Florida Sentinel Bulletin

ED NARAIN, ESQUIRE, CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF BLESSINGS

     On Sunday, September 6^th, family members and friends joined Edwin (Ed) Narain, Esquire, at the Tampa Garden Club as he celebrated 50 years of Blessings. Ed is shown with daughter, Elaina, wife, Monica, and daughter, Zahara. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

‘WE STILL DO’ 25^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

     Sameya Roundtree and Larry L. Roundtree, II, observed their 25th Anniversary on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with a renewal of vows ceremony. The couple, joined by family and friends, gathered at the site where the couple were united August 4, 2001 – Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Lakeland. The Roundtrees “We Still Do” Bridal Party included: Marra Earle (Maid of Honor), Aria Roundtree (Bridesmaid), Aryah Roundtree (Flower Girl), Lady Sameya Roundtree (Bride), Pastor Larry Roundtree, II (Groom), Tyree Williams (Groomsman), Larry “Bishop” Roundtree, III (Groomsman) and Lashad McCloud (Groomsman). Photograph by Tonya L. Lewis

HOWARD W. BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1966 60^th REUNION

        The Howard W. Blake High School Class of 1966, held their 60^th Reunion over a 3-day period at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront. Several of the Yellow Jackets took advantage of the opportunity to reconnect with former classmates. These classmates are: 1st Row: Carolyn Willis, Arnold ‘Daddybo’ Watson, and Ivelita Suber. On the 2nd Row are: Pauline Williams, Cynthia Jones, Patricia Hunter, Kay Long, Mary Underwood, and Margarett McDowell. On the 3rd row: Lois Dunbar, Everlyn Chester, David Bowers, Dr. Prentiss Davis, ,Ollie Thornton, Sandra Canaday, Mattie Davis, Eulauia Harris, and Anthony Carswell. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

JOY OVER THE RAINBOW HOLDS 7-UP PROGRAM

        Joy Over The Rainbow held its annual 7-Up Program on July 19, 2026, at Abundant Life Church, Plant City. Proceeds from this year’s event benefitted the Salvation Army. The 7-Up Program featured 7 speakers, who spoke for 7 minutes, on 7 subjects, with refreshment of 7-Up Pound Cake and 7-Up soda. Among those in attendance were: from left, Pastor Karen Barnes, Delores Gambrell, Vernice Jeannie Jenkins (President/founder), Evonne Kostantenaco, Felicia Clark, Johnnie Mae Monroe, Annette Royal, and Fran Tate. On the 2nd row: Pastor Frank Shines, Mr. James Padgett, and Linda Grant. On the back row: Elder Robert Sturgis,  Regina Gainey, Vivian Kitchen, Mary Jones, and Fanni Green-Lemons (Event Chairperson). (Photograph by BRUNSON)

SOUTHWESTERN JURISDICTION CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST HOLY GATHERING

        The Southwestern Florida Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) held its Holy Gathering June 22-26, 2026. Brown Memorial COGIC was the host headquarters. Among ministers in attendance were: Superintendent Clethen U. Sutton, Bishop Anthony W. Gilyard, Dr. Mark Ellis, Sr., Opening Night Speaker, and Supt. Walter R. Jenkins. (Photograph by George Streets, Streets & Streets Photography)

MELISSA AND KALVIN EXCHANGE WEDDING VOWS

        Popular Tampa couple Melissa “Missy” Moore and Kalvin Pearce exchanged wedding vows on Saturday, July 11, 2028. The ceremony was held at New Bethel Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, with the pastor, Reverend Reginal T. Webb, officiating. After the ceremony, the couple was greeted by more than 300 guests at their reception at HCC Regent in Riverview.

NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN TAMPA CHAPTER HOSTS GOURMET GENTS

        The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Tampa Bay Area Chapter, held is “Gourmet Gents Denim & Pearls Culinary Affair” on Sunday, June 28th, at Higgins Hall. The event offers an afternoon of flavor, fellowship and community impact. Among the gentlemen who shared the event with family were: Enrique Grayson, Chef Danny Green, Marquis Lee, Jr., Marquis Lee, Sr., Don Lee, Jr. and Chef Don Lee, Sr. (Photograph by Tonya Ml Lewis, Children With A Vision)

TAMPA CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INC. WELCOME NEW NATIONAL PRESIDENT

        Several members of the Tampa Chapter of the Links, Inc. traveled to Detroit, MI, for the 45^th National Assembly of the Links, Inc. Dr. Shuana Tucker Sims was installed as the new National President on June 27, 2026 in a lavish ceremony. Pictured from left to right: Brenda McKenzie, President of the Tampa Chapter; Angelia Williams, Member of the Tampa Chapter; Dr. Juel Shannon Smith, Member of the Tampa Chapter; National President Dr. Shuana Tucker Sims; Dr. Sharon Andrews Gray, VP of the Tampa Chapter; and Felicia Harvey, Programming Coordinator of the Tampa Chapter.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOLDS JUNETEENTH FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY

        Hillsborough County observed Juneteenth with its Fifth Annual Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, at the north entrance of the Frederick B. Karl County Center, downtown Tampa. Several local, state and national elected officials were in attendance. Howard W. Blake High School Air Force Junior ROTC, did the ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth flag. Displaying the flag are: C/CRA La’titeyanna Nixon and C/CMSGT Austin Gusteso-Cruz. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)