew to Gaines-ville for the surgery, where she had to tell she loved them, in case she never saw them again. Only five and a half hours later, Taras transplant was complete. Her faith, in both God and herself, was rewarded that day.

Although she still lives with CF today, Tara is living life the way she has always wanted. She is now hap-pily engaged, attending college, and about to start an internship with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

In 10 years I will probably be married somewhere here in Florida, she said. I think my fianc [and I] will make a good team. We are both very passionate about The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and I think that will be our main focus in life. No matter what is going on around you there is a purpose for everything. Al-ways hold your head high and keep a smile on your face. Bring happiness to others, glorify others, and change the world.

Tara plans to participate in the CFFs Great Strides walk-a-thon on May 16, at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. For more information on the event, or to make a donation toward further research, visit www.cff.org and click the Great Strides icon.

local continued froM page 30

Tara does her daily breathing exercises while cruising Facebook on her laptop computer. Photo by Christian Van Norden.


and musical styles. Kerrys primary influences are John Mellencamp, Motown, and Gershwin, whereas Alan has been dubbed the Southern Rocker of the gang. Graham favors ballads, such as hits from the Eagles, Elton John, and the Beatles. Elmo, or Chris, is known to his fellow musi-cians as the Country Gentleman who isnt afraid to stretch his roots from a little John Mayer or Stevie Ray Vaughn. Dave is bluesier with an alternative twist.

While the group members differ in their tastes, it provides for a diverse and entertaining show for all who fil-ter in to watch their show. The fact that the crew has three lead singers also keeps their shows original and multifarious.

Were like the Wii guys in the little car, We come to play, said front man Kerry Beard. You dont

go to hear a band talk and make cute remarks. You go to hear them play music.

Play they shall. Some of the groups favorite places to play are Raccoons Lounge in Valrico where they got their start and OBriens in Plant City a favorite among many lo-cals and friends of the group. They have enjoyed other venues, including WFTS, Channel 28s Extreme Home Makeover party as well as ABCs Tampa Bays Got Game Super Bowl tailgate party.

The band members say the best venue they have ever played is the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foun-dations Diamonds and Denim event in Plant City. While the music sched-ule for such an event isnt as upbeat and rock-like as others, they enjoy the atmosphere and love that they can play for such a worthy cause.

rocK the way It was Meant to be PlayeDstory by el iz abeth edwardS

and literally encompasses the bunch as a whole. This eclectic group came together via the force that drives many great bands to form the love of music. This rings true as soon as the rockin mix of sounds these five friends exude are heard. While all five men had nine-to-five grinds when they met, the same old same old wasnt cutting it anymore. They exercised their need to rock out in a garage until they decided it was time to step out of the box and show the world what they were made of.

It didnt take the band members long to realize that they had an exclu-sive sound. They play an extensive spectrum of music, which reflects on each members individual tastes

As the hit song by Brad Paisley and Keith Urban goes, When youre living in a world that you dont un-derstand, find a few good buddies and start a band, this is exactly what the members of the local group KA.G.E.D. did.

With a style all their own, the boys blend classic and southern varieties of rock with a shot of country and a hint of blues to create a sound cock-tail that ensures listeners will want another round.

The bands name comprises the first letter of each members name: KB, Alan, Graham, Elmo, and Dave. While the group has gone through a few different configurations as well as name changes, K.A.G.E.D truly

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KB, Alan, Graham, Elmo, and Dave make up K.A.G.E.D. a local band that plays at Raccoons Lounge and OBriens. Photo by Aaron Oberlin


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story by Cheryl JOhnStOn

A delightful thing about the Flor-ida Strawberry Festival is that folks in every age category have opportu-nities to participate. One of the favor-ite events for children is the Shoebox Float Competition. From the high-caliber work submitted this year, it appears Plant City may just have some future professional float craft-ers among its community youth.

Thousands of people a day view the winning entries as they stroll past the glass case at the prime pedestrian corner in the main exhibition build-ing. The adjacent displays of straw-berry queens past and present and the annual amateur photography contest winners make this area a must-see, make-time-to-pause-and-enjoy stop. Each year the creativity crafted into the miniature floats captivates all who discover one of the great free things to do at the festival.

Rainbow Vacuum sponsored the 2009 float competition. Jill Scott, the event chairperson, directed the pro-cesses for application, judging, and display. The tiny floats are always judged on originality, craftsmanship, use of materials, and overall appear-ance. The children did a great job this year, making the judges job to select winners especially tough.

Children in first through sixth grades build floats on cardboard shoeboxes no larger than 9 x 13 inch-es, with decorations no taller than 14

and a half inches. Common materials are fabric, foil, colored, crepe or ori-gami papers, ribbons, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, and small toy items.

This years theme was Hometown Salute to America. Many floats fea-tured patriotic flags and symbols rep-resenting our American military. Ob-viously, hometown patriotism begins at an early age in Central Florida.

Trophies for first, second, and third places were awarded in four catego-ries: grades one-two, grades three-four, grades five-six, and all grades for Exceptional Education students. Fourth and fifth place winners re-ceived rosettes. This years first place awards went to S. ORourke, a first-grader at Springhead Elementary, for Tea Time; A. Lane, a fourth-grader at Shiloh Charter School, whose float saluted military and civil servants; and S. Carter, a Pinecrest Elemen-tary fifth-grader, whose Berry Sa-lute float also paid tribute to the military. Additionally, from Willis Peters Exceptional Center, both S. Frederick and E. Leppert, won first-place awards.

Children never cease to amaze peo-ple with their imagination and fresh perspective. The shoebox float com-petition provides the perfect visual to illustrate this point. Homegrown and homemade eastern Hillsborough County children are definitely proud of their hometown.

This shoebox float, which won first place for third and fourth grade, has strawberries sliding down into a pool of chocolate. Photo by FSF

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shoebox floats Present hoMetown salUtes


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restorInG the classIcsnOt Only are there reStOred MUSCle CarS FrOM the 60s and 70s at FlOrida MUStang and MUSCle CarS, bUt there are alSO SOMe that are COMpletely Original.story by ChriSt ian van nOrden

any company would and try to adapt, Adams said. Weve noticed that there will be customers that come in that dont particularly want to wait six months to a year to have their car done so this gives them the opportu-nity to walk in and drive out.

The two plan to continue improv-

ing their establishment, reviving clas-sic rides of various makes and mod-els, and making sure every car owner leaves with a bit of skip in their step.

For some reason nobody ever leaves here slowly in these cars, Vin-son said with a smile, and I consider that a job well done.

In todays difficult, economic times, business owners face larger-than-life profit losses. Some businessmen have no other option but to pull the plug and close shop. Thousands of busi-ness owners in Florida are feeling the wrath of the recession there arent many consumers out there willing to spend extra money on luxury items.

However, partners Stan Adams and Phil Vinson, the car restoration mas-terminds behind Florida Mustang and Muscle Cars, say they are enjoying continued success in their enterprise, for which they are grateful. With the amount of knowledge, passion, and experience the two men share, their success should not come as a surprise to anyone.

Stan could take a 65 Mustang apart with his eyes closed and put it back together again, Vinson said.

The two have been in business to-

gether for almost two years, after buy-ing the shop from a retiree. The shop also includes a showroom, which displays some classic beauties priced and ready for sale.

Stan saw it as a good opportunity to do something he had a real passion for, Vinson added. He has been tin-kering around with Mustangs since he was a kid.

While the original plan was to fo-cus on restoring classic mustangs, so many customers came to them for restorative work on other classic cars that they expanded their services to work on other cars, as well. Unable to do this all alone, Adams and Vinson have brought on some very skilled men to work for them and help them exceed their customers expectations.

What weve done is, with the economy the way it is and the dreams that we have, we tried to diversify as

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This classic mustang has a menacing profile. Photo by Sophia Hyde

An employee works on restoring a car. Some cars at the shop are survivors, including a 65 Shelby that is signed by Carroll Shelby. Photo by Sophia Hyde


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It is not a secret that the Strawberry Festival queen and court are admired like celebrities in Plant City that is. After more exposure by a national medium, the glam that comes with the positions is on its way to a new tier.

A fi lm crew from Good Morning America, an ABC morning news show, visited the queen and court twice during February to fi lm a segment for its Saturday morning feature series, American Snapshot. Juju Chang, a Morning Show correspondent, spent time with the ladies Queen Lauren Der, First Maid Sara Beth Newsome, Megan Cochran, Jocyln Emerson, and Morgan Feaster documenting an

in-depth look at them and the 74-year Plant City tradition.

Were looking at Americana. Were looking at American traditions and what they say about American cultures and how theyve evolved. Sara Beth was terrifi c in describing how there are slices of the old, with pig races, and yet modernization with the BMX shows at the festival, said Chang moments after interviewing Newsome on video.

How could we not be interested in the story? said Jennifer Pirone, a producer for the show. It showcases a beautiful place with the strawberry fi elds and the orange orchards, and

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GooD MornInG strawberry GIrls

story bya arOn Oberlin

the 2009 Strawberry FeStival QUeen and COUrt wOke Up One day and FOUnd OUt they were gOing tO be On natiOnal tv.

Amber Devane, Eric Randall, Brit-tany St. Martin and their teacher

Lynne Connors with her dog, Zena.

continued on page 42>Juju Chang and Lauren Der discuss where to fi lm. They decided to get bread and feed a donkey for the interview. Photo by Aaron Oberlin

Juju Chang, an Emmy Award-winning correspondent for ABC news, interviews Lauren Der at her house. Photo by Aaron Oberlin


it has a central character to the story. Thats where the strawberry court fits in.

When ABC airs the segment it will not be the first time the national media covered a story on the queen and her court. Washington Post journalist Anne Hull, a former Plant City resident who won a Pulitzer Prize for her article on inadequate care of wounded war veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, wrote The Strawberry Girls, which is a nine-page article that was published Aug.11, 2008, in The New Yorker magazine. Halls story detailed 2008 Queen Kristen Smiths and her courts routine during the Florida Strawberry Festival.

We read [about the queen and court] in The New Yorker article last year, said Pirone. I held onto it and said, I am going to go back next year and profile them. So I stuck to it.

In light of the girls receiving

national attention, the pressure of possibly more than a million viewers didnt seem to affect their poise. Chang interviewed them without any hesitation in between questions, and the girls answered her confidently.

I am a little nervous, said Newsome a few minutes before the film crew arrived at her rural home to interview her in front of her steer. During the interview, however, Newsome showed zero signs of anxiety, and even Chang commented on her ability to speak well in between takes.

Der also spoke with authority during her interview, and she is no stranger to speaking in public. As a member of the National FFA Organization while she was in middle school and high school, she won several speaking competitions. She even won a competition on a national level, the National FFA Creed Speaking Contest.

local continued froM page 40

During the Florida Strawberry Festival, Der and her court would be called up on the Festival Soundstage where she would speak briefly to crowds of thousands of people peering upon her. That is when the girls got a taste of what celebrities Taylor Swift, Jessica Simpson, and Jeff Foxworthy were a few of the acts at the festival in 2009 experience in the national eye.

It was kind of scary at first, said Der about speaking on the festival stage. But you just kind of get used to it. After you do it 10 or 12 times, you dont get as many butterflies as the 13th time.

These arent your regular pageant girls, said Chang. They are girls who are studious. They are athletic

one girl is a body builder, one is a volleyball player. They are Bright Futures scholars.

They sort of break the mold.

The Strawberry Festival queen and court got a taste of stardom during a Brenda Lee concert at the festival, looking out to a crowd of thousands of people. Photo by Al Berry

Juju Chang, Sandee Sytsma, and ABC producer Jennifer Pirone stand in the orange grove behind Lauren Ders house. The three smiled for the camera after Chang finished interviewing Der. Photo by Aaron Oberlin

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Bruce Rodwell, Citizen of the Year, and Jodi Smith, Chamber Ambassador of the Year. And of course the cover of FOCUS showing the 2009 Strawberry Queen.

local chaMber coluMn

the chaMber of coMMerce offers a lot to bUsInessessubMitted by brUCe rOdwell

Congratulations to Dean Snyder on being named Plant Citys Honoree at the Friends of Scouting dinner, which was held at the Trinkle Center on Feb. 3. This annual event helps support the cost and programs of scouting for the 15 units in Plant City.Snyder is a Greater Plant City Cham-ber of Commerce member. His busi-ness, Snyder Investments and Fi-nancial Services, is located at 1703 Thonotosassa Road. Kelleigh Klein, executive director of the United Food Bank of Plant City, wants to say thank you to all whom supported the very first Annual Ce-lebrity Chefs Dinner, which was held Feb. 7, at the Trinkle Center.World renowned chef Jon Ashton, originally of Liverpool, England, who now hangs his hat in Orlando was the star of the show, accompanied by lo-cal celebrity chefs Rich Glorioso, Mark Ober, Dan Raulerson, and Ja-son Strunk.The need at the Food Bank is growing. In 2007, 7,900 clients were served. This past year, in 2008, 12,500 cli-ents used the Food Bank. That is an increase of 36 percent.The Plant City Food Bank is located at 712 E. Alsobrook St., Suite 9. Its hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Fri-day; and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tues-day and Thursday. The need for food, toiletries, and monetary donations has never been greater. The Food Bank relies on the generous support of the community, business, and individual

donors. Clients come by referral only, thus insuring only the truly needy re-ceive assistance.Come on out to the Greater Plant City Strawberry Classic Car Show on Saturday, March 21. This event takes place in downtown Plant City and gets started at 4 p.m.On March 20, the GFWC Womans Club of Plant City will play host to its Annual Card Party. This event will take place at 1110 N. Wheeler St. It starts at 11a.m. For more information, call Jean Ann Eatman at (813) 752-3737.On Saturday, March 21, the Plant City High School football team will hold a golf invitational at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. They are asking for support along with businesses and other community partners in taking part in this event. All of the proceeds will benefit the Raiders football pro-gram. Registration is at 7:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start with a scramble format at 8 a.m. A lunch and awards ceremony will follow the golfing along with raffle prizes and silent auc-tio

focus plant city 08-03 march 2009

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