Florida Sentinel Bulletin

2-DAY COMMUNITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT WORKSHOP

The community and law enforcement came together earlier this month for a 2-day workshop. The Community Law Enforcement Workshop (CLEW) was held December 5-6, 2016 at Clair-Mel Elementary School. Among those who took part in the workshop from left to right are: Rick Grayes, Clair-Mel Elem. Principal; Carolyn Upshaw, Florida Dept. of Corrections; Major Willie Parker, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; County Commissioner Les Miller; Fred Hearns; Roy Kaplan; Suzanne McCormick, President/CEO United Way Suncoast; and Dr. Larry Sykes, Asst. Superintendent Hillsborough County School District. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

GROUPS CELEBRATE HOMELESS LIVES MATTER, TOO

A group of citizens called “Base Camp,” consisting of representatives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, and Tampa Housing Authority, came together recently to make the holiday season bright for the homeless population. Patricia Wingo, Outreach Coordinator/Case Manager for the Tampa Housing Authority, said this is the 3^rd year for the event that was the original idea of Margaret Jones, Director of Assisted Housing Section 8 for the Housing Authority. Among those who participated in the event on the corner of Columbus Dr. and Tampa St. was the East Tampa Business and Civic Association, who distributed toiletries and fresh fruits and vegetables . Stationed at the ETBCA table were: Officer Greg Stevanus, Debra Ragan, Rosalyn Roker, Lawrence Dixon and Rose Dixon. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MIDDLETON HIGH CLASS OF 1966 HAS CHRISTMAS GALA

The Middleton Senior High School Class of 1966 held its Christmas Gala on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Embassy Suites at USF. Among classmates who attended the holiday event were, seated left to right: Luvator Nelson, Jacqueline DuPree, Carolyn Russ-Alexander, and Carolyn Brooks. Second row: Barbara Curry, Estelle Clark, Yvonne Smith, Linda Roberson, Brenda Brown, Charlesetta Arline, Louise Holder, Elizabeth Lewis, Birdie Underwood and Blanche Turner. Third row: Bernard Reese, Carolyn Watkins, Ronnie Anderson, Curtis Walker, Bennie Holder, Harold Rice and Chester Anderson.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE SEAN SHAW OPENS OFFICE

Newly-elected State Representative (Attorney) Sean Shaw held the opening of his Tampa office on Saturday, December 17, 2016. The office is located at 503 W. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. Several persons from the community stopped by to wish him well. Among those who attended the grand opening were, from left: Ross Anderson, Kerrick Williams, Gary Hartfield, Garrett Hartfield, Representative Shaw, James Ransom and Pierre Alsint. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS DONATE BIKES TO MINISTRY

Hillsborough County Public Schools magnet school bus drivers and transportation employees have been fundraising for months and have raised enough money to buy more than 80 new bikes for children this Christmas. On Wednesday, December 14, drivers delivered the bikes to the Metropolitan Ministries tent located at 905 Governor St., Tampa. The employees arrived in buses with the bikes on board. The drivers purchased the bikes, helmets and other accessories which were delivered to Metropolitan Ministries.  Those who participated in the bike presentation were: Connie Hollash, Joanna Dawson, Lorraine Boone, Katrinka Davis, Julia Berry, DelFrancio Buchanan, Tonja Cobb, Malika Sanks, Leta James, Teresa Reynolds, Linda Tarsellino, Laural Dear, Gary Nappier, Tamiko B. Henry, and Steve Bethelmy. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

COUPLE CELEBRATES SEASON WITH HOLIDAY BASH

Eric Starks and Kandace Smith hosted 300 people at the Letter Carriers Hall on Saturday, December 3, 2016 for their annual holiday bash, celebrating the Christmas season. Among those in attendance who assisted with details are from left to right: Gerald and Vida Starks, Reggie and Anndra Bean, host and hostess, Eric Starks and Kandace Smith; Loretta Hicks and Cydreia Starks. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

STREET RENAMED AFTER LONGTIME 

EAST TAMPA BISHOP

                Recently, members of the community gathered for the renaming of a street in honor of a longtime Tampa minister. Bishop Eddie Newkirk, Jr., Way, (a portion of E. 25^th Avenue in front of the church), was dedicated on Sunday, November 13, 2015, at 10 a.m. Bishop Newkirk led the congregation of St. John Cathedral for more than 45 years. He passed away on February 14, 2015. Among those in attendance at the renaming ceremony were from left to right: former State Representative Ed Narain, Pastor Tony Parker, First Lady Artest Newkirk, Pastor Dwight Newkirk, Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Mrs. Kaye Morgan, Okaye Morgan, Sr., Okaye Morgan, Jr., and Ms. Autre’ Morgan.

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

CELEBRATES 25^TH ANNIVERSARY

                Last month, members of the Caribbean Community Association gathered to celebrate 25 years of providing service to the Tampa Bay community. The group celebrated by hosting its Annual Fundraiser Gala. The event was held on November 17, 2016. The gala is held to bring together the diverse Caribbean cultures in the Tampa Bay Area and to support numerous educational and humanitarian projects. Among those on hand participating in the gala and celebration were from left to right: Ms. Allison Padmone-Haynes, First Vice President, Ms. Carol Price-Anderson, Treasurer, Ms. Caroline Seignion, Health Chairperson, Ms. Gretel Graham, Secretary, Ms. Carolyn Gayle, President, Ms. Theresa Hoyes, Entertainment and Hospitality Chairperson, and Ms. Vincia Mitchell. (Photograph by ISAAC PARSONS).

50^th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED IN ST. PETERSBURG

On Friday, November 25, 2016, Black Friday, Bonita Wright celebrated her 50th birthday in St. Petersburg with family and friends. The extravagant event was an all-black affair, that included dinner, dancing and roasting of Bonita. Her sons along with her grandson, performed a mime skit. Joining the birthday honoree were faculty and staff members from Robles Elementary School: Samrat Antigua, Beverly Humbert, Antionette Casale, Marneese Mitchell, birthday honoree, Bonita, Natasha Artis, and Antonette Smith. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)