By JANET ZINK, LETITIA STEIN and JAY CRIDLIN
Published March 5, 2004
SUN CITY CENTER - First came Tropicana Field. Then Raymond James Stadium. Now Sun City Center has its own official sports complex.
Instead of naming fights, however, residents competed for painting rights.
A 20-by-18-feet mural marked the formal dedication last week of a cluster of sports and recreation facilities in the community. Set against an American flag background, the mural depicts people engaged in some of the sports available at the complex: volleyball, tennis, softball and horseshoes.
The complex, erected over more than a decade, includes an area where dog owners can exercise their pets. The tennis courts feature soft clay courts, which help protect seniors from injury.
"This sports complex probably would rival any other complex throughout the state of Florida," said Fred Kroog, a resident involved in planning the facilities. "I don't think any retirement community has access to such beautiful facilities."
Members of the community's art club competed to design the mural. Sun City Center resident Nancy Cooper drew the winning mural.
Birthday bash to honor centenarians
SUN CITY CENTER - SunTrust Bank is gearing up for its annual salute to centenarians.
The bank's yearly "birthday party" for residents 100 or older is set for 4 p.m. Thursday in the Sun City Center SunTrust on Rickenbacker Drive.
This year's honorees include Fermin Montes Deoca, 101; Edna Meline, 103; Eva Stricker, 106; Helen Toomey, 101; Sylvia Lissa, 101; and Margaret Amirault, who turns 102 on Saturday.
The group will receive gifts from across the county and state. Last year, Gov. Jeb Bush sent each participating centenarian a letter of congratulations.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Jan Platt is scheduled to lead this year's ceremonies. Attendance is by invitation only.
For more information, contact SunTrust's Ann Mize at 633-1376.
