Florida Sentinel Bulletin

TAMPA CHAPTER OF BUFFALO SOLDIERS SHARES THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

                  The Tampa Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers shared the joy of Christmas with residents in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Mayor Rick Kriesman of St. Petersburg, and Mayor Jane Castor of Tampa assisted Santa and the chapter with the distribution of gifts to families in each city. Anthony “K-Smooth” Smith, President of the Chapter, is shown with other members and a family they presented with gifts a few days before Christmas.  (Photograph by Julia Jackson)

CDC Of TAMPA HOST RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY

One of the many goals Mrs. Chloe Coney, founder of the CDC of Tampa, Inc., (Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc.), envisioned when she opened the doors of the CDC was to promote affordable homes and to provide avenues for residents to become homeowners. Utilizing a multitude of tools, and creating partnerships with other organizations, the dream became a reality more than 20 years ago. Recently, yet another Tampa resident became a property owner. Just days before Christmas, Ms. Sylvia Coleman and her family walked into their new home. Among those in attendance at the event were from left to right: Mayor Jane Castor, Ms. Coleman, the honoree, Ernest Coney, Jr., President and CEO of the CDC of Tampa, Inc., Tampa City Councilman Orlando Gudes, and Community Activist Connie Burton. (Photography by BRUNSON).

MEET AND GREET FOR ‘WE ARE EAST TAMPA’ CRA ACTION PLAN

A Meet and Greet event was held December 5, 2020, at Ragan Park, for ‘We Are East Tampa’ CRA Action Plan 2020. The purpose of the plan is to identify the needs of both residents and businesses in East Tampa. A Zoom meeting was held on December 3^rd, followed by the Meet and Greet. Among those in attendance at Ragan Park were: Darrick Fullwood, Jr., Nicole Suarez, Glenda Rivera, Angela Fullwood, City Councilman Orlando Gudes, Darrick Fullwood, Sherryl Cusseaux and Thomas Huggins. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

ART ON THE BLOCK MURAL DEDICATED AT ROBLES PARK

I. C. H. HOUSE

         Last month, Mayor Jane Castor, Chief Brian Dugan and the artist, Ya Levy La’Ford dedicated a new mural at Robles Park. La’Ford is a professor, installation artist, and muralist. The first generation American moves between her Jamaican heritage and vulnerable communities to try to find a universal language through her art. La’Ford maintains her studio practice in St. Petersburg, Washington, DC, and New York  (www.yalaford.com).

         The R.I.C.H. House, supported by the Tampa Police Department and RISE Tampa, Police Foundation, works to enhance neighborhood safety through collaboration between police and residents in high-crime areas. Among those who attended the dedication along with a group of children were: left to right, Ocea Wynn, Administrator of Neighborhood and Community Empowerment; Sherisha Hills, Director of Parks & Recreation; Ya La’Ford, the Artist; Tampa Mayor Jane Castor; and  Edwin Galvin, MPO. (Photograph courtesy City of Tampa)

GARRETT SHEFFIELD SIGNS WITH GEORGETOWN

            The month of November was filled with excitement this year for retired MLB star Gary Sheffield, left. His foundation was a major sponsor who helped make the Thanksgiving holiday special for 750 families, he celebrated his 52^nd birthday on November 18^th, and his son, Garrett, signed with Georgetown University. The younger Sheffield is a graduate of Dade Christian School and majored in Business Management at Santa Fe Community College.

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY HELPS TAMPA FAMILIES

            Last Saturday, members of Heaven Destiny Assembly Of God Church held their Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway at Cyrus Greene Park. The major sponsors for the event were Gary Sheffield Foundation and Simply Health, as well as other sponsors. Among those in attendance were: City Councilman Orlando Gudes, retired baseball star Gary Sheffield, his wife, Deleon Richards, and Pastor Tom Jones, of Heaven Destiny. (Photography by BRUNSON).     

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Myers was sworn in Tuesday morning, November 17th, at County Center as the new County Commissioner for District 3. Commissioner Myers replaces Lesley “Les” Miller, who had termed out. A retired County employee, Mrs. Myers was sworn in by Florida Supreme Court Justice (Ret.) Peggy Quince. Holding the Bible are: Mrs. Myers’ husband, Randolph, and seated, partially hidden, her mother, Mrs. Dorothy Williams. (Photograph by BRUNSON)