Florida Sentinel Bulletin

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, at 6:56 p. m. on December 10^th, Cavoune Radcliffe, 18, his brother, Stephen Williams, and another person were riding their bicycles along U. S. Highway 41 at Fletcher.

Troopers said a tow truck driver was traveling south on U. S. 41, and made a left turn onto Fletcher. At the same time, Troopers said a second vehicle and the bicyclists were going north in the crosswalk over Fletcher Avenue.

Troopers said the tow truck driver failed to see the bicyclist, and hit Radcliffe. He sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers said after the accident, Williams attacked the driver of the tow truck, and was charged with felony battery.

Troopers moved Williams to the front of a cruiser to arrest him and reported that he tried to escape and started yelling to his family that he was being taken to jail. The Trooper grabbed Williams by the arm, and he was subsequently put into one of the cruisers at the scene.

Funeral services for Radcliffe have been entrusted to Harmon’s Funeral Home.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

In the first of a series of meetings, the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce presented their plan for the redevelopment of West Tampa to a packed room at the West Tampa Library Thursday night.

Attending the meeting were representatives from the Tampa City Council, Tampa Housing Authority, Tampa Housing Authority Board, neighborhood association leaders, representatives from the West Tampa CDC, West Tampa Community Group, Hillsborough County NAACP, and the Mayor’s office.

Chairing the meeting was Ed Turanchik, who represents the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce. He attempted to put those in attendance at ease by saying what they are proposing is a plan they feel best fits the dynamics of West Tampa, and would be in the best interest of the residents.

“The reason we’re all here is to listen and see where it is we all need to be to make this happen,” said Turnachik.

“We don’t expect everyone to agree with every aspect of our plan, and we welcome suggestions and input on what the community thinks has been left out or that needs to be changed.”

Representing the West Tampa CDC, Joe Robinson said in his opinion, “everyone in attendance needs to relax and just allow the meeting to accomplish its goal.”

“The purpose of this meeting is for everyone to vent, and we will all leave here with the understanding that at this point, nothing is going to happen.

“We need to keep the dialogue going, and it’s crucial we all put on the table our primary concerns and where we need to go. The point is, we need to move forward and continue the process.”

Ms. Mary Alice Dorsett and Hillsborough County NAACP President, Dr. Carolyn Collins, both expressed concerns about inclusion and efforts to change the dynamics of the area.

“When North Boulevard Homes is gone, and all of those people are displaced, the voting dynamics of that area will change dramatically,” said Dr. Collins.

“We understand the public housing residents will be given a chance to return, but what if they can’t afford to return? What if the market has priced them out of returning? That’s what we’re concerned about.”

Ms. Dorsett said she’s concerned, because the Chamber’s plan makes no mention of African Americans.

“It’s like we don’t exist or live in these neighborhoods,” said Ms. Dorsett.

“We do have a voice, and we are here. We are aware of changes going on around us, but we’re tired of those changes always impacting us and not other communities. We want assurances that we will still be able to live in this community.”

Others spoke about the history of the West Tampa community, and some questioned the need to raze the North Boulevard Homes buildings instead of upgrading them.

“I’ve heard stories about lead paint, and I don’t believe that’s a problem,” said Dwight Bolden.

“I’m also aware that some buildings are already air conditioned, so I know it wouldn’t be that big of a problem to put central air in all the units. Those buildings are the best constructed in the nation, and it would be wrong to just tear them down.”

Councilman Frank Reddick addressed the crowd by telling everyone to understand that change is coming.

“Things are going to change in this community, and the N.B. Homes buildings will be coming down. What we need to concentrate on is how that will impact the community, and what we can do to make sure the African American people of West Tampa are still represented when it comes to voting and services.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

The driver of a church bus died on Friday at a local hospital. Last Monday, December 3^rd, the Florida Highway Patrol investigated an accident involving a church bus. The bus crashed into a wall and caught fire while on Interstate 4.

The bus, which belonged to First Baptist Church of College Hill, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 4 in the center lane. The driver, Martin Rufus Silas, Jr., of Seffner, lost control of the bus due to a medical emergency.

The bus veered to the left, then to the right before colliding with a crash attenuator, located near the entrance of ramp to the eastbound Florida Department of Transportation weigh station. After the collision, the bus caught fire and was partially burned.

Mr. Silas was transferred to the hospital, where he was admitted. His daughter, Ms. Becky Silas, said her father was never discharged from the hospital and died on Friday.

Mr. Silas was raised and educated in Chicago, Illinois. After serving a stint in the U. S. Army, Mr. Silas relocated to Tampa. 

He served as an educator in the Hillsborough County School District for 35 years.

Mr. Silas was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of College Hill.

In addition to church, he was a die-hard Bucs fan and enjoyed church and traveling. He is survived by 4 adult children, seven grandchildren, other family members and friends.

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

Last Friday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office raided a dozen convenience stores. The raid was conducted on stores that have failed to comply with state law banning the sale of synthetic marijuana.

Police seized 1,000 pounds of synthetic marijuana with a street value of more than $500,000. It was packaged as K2-Spice for retail sale and distribution.

Several individuals, who were owners or clerks in the stores were taken into custody. Each was charged with one felony count of possession and sell of a controlled substance-analog and one felony count of maintaining a store to sell a controlled substance.

Taken into custody were: Claire McCarthy, Radiant Food Store, 13430 Bruce B. Downs; Moataz Darwish, Radiant Food Store, 13430 Bruce B. Downs; Saleh M. Elshabrawy, Radiant Food Store, 13430 Bruce B. Downs; Sagar Saha, Joy Food Mart, 10810 U. S. 41 S; Abdul Mannan, Joy Food Mart, 10810 US 41 S; Subal Banik,  Joy Food Mart, 10810 U. S. 41 S.

Others arrested were: Heather Hernandez, Country Food Store, 12020 E. MLK; Minhoz Lalani, Quick Mart, 10051 Sheldon Road; Prollad Roy, Shell Food Mart, 2819 E Hwy 60; Abukhdeir Mohammad, Fats Boy’s, 601 Hwy 41 S, Ruskin; Qureshi, Mohiuddin, Gibsonton Food Mart, 10143 U. S. 41 S; and Kenaan Daaboul,  Lithia Pinecrest Citco, 4330 Lithia Pine Crest;

Police also arrested: Christina Stokes, Lithia Pinecrest Citco, 4330 Lithia Pine Crest; Al-Shalabi Jamalutfi, Snax Food, 6504 N. Himes; and Philip Thomas, Nebraska Citgo, 11710 N. Nebraska Ave.

A spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is continuing.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

What appears to be a random shooting in Progress Village has left a family shaken.  One person was hit by gunfire.

Ms. Vanetta Scott said she and her family were at home Wednesday when gunshots erupted in the neighborhood. “It was between 11:30 p.m., and midnight. The shots sounded like they were coming from the street behind me. Then they sounded like they were coming from down the street, like they were chasing someone.”

Ms. Scott said someone called police and deputies arrived at the scene. However, that was not the end of the shooting.

While Ms. Scott was outside, her daughter, son, 78-year-old mother, and a friend had also come outside to see what was going on.

On July 29, 2011, gunfire erupted at a party for teenagers in the Progress Village area. When calm was restored, Ms. Scott learned that her daughter, Iesha Washington, 18, and Craig Thompson, Jr., 21, had both been killed.

Since the death of her daughter, Ms. Scott has been very vocal against gun violence and has attempted to have safe events for teenagers in her area.

The friend, identified as John Jackson said while they were outside they observed a vehicle coming down the street with its headlights off.

“I told them to get inside because it didn’t feel right. Not even two minutes later, they started shooting again. The vehicle came to a complete stop where we were and started firing.

“I have a concealed firearm permit and I started shooting, too. That’s when they drove off,” he said.

Jackson was hit in the side by gunfire. He was treated and released from Tampa General Hospital.

A spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said they have limited information on the shooting. There have been no arrests, but the investigation is continuing.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Recently, a Hillsborough County attorney was appointed to serve on the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. The Florida Supreme Court justices selected her to serve on the board.

Attorney Barbara Pittman was chosen to succeed retiring member Alan H. Aronson, of Miami.

Attorney Pittman said she was notified in August that she had been chosen. However, her term did not begin until November 1, 2012 and will end on October 31, 2017.

Attorney Pittman said when an individual applies to become an attorney, he or she must pass the bar exam as well as a background investigation.

Her role as a member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners kicks in when an issue comes up with a person’s background.

“My board conducts hearing as a quasi-judicial position to determine the necessary fitness and character of the person. We have hearings once a month on the weekends,” she said.

Attorney Pittman stated that a lengthy and detailed investigation is conducted on potential attorneys. The bar examination is held twice a year with thousands of potential attorneys passing the bar. Of those thousands five to six thousand may have issues in their backgrounds that must be examined.

Born in Graceville, Florida, Attorney Pittman was raised in Jacob City, Florida. She graduated from Graceville High School in 1973. She continued her education at Florida State University. During her tenure at FSU, she earned a B. S degree in Communications and her J. D. Degree.

Attorney Pittman was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1986. She worked with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office for 3 years and with Ricky Williams & Associates for 7 years.

Attorney Pittman then opened a private practice as a sole practitioner. Attorney Pittman is married to Freddie Moore and has two stepsons. She enjoys traveling, music reading, and attending sporting events.

BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

Destini Russ, a 17-year-old Senior at Tampa Bay Tech High School, has her future nearly mapped out in the direction she’d like for it to go.

After high school, she’s looking forward to attending Spelman College; after which she’ll join the United States Air Force as a commissioned officer. That’ll give her opportunities to travel. Then, she hopes to become a Pediatric Surgical Physician, to help other people.

Right now, Destini would like for the community to help her get to Washington, D. C. January 18-22, 2013. She’ll be there for the Presidential Inaugural Leadership Summit sponsored by LeadAmerica. General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) will be the keynote speaker.

Destini was nominated by 3 administrators, but was the only person chosen from her school.

The 5-day conference takes place during the historic 2013 Presidential Inauguration and all the scholars who attend are invited to witness the ceremony on the National Mall.

The invitation Destini received said, “In honor of your Academic Achievement and Leadership Ability and your commitment to our Nation’s Democratic System of Government LeadAmerica cordially invites your participation…”

“My grades and leadership success have opened the door for me to travel to Washington, D. C.,” she said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent my church family, intermediate family, most importantly God and myself,” she continued.

Destini’s mother, Ms. Eunice Russ, a student at HCC, said they are in need of $2,500 for her to make the trip. Ms. Russ, a single parent, said Destini is saving the money she’s making from her part time job with McDonald’s. “We’ve sent out letters to a lot of people, including our church. I just hope she’ll be able to go.”

An honor roll student who is taking honors classes, Destini is active in her school. She is a member of JROTC and Student Government. At her church, St. John Progressive MB Church, she is Vice President of the Angelic Choir and President of the Youth Mission Board.

She has a younger sister, Damani Russ and enjoys music, movies and shopping for shoes.

Anyone wishing to donate to this cause may call (813) 408-9701. All monies must be turned in by December 13, 2012.

On November 26, 2012, Lonnie Bernard Henderson celebrated his 18^th birthday. On December 4^th he was hospitalized in critical condition after he was shot.

Tampa Police reported that Henderson was a passenger in a vehicle that stopped at the intersection of 18^th Street and 25^th Avenue inside Belmont Heights Estates.

Police said the driver of the vehicle stopped, and Henderson was talking to another person. As he talked with the other person, he was shot in the head. The driver then took Henderson to the 500 block of Floribraska and called 9-1-1.

Henderson was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, and police reported he was in critical condition.

Police have not released any suspect information, and their investigation is ongoing.

Henderson’s great-grandmother, Ms. Karrie Wells, said Lonnie was actually being kept alive with a respirator since he was first taken to the hospital.

“On Wednesday, we got together and decided to have him taken off the respirator, and have his organs donated.”

Ms. Wells said Henderson has 8 siblings, and was born in prison during his mother’s incarceration.

“He was adopted by his aunt, Delores Henderson, but lived with me.

“On his birthday, he didn’t want to celebrate. He just went out to dinner with his girlfriend, and just slept.

“Lonnie had just started attending a school to become an electrician. He loved boxing and had a promising future as a football player. Like so many of our young men these days, his attention was diverted by what was going on in the community, and he picked the wrong friends.”

Ms. Wells said the family is working on funeral arrangements.

Tampa Police detectives have arrested a man they believe was the driver in a fatal hit-and-run Saturday that was captured on video.

Fernando Lazaro Chibas, 18, was charged with leaving an accident scene with death and tampering with evidence.

Omar James Jeter, 22, was walking across Hillsborough Avenue near Lincoln Avenue at 3 a. m. Saturday when he was hit by a dark colored compact vehicle that fled the scene. Jeter was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives received an anonymous tip about a vehicle with front end and windshield damage. After Chibas was identified as the driver, detectives interviewed him, and said he admitted to hitting Jeter and fleeing because he was scared.