Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BATS ARE SWINGING AT BELMONT HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE

      Several teams of young people were introduced last month when Opening Day was held for the Belmont Heights Little League. Since then, bats have been swinging and balls thrown across the plate as the 2016 Little League Baseball season has begun. The Tampa Bay Rays sponsored all 5 of the tee-ball teams at Belmont Heights. One of the teams introduced was the Black Rays, sponsored by the Florida Sentinel Bulletin. Members of the coach-pitch team are: Khadin Anderson, Malik Booker, Robert Booker, Trevor Bradley, Aaron Green, Jasyiah Knighton, Torrance Lee, Omari Loyola, Cyncere Mitchell, Ivanoynia Patman, Da’Zarah Pinckney, Chadwick Stokes, Jr., and Acelin Walker. Nathaniel Martin is the manager and Teddy Bradley is the coach. Artis Gambrell is President of the League. (Photo by BRUNSON

HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR GRAND OPENING OF PERRY HARVEY, SR. PARK

      A crowd estimated at about 2,000 persons turned out on Sunday, April 3^rd for the Grand Opening of the Perry Harvey, Sr. Park.  Visitors to the park came from far and near to be a part of the day’s celebration. Mayor Bob Buckhorn gave opening remarks and several others spoke. The park is full of activities preserving the history of Central Ave. in its heyday. Several members of the Harvey family were in attendance. From left to right are: Maurice and  Felecia Harvey, Lauren and Gregory Fleming,  Darele Campbell, Dr. Kermit Harvey, Ray Campbell, Christopher Harvey, daughters, Gustava Harvey and Dorothy Harvey Keel;  Sonja McCoy and Vincent McCoy. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

TOBA PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO BLAKE STUDENTS

   This week was the week of giving for the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA). Members of the organization visited George S. Middleton High School on Monday to present scholarships to 2 students. Wednesday morning representatives of the organization stopped off at Howard W. Blake High School and presented scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to Donte Glover and Alexis Sealy. From left to right are: Lewis Brinson, Chief of Diversity, Hillsborough County School District; Dr. Glenn Cherry, TOBA Member; scholarship recipients, Donte Glover and Alexis Sealy; James Ransom, TOBA Member; and Jesse Salters, Blake Principal. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

FASHION SHOW HELD TO BENEFIT SICKLE CELL AWARENESS  

   The Hands Of Hope Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. held its 3^rd annual fashion show on March 12^th on the campus of the University of South Florida in the Music Building. This year’s theme was “We Are Family,” as the disease affects all members of the family. Guest speakers were Dr. Linda Perdue and Leroy Staley. Members of the Board of Directors in attendance were: Dale Savage, Monic Savage, Gloria Elliott, Angela Birdsong and Cecelia “CeCe” Mitchell, President and Founder of the Hands of Hope Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

GOLFERS GATHER IN TAMPA TO KICK OFF ADVOCATES PRO TOUR

     The first leg of a golf tour by Advocates Pro Golf Tour began in Tampa the weekend of March 11^th and will continue to other cities. Upcoming tours are scheduled for Atlanta, New Orleans, Pensacola and Los Angeles. Among the organizers and board members who were in attendance for the Tampa tour were from left: Kenneth Brantley, Tour Executive Director; Henry Brandon, Dr. Michael Cooper, Christian Heavens, Montreal Wells, Tony Ferguson, and Adrian Skills. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

SORORITY HONORED WITH ‘LAMP OF KNOWLEDGE’ AWARD

   Instead of cramming all of its Black History celebrations in the month of February, the Robert W. Saunders Library Foundation hosts the Black History Experience at least once every month, sometimes twice. The program recognizes a group or organization as its “Lamp of Knowledge” for the month. Earlier this month, the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was the award recipient. The sorority shared an abundance of information and photos with those in attendance. From left to right are: ??? Dr. Sylvia Marion Carley, Fred Hearns, President, Robert W. Saunders Foundation, Inc.; Attorney Carolyn House Stewart, former International President; Carrie Hurst, Librarian; Deb Barnes, President, Gamma Theta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and Davina Carrington. (Photograph by BRUNSON)

MEN’S GROUP HEALTH FORUM CELEBRATES 1^ST ANNIVERSARY

   The Men’s Group Health Forum, which meets monthly with health experts as guests, celebrated its 1^st anniversary during its February meeting. David Snow, III was the facilitator, Chester White gave the welcome and Superintendent Charles Davis offered prayer. The group meets monthly at College Hill Church of God in Christ. Among the men in attendance were: Coach Billy Reed, Ted Daniels, Sylvester McCullough, Isaiah Safford, Dennis Saffold, Ruben Thomas, Lonzo Williams, Robert McKenzie, Mat Powell, Charles Sherry, Alfred Pyles, Phillip Austin, Superintendent Charles Davis, host pastor; LuArthur Robertson, Clifford Canty, Rev. Larrie Lepard, David Snow, III and Chester White. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)

FORMER HONEYWELL EMPLOYEES COME TOGETHER AFTER 15 YEARS

Former employees of Honeywell Tampa Operations reunited during Black History Month after 15 years. The group gathered at the Tampa Park Community Center in Tampa Park Plaza. A committee, chaired by Frankie Nelson, pulled the group together for this event. Among those in attendance were: seated, Barbara Smith, Carole Mitchell, Carolyn Sullivan, Frankie Nelson, Annie Cason, Gwen McNeal, Pat LaFrance and Betty Jenkins. Second row, standing left to right: Ernest Brown, Alice Brown, Willie Mae Peterson, Eva Russell, Lee A. Daniels, Ted Cannedy, Mary Holmes, Elizabeth Bucklin, Gloria McNutt, Velma Doyle, Linda Watson and Will Jenkins. On the third row: Gloria Kelly, Shirley F. Best, Mary Teal, Janet Smith and Gary Ganey. (Photograph by Sylvester Harris)

EDUCATORS HONORED AT RETIREMENT RECEPTION

 On Friday, February 26, 2016, Young Middle Magnet School held a reception for two highly respected teachers who retired. In addition to faculty and staff, about 35 people came out to celebrate and roast the retirees – Franklin Brooks and Bryant Haith. Brooks, who retired after 35 years as an educator, is shown with his family: Jonathan Hudson, Jeremiah Watson, Barbara Brooks, Michael Rucker, Jr., Irma Hudson, Franklin Brooks, Sr., Beverly Brooks, Tiffany Rucker with Elisha Rucker, and Michael Rucker, Sr. (Photograph by Frederick Harris)