FOCUS Magazine

04/30/2026

This month's Jarrett Scott Ford Rising Star is Shane Robinson, Jr.

Shane Robinson Jr, also known as SJ, is a 12-year-old standout track athlete, representing My Brothers and Sisters Keepers Track Club.

He started running track at age 6, after his first season of tackle football. His football coach recommended that Robinson start running track because of his speed. At the end of the football season, his dad signed him up for track, and he has been running ever since.

Robinson says his favorite moment of this season thus far was the Perserverance track meet in Winter Haven in March.

“I ran against a really good opponent, and the win came down to a photo finish,” said Robinson. “We were neck and neck. I’m looking forward to the meet that my track club puts on every year. It’s always a good time; our coach allows us to pick races that we don’t normally run and just have fun.”

Two years ago, at the AAU Primary and Club Championships, Robinson and his boys' relay team broke the previous record in the 4x400 meter relay with a time of 4:08.54.

“I really like the feeling of being a winner,” said Robinson. “Winning makes me work harder. If there is a tough opponent that I want to beat, I work at it. I leave it out on the track every time I run a race. When I don’t win, I always congratulate my opponent and make notes for what to do better next time.”

In 2024, he was the gold medalist in the 800-meter run at the AAU Junior Olympics Games. In 2025, he competed in the 800m run and the 400m dash. The addition of the 200m dash to his competitive portfolio in 2025 highlighted his development of explosive sprint speed alongside his consistent middle-distance endurance.

“When I line up at the start of the race, I’m always really nervous,” said Robinson. “ I focus on my breathing and just remind myself not to worry about anyone else, but to just focus on myself.”

While his track season is currently underway, Robinson also plays flag football for Marshall Middle School and basketball for the city’s league. He plans to play tackle football in the fall.

Robinson would like to attend Florida State University, his mom’s alma mater, on a full-ride track scholarship.

04/14/2026

04/05/2026

Wishing you a joyful and happy Easter surrounded by family and friends! What's your favorite Easter tradition?

03/24/2026

This month's Jarrett Scott Ford Rising Star is Kolton Smith.

11-year-old Kolton Smith of the Florida Scorpions is a beast on the wrestling mat.

But don’t take my word for it. Smith’s proving it. According to FloWrestling, Smith has won first place in ten of his 14 most recent matches.

On February 15, Smith competed at the I Own Florida Championship, where he was named a four-time state champion wrestler.

“It was a moment that reflected all the hard work, dedication, and training that went into the season, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of,” said Smith.

The week prior, on February 6, Smith competed in Kansas at the Belt Beatdown Duals, where his team finished 2nd in the Gold Pool. That same weekend, Smith competed in the Battle of the Belt and won the 10U. Over the weekend, he outscored his opponents 140-8.

His dad was a wrestler in high school and inspired Smith to begin wrestling five years ago.

“I’m really grateful to have someone who believes in me and is willing to spend so much time helping me improve,” said Smith.

When Smith isn’t on the mat, you can find him on the baseball diamond with Plant City OutKasts.

“Every night I have practice, whether it’s wrestling or baseball. When I’m not at practice, I focus on keeping my academics strong. I’ve maintained straight A’s since the third grade, which shows my commitment to working hard both on the mat and in the classroom,” said Smith.

As a multi-sport athlete, the discipline, toughness, and competitive edge from the wrestling mat translate directly to the baseball field. Smith hopes to continue wrestling in a top college program while pursuing a degree.

“I like to win, and that is what motivates me,” said Smith. “It pushes me to train harder, stay focused, and always give my best effort.”

03/02/2026

Congratulations to this year's Grand Parade winners!

03/02/2026

Happy Grand Parade Day! A tradition since 1930, the city has celebrated the strawberry season with a parade. Here are some safety tips for enjoying the parade!