Florida Sentinel Bulletin

FORMER BELMONT HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUERS AND FORMER ML PLAYERS CAME PREPARED FOR GAME

When the call went out to former Little Leaguers from the Belmont Heights Little League, Artis Gambrell, Jr., current president, was surprised at the response – overwhelming! Those who answered the call were willing to help the organization raise funds to revamp the facility and make some additional changes. The game on Saturday at USF Baseball Stadium was called in the 2^nd inning due to the threat of lightning. The score was 2-1 in favor of the Gold Team. Plans are to reschedule the game in the near future. Billy Reed and Ann Sullivan coached one team, and David Best and Artis Gambrell, Sr. coached the other team. James Williams was an Umpire. Former players who participated included: Derek Bell, Lonnie Benniefield, Reginald Coonce, Maurice Crum, Andre Darby, Ricky Davis, Kelvin Douglas, Andre Green, Ty Griffin, Sammy Jackson, Algerian Williams, Derrick Worrels, and Floyd Youmans. Also,  William Butler, Charles Davis, Carl Everett, Darius Ford, Carlton Gambrell, Jimmie C. Gardner, Felton Hayes, Keith Hopkins, Marvin Lancaster, Derrick Pedro, Michael Russ, Gary Sheffield, Vernon Slater, Flip Wilson, Shelldon McCarr, Reggie White, and Eugene Gilbert. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

TAMPA’S OLDEST AND LARGEST PUBLIC HOUSING COMPLEX DEMOLISHED 

The oldest and largest public housing complex owned by the Tampa Housing Authority (THA) was demolished last Thursday, June 29, 2017. The 44-acre North Boulevard Homes was built in 1940 and became home to more than 3,100 residents who resided in 832 units. The units were demolished to make way for the West River Development Project. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn bulldozed the first unit at 1709 Butler Court. Among those joining him were: David Iloanya, Director of Real Estate Development for THA, Tony Del Pozzi, Vice Pres. of Finance for Related Urban, Brett Green, Director of Acquisition for Related Urban, Mayor Buckhorn, Jerome Ryans, President/Chief Executive Officer, Tampa Housing Authority and Leroy Moore, Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. (Photograph by Frederick Harris) 

YOUNG MEN CLOSE DOOR ON HIGH SCHOOL AS THEY PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE

These young men who graduated from Hillsborough High School last month have closed the chapter on one section of their lives. They will now begin to prepare for the future as they go away to college, trade school or enter the workforce. These Terriers from “the Big Red’ are: Nate Dantley, Jr., Joshua Gonzalez, Duran S. Bell, Jr., Russell Booth and Leon Gatlin, III. (Photograph by Frederick Harris) 

HILLSBOROUGH  COUNTY BRANCH NAACP YOUTH COUNCIL HOSTS ACT-SO COMPETITION

The Hillsborough County Branch NAACP held its ACT-SO competition during “Sunday Showcase.” The event, on Sunday, June 11^th, was held in the Life Center at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Juwan Ayer-Cole was the ACT-SO Chairperson. Also during the dinner, officers of the Branch’s Youth Council were installed. Those competing in the ACT-SO competition are preparing for a trip next month to Baltimore, Maryland where the national competition will be held. From left to right, front row, are: Destinee Filmore, Committed Mentor Award recipient; Mrs. Clara McCalla, Dr. Juwan Ayer-Cole, Chairperson; Mahalia Brookes, and James Cole, NAACP Youth Council Advisor and Branch Youth Works Chair. On the back row are: Dr. Bennie Small, President, Hillsborough County Branch NAACP; Pierre Alsint, Alease Yo, Aiyla Harris, James C. Cole, Makayla Massey and Kyle Smith. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

CITY OF TAMPA BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS

The City of Tampa Black History Committee held its 19^th Annual Scholarship presentation on Tuesday, June 6^th at the Holiday Inn-Westshore. As of 2016, the committee had presented more than $159,000 in scholarships to 109 students. One of the scholarships presented this year was the Bobby Bowden Scholarship. Bowden presented the $3,000 scholarship to Keyshawn Spain, a graduate of Armwood High School. He plans to matriculate to Florida A&M University to study Engineering. From left are: Ross Anderson of Men of Vision, Spain’s mother, Ms. Floretta Stewart, Spain and Bobby Bowden, retired City of Tampa employee, who founded the City of Tampa Black History Committee. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

SHRINERS HOST DESERT OF FLORIDA GALA DAY CELEBRATION IN TAMPA

Harram Temple No. 23, Inc., Prince Hall Shriners and Harram Court No. 96, Daughters hosted the Desert Conference/Gala Day Celebration 2017 in Tampa, on May 24-28, 2017. The public program was held on May 26, 2017, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The theme was “Tampa – City by the Bay 2017 Gala Day.” Many local elected officials and others took part in this program. Among the Shriners who participated were: HPIP Pierre Rutledge, Desert Chief Rabban, who presided over the program; Illustrious Potentate Lesley ‘Les’ Miller, a member of the Planning Committee; Billy McLamb, No. 182, Imperial Deputy of the Desert of Florida; and Chairman HPIP Earl Haugabook, Imperial Deputy of the Oasis (Tampa). (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

MARY E. MAY PRAYERLINE MINISTRY PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDENT

The Mary E. May Intercessory Prayerline Ministry held its Scholarship Breakfast recently to present a scholarship and gifts to a deserving student. The breakfast was held in the Life Center of First Baptist Church of College Hill. The Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Joan Dawson and the Founder and President, Mary E. May presented the scholarship to Ky’aura George, 2017 Valedictorian at Armwood High School. Ky’aura, center, is shown with her family: Rod Henderson, Verlon Harris, Rhoda Hubbard, Sandra Williams, Chutney McClora, Anthony McClora and Kennedy Hubbard. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

LEADERS OF GREEK-LETTER ORGANIZATIONS GATHER IN TAMPA FOR RETREAT

The National Pan-Hellenic Council brought its Council of Presidents to Tampa June 1-3 for their annual retreat. In addition to planning for future events, the group of Presidents also had fun. This year the fun consisted of a cook-off of Cuban History. Tampa resident and National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Paulette Walker, was instrumental in the group holding its retreat in Tampa. She is also President of the Council of Presidents. Known as the “Divine 9,” those who attended the retreat were: from left to right, sitting, Deborah Catchings-Smith, International Grand Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; Dr. Paulette Walker (Tampa resident), National President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and Mary B. Wright, International Grand Basileus, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. From left to right standing: Taylor McCain, Second Vice President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Jennifer M. Jones, National President, National Pan-Hellenic Council; Cody Charles, Second Vice President, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Tony Knox, Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Robert Clark, Grand Polaris, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity; Thomas Battles,  Grand Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Sam Walthour, Executive Director, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Jarrod Benjamin, 2^nd Vice President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and Cynthia Howell, Executive Director Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Photograph by Kerrick Williams)