Florida Sentinel Bulletin

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA PRESIDENT IN TAMPA FOR VIRTUAL MEETING

The League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County hosted a ‘Conversation with Cecile Scoon,’ Esquire, President of the League of Women Voters of Florida, at the Children’s Board on September 24, 2021.  She is the first Black woman to hold this office. A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies, she earned her law degree from the Virginia School of Law in 1984, spent 5 years as an active duty Air Force JAG. She retired from the Air Force reserves as a Major in 2005, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.   She shared with the group her vision for the League. Shown at the meeting from left are: Laurel Jones, representing Gamma Theta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Cecile Scoon, Esq., Angela Birdsong, League of Women Voters; Dr. Sonjia Brookins, Soil and Water Conservation, Commissioner Gwen Myers, Idelia Phillips, League of Women Voters; and Bryce Bowden, Democratic Party. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MINISTRY HOSTS SERVICE FOR RECIPIENT NEEDING KIDNEY

               Keith Walker, seated right, is in need of a kidney. Family and friends joined him recently at Higher Calling Ministry, Darren Jones, Pastor, to support his effort to raise funds for a transplant. Keith is shown with Keishawn Walker, Lashawn Buie, Jacorey Walker, Keith Walker, Jr. and Princess Nylah Walker. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

ELECTED OFFICIALS DONATE CHECKS TO CHILDREN’S INITIATIVE

State Senators and Representatives led by State Representative Dianne Hart and other elected officials presented 2 checks in the amount of $950,000.00 each, from DJJ and DOA, to Children’s Initiative Recidivism Reduction and Prevention. This funding serves 5 communities. Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise (SSNOP) is a member of Florida Children’s Initiative (FCI). Left to right are: Matt Mitchell, CEO of Tampa Metro YMCA; Jacqueline Coffie-Leeks, Executive Director of SSNOP, Inc.; Emery Ivery, Chief Impact Officer of United Way Suncoast; County Commissioner Gwen Myers, City Councilman Orlando Gudes, State Rep. Susan Valdes, State Rep. Dianne Hart, Jessica Muroff, CEO of United Way Suncoast; State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, and State Rep. James Bush. (Photograph by Tonya M. Lewis)

FRATERNITY MEMBERS, WIVES AND FRIENDS ATTEND BASEBALL GAME

                  On Sunday, August 22, 2021, the Tampa Bay Area Gamma Omicron Chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the nation’s oldest African American fraternity founded in 1904, celebrated summer and fun by attending the Tampa Bay Rays versus the Chicago White Sox American League baseball battle at the Rays’ Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. More than 55 fully vaccinated members, wives and guests enjoyed private boxes, unlimited food and drinks, as they watched the Rays defeat the White Sox, 9-0. The event was sponsored by current Gamma Omicron President, Kevin Scott and his wife, Ramonita Scott.    (Photograph by BRUNSON)

ALLURE REALTY HOLDS GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING

                  Allure Realty held a ribbon cutting to officially open the doors to its business on Wednesday morning, August 25, 2021. The business is located at 1315 E.  7^th Avenue, Suite 105 in Ybor City. Allure Realty is known for its upcoming Netflix showing of “Selling Sunset,” that focuses on the real estate agent squad of Tampa Bay’s Allure Realty, owned by Sharelle Rosado. Those who had a hand in cutting the ribbon are from left: Juawana Colbert, Allure realtor; owner, Sharelle Rosado; Mayor Jane Castor and State Representative (District 61), Dianne Hart. Reach Allure Realty on Instagram – @allurerealtyfl. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

NEW AUTHOR LAUNCHES BOOK – ‘FROM 0 TO 60 (A POETIC JOURNEY)’

                  Last month, Ms. Barbara Lewter-Speller, hosted the launching of her first publication – “From 0 To 60 – A Poetic Journey.” The event was held at the THAP Center. Ms. Lewter-Speller wrote her first piece the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Over the years, she has collected enough for a 122-page publication. Ms. Lewter-Speller, seated, is shown with: left to right, Kenitra Martin, Valerie Johnson, Nicole Wright, Jamorie Wright, Mistress of Ceremony; Ingrid Daniels-Young, Sandra Lewter-Wilkerson, Edward Speller, Kayla Martin, Kenny Brooks, Sherika Bonner, Yolanda Lewter-Gainey, Otha Gainey, Stephanie Stanford, Renaldo Martin and Lisa Martin. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

FINALLY! AN OPERABLE TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT 26^TH ST. AND MLK BLVD.

                  After many years of complaints, accidents and discussion, an operable traffic signal has finally been placed at 26^th St. and E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. That intersection has been a busy, dangerous one for many years, as children have crossed the street going to Lomax Elementary School, and in more recent years going to C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Library. A short ceremony to celebrate the traffic signal was held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, the first day of school. Among those who participated in the ceremony, were from left: Fran Tate, President, Jackson Heights Neighborhood Association; County Commissioner Gwen Myers; David Gwynn, P. E., Secretary, District 7, Florida Dept. of Transportation; State Representative Dianne Hart; Natasha Goodley; Cynthia Few, President, College Hill-Belmont Heights Neighborhood Association; Tampa City Council Chair Orlando Gudes; and Regina Virgol, Hillsborough County. Not shown, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

DR. DOMINIQUE RAQUEL BLANCHETTE AND MR. TRENTEN AKEEM TAYLOR EXCHANGE VOWS

                  The Wedding Ceremony for Dr. Dominique Raquel Blanchette and Mr. Trenten Akeem Taylor, was a 6 p. m. event on Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Reverend Keith Scott was the officiant. The bride is the daughter of Susan Andrews-Blanchette, M. D., and Ronald Thomas Blanchette, D. D. S. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Earl (Violet) Taylor are the groom’s parents. Mrs. Gloria Adams Andrews is the bride’s grandmother. (Wedding photos will be published in next week’s edition.)