Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A former high school standout athlete died on Tuesday, following a long illness. He was 59 years old.

According to his son, Anddrikk Frazier, Andrew Frazier, Jr., died on Tuesday, amid family members. He began having health issues in 2001. Frazier was diagnosed with A.L.S., (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2009.

“He really had it rough during the last years and I want to thank the Florida Chapter of ALS for their help. ALS is a disease that is pretty common among former athletes,” Anddrikk Frazier said.

Raised in Tampa, Frazier was the son of Mrs. Bertha Frazier and the late Andrew Frazier, Sr. He married Mrs. Sharon Frazier 37 years ago, and to that union, three children, Anddrikk, Sharvettye, and Alleo, were born.

Frazier attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He began playing basketball for the Middleton High School Tigers his junior year.

Frazier distinguished himself as a starting point guard on the team. Following graduation in 1971, Frazier enrolled at Southern University, where he earned his B. A. degree in Business Administration.

He returned to Tampa and entered the workforce. Prior to becoming a Parole Officer with the State of Florida, Frazier worked as a teacher and coach at Tampa Bay Technical High School, his son said.

He retired from his position with the state as his illness progressed in 2006. For as long as his health allowed, Frazier volunteered with the West Coast Football League’s Brandon Steelers and with the County’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“He was unbelievable as a husband and father. When we were growing up, we played sports and he made every effort to attend our games, even if they were on the same night in different places. I can count the games on one hand that he missed.”

Frazier’s children played basketball while in school.

Funeral services for Frazier will take place on Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m., at Shiloh Restoration Tabernacle, where he was a member. Aikens Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

When Beautiful Manradge answered the telephone Wednesday morning, she had no idea that she would be going to the Yolanda Adams Mother’s Day Concert, compliments of her daughter, Zanalyiah Hutchinson. When asked if she knew her daughter had entered the contest, she said, ‘No.’

Ms. Manradge started screaming when she was informed that her daughter’s letter had been chosen as the winner. Ms. Manradge said she had really wanted to go to the concert because Yolanda Adams is her favorite gospel artist.

Last month an article invited people from the community to submit a letter stating why they felt their mother is “The Queen Of My Life.”

The contest was sponsored by 1828, BurgStyle Entertainment, and Full Spectrum Entertainment and Marketing Group.

During the interview, Zanalyiah said she learned of the contest reading the Sentinel. “I asked my aunt to take me to the Sentinel, but the office was closed so I pushed the letter under the gate. I didn’t think I was going to win,” the 10-year-old said.

“But my mommy always says what God has for me, no one can take.”

Ms. Manradge is very proud of her daughter. She struggles with some health issues that cause her to be hospitalized and miss school. However, she makes up the work and is a 4^th grade honor student at Dunbar Magnet Elementary School.

Ms. Manradge also said that Zanalyiah loves to write and writes all of the time. “I really thank God for it all; I couldn’t do anything without Him.”

Currently working at Turning Heads doing eyelash extensions, Ms. Manradge will graduate from cosmetology school in about five months.

After graduating from Chamberlain High School in 2001, she entered Hillsborough Community College as a Criminal Law major. “I always wanted to work in Criminal Justice or Forensics, but God blessed me with Zanalyiah and I never went back.”

Although Zanalyiah briefly talks about her mom accompanying her during her hospital stays in the letter, she doesn’t like to talk about her illnesses. “I don’t want people feeling bad for me,” she said.

Ms. Manradge is looking forward to going to the concert and said of her only child, “I’m just so proud of her.”

The Winning Letter

“My name is Zanalyiah Hutchinson, born December 26, 2002, That’s right, the day after Jesus’ birthday. The words on this page cannot express why my mom is the Queen of my Life…

She is so smart, beautiful, hard working, takes good care of me, and my puppy Shih-Izu, “Princess” and most of all, we love the Lord.

I think my mommy should be crowned because she deserves it. She works hard and goes to school to be a salon person.

Not only is my queen smart and beautiful, but she loves to make other people look and feel good. I may not always get what I want from my mom, but she does give me what I need.

I thank God for giving her to me. I spend a lot of time in the hospital, but I can always count on my mommy and the Lord to be there.

My Mommy’s favorite female gospel singer is Yolanda Adams (and they sometimes look alike because they’re both beautiful).

I just love my mommy so much. She is good in her heart and out. She always tries to be a better mommy, but to me she is the best angel in the whole wide world.

She said to always get the best education in school and everyone is unique in their own way. Jesus loves everyone and never stops. 

I can do all things through Christ. And I would like a special request to Ms. Yolanda Adams to sing “My God Is Awesome.” It would bring joy if my mom wins. 

Thank you for reading this story, God bless! Take Care.

Please call my mom if she wins. If not, please shred our numbers.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Thursday morning, Attorney Grady Irvin filed a motion to obtain a bond hearing for a Tampa mother. The mother is being held on a $100,000 bond in the death of her infant son.

In the motion, Attorney Irvin, who is representing Ms. Sierra McMillan, hopes to have her bond reduced so she can attend the funeral of her son, Jerwond Elder, Jr., on Saturday. The hearing will take place on Friday, May 10^th, at 10 a.m.

“The death of her seven-month-old son, Jerwond, Elder, Jr., was a tragic accident,” Attorney Irvin said in the motion.

He went on to note that “both parents were living together and raising a family.” In addition to Jerwond, Ms. McMillan, 22, is the mother of two daughters, ages 2 and 3.

The motion further stated that there is no record of the Department of Children & Families ever being called to the home and there are no prior incidents of neglect.

“They were a young couple with common everyday struggles associated with raising children that have been well-loved and cared for. The father operates a mobile detail business. … Every day, these kids got up and see ‘mom and dad’ at home taking care of them as a family.”

Attorney Irvin further said although the oldest child was born with spina bifada, and has spent her entire life in a wheelchair, she receives constant care, love and affection from her parents.

He further stated in the motion that Ms. McMillan deeply regrets she ever went to answer the door.

The funeral for Jerwond will take place on Saturday, May 11^th, at 2 p.m., at Springhill Baptist Church. Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies reported that on Tuesday evening, 3-year-old Jadarrius Speights was killed when he accidently shot himself with a handgun.

Detectives said Jeffrey Walker, 29, was sharing a bedroom with the child, and the handgun was in a backpack. Walker left the room, and Jadarrius started going through the back pack. When he found the handgun, he was playing with it when it fired.

Walker was charged with culpable negligence, and was booked and later released from the County Jail.

Jeffrey Donnell Walker

At the time of the shooting, Jadarrius’s parents, Jasmine Bell and Trentin Speights, were in the apartment located just south of Fletcher Avenue on 22^nd Street.

Jadarrius’s great aunt, Mary Bell, said her great nephew was Jasmine’s only child.

“She was taking a shower when she heard the shot. She jumped out of the shower, and found Jadarrius on the floor. He died in her arms.”

Ms. Bell said Walker moved in with his sister and her fiancé a couple of months ago, and they knew he had a permit for a gun, but never saw it.

“Other people knew he had a gun, but never knew where he kept it. He said he always made sure the safety lock was on the gun before he put it away.”

Ms. Bell said Jasmine was very excited when she gave birth to Jadarrius.

“I called him Scudda. That was my nickname for him. We spent a lot of time together and he, along with his parents, enjoyed coming over.

The family is asking for help with funeral arrangements for Jadarrius, and anyone who wants to make a donation should call (813) 446-0084.

The family has asked Wilson’s Funeral Home to assist them with a service.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Funeral services for a Tampa minister, who founded a local church, will be held on Friday at 11 a.m., at Bible-Based Fellowship Church, Carrollwood, 4903 Ehrlich Road. Rev. Dr. Arthur Timothy Jones lost his battle with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, on Saturday, May 4^th.

A native of East Tampa, Dr. Jones, 65, was raised by his grandmother. He graduated from Middleton High School. He then became a Molefi Asante/Jeremiah Wright/ Cornel West scholar at United Theological Seminary. Dr. Jones also received training at both Harvard University and Oxford University.

Forty-three years ago, Dr. Jones married his wife, Mrs. Doris Jones. They are the parents of four children, Darren, Arthur Jones, II, Natalie and Shonda.  

In 1968, Dr. Jones became employed at the IBM Corporation. He remained there until he retired in 1992, after 24 years of service.

Prior to his retirement, in 1988, Dr. Jones launched Bible-Based Fellowship Church as a Bible Study in his home. Under his leadership, it transformed into one of the largest predominantly African American congregations in Hillsborough County. It membership surpassed 5,000.

On separate occasions, when rumors or controversy about the church reached Dr. Jones, he visited the Sentinel office. His goal was to ensure that the information the newspaper received was correct.

As a visionary, Dr. Jones created a school and credit union under the church banner. There are also five congregations, and two schools, on the African content that bears the Bible-Based Fellowship Church name.

The accomplishments of Dr. Jones are known throughout the country as a renowned pastor, preacher, and teacher. In addition to founding Bible-Based Fellowship, Dr. Jones and his friend, Rev. Milton Biggham, founded the world renowned Florida Mass Choir.

The organization recorded 14 albums, CDs and video/DVDs. “Jesus Is Mine” and “Jesus Is The Light” are among their hit recordings. Dr. Jones is also credited with bringing the Gospel Music Workshop of America in 1976. It was the first time it visited Tampa. Dr. Jones was honored by the organization in 2011 for his lifetime achievements in the gospel music industry.

Dr. Jones may be best known for his work as a gospel music performer. The Rev. James Cleveland is listed among his contemporaries.

In addition to performing with various organizations on a large scale, Dr. Jones also shared with the Hillsborough County community by appearing at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

In 2002, Dr. Jones launched his solo career as a singer. His first release was “Speak For Me.”

He served as a songwriter, singer, record and video producer. An ordained minister, the Christian affiliations of Dr. Jones extend to Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina.

As part of his legacy, Dr. Jones also left his imprint in the form of three published books: “Four Words For Tough Times,” “When You Don’t Know What To Do,” and “Just Let God Be God.”

The viewing for Dr. Jones will take place at the church on Thursday, May 9^th, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., and from 9 a.m., until 11 a.m., on Friday, May 10^th. The funeral services will take place at the church, on Friday, beginning at 11 a.m.

Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

In preparation for his homegoing, a mass choir is being formed. Anyone wishing to participate in the choir can attend rehearsals on Monday, May 6^th and Tuesday, May 7^th, at the Cathedral at the Bible-Based Fellowship Church. 

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Last Friday, Florida Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) was chosen as the Designated Senate Democratic Leader. Through the designation, Senator Joyner becomes the first African American woman to serve in this capacity.

“I’m very proud of the confidence my fellow Senate Democrats have placed in me. It’s an honor to be named the designated leader of such a hardworking, motivated group of individuals. All of us are determined to do our best for the people of Florida,” Senator Joyner said.

She is the second woman to serve in this capacity, following Senator Nan Rich. She will begin serving in 2014 until her term expires in November 2016.

A Tampa native, Senator Joyner is serving her second term. She was elected for the first time in 2006.

This designation marked the last in a series of “first” for Senator Joyner. She entered the political arena as the first African American woman representing Hillsborough County in the Florida State House of Representatives and the first Black woman from Hillsborough County elected to the Florida Senate.

She also holds the distinction of being the first Black female attorney to serve in those capacities. She also became the first Black female attorney in Hillsborough County.

Senator Joyner has formerly served as the National Parliamentarian for the LINKS, Inc., the National Legal Advisor for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National General Counsel for the Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.,  and the Second female President of the National Bar Association.

BY GWEN HAYES 

Sentinel Editor

A 40-year-old woman, who her family described as full of life, died in a single-car accident early Sunday morning.

According to an aunt, Ms. Vanderlyn Davis, Ms. Sophia Hamilton McCoggle, had been with family and friends as they celebrated her father’s birthday at a local eatery. She is the only daughter of Melvin Hamilton, whose birthday was May 3rd. Ms. McCoggle had left the event to take some of those attending home.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Ms. McCoggle was traveling southbound on the exit ramp from southbound I-75 leading to State Road 574 (Martin Luther King Blvd.) around 2:43 a. m. For some unknown reason, the Ms. McCoggle failed to negotiate the curve; her 2006 Hyundai Sonata left the roadway and slammed into a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt. The accident is still under investigation.

Ms. McCoggle is also described as one of the best hairstylists in the Tampa Bay area. She had been a cosmetologist for several years.

The mother of 2 adult sons, Ms. McCoggle, a Tampa native, was the daughter of Ms. Carol Owens and granddaughter of Ms. Mamie Owens. She also had 2 brothers and a sister.

“She was well-loved and respected by her family and the host of friends she had developed over the years in her form of business. She was one of 6 cousins, all females, who were as close as sisters; some of whom lived out of town; they’re all having a difficult time dealing with her death,” Ms. Davis explained.

As we go to press, funeral services are pending, however the family is looking to make arrangements for Saturday, May 11, 2013. Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies report that they have arrested two men for a triple shooting Sunday that left two women dead and another injured.

Jason Mark Burnett, 37, was arrested Sunday night and charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Gary Honish, 47, was also arrested, and charged with accessory after the fact to a home invasion.

Deputies said the shooting occurred at a home in the 7400 block of Manhattan Drive.

Fern Giddings, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene, and Nell Mason, 52, died later at a local hospital.

Christina Soto, 35, ran away after she was shot, and was found down the street from the residence.

Deputies said the three women lived at the home, and according to sources, Soto is Mason’s daughter.

Deputies said Honish knew the women and had allegedly conducted drug transactions with them in the past.

Honish reportedly told Burnett the women would be a great target for a robbery, and dropped him off at the house at 11 a. m. A short time later, Burnett returned, and allegedly told Honish he had robbed the women.

There was nothing else in Tampa quite like the classic high school football games on Friday nights at Phillips Field in the 1950s and 1960s between Blake and Middleton. And every Thanksgiving afternoon brought fans out for the Turkey Day Game against Plant and Hillsborough.

The stadium, built in 1937 on North Boulevard, was packed with 13,000 fans — many standing — for these contests. Some of that magic will be rekindled Sunday, May 5, 2013, 3 p.m. at a historic marker dedication and the Phillips Field Reunion. The public is invited to the free event.

Among the people who helped make Phillips Field a special place were William O. (Bill) Bethel, who was head coach of the Middleton Tigers for 22 years, and James  (Big Jim) Williams, the head coach of the Blake Yellow Jackets for 17 years. They sent numerous players to colleges and to the professional ranks, and they all started at Phillips Field.

The Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council will sponsor the marker dedication program at Julian Lane Riverfront Park. Parking is located at North Boulevard and Cypress Street. The marker, which gives some of the exciting 30-year history of the stadium, will be unveiled prior to the reunion.

Phillips Field was the center of the city’s sports and marching band performances from the Great Depression to the early days of integration. The estate of I. W. Phillips donated the land to the University of Tampa to build an athletic facility. The Tampa U. Spartans played there until its football team began playing at Tampa Stadium on N. Dale Mabry. Phillips Field then became a practice facility.

High Schools and several colleges played games there also — including Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman, the University of Florida, Florida State and their opponents. Alumni of FAMU and B-CU have been invited to join the festivities.

Alumni of all colleges and high schools that played at Phillips Field are invited to wear their school colors to the reunion. Current football players from Blake, Middleton, Plant, Hillsborough and from other local schools that played there are among the special guests.

Former and current coaches at those schools also are invited, along with alumni, family and friends.