Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

Unity Youth Football, a member of American Youth Football, Incorporated, an NFL partner, will be hosting a raffle to raise funds for new helmets.

The lucky winner will receive a 2012 Chevrolet Cobalt, and Councilman Frank Reddick will select the winning ticket.

Unity Youth Football Conference Executive Director, Orlando Gudes, said they have been mandated to have all of their current helmets replaced before the 2014 season.

“We have always put the safety of our athletes first, and when a new helmet was developed to help prevent concussions, we were told to get them for our players.

“We decided to start now raising the $25,000 we will need to replace the helmets of our four associations. That means close to 500 helmets will be replaced.”

Gudes said the new helmets will be specially fitted for the players on July 27^th, and they will have a brain pad and an upper and lower mouthpiece that holds the jaw in place.

The four associations under Unity Youth Football are the Highland Pines Falcons, Riverview Tide, Copeland Saints, and Jackson Heights Vikings.

Tickets for the raffle are $10.00 for one, $15.00 for two, ad $25.00 for three. You can also purchase 12 tickets for $100 to increase your chances of winning the car.

You do not need to be present to win, and please contact Patricia McClendon to purchase tickets at (813) 385-2158.

The Tampa Bay Black Nurses Association has teamed up with the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute to offer free memory screenings to Africa American seniors in East Tampa.

Through a $25,000 grant from Kendal Charitable Funds, the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute will collaborate with the Tampa Bay Black Nurses Association to bring an innovative, community-based approach to providing screenings for Alzheimer’s and other diseases causing memory loss to East Tampa.

A memory screening is a simple and safe evaluation tool that checks memory and other cognitive skills. The screening consists of a series of questions and tasks, and last for 30 minutes. It is administered by qualified healthcare professionals.

Screening results are not a diagnosis, and individuals with below-normal scores, or who have concerns, are encouraged to pursue a full medical exam by a licensed physician.

The Tampa Bay Black Nurses Association will conduct the memory screenings, provide education about risk factors, and explain screenings results.

To learn more about the memory screening program, or to schedule a appointment, call (813) 767-4639, or email nurserc6@gmail.com.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Family members and friends gathered on Saturday, June 8^th, to pay final tribute to Anthony Jerome Lee, a.k.a. South Beach Wanda. Lee was an entertainer who was shot and killed on May 28^th while at the home of a friend.

Just before the family was to leave, his sister, Mrs. Barbara Thomas said she received a telephone call from a Tampa Police detective letting her know that they were going to make an arrest for her brother’s murder.

“I had prayed to the Lord would reveal his shooter before he was buried. By the time we had gotten to the cemetery, the man had already been arrested.

“I didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t want to jinx the arrest. I waited until after everything was over. Until we were at the repast and then I told my family about the arrest,” Mrs. Thomas said.

According to Tampa Police, on the night of May 28^th, Lee was inside the residence at 3911 E. Genesee. His sister said he had a friend with small children who lived there and when he was in town, he would stop by and do whatever he could to help.

Police said three people in a dark-colored Dodge Magnum arrived at the residence. Two of the occupants remained in the car while the third person approached the residence.

As Lee answered the door, he was forced inside and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Lee was shot and died at a local hospital.

DeAndre Tolliver

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s web page, Deandre B. Tolliver, 23, was arrested at 12 noon on Saturday, June 8^th. He was charged with first degree murder and robbery with a firearm. Tolliver, who listed a Mulberry, Florida address, is being held without bond.

Police said the investigation is continuing as they attempt to identify additional suspects associated with the murder.

Mrs. Thomas said she didn’t know the man.

“I don’t know him, but he will get to know us. Every time there is a court date, some family member will be there. He doesn’t understand what he took from us.”

A Tampa native, Lee, 49, launched his career as a female impersonator after completing high school. He loved the television show “In Living Color,” and modeled his onstage persona after one of the characters known as “Wanda.” His profession resulted in him mimicking female performers such as Diana Ross. His sister said he idolized the late Whitney Houston.

As Lee perfected his craft, he became known throughout the nation as “South Beach Wanda.”

His funeral services were held at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member.

Tampa Police Homicide detectives are searching for a man they believe gunned down another man after the two argued Sunday.

Police said Edward Howard, Jr., 21, and David Irvin, 18, were at 13^th Street and East Yukon in Sulphur Springs when they got into an argument that escalated into a physical altercation.

Police said Irvin shot Howard after the confrontation. Howard was pronounced dead at the scene, and Irvin fled.

A warrant has been issued for Irvin’s arrest on a charge of murder.

Howard celebrated his 21^st birthday Saturday.

According to Howard’s mother, Dollie Foster, Edward had gone to a cousin’s graduation a couple of days before his birthday, and they all had a great time.

“He was so excited about his birthday coming up. He wanted to go back to school and start his own music company.

“I didn’t see him on his birthday, but he did call ad said he was getting a ride to come over. He never got the chance.”

Ms. Foster said her son was with a close friend who was celebrating his birthday the same day.

“He spent the night at his friend’s house, and something happened over there.

“What we were told is that a gang boys tried to beat him up, and he got the best of them. He had walked to a store, and was on his way back when he noticed two cars following him. Inside the car was one of the guys he had fought. At Yukon and 13^th, they caught up with him, and the guy got out of the car and shot him. We don’t know the boy who shot him, and had never seen him before.”

Howard, known to family members as “Jizzel,” was the youngest of four children. He didn’t have any children of his own, and his mother said, he never got the chance to start a family.

“Jizzel loved rapping and making everyone laugh. He was the clown of the family.

“He was born in Central Park Village, but grew up in Sulphur Springs, and had a lot of friends there.”

The family has requested assistance with funeral expenses for Edward Howard, Jr., and ask that you call (813) 239-1889 for donations.

The family is planning for a service this Saturday, followed by a “Going Away” block party.

“We want everyone to celebrate the time Jizzel spent with us, instead of being sad that he’s gone,” said Ms. Foster.

“That’s why we decided to have a celebration instead of a traditional funeral.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

City of Tampa Economic Development Administrator, Bob McDonaugh, said the 22^nd Street Enhancement Project is on schedule to be completed by September, and there have been no setbacks.

“There will be some interruptions of service at Lake Avenue and 22nd Street for the installation of a traffic light.”

The Enhancement Project started almost 3 years ago, and has disrupted business along the 22^nd Street corridor.

Councilman Frank Reddick’s office has been contacted by the owners of the cleaners and hair salon who have complained about the project and how their businesses have been disrupted.

At issue with the hair salon is access to the parking area for their customers. As part of the enhancement project, the plan was to install a concrete apron along the perimeter of the salon, and the owner has asked that it be made wider so that vehicles will be able to enter and safely back out of the parking lot.

The cleaners have requested that no changes be made in their present entry and exit points.

Contractors have offered a solution to the hair salon that they can either leave return the entrance to its original form, or configure it to park four vehicles and not back out into the street.

The solutions they’ve offered the cleaners is to leave as it, encourage the owner to change their one-way drive to pedestrian only, or encourage the owner to designate a accessible space and striped access to the front door from the rear parking lot.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

On Thursday, after a heated discussion and input from citizens, the Tampa City Council adopted a pair of ordinances to deal with loud music. The ordinances will address loud music coming from cars only.

The main point of concern for the Council was the penalty phase, as many felt that playing loud music was not a criminal act, and should not require the offender be arrested and taken to jail.

The primary focus was to create an ordinance police could enforce when they receive calls of complaints from citizens, or personally witness a vehicle playing loud music.

Council members decided that the ordinance should be applied as a Civil Penalty, and come under Classification Two. That means first time violators would be fined $150, second time violators $300, and on the third offense, you would be fined $450, with law enforcement given the option of arresting the violator.

Tampa Police District III Commander, Major Diane Hobley-Burney, addressed the Council by telling them they do not put people in jail or impound cars because of loud music.

“We will support whatever position you take, because it is our responsibility to make sure citizens enjoy the quality of life they deserve.”

Maj. Hobley-Burney said in 2010, her district received 234 calls for loud music coming from cars; 1,045 in 2011, and 851 in 2012.

“Currently, we have nothing we can use as a tool. We can stop a vehicle playing loud music, and ask them to turn it down, and if they refuse, there’s nothing we can do.”

Councilman Reddick made a motion that the ordinances be done with their recommendations, and he was seconded by Councilman Suarez.

City Attorney Rebecca Kert returned to Council with two ordinances, one that addresses the violation, and another that will address the penalty for violators.

A U. S. District judge sentenced a Tampa woman to five years and six months in federal prison. She entered a guilty plea to theft of government property and aggravated identity theft earlier this year.

According to court documents, in addition to the prison sentence, U. S. District Judge James D. Whittemore court ordered Ms. Nikia Williams to forfeit jewelry valued at more than $110,000 that was traceable to the proceeds of tax fraud. She also consented to forfeit a 2007 Mercedes Benz that she purchased for $30,000 in cash.

According to her plea agreement, Ms. Williams began filing fraudulent income tax claims in January 2011. She filed more than 150 fraudulent tax returns electronically from her residence. Ms. Williams is also liked to other tax returns based on her use of debit cards containing fraudulently obtained tax refunds.

Ms. Williams entered her guilty plea in federal court on February 27, 2013.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A Pinellas County man who reportedly violated the terms of his probation is facing 20 years in prison. However, his attorney has asked the judge to reduce the sentence.

Charles Melvin Fox, 38, was arrested in July 2011 on numerous charges that included sex trafficking, deriving support from the proceeds of prostitutions, and unlawful use of two-way communications, among others.

According to Tampa Police Detective Mike Victor, the victims were very afraid of Fox and agreed to a plea agreement. Fox was given 10 years of probation on the charges. He was sentenced in January 30, 2012.

“He was given a very, very, very lenient sentence. Some of the girls had started new lives, some had formed successful relationships, and they just didn’t want to relive it. He ruined their lives. So they agreed to the plea agreement,” Detective Victor said.

Detective Victor said Fox came on his radar in 2009 while he was investigating other cases of sex trafficking. He said Fox had about 6 women he was forcing into prostitution at that time.

Earlier this year, Tampa Police were called to the Scores Gentlemen’s Club on North Dale Mabry in reference to a fight. Detective Victor said when police arrived, Fox had his shirt off and was very uncooperative with police. The officer noted that Fox was on probation and had left Pinellas County.

Detective Victor said the club, among others was one of the places Fox recruited women for prostitution. He also said Fox transported women across state lines to commit the crime.

“I tracked him all across the country beginning in 2009. He came here from California, and was active in prostitution for at least a couple of years before that.”

Two weeks after the fight at the strip club, Fox was once again out of Pinellas County without permission when the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reportedly stopped and ticketed him on a traffic infraction, Detective Victor said.

According to jail records, Fox was arrested on March 28^th and charged with violation of probation. He appeared before Hillsborough County Judge Chet Thorpe on May 21^st, and was sentenced to 20 years in Florida State Prison.

Mark Cox, spokesman for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said the judge can agree to the reduction of the sentence or decide to let it stand. If he lets it stand, then the attorney representing Fox will have to file an appeal to the sentence.

The City of Tampa is urging residents to be prepared for a severe storm with the potential for heavy rainfall and encourages residents to anticipate flooding, which may result in road closures and traffic detours. To report any flooding, residents should call (813) 274-3101.

In preparation, the City of Tampa requests that residents with a storm drain on their property check to ensure that the drain is clear of debris such as leaves and trash.

Alert Tampa, the city’s official emergency alert system, will notify those who sign up of time sensitive notifications which will be sent directly to your email, cell phone, and in some cases, home phone.  To sign up today, visit our website at  tampagov.net/alerttampa or call (813) 231-6184.

Residents are also encouraged to stay tuned to local television and radio stations for information.

Sandbags

The City of Tampa will make sandbags available to city residents at three locations starting June 5, 2013. Residents may pick-up sandbags at the following locations: Himes Sports Complex, 4500 South Himes Avenue; Jackson Heights Playground, 3310 E. Lake Avenue; and City of Tampa Solid Waste at 4010 W. Spruce Street.

Residents interested in receiving sandbags must show identification verifying residence within the city limits. A valid driver’s license, utility bill, or electric bill will serve as appropriate identification.

Sandbags will be available today until 6 p.m. on June 5^th, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Thursday, June 6^th.

Safety Precautions

During any heavy rainfall or severe weather event, the City of Tampa encourages the motoring public to heed traffic advisories, obey traffic signs/detours, and to exercise caution when driving in and around standing water.

Do not drive through water – it is difficult to determine how deep the water is, or if the road is stable.

It is best to avoid driving unless necessary.

Do not wade in flooded waters.

Treat non-functioning traffic signals as a 4-way stop.

If you see a road closed, please follow the detour signs.

Avoid any downed or hanging power lines – they may be live.

If you are using a generator – be sure to keep it outside in the open. Never use a generator indoors or in your garage; it gives off toxic fumes.