LOCAL BATON TWIRLERS COMPETE NATIONALLY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AND COACH IS HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
The members of the Patrick’s Patriots Twirling Corps., from the Plant City area, took their talents to national competitions this summer. In July, three members traveled to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. to compete in the America’s Youth on Parade. This event was sponsored by the National Baton Twirling Association. The Patriots who attended were Lorelai Benfield, Millie Rigdon AND Peri Berk.
Several TOP TEN medals were brought home. All three Twirlers competed in individual events like Solo, X-Strut, 2-Baton and 3-Baton. Millie had the honor of representing Florida in the Miss Majorette of America Pageant and Peri represented Florida as the Beginner Senior Pageant Winner.
Also, during the competition, their coach Barbara Patrick was named a “Major” in the organization. The founder, Don Sartell, established Majors to honor individuals who have made a tremendous impact to the sport of baton twirling and the National Baton Twirling Association. The organization as we know it today exists in many ways because of these people. Since 1947, a total of 30 individuals have been given this honor. Barbara has taught in the Plant City and Tampa Bay area since the 1950s. Her impact on baton twirling spans generations. Her influence reaches far beyond titles and trophies. She has elevated our sport through excellence, leadership, and a lifetime of selfless service.
Patrick’s Patriots is taught by Barbara Patrick, Lynann Patrick-Hudson and Raelyn Hudson. Classes are held at Sadye Gibbs Martin Recreation Center in Plant City. Classes will begin on August 13th.
These twirlers have worked hard all year. They represented Florida and their hometown as true champions at this prestigious national competition.
For more information on all the baton twirling opportunities offered by the Patrick’s Patriots Twirling Corps., contact Barbara Patrick at 813-731-4915 or patrickpatriotstwirl@gmail.com.
Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Cockfighting Gear Seizure, Plant City Man Arrested
A 38-year-old Plant City man faces multiple charges after a routine traffic stop in Lakeland on July 27 led to marijuana and illegal cockfighting gear.
Officers recovered marijuana and numerous items used in the training and preparation of fighting roosters, including double-edge razor blades, cockfighting knives, knife-mounting devices, rooster conditioning supplements and other equipment commonly associated with organized animal fighting.
Cockfighting knives, commonly referred to as slashers or artificial heels, are designed to be attached to a rooster’s leg prior to a fight and are intended to inflict deep cutting and penetrating injuries upon an opposing bird. Unlike needle-style gaffs, slashers create large open wounds resulting in significant blood loss and greatly increase the likelihood of fatal injuries.
Knife-mounting boots are leather, plastic, and metal mounting devices contain circular openings designed to secure cockfighting knives to a rooster’s leg or trimmed natural spur.
Baltazar Mandujano was arrested and charged with:
Possession of Equipment Used for Animal Fighting (F3)
Possession of Marijuana Under 20 Grams and drug paraphernalia (M1)
