Florida Sentinel Bulletin

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 5:30 a. m. Monday about a disturbance in the 100 block of Winston Manor Circle in Seffner.

When deputies arrived, they found 33-year-old Ervin Washington lying in the driveway of his home, dead from gunshot wounds.

According to deputies, the incident appears to be domestic related, and the woman who shared the home with Washington, Emon Kellar, 34, was arrested.

Spokesperson, Cristal Bermudez Nunez, said when deputies arrived at the home, Kellar wasn’t there, but there were children inside the home. She, however, did arrive later, and was questioned and taken into custody. She was not in possession of the handgun authorities believe was used in the shooting.

Nunez said there were five other people in the house at the time of the shooting, four of them children, and one a 20-year-old. The couple had two of the five children in common.

Nunez said deputies had been to the home before on reports of domestic violence, and neighbors said the couple argued a lot.

Nunez said Kellar will be charged with first-degree murder with a firearm. A warrant has been secured so investigators can go inside the home in an attempt to locate the firearm.

It was reported that Washington coached a youth football league team in Brandon.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

Other than Black History month, Kwanzaa, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, there aren’t many African American historical events.

The oldest know celebrating commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States is called Juneteenth. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19^th that Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war was over, and that slaves were now free. This was 2-1/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation that became official January 1, 1863.

Dee Jackson (pictured), along with others from the West Tampa Community Group, are planning a Juneteenth event for the entire city and county.

“We think it’s important that African Americans remember their history, and the events that made it possible for all of us to enjoy the quality of life we have now.

“In planning this event, our main focus was on making it something for everyone in the entire city to be a part of instead of just a designated community.”

The group is planning a banquet and Gospel music extravaganza over the three-day (June 14, 15, and 16) period for the event.

Jackson said some top Gospel acts have already committed to be a part of the celebration, and others are being sought.

“Everything is going to be held in West Tampa, but that doesn’t mean the other communities can’t join in to make this Tampa’s biggest event.

“We want to make sure that people understand the importance of Juneteenth, and come out and help us celebrate our freedom.”

Anyone interested in becoming a part of the Juneteenth celebration in West Tampa as a performer or volunteer, can call (813) 735-4425 for more information.

The group is currently soliciting the City of Tampa to be a part of the celebration, and they recently received a proclamation from Hillsborough County.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Earlier this month, members of the City of Tampa City Council addressed an ordinance pertaining to stereo music emulating from vehicles. On Thursday, the Council members passed the ordinance after listening to several people address their concerns about the noise level in their respective neighborhoods.

Council members directed the City Attorney to make the law enforceable 24 hours a day. If passed, the ordinance would allow police to stop a car if the music could be heard within 50 feet. The first citation would be considered a civil infraction and the driver would be given a $250.00 fine.

A second offense would also be civil, but would increase the ticket to $450.00. A third offense could bring a 60-day jail sentence and/or a $500.00 fine.

In April, members of the City Council passed an ordinance to address the issue of loud music. However, Council requested additional research on the ordinance from the legal department.

The original ordinance was ruled unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court. However, Councilman Frank Reddick said this version of the ordinance has been revised. The revision changes the distance music can be heard from 100 feet to 50 feet. He also said it could withstand legal challenges.

The Florida Supreme Court justices rejected the 2005 law because it wasn’t universally applicable to all types of noise. That law allowed officers to stop motorists if the music was plainly audible within 25 feet. In doing so, the court upheld the 2^nd District Court of Appeal decision.

In December 2012, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the law allowing officers to cite drivers for loud music was unconstitutional. Since that time, the City of Tampa has revisited and restructured its ordinance.

The first reading of the ordinance passed 5-1 vote. Councilwoman Lisa Montelione voted against it and Councilwoman Mary Mulhern was absent.

The second reading of the ordinance will take place on June 6^th. If approved, it will immediately become law.

On Tuesday, Tampa Police detectives released surveillance footage that shows people who may have witnessed a shooting early Saturday morning that left one person dead and another injured.

Wayne Lanier, had gone to the Hollywood Nites strip club where a fight reportedly broke out just after 2 a. m. Police said security guards made everyone leave the club, but shots were fired minutes later outside the club. Lanier was shot as he sat in the backseat of a car. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Also wounded in the incident was Omar Bacon, 26.

Detectives say the surveillance video show people who were near Lanier when he was shot and may have information on the shooting.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

At 7:35 Tuesday morning, landscapers in the area of 707 Providence Road walked up on a frightening sight.

Lying on the ground near a public storage unit business was the body of 27-year-old Wilkin Baker.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives were called to the scene, and after preliminary examination of Baker’s body, they determined he had suffered trauma to his upper body. His exact cause of death will be released later by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

According to Baker’s sister, Diane Warner, he came to the United States at the age of 12 from the Dominican Republic. “Wilkin is married and has two children. He was a very live person who loved to dance.

“He has 9 brothers and sisters, and quality time is very special to us. We love listening to music, riding on the back of our family truck, and just hanging out with each other.”

Ms. Warner said Baker was a caretaker for the elderly, and worked night and day. She also said she was sending him his birth certificate so he could start the process of becoming a U. S. citizen.

The family has not released any details about final arrangements at this time, and are waiting to find out what really happened to Baker.

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida A&M University (FAMU) has named Sylvester Young its new director of marching and pep bands.  Young, a FAMU graduate and former member of the Marching “100,” spent nearly 25 years at Ohio University, most recently as band director.  FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson made the announcement last week after an extensive nationwide search process.

“Dr. Young is a talented and experienced administrator, musician and scholar who I believe will provide strong discipline, leadership and vision for the Marching “100,” Robinson said. “Dr. Young has had a stellar career as director of bands at several universities and I am looking forward to Young continuing the great traditions of the Marching “100″ when we deem it ready to return to the field.”

“I am honored to be back home at FAMU and fully embrace the challenge ahead,” Young said.  “The Marching “100” had such a positive impact on me and I know firsthand what this band means to FAMU.  We will enter a new era of excellence for the band and I am proud to be leading the charge.”

Young has served as an associate professor of music since 1990 at Ohio University where he taught courses in marching band techniques, jazz ensemble methods, computer skills for musicians and instrumentation.

“As chair of the search committee, we were looking for someone who has the respect of his peers, the experience and the passion to continue the practices that have made the Marching “100” a household name,” Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rodner Wright said. “We are pleased with our choice.”

For six years, Young served as director of bands for Ohio University.  Prior to that appointment, he served as director of bands at Hampton University from 1982 to 1990 and Lincoln University from 1979 to 1982.

Young earned his undergraduate degree in music education in 1969.  He went on to earn his master’s education degree from the Bowling Green State of Ohio in 1970 and a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The bands he has directed have been invited to perform at many prestigious events. In 1993, Ohio University’s band was the only marching band to represent the state of Ohio in former President William “Bill” Clinton’s Inaugural Parade.  In 1992 and 1995, the Ohio University Marching Band performed for the Detroit Lions and in 1991 and 1994 for the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

In his new role as FAMU director of Marching at Pep Bands, Young will report to the chair of the Department of Music and will oversee all aspects of the marching and pep bands.  He will also plan and direct the summer high school band camp and serve as the liaison between the Athletic Department, the Division of Student Affairs and the Department of Music.

Young is scheduled to report to work on June 14, with an annual salary of $105,000.

On Sunday afternoon, an 8-year-old Palm River girl was attacked by a dog. She was later hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue were called on a report of a dog attacking a child at 2:20 p. m. in the 3200 block of Lancaster Lane.

Animal Control was called to the scene and said the dog was a male breed know as an American Staffordshie Terrier. He was taken away.

A relative of the injured girl said the attack came as a shock to everyone.

“No one has ever complained about that dog before. We have visited the owner’s residence many times, and nothing has ever happened. This took us all by surprise.”

The relative, who didn’t want to be identified, said the dog’s owner was also shocked, and no one knows what made the dog attack the girl.

“When we’d go over to visit, she always interacted with the dog, and there were never any problems.

“The incident scared her, and she’s in a lot of pain. It could have been a lot worse, and we’re all grateful for that. She’s at home resting now, and I think her school year is over.”

Animal Services will continue to investigate the incident.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

In October 2006, the Clearwater Police Department received a grant from the Department of Justice to investigate human trafficking in the Tampa Bay Area. The funds were used to create the Clearwater/ Tampa Bay Area Task Force (CATFHT).

Last Friday, Clearwater Police Chief Anthony Holloway, along with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Task Force members held a news conference to announce the arrest of two men. Shawn Derrick Franklin (pictured, right), 42, and Peter Demond Kitt, 41, both of Clearwater are being held on a $1 Million Bond. They are charged with Racketeering and Conspiracy/Racketeering.

Further, the men will not be allowed to post bond unless they can prove the source of the money used for the bond, Chief Holloway said.

Both men are accused of being involved in human trafficking and sex trafficking. Police have identified at least 16 women who are alleged victims.

Peter Kitt

According to the investigation, the women were recruited from strip clubs. They were then allegedly trained as prostitutes and provided drugs. If they refused the drugs, they were controlled through beatings and sexual assaults. Police said one woman was so severely beaten that she required hospitalization.

Ms. Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General said, “These arrests are the first step in bringing justice and peace to the victims of this alleged sex trafficking ring.

“Florida is a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking, and any individuals engaged in this abhorrent crime will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

She further stated that society has to change the way it views prostitution, “these women are victims.” Ms. Bondi also warned the investigation is not over and the task force is continuing its investigation. “If you’re one of johns involved in this, we’re going to go after you, too.”

Chief Holloway said, “This is a great day for the task force to take really violent guys off the street, and to rescue at least 16 victims. It’s hard to believe that these things happen in our towns and in our neighborhoods. Human trafficking is violent and it is real, and we are dedicated to stopping it in the Tampa Bay Area.”

The investigation began last June after Tampa Police sent a tip about Kitt to the task force. During an arrest as a result of a prostitution sting, police allegedly found guns, drugs, and driver’s licenses belonging to women in his vehicle.

However, Kitt was released from jail on bond.

One of the alleged victims began working with the Task Force and told police Kitt allegedly pushed the women to develop drug addictions. All of the alleged victims are in their 20s. Once trained as prostitutes, Kitt is alleged to have set them up at bay area hotels. He is also alleged to have used Backpage.com to make arrangements with johns. Franklin was the alleged “enforcer” when Kitt was not around, police said.

Other agencies in the Task Force are the Department of Homeland Security, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, State Attorney Bernie McCabe, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, Largo Police Department, Pinellas Park Police Department, and St. Petersburg Police Department. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case.

Three women have been rescued and authorities are encouraging other victims to come forward. Others victimized can contact the Clearwater Bay Area Task Force On Human Trafficking at (727) 562-4917, of Florida’s hotine at 1-800-96-ABUSE.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Ms. Lakesia Seymore said her only son and youngest of three children was home Friday when he received a telephone call from friends. He then decided to go out with them.

Later that night, Ms. Seymore received a telephone call advising her that her son had been shot. Wayne Thomas Lanier, Jr., 21, was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he died.

According to the Tampa Police Department, a fight took place inside the Hollywood Nites Club, 3005 N. Howard Avenue, shortly after 2 a. m., Saturday. Club Security broke the fight up and then made everyone leave. The crowd then spilled into the parking lot.

According to his mother, once outside of the club an unidentified suspect(s) shot into the car Lanier was in. He was sitting in the backseat. Lanier was shot in the head.

Police said Omar R. Bacon, 26, who was treated at St. Joseph’s Hospital for non life-threatening injuries and later released, was also shot.

Ms. Janelle McGregor, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said, “The parking lot was very crowded at the time of the shooting and we are very confident there were eyewitnesses to the shooting. We are asking the witnesses to come forward for the sake of the family and for the sake of the investigation.” Ms. McGregor said the investigation is active and could release no additional information.

Telephone calls to the manager of Hollywood Nites were not returned as of press time.

Mom Says Son Was Well Loved

A Tampa native, Lanier attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He attended Blake High School, where he was an outstanding athlete. After graduation, he began working with his stepfather, Alex Harris, in his lawn care business.

She further said, “My son was very quiet and never bothered anyone. There have been so many people coming by and no one has anything bad to say about him.”

Lanier loved sports and working with his hands repairing things and had decided to return to school and pursue a career as an engineer. However, he was too late to begin during the current semester.

His girlfriend, Ms. Renesha Gilbert, is pregnant with his first child. The baby is due August 8^th, 16 days before his birthday on August 24^th.

Fourth Death In Family 

This is the fourth death Lanier’s paternal family must endure. Earlier this year, Lanier’s grandfather, Walter Smith died.

The family attended two funerals of relatives who died one day apart. John Lanier died on April 26^th and Mrs. Hattie Lanier (John Lanier’s brother’s wife), died the following day. Both funerals were held on May 4^th.

In addition to his parents and two older sisters, Lanier is also survived by four other siblings; two grandmothers, Mrs. Eva Cochran and Mrs. Martha Seymore; grandfather, Howard Seymore, other family members and friends.

Family Needs Help With Funeral

Ms. Seymore said her son did not have insurance and hopes the community can help with donations for his burial. Funeral services for Lanier were incomplete at press time. Ray Williams Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.