Florida Sentinel Bulletin

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports that a suspect has been arrested in a shooting in Riverview that left one man dead.

At 11:45 p.m. Saturday, deputies said Richard Russell, 19, was a passenger in a vehicle when it pulled up to the Southpoint Park at 10510 Southern Point Boulevard where a deputy was working off duty. The driver told the deputy his friend, Russell, had been shot. The deputy called for an ambulance, and performed CPR on Russell until the ambulance arrived. Russell was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives learned that Russell was supposed to meet someone in the area to conduct a drug transaction. Once Russell arrived at the location, before he could get out of the passenger side of the vehicle, two suspects jumped out of the bushes and shot him. The driver took off, and found a deputy.

At 8 a. m. Sunday after being questioned by detectives, Garrett Jay Boone, 18, was charged with first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery.

Detectives said Boone was identified as one of the two suspects who jumped out of the bushes and opened fire on Russell.

The person driving the car Russell was a passenger in hasn’t been identified, because he is a witness to the incident, and the second suspect has only been described as a Black male.

Russell is a former football player from East Bay High School.

The investigation into the shooting is continuing.

ROBERT L. BRIDGES, III

On Tuesday at 9 a. m., Hillsborough County Jail inmate, Robert L. Bridges, III, 24, was in custody and sitting inside Judge Martha Cook’s courtroom waiting for his case to be called on unrelated felony charges. Bridges was secured with leg shackles as well as handcuffed in front with an attached waist chain.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, Tracey Wallace, along with a pair of bailiffs, were in the courtroom in full uniform providing security when Bridges reportedly lunged forward with both hands, and grabbed Wallace’s firearm.

Wallace took defensive action ad was able to prevent Bridges from pulling her firearm from her holster. Two other deputies helped Wallace restrain Bridges, and removed him from the courtroom. He was taken to a holding cell.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

Phase One of Tampa International Airport’s $2.5 billion Master Plan is underway. The work is all a part of the airport’s 3,300-acre master plan, with the first phase scheduled for completion in 2014. The airport is 42-years-old.

The first phase will include adding new concessions and improving concessions distribution to provide added shopping convenience for travelers and improve the airport’s stream. Also, Automated People Mover stations will be relocated into the main terminal transfer level to help expand the area in which travelers can interact with each other.

T.I.A. spokesperson, Janet Zink, said the first phase of the project will cost $935 million, and will involve a new rental car center connected to the main terminal by a people mover, and expansion of the main terminal, along with other projects.

“There should be minimal disruption of services to people using the airport. We expect to generate 10,000 jobs on this project.”

“The biggest contract hasn’t been awarded yet, and we want everyone to know that minority contracting is important to us, and people with businesses need to register on our website to guarantee they won’t be left out.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

                On Saturday, August 3^rd, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tampa Bay will institute the second phase of their recruitment efforts at a local barbershop. The first event took place last weekend.

Last weekend, the group visited the Boyz 2 Men Barbershop at University Mall. This Saturday, they will visit Cole’s Barbershop, 6011 N. 40^th Street, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Ms. Sharon Tubbs, of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay said, “The events are part of a new awareness and recruitment campaign at Big Brothers Big Sisters. We need more volunteers, especially African American males, to mentor and serve the more than 600 children now on our waiting list.

“Many of those waiting are Black boys and young teens living in single parent homes without the benefit of positive male role models. We’re hoping that the barbershop will be a great place to spread the word about the serious needs of our children.”

Otis Anthony, who is an employee of the organization said Big Brothers Big Sisters is joining with Black fraternities on the national level to save Black boys through mentoring. Mentoring is a tool proven to improve school work, school attendance, school behavior and school promotions. Mentored youngsters also have a greater level of self-confidence as well.

REV.  DR. THOMAS SCOTT

… New Tampa Sports Authority Chairman

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Tuesday, members of the Tampa Sports Authority voted to select the new Chairman for the upcoming year. Rev. Dr. Thomas Scott was unanimously voted to serve in that capacity. His 1-year term began immediately.

Rev. Dr. Scott had served on the board for three years in the past. Mayor Bob Buckhorn re-appointed him in July 2011 and his term expires in June 2015.

“I am honored to be able to serve in this capacity and I’m looking forward to working with the board,” Rev. Scott said.

Since moving to Tampa, Rev. Dr. Scott has been elected to serve on the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners and on the Tampa City Council. He has been appointed to serve on several other boards in the community.

DR. MAURICE HARVEY

                Closed ramps like this one at Lois Avenue has caused Carver City residents to travel further to get home.      

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

As work continues on the expansion of I-275, representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation recently met with residents of the Carver City/Lincoln Gardens community. That area has been drastically impacted by the project more than any other.

Dr. Maurice Harvey, President of the Carver City/Lincoln Gardens Civic Association, said after their recent meeting with FDOT, they got no answers.

“All they told us is it takes time. As far as the problems we are having, they addressed it, and just said it’s just a part of the construction.

TANIA HENDERSON

… Given 12 years in federal prison

DWAYNE JOHNSON

… Waiting to go to trial

                A HillsboroughCounty woman was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for her role in a tax fraud scheme. Her husband has been indicted and is waiting trial in reference to the case.

According to court documents, Ms. Tania Henderson, 28, of Wesley Chapel, appeared before U. S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson, in a St. Louis, Missouri courtroom.

Ms. Henderson was sentenced to 144 months in prison and court ordered to repay $835,883 in restitution.

                 ST. PETERSBURG – St. Petersburg Police report that on the night of July 22^nd, officers responded to investigate a carjacking that occurred at 11^th Avenue and 37^th Street, North.

Police said the victim had left the Regions Bank and had pulled over to the side of the road to let her dog relieve himself. That’s when she noticed a turquoise, 4-door older model vehicle driving up and down the street.

The victim told police, after she parked and was getting out of her SUV, the suspect vehicle stopped directly across the street from her. She said two Black males got out of the car, rushed over to her, knocked her to the ground, took her keys, and fled in her SUV.

The vehicle was found by backup units in the area, but the suspects evaded police.

On July 16 at 3:50 p. m., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies reported that two women walked into the Beall’s Outlet Store on Waters Avenue with an infant. The women were seen walking over to the kids clothing section while pushing the cart, and removing clothing from the racks. The items were then concealed in a large pink handbag. They also were seen taking a pair of infant shoes and putting them on the infant in the shopping cart. Both women then left the store without paying for the items.