Florida Sentinel Bulletin

If you were a student at Howard W. Blake High School during the mid 1960s, or a member of the Yellow Jacket football team, you remember Marvin Glover.

Very few athletes have passed through Blake that were as physically fit, and gifted, as Glover.

On Monday, Glover died at St. Anthony’s Hospital of leukemia. He was 62.

After graduating from Blake in 1968, Glover went on to attend Miles College in Alabama, and Shaw University in North Carolina. When he returned to the area in the mid-1970s, he joined the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Officers close to him gave him the nickname of a popular boxer, “Marvelous,” (in honor of Marvelous Marvin Hagler).

As amazed as his co-workers were over his feats of strength and physical fitness, in high school, Glover had already established his huge biceps, and strength to toss 300-plus pound linemen to the side.

Glover served 27 years with the St. Petersburg Police Department, and in 2010, retired from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

As a member of the Green Team in the 1980s and 1990s, Glover often found himself face-to-face with drug dealers.

On May 7, 2008, Glover was at his usual post at the St. Petersburg Judicial Building when he and another deputy asked a man to remove his backpack and put it through a scanner. Instead, the man pulled a handgun and started shooting. Glover and other deputies returned fire, killing the man.

Although Glover was recognized and applauded by his peers for acting quickly, the incident disturbed him, because it involved him being responsible for someone’s death.

In 2002, Glover married Loretta, the same year he joined the Sheriff’s Office.

Despite being diagnosed with leukemia in 2001, Glover continued to work as a bailiff.

The family has entrusted Creal Funeral Home to help them arrange a service.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Public School District recognized several middle and high school students for grade improvement. This is the 27^th Annual Turnaround Achievement Awards Ceremony the district has held.

Middle school students were honored Wednesday and Thursday at Blake High School, 1701 N. Blvd., in the Black Box Theatre during the three-day event.

The ceremony for the high school students was held at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Maestro’s Restaurant on (today) Friday. One student from each middle and high school is selected for the honor.

Greg Pietz, President of Bowling Centers of Tampa Bay oversaw the opening of the three programs with the recognition and presentation of sponsors. He also closed the programs.

On Wednesday, Dave Friedberg, Director of Security Services, introduced Sam Marsonek, of Score International Baseball as the guest speaker.

On Thursday, Ms. Joyce Wieland, General Director, Student Planning, Placement, and Support Programs introduced Carlos Jimenez, Army Staff Sergeant and Director of the West Tampa Boys & Girls Club, as the guest speaker.

On Friday, Ms. Alva Simmons, Administrator, of Alternative to Out of School Suspensions Program introduced James Marcus Evans, of Eagle Quest Group, as the guest speaker.

Walt Shaffner, Director of Non-Traditional Programs conducted the presentation of awards and Blake High School’s Fine Arts Department provided the entertainment at all three programs.

The 2013 Turnaround Achievement Award recipients recognized on Wednesday were: Hector Rios, Bartels Middle School; Dartavious Garland, Benito Middle School; Jadejha Edwards, Buchanan Middle School;  Tyrique Richardson, Coleman Middle School; Kaylynn Hayes, Community Charter Middle School; Peterson Mercegard, Greco Middle School; Daeqwan Butler, Kids Community College Middle Charter School; Kalijahe Spann, Liberty Middle School; Karel Garcia, Madison Middle School; Savon Rosa, Monroe Middle School; Giselle Ponce, Pierce Middle School; Yarelis Roldan, Rampello Downtown Partnership; Ayanna Matthews, Roland Park Middle School; Bryce Davis, Stewart Middle School; Miguel A. Hernandez, Walker Middle School; Luisander Marrero, Webb Middle School; and Deju Spencer, Wilson Middle School.

Read the rest of this story in the Florida Sentinel’s Friday edition.

Federal agents arrested a Tampa couple Wednesday on a 17-count indictment. They are accused of filing more than 300 fraudulent income tax returns and receiving more than $2.7 million dollars.

A grand jury indicted Ms. Tressa Guy, 41, and Brian Simmons, 33, on multiple counts of aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and multiple counts of wire fraud, and access device fraud.

According to court documents, the two knowingly used unauthorized access devices and pre-paid debit cards issued in the names of actual people beginning in May 2012 through August 2012 without their knowledge.

They reportedly filed more than 322 fraudulent federal income tax refunds and received $2,701,844 in refunds.

The indictment stated, “Ms. Guy, Simmons and others would direct the fraudulent tax returns into bank accounts linked to the pre-paid cards. They would then used the cards to make cash withdrawals in Florida and Georgia and to pay personal expenses.”

If convicted of all charges, they face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge and 10 years on each charge of access device fraud.

Condolences are being sent to Congresswoman Kathy Castor in the passing of her father, retired Judge Donald F. Castor. Judge Castor died on Tuesday at the age of 81.

Judge Castor was the first Executive Director of Bay Area Legal Services. He later served as a judge for more than 20 years.

He may have cancelled an October 2012 concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall, but tonight, 9-time Grammy award winning artist, John Legend, will be in Tampa.

Legend is coming to Tampa for the University of South Florida Lecture Series that focuses on education and civic engagement.

Legend will speak on the importance of education and civic engagements, and also perform.

USF Week 2013 kicked off Monday with the Bull Madness Pep Rally at the Marshall Student Center Amphitheater, then on Tuesday at 8 p. m. after another pep rally, Legend will perform in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

A vital piece of real estate that lies between downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport is being looked at as a possible location for a major mass transit hub.

Carver City-Lincoln Gardens Civic Association President, Dr. Maurice Harvey, said they are trying to schedule a meeting with the Westshore Alliance Group to discuss a better location for the proposed transportation hub.

“When it came up a few years ago, it was put aside,” said Dr. Harvey.

“When Governor Rick Scott said no to the rail when he took office, everything was put on hold. Now, it’s surfacing again, and we’re trying to get it headquartered at Westshore Plaza.”

Dr. Harvey said Westshore Plaza is already set up to accommodate a mass transit system.

“It was originally targeted for Carver City, but that land was sold for construction of a huge apartment complex.

“We knew this area would be impacted negatively if the mass transit headquarters was in our community. We’re already experiencing a traffic overload with the reconfiguration of the interstate, and other projects in the area.”

Dr. Harvey said the original plan was designed to go down the middle of I-275, and the roadway is still designed to accommodate that.

“Apparently, something is going on now we don’t have all of the information about. We’ve only gotten bits and pieces of information, but nothing is carved in stone.

“Right now, everything is fragmented. There are a lot of players involved in this. Without any funds appropriated, it’s just a discussion right now. I think they have bigger issues to deal with right now.”

Dr. Harvey said adding to their traffic woes will be the construction of three huge apartment complexes in the community.

“That’s where all of the attention is right now. We’ve had meetings with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and other transportation officials, and everything is just proposed right now.

“There are a lot of people targeting this community, and to facilitate the increase in traffic we’re already experiencing, Spruce Street will have to be widened between Himes Avenue and Lois Avenue. That is a vital stretch of road, and property acquisitions have to be made before that is possible.”

Dr. Harvey said it’s possible that with so much interest being given to the Carver City-Lincoln Gardens area, a lot of developers have simply run out of space for their projects.

“Right now, our attention is pointed toward how much additional traffic will be flowing through this area after the three new apartment complexes are completed.”

BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

On March 18, 2013, the Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council met and approved the Phillip Field Marker Dedication for Sunday, May 5, 2013, 3 p. m. The ceremony will be held at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.

Phillips Field holds numerous memories for the African American community along with the total community.

During the days of segregation, Howard W. Blake and George Middleton High Schools played their games at Phillips Field. Former Blake football player, Earl Edwards (pictured) and Middleton’s Lloyd Mumphford played their high school games there. Edwards went on to play professionally for the Buffalo Bills, while Mumphford played for the Miami Dolphins and the Colts.

Another popular event held annually at Phillips Field was the Thanksgiving Day Games played between Hillsborough and Plant High Schools. All the high school games drew capacity crowds.

The field hosted the Cigar Bowl and Bethune-Cookman’s Tilt of the Maroon and Gold game each year. FAMU’s 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Hayes and UT’s John Matuszak, the NFL’s 1st overall draft pick in 1973, played football there.

In 1964, Peter Gogolak of the Buffalo Bills kicked the first-ever soccer style field goal in professional football in an exhibition game against the New York Jets.

Stock car races and boxing matches were also held there.

In the first college game played there, the University of Tampa Spartans defeated South Florida.

Located north of Cass Street, between North Boulevard and the Hillsborough River, Phillips Field was Tampa’s primary football and marching band venue for 30 years.

The estate of I. W. Phillips transferred the property to the City of Tampa in 1934 to be conveyed to the University of Tampa for a sports stadium.

Construction of Tampa Stadium in 1967 marked the demise of Phillips Field. The bleachers were razed in 1970 and the field was used as a practice facility for UT and then remained vacant for several years. Tampa Preparatory School now occupies the site.

Fred Hearns says, “Those who have memories of Phillips Field – Middleton, Blake, UT, B-CU, FAMU, Hillsborough, Plant grads and friends – are encourage to wear your tee shirts; most of all mark your calendars for Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 3 p. m.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

The former employee of a mortgage services company pleaded guilty to federal charges of theft last week. Her husband entered a guilty plea on February 12^th.

A veteran employee of HSBC Mortgage Services, Mrs. Michelle Guy, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud.

According to court documents, between February 2001 and August 2011, Mrs. Guy worked in various capacities within the company. Around January 2007, through November 2011, she is accused of conspiring with other individuals, including her husband, Kevin Guy, to defraud HSBC Mortgage Services, Inc., and HSBC Bank, of more than $2,216,776.12, in American Express Gift Cards, AMEX gift checks, and store gift cards.

During her employment, HSBC Mortgage Services Mrs. Guy maintained an employee Recognition Program.  The program offered economic rewards to employees for positive performance.  There were three different types of awards available through the Recognition Program:  (1) vouchers, (2) “HSBC Cash,” and (3) gift cards and gift checks.

The divisions where Ms. Guy worked participated in the program by providing employees with HSBC Cash, not gift cards and gift checks.  But, during her employment at HSBC Mortgage Services, she abused her position by ordering hundreds of gift checks and gift cards paid for by HSBC Mortgage Services and HSBC Bank.

She is accused of directing the gift checks and gift cards to her residence and office.  Once the gift cards and gift checks were delivered, she and her co-conspirators, in particular, her husband, Kevin, deposited the AMEX gift checks in various bank accounts and used the gift cards to go on shopping sprees, and luxury items, court documents state.

On June 24, 2011, Kevin Guy used fraud proceeds as a down payment on a 2011 Mercedes Benz S Class priced at $96,000. During the execution of two search warrants, law enforcement agents seized approximately 72 AMEX gift checks and more than 60 store gift cards.  Agents also seized more than 25 luxury purses, more than 100 pairs of designer shoes, more than 100 pairs of True Religion jeans, more than 20 pairs of designer sunglasses, four flat screen televisions, two computers, and a high-end refrigerator.

Michelle Guy is facing 30 years in prison on each charge. Kevin Guy is facing 5 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set in other plea agreement.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A 33-year-old West Tampa business owner was sentenced to five years probation in connection with the death of a teenager. She is accused of lying during the investigation.

Last Thursday, Ms. Taquanda Baker, the owner of Baker’s Mini Mart, 2504 N. Armenia, pleaded guilty to shooting within an occupied building, tampering with physical evidence, and making a false report to law enforcement.

The shooting death of 16-year-old Quintavius Moore, took place on April 16, 2012. At the time, Ms. Baker said the shooting was in self-defense. se.

Initially, Ms. Baker told police that Moore entered the store around 10:45 a.m., and asked for change. Approximately 30 minutes later, Moore is alleged to have returned to the store, this time armed with a handgun and allegedly displayed it.

Ms. Baker told police she pulled her own handgun and accidentally fired a shot into the ground. She then fired a shot at Moore, striking him. Moore was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

After the shooting, Ms. Baker flagged down a passing law enforcement officer and made him aware of the shooting.

During the course of the investigation, investigators determined that evidence at the scene did not match Ms. Baker’s account of the shooting, and she was arrested.

Police said a person of interest was seen on the store surveillance video leaving the scene. However, police have not made any other arrests in the case.

Ms. Laura McElroy, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said it was a very difficult case to investigate. The investigation led police to several cities before they tracked down Kenton Omar Homer, who was the alleged boyfriend of Ms. Baker in jail in Philadelphia, PA.

“He was in jail on narcotics charges and being deported because he was an illegal alien. When he went to I.C.E., we had a flag on his name. During the interview, he admitted the shooting. Witness accounts varied his account of the incident and it was ruled Justifiable Homicide,” she said.

Mark Cox, spokesman for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said, “No one was charged in the case because we could not disprove the assertion that the teenager was committing a robbery.”

Ms. Baker was sentenced to five years probation. If she violates the probation, she will be required to be incarcerated for the remainder of the sentence.

Additionally, she must repay $3,000 in investigative costs and complete 100 hours of community service, 50 of which must be with a law enforcement agency. She was also adjudicated guilty and had to surrender any firearms confiscated during the investigation, Cox said.