Florida Sentinel Bulletin

GRAND OPENING HELD FOR NEW MASK BUSINESS AT THAP’S 5508

                  American Surgical Mask Company (ASM) held its Grand Opening recently. The business is located at 5508 N. 50^th Street (THAP Complex), Suite 1000. The East Tampa business provided 200,000 masks for the City of Tampa’s NFL events. Attending the Grand Opening of the minority-owned business were: Kalv Watanabe, Matthew Brandman, CEO of ASM; Ingrid Daniels, Robin Lockett and Frank Crum. In the rear, Derrick Blue, CEO of THAPgroup; Mayor Jane Castor and Atty. Norman Harris.

CITY OF TAMPA EMPLOYEE HONORED AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH KICKS OFF

  March is Women’s History Month and the City of Tampa kicked off the month by honoring one of its own – Mrs. Ida Walker. On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, Mrs. Walker received the Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award, during a ceremony at Lykes Gaslight Square Park. Mrs. Walker is joined by family members at the event. From left, Gloria Riley; Krystal Brown, sister; honoree’s mother, Sandra Lockett; honoree, Ida Walker; Jimmy Walker; Desmond Walker; Robin Lockett, sister; and Marcus McDougle. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

FAREWELL TO EDUCATOR WHO RETIRES AFTER 36 YEARS

                  The staff at the Hillsborough County Head Start office recognized their Supervisor who retired after 36 years. A drive-by farewell celebration was held on Monday, March 1^st. Mrs. Evelyn Ellison McFadden was joined at the celebration by members of her family. From left to right are: Debra Ellison Martin, Corey J. McFadden, Jamela McFadden Grier, honoree Evelyn Ellison McFadden; Stella Grier (grand), Calvin J. McFadden, Sr., Aubrey O. Grier, Jr. (grand); and the honoree’s parents, Ira M. and William Ellison, Jr. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE HOLDS ANNUAL EVENT

                  The City of Tampa Black History Committee (COTBHC) held its annual celebration on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, outside the City of Tampa Administrative offices. Because of COVID-19 and social distancing, this year’s celebration was a little different. Among those in attendance were: Mr. Bobby L. Bowden, Founder of COTBHC; Celeste Gibbons-Peoples, President, COTBHC; Pastor Calvin Jefferson, owner, Mr. B’s Southern Cuisine (who provided the celebration food); Mayor Jane Castor, and Regina Lock-DePass, Scholarship Chair, COTBHC. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

POWER OF INFLUENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Power Of Influence Awards Dinner was held on Friday, February 5, 2021, at THAP’s 5508. Several celebrities, local leaders and businesses were recognized. Among the award recipients were from left: Carl Crawford, CEO 1501 Certified Entertainment; Jerry B., co-founder of the Power of Influence Awards; Titus O’Neil, WWE wrestling superstar; Antonio Tarver, legendary boxing champion; Dexter Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII; and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, former NFL superstar and philanthropist. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

KEEP TAMPA BEAUTIFUL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

                  These young men were awarded the Keep Tampa Beautiful Scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year. These young gentlemen of Men of Vision have gone above and beyond to keep Tampa beautiful. They all have more than 100 hours of serving our community and the environment. And, each has over a 3.0 standard GPA. They are: Kyron Defreitas, Jefferson High School; Angel Mendoza, Hillsborough High School; Zachary Walls, FLVS; Khalil Bradley, Cristo Rey High School; Howard Brookins, Hillsborough High School; Kory Connor, Wharton High School; and Zion Wright, Hillsborough High School. Ross Anderson, Community and Educational Advocate Liaison, Climate and Culture Student Engagement Division, Hillsborough District Schools, is the founder and Director of Men Of Vision. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MIDDLETON STUDENT IS POETRY JAM CHAMPION

On January 20, 2021, the 16^th Annual Hillsborough County Public School Poetry Jam was held. This year’s event was virtual with the student or team from each high school representing their school. The High School Poetry Jam Champion is Middleton High School’s Chadwyk “Wynni P” Sampson. He also tied for the Students’ Choice Award. Other winners were: Sarah Frank (2^nd), Blake High School; Gabrielle (Jamie) Lohn (3^rd), Hillsborough High School. The other Student Choice Award winner was Sophia McGregor, Steinbrenner High School. Above, Chadwyk, center, is shown with from left, Tonya Floyd, Middleton Magnet Lead, Mick Boddie, Middleton Principal, Katherine Kelly, Library Media Specialist, Middleton; and Kimberly DeFusco, Supervisor, Library Media Services, Hillsborough County Public Schools. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

590 SENIOR CITIZENS RECEIVED COVID VACCINE ON SUNDAY

                  Sunday, January 10, 2021, 590 senior citizens were able to receive the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19. Persons gathered at St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, where a team of healthcare providers administered the shots.  Among those who were there to support the seniors were, from left: Tampa’s Mayor Jane Castor; City Councilman Orlando Gudes; Acting Fire Chief, Barbara Tripp; State Representative Dianne Hart; host pastor, Rev. Bartholomew Banks; and Dr. Douglas Holt, Director, Florida Dept. of Health, Hillsborough County. (Photograph by Julia Jackson)