Florida Sentinel Bulletin

CDC OF TAMPA, INC. CELEBRATES 25^th ANNIVERSARY

Corporation To Develop Communities (CDC) of Tampa, Inc. celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a Gala on Friday, October 27, 2017 at TPepin Hospitality Centre. Entertainment was by Avery Sunshine, recording artist. The proceeds will benefit CDC of Tampa, Inc. programs. The 25^th Anniversary theme was, “Building on our Legacy: Creating Economic Opportunities Everyday #365 WINS.” In attendance were: from left, Denese Meteye James, former Executive Director/CEO Toni Watts; President/CEO, Ernest Coney, Jr.; founder and first President/CEO, Chloe Coney and Evangeline Best.

NEW COMMUNITY RADIO STATION GETS DONATION

Tampa’s newest community radio station was recently gifted with a $10,000 donation. WURK – 96.3 FM – is just 8 months old and has a limited range, however, people are starting to pay attention, the founders say. On Monday, October, 30, the founders and volunteers gathered downtown to accept a corporate donation. David Carmena, Real Estate Agent of Carmena and Associates, made the presentation. In attendance from left: Sam Gilmore, Rebecca Washington, Pastor Sylvia Lee, and Harold Bailey (founder). In the rear, David Carmena and Dee Jackson (founder). (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

‘ART IN THE PARK….AFTER DARK’ GALA HELD

The “Art in the Park…After Dark” Gala, the 6^th annual event, was held Friday, Nov. 3^rd, from 6 to 10 p. m. at the new University Area Park Pavilion. Organized by the University Area Community Development Corporation (University Area CDC), the event raised funds for the organization’s Prodigy Cultural Arts Program.  The Prodigy Cultural Arts Program, which spans six counties, serves youth ages seven to 17. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Pavilion was held during the gala. The $350,000 Pavilion was funded by a community development block grant. Cocktails, dinner, dancing and desserts completed the evening. Among those in attendance were: Nestor Ortiz, University Area CDC Chief Programs Officer; Leon Paige, Paulette Role Lesnik, Sarah Combs, University Area CDC Executive Director/CEO; and Rod Carter, WFLA (Channel 8) News Weekend Anchor, who was the Master of Ceremonies. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

A SURPRISE RETIREMENT CELEBRATION

Mrs. Mavis Brown hosted a surprise Retirement Celebration for her husband, Jackie. The event was held October 21, 2017, at The Galleria at Embassy Suites. Mr. Brown retired after 35 years with Hillsborough County. Mr. Brown, second from right, is shown with his family: from left, Denzel Brown, Derrinica Brown, Mrs. Mavis Brown, Denzel, II, and Devin Brown. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

GULF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IS CROWNED ‘FUTURE MISS B-CU’

Ms. Janicia Jordan, a student at Gulf High School, was crowned the 2017 “Future Miss B-C-U.” The 30^th Annual Coronation ceremony was held on October 8, 2017, at the College Hill Conference Center. Raquel Watson-Hunter was the Coronation Chairperson. Shown on the front row, from left to right are: Michelle Brundidge, Helen Young, Queen Janicia Jordan, and Molbert Scrivens. Second row: John Douglas, Nita Black James, queen’s aunt; Ma’Caria Wilson, queen’s sister; and Mrs. Diane Diggs. On the back row are: the queen’s grandmother, Janice Person; the queen’s mother, LaShawn Jordan; Desiree Jackson and Andra Diggs, President, Hillsborough County Chapter of Bethune-Cookman University National Alumni Association. (Photograph by Sylvester Harris)

HOMELESS, COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church hosted its Homeless/Community Service Day earlier this month. The Trustee Ministry of the church reached out to the homeless population downtown to offer them a number of community services and resources. Special guest speakers were: Sascha Cherry, Victim Advocate, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, and the Honorable Andrew Warren, State Attorney, Hillsborough County Florida. Among those who assisted with the event on the front row are: Jeffrey White, Gloria Sheppard and Mark Adams, who presided over the program. Second row, Sascha Cherry, Pastor Brett Snowden, Ambrozine Snowden, State Attorney Andrew Warren and Gwen Myers, program coordinator. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

TAMPA FAMILY DONATES $100,000 TO FAMU

The family of Herbert D. Carrington, Jr., donated $100,000 to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) at the 2017 Homecoming on Saturday, October 14^th.

This halftime presentation was among the top donors who provided gifts towards scholarships and Academic Excellence with Caring for FAMU. Other gifts presented included two School of Business and Industry (SBI) graduates from Miami and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The major giver was the National Alumni Association with the Foundation/Advancement Office, which gave a gift over the year in excess of $8.5 million.

Dr. Larry Robinson, Interim President of FAMU, left, is shown with Herbert Carrington, III, Mrs. Herbert (Luella) Carrington, Jr. and FAMU’s Vice President of Advancement, George Cotton. (Photograph courtesy of Florida A&M University)

COUPLE EXCHANGE WEDDING VOWS

  Aeriell Robinson and Corey Carr were married on Saturday, October 7, 2017. Their wedding was at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. They exchanged vows during an intimate ceremony in the presence of family and close friends. The couple is joined by their parents. From left to right: Joseph W. J. Robinson, P. E., father of the bride; Chester Carr, father of the groom; Corey Carr, groom, Mrs. Aeriell Carr, bride; Vanderlyn E. Brown, mother of the bride; and Natalie Daniels, mother of the groom. (Photo credit: Trill Photography, Dallas, TX.)

OLD SKOOL REUNION GROUP CELEBRATES 10^TH YEAR  

For the past 9 years, former residents of Ponce De Leon and College Hill Homes Public Housing Complexes have come together to keep their friendship from years past alive. Each year, a group that has never attended the all day picnic, joins the regulars. The Old Skool group held their 10-year event on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Rowlett Park. The theme for this event was “We Are Family.” Those on the Planning Committee were: kneeling, Terrance Allen; standing, Gwelda Jackson, Artrell Thompson, Sharon Bostick, Brenia Harrison, Rhonda Barnum, Theresa Wimbuhs and Matt Hilliard. In the back: David Freeman, Tyrone House and Andre Davis, Founder and President of the Old Skool group. (Photograph by BRUNSON)