Florida Sentinel Bulletin

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a man was killed early Sunday morning in an accident on Interstate 4.

The report indicates Tavares Sherman, 33, was stopped in stalled traffic on I-4 near the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. exit.

Troopers reported that Edward Sovis, 36, failed to stop and ran his vehicle into the rear of Sherman’s vehicle, causing it to spin.

Sherman was fatally injured in the accident, and pronounced dead at the scene.

Sovis and three passengers received minor injuries and were hospitalized.

The accident is being investigated, and no charges have been filed at this time.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Tuesday, November 6^th, voters re-elected the 44^th President of the United States. For the second time in history, Barack Obama has been chosen as the President of the United States.

Marvin Knight said, “I just thank God for keeping His armor over the people and the United States of America. It’s not man, it’s not money, it’s His will. So for all of the people who believe that we are a stronger force united than divided and through that we can make all things possible. The people all across the board, different status and professionals, we made a great impact that will help mold our direction and I’m thanking everyone.”

Ms. Ann Jenkins said, “I cannot express the way I feel right now, I am so full of joy and happiness that our President is in there for four more years.  I kept saying, when God is for you, no man can harm you. I want to take this time to thank all the supporters, volunteers, and organizations, who got out there and stayed on course.  I experience the beauty of what register to vote and get out to vote mean.  I saw young adults who never voted before, registered and in record numbers came to the polls and early voted.  They were brought by their mothers, fathers, grandparents and themselves.”

Danny Green said, “First of all, I would like to congratulate President Obama for winning another term. And, I want to say thank God that all of the negative ads are off the TV.  Now, it is time for us to look forward to the next four years and the President moving the country ahead, as he has stated.

“I believe that America can now breathe a little easier. The fears that surrounded healthcare, the fate of the middle class, the national deficit, and unemployment, of course, have not yet been erased; but, because of this victory, there is hope.  I am hoping that Congress and the Senate support President Obama for the next four years, as he carries out his plan of progress for America.”

Ms. Ann Porter said, “The 2012 Presidential Election is now over. This was certainly a historical event.  There were millions of dollars spent and much time and energy donated. We, the American people have spoken, and elected President Barack Obama for an additional four years.

“There is a strong believe that we will receive better health care, education and training, climate change scientific initiatives, better jobs and entrepreneurship, social security and Medicaid.  We must demonstrate our individual efforts as we move forward to advance our economy. God has again blessed America.”

Billy Wheeler said, “My greatest wish is that, when the election is decided, our elected representatives stop the chronic hyper-partisan obstruction, bickering, and posturing.  I pray that they will begin to work together for the good of the country and abandon all pledges, platforms, and schemes of those who promote division, economic imbalance, and extremist policies.  If not, I call on the citizens to take note and hurl them out of office at our first opportunity.”

Maurice Kemp said, “The Presidential election campaign ads of 2012 further demonstrated the unquestionable power of mass media to shape public opinion with or without the use of facts. Very little help was given to assist voters in their effort to make the most educated and beneficial choices for themselves and their fellow Americans.

“In particular, the election commercials, produced by very shrewd public relations specialists, were designed to sway public opinion by appealing to emotions —  mainly fear — instead of engaging their audience to critically think about the important issues.”

James Ransom said, “The two campaigns along with “Super PACS” spent approximately $6 billion dollars on television ads alone.  No amount of money spent on television ads could make anyone who already committed their vote for President Obama to change.  I am ecstatic about President Barrack Obama’s re-election.

“He proved once again that when people have common interests and common goals for the greater good of everyone we can even elect and re-elect a president whom happens to be an African American.

“The contrast of the Romney supporters compared to the Obama supporters was clearly revealed the disconnect between the Democratic and Republican parties.   There was a more genuine and realistic tapestry of diversity among the crowd of Obama supporters, which reflected true cross-section of America. Romney’s concession speech was gracious.”

Fire Chief Tom Forward said, “”Four More Years”, that’s the voice of the electorate from both the popular opinion and the Electoral College. This is a testimony to everyone that made the effort to discharge “their” civic duty, get out, and vote. Yes, your vote/voice does count! Now let us continue to pray for all those in leadership position that they will do what is best for this nation as a whole. Be Blessed.”

Dr. Louise Vincent said, “It was a good race. But I have said it before and I will say it again, GOP has to change the way that they do things.  It is time that they address the needs of ALL people.  This is a different country than it was 20 years ago.  They can no longer good ol’ boy there way into the Oval Office using voter suppression and other tactics.  If the GOP is not willing to re-evaluate and re-assess their core, it will be a lot longer than 4 years before they see the White House.”

Howard Harris said, “Surprising about 48% of Americans voted for Mitt the Liar. He famously stated that 47 % of Americans do not pay income taxes. Yet he advocated cutting income taxes by 20% to fix the economy and create jobs. He knew that such a tax cut would not put one red cent in the pockets of the 47% who do not pay income taxes and would only benefit his wealthy friends.  Even the one armed African Americans-those beltless youth who use one arm to hold up their pants-realized that Mitt was a liar and showed up to vote.  President Obama has the right formula for creating jobs: The spending of tax dollars to put Americans to work repairing roads & bridges, teaching our children and re-educating the unemployed.”

Robert Collins said, “The American People have spoken loud and clear that this country is a better place when we recognize and respect the value, ideas and opinions of all Americans. God bless America and God bless our President, Barack Obama!”

Gerald White said, “I’m extremely pleased and overwhelmed with pride that the President carried Hillsborough County. It speaks volumes for people in our community to support the President. It’s a win-win for the president and the people in the community. The heavens have spoken, it’s a great day in America.

Ms. Denese Meteye James said, “After standing in line in the rain and finally arriving at the desk to begin the process of exercising her right to vote, the problems began for my daughter Tonya.  First, her name was not listed, so she completed the required document to proceed to the next step, again standing in line only to find another list without her name, this despite having a new voter’s card and proper identification.  She was asked to return later as the phones to the Supervisor of Elections office for verification were down.  We refused and finally she was allowed to cast her ballot.  As we were leaving, we were reminded of the radio interview we heard between Steve Harvey and the President on the drive to the poll encouraging voters not to allow obstacles to prevent them from voting.  We did not because we knew there were better days ahead and we were right.”

Ms. Evangeline “Van” Best said, “Praise God for the re-election of President Obama! It feels great knowing that everything that I did what came to my mind to do “in doing my part” resulted in me expanding my territory.

“My experiences included ensuring my family, extended family, neighbors and friends were registered and ID’s were current; volunteering with a variety of groups including the NAACP, the Democratic Party, the Obama Campaign Office; monthly electronic donations; and other ways of helping out.

Ronnie Moorer said, “When we prayed, and God answered our prayers. He chose President Barack Obama to retain his presidency. He ( God ) knew which candidate would lead and put the ” United ” back into the ” States of America. And yes, it may have cost “billions” of dollars, but if it will bring peace and unity to us all, it will be worth it.

It’s not about the Democrat or Republican Parties, it about serving the people who put them into office. ‘Let’s move Forward.’”

Dr. Samuel Wright said, “AWESOME!  I am proud to be an American.  The American people stepped up so President Obama could have another four years. Although many people of color and whites supported the President, Black people and women, in particular, must realize what an impact we all can make in any election, not just the presidential race.  Believe it or not, every Vote counts!”

Emile C. Commedore MD, JD said, “President Obama’s historic re-election means that the Affordable Care Act (health reform) is here to stay.  America has the greatest medical technology and best-trained providers, but that is of no consequence if one cannot afford healthcare.

“Now, the working poor will benefit from the expansion of Medicaid, people with pre-existing medical condition will no longer be denied insurance and more Americans than ever will have access to quality healthcare.”

Bill Sims, who volunteered as a Team Leader for the Obama Campaign said, “I must have knocked on hundreds of doors. I’m happy President Obama won and I’m really glad that it’s over. I’m going to have a tee shirt made that says, ‘Obama, so nice you won it twice.’”

Mrs. Marie Tarver White said, “Thank you Jesus that he won and he was ordained for this purpose.”

Ms. Ella Coffee said, “The President understood that winning in 2012 took preparation beginning in 2009. He began his ground game work then, and WE must learn from that and build upon the infrastructure. There will never be an excuse that we cannot accomplish great things in this city, county or state.

“Several media outlets including print, acknowledged what I have said for quite some time. Whichever way Hillsborough County goes so goes the state and the White House.”

Jimmie Wright said, “”For We walk by faith, not by sight,” “step by step,” in Jesus Christ’s name. We are one nation under God from the foundation of the world.”

Keto Nord Hodges said, “My take on last night’s election: As a lifelong Democrat who has voted since I became of age as well as a volunteer with Obama for America, I am pleased and impressed with last night’s victory by President Barack Obama 303-206.

Several things are notable: President Obama was able to win the popular and electoral vote comfortably even before Florida was called late. He won most major swing states. His coalition of white, Black, Hispanic voters, etc. may be even stronger than in 2008 despite the popular vote being closer. This election showed that Americans are largely moderate. Gov. Romney did not poll anywhere close to President Obama during the campaign until he re-cast himself as a moderate.

“With Black and Latino voting blocs becoming a minority/majority in the next few years the GOP had better wake up, get some common sense, and start embracing inclusive politics, instead of continuing to present itself as a party of rich, old White Southern and Midwest men.”

On Sunday, November 11, 2012, members of Allen Temple A. M. E. Church, Tampa, will hold a “Welcome Service” for their pastor, Rev. Dr. David Green, Sr., and his family. It will take place at the church, 2101 Lowe St., beginning at 4 p. m.

The dynamic Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, Jr., pastor of St. Paul A. M. E. Church, Jacksonville, will be the guest minister for the event. Accompanying Rev. Zanders will be his church choir, ushers, and many members.

State and local officials as well as civic leaders will be featured on the program.

A native of Orlando, FL, Dr. Green is the son of the late Presiding Elder, Henry Green and Mrs. Irene Green. He is the brother of Minerva Peterson, Rev. Dr. Henry E. Green, Jr., Rev. Dr. John F. Green and Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.  He is a graduate of Morris Brown College, Atlanta, GA, and Turner Theological Seminary, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta. Dr. Green earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

Apostle Tami Robinson says she is willing to go on record that she did nothing wrong in applying the state’s Adverse Possession law.

Apostle Robinson, founder of Well Pavilion Empowerment Center, was charged along with another woman of illegally taking over abandoned homes and moving families into them under the state’s Adverse Possession law.

Apostle Robinson has filed a lawsuit against the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office over her arrest and the arrest of Samantha Magras-Gavin, the woman she acquired one of the homes for in October 2012.

“Right now, we haven’t received any court dates, and I’m happy to say Samantha is still a member of my church,” said Apostle Robinson.

“However, her husband is upset about the impact this has had on their relationship and image. I think they are trying to destroy our credibility and make us sound like some kind of heinous criminals.

“I did my research thoroughly before I started this. I read articles about others who had done it the wrong way, but I later discovered they were following the same law as I was. Authorities just don’t like this, and I believe they trump up charges to justify their actions.”

Apostle Robinson feels if she can call the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office about the Adverse Possession procedure, and do it exactly the way they tell her, how can that be illegal?

“I filled out all of the proper paperwork with the Property Appraiser’s Office, and at no time was I told this was illegal and unconstitutional. Give us the rules on how they say it’s supposed to be done before we follow the guidelines that are available now.

“We’re not being told at any point of the process that we’re violating the law. They let us go through the entire process, ad as soon as someone moves into a home, suddenly it’s illegal.”

Apostle Robinson said this has impacted her ministry tremendously, and she has lost some members, as well as her reputation being ruined unjustly.

“I’m about social and economic empowerment for people who have been denied that right. I’ve been a mortgage broker for 12 years, so I know what I’m doing.

“With this process ongoing, I can’t go back to work as a mortgage broker until this is resolved. I feel it’s all intentional, and we’ve been tried and convicted without due process.”

Apostle Robinson said her goal hasn’t changed in trying to help those in need.

“I desire for this system to be a fair system. Don’t trump up charges because you may not like the process, or the fact African Americans are taking advantage of it.

“I believe if we had found abandoned houses in the inner-city, we wouldn’t be having this problem. Because we did this in upper middle class areas in the suburbs, it’s a problem. To me, that makes it racial.”

Apostle Robinson said they all have become knowledgeable about the process, and to some that is something law enforcers won’t tolerate.

A 42-year-old East Tampa businessman was in federal court on Tuesday. During the hearing, he entered an agreement to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count aggravated identity theft.

Federal Judge James D. Whittemore has the option of accepting the agreement. If he does, Russell Simmons, Jr., faces a mandatory two-year sentence on the aggravated identity theft charge. He could face up to 20 years on the wire fraud charge.

According to court documents, federal investigators began receiving tips that Simmons was engaging in tax fraud at his business, Simmons Auto Sales, 4615 N. 34^th Street. Investigators were told that individuals participating in the tax fraud scams would pay more than the vehicles were worth at the dealership.

Simmons allegedly negotiated the checks and laundered the funds through his business accounts.

Investigators also learned that Simmons filed fraudulent tax returns from his business computer and maintained numerous records of personal information of identity theft victims.

In July 2011, a Cooperating Defendant (CD) met with Simmons in reference to cashing income tax checks. Simmons reportedly told the CD that he was no longer cashing checks. However, Simmons told the CD that he was accepting Green Dot cards, police said.

Surveillance video captured Simmons using a Green Dot card at a Wal-Mart in Plant City. He obtain four money orders for $500.00 each and conducted other transactions for $2,050.04.

He was captured on video at several other locations using the cards and receiving $76,088.20 in cash and money orders. Simmons also collected $14,000 by using reloadable debit cards.

Police obtained search warrants for his home and business. During the search, police seized $25,000 in cash, 134 Green Dot reloadable cards, and jewelry.

Simmons told investigators that he would request the tax refunds be place onto reloadable cards and sent to vacant homes in Tampa.

On August 31, 2011, police seized approximately $118,275 loaded on to Money Cards; a 2005 Bentley, and 18k gold Rolex Watch; 14k gold necklace with a pendant that contained 703 diamonds and the initials “RS.”

Police also confiscated a 14k gold Double Cuban link chrome chain; 14k gold men’s ring with 110 diamonds; 14k gold and diamond men’s bracelet with 2,420 round diamonds other jewelry, and $25,000 in cash.

In total, Simmons filed 120 false income tax refunds, with refunds worth $1,176,787.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

For years, members of the community have watched countless young men fall between the cracks. Now, educators are reaching out to the community in hopes of saving some of these young men from an undesired future.

Lewis Brinson, Superintendent of the Administration for the Hillsborough County Public School District, in conjunction with other educators, will host a “Let’s Connect To Save Our Sons” Young Men’s Forum. The event will take place on Saturday, November 10^th, at Middleton High School, 4801 N. 22^nd Street.

During the two-hour event from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the group is inviting pastors and members of their congregation and neighborhoods to attend. The educators are hosting the Think Tank to address problems young African American males are experiencing in school.

Brinson said, “We are inviting the community to attend. We have quite a few churches and we are asking each to bring young men from their respective congregations.

“We are asking pastors to commit to attend our first forum and to reach out to neighborhood boys who may not be members of your church. We are requesting that you bring ten young men to the forum.”

During the forum, the young men will have an opportunity to discuss their likes and dislikes about school openly. “We want to hear from the kids instead of hearing from the adults. There are just too many young men being excluded, dropping out, and just not being successful. We just have to do more. This is the only way to ensure a better future,” Brinson said.

Other educators includes: Ms. Doretha Edgecomb, School Board member; Anthony Satchel, Area Leadership Director, Area VII Schools; Henry Washington, Area Leadership Director, Area IV Schools; Ms. Carolyn Hill, Principal, Just Elementary School; Ross Anderson, Resource Teacher, Van Buren Middle School and Steinbrenner High School; Owen Young, Principal, Middleton High School; and Dallas Jackson, Principal, Martinez Middle School.

The educators are asking that ministers call (9027-3351) or email lewis.brinson@sdhc.k12.fl.us. The group needs to know how many people plan to attend the event.

Refreshments will be served.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

For nearly seven years, Ms. Lisa Wright has battled cancer, but only those in her closest circle know about it. She has undergone three major surgeries since December 2005, when the first tumor was found, and removed it and a portion of her stomach January 2006.

Ms. Wright said she raised by her grandmother, the late Mrs. Ella Mae Green, who died in June at the age of 93. “My grandmother was the humblest woman I have ever known. She raised me to keep going and not to give up because you can always find someone who is worse off than you are. “I don’t talk about it. I don’t want people feeling sorry for me because I don’t feel sorry for myself,” Ms. Wright said.

Recently, Ms. Wright was surprised at a pre-game meal when the head coach Jeremy Earle presented her with a pink football. “I still didn’t realize what was going on. When he called me up there, I was so surprised. My son knew about the cancer, but none of his team members knew until that Thursday. It was really touching,” she said.

“They were going to have the coaches and players sign it, but I want them to wait until I get a silver pen. I’m going to put it in a glass case,” the member of First Baptist of College Hill said.

Ms. Wright has been the Team Mom of the Jefferson High School football team, for the past four years. Her son, Keivontae, is a senior and plays strong safety on the team. Her daughter, Mikaila, is a sophomore.

When Keivontae decided to play football for Jefferson, she decided to become the team’s mom. Instead of getting snacks for the boys, Ms. Wright brought complete meals, such as baked chicken, yellow rice and green beans.

She begins cooking for the 72 football players and their coaches at 8 a.m., and finish around 4 p.m. “I realized that this is the only full meal some of these kids get. For them to sit down and fellowship, and get a good meal makes me happy.”

After having the first surgery, Ms. Wright said she did not have to take chemotherapy or radiation. However, in July, another tumor appeared. She underwent surgery and lost another portion of her stomach. The doctor created her a stomach from her intestines.

In all, Ms. Wright has had three major surgeries in the last six years. Through the years, she has had smaller tumors removed as well.

“Some people grow tumors in their bodies like wildfire. I’m one of those people. It seems that someone should be able to tell me why these things keep coming back,” the 31-year-old Lakeland native said.

Ms. Wright recently learned that her battle is not over yet. About three months ago, she began feeling sick again. Yet another tumor has been discovered and she had an appointment with the surgeon to make plans for the future.

Prior to becoming ill, Ms. Wright worked in the Hillsborough County School District for about 10 years. But after becoming ill, she was no longer able to work. The first couple of years were very hard because she was not getting disability.

She adjusted to the struggle and now she is known as the Candy Lady in her neighborhood.

When not being Team Mom, she spends a lot of time volunteering at Jefferson. All of the teachers all know her. She loves her children and wants to spend time with them as much as possible. “We do everything together. We are really close.”

After graduating from Gibson High School in 1990, Ms. Wright continued her education at Polk Community College, but stopped after 1½ years. She plans to return to school and become teacher. “I email my kids’ teachers and thank them for working with our children.”

When asked if she takes a rest after football season, she said no. Last year she cooked for the 14-member girls’ basketball team.

Ms. Wright said says she tries to be friendly with everyone, “You have to watch how you treat people because you never know what they are going through.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Last Friday, a Hillsborough County man, accused of killing his wife, was arrested in Greenville, South Carolina, at the home of his sister. The arrest came about a week after the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest.

Christopher Keith Belcher, 43, is facing charges of second-degree murder and arson of an occupied vehicle in connection with the death of Mrs. Gwendolyn Hill Belcher, 43, of Seffner.

On Sunday, September 16^th, human remains were discovered in a vehicle that had been set afire at 7021 Taylor Road. Mrs. Belcher’s family had reported her as a missing person two hours before the discovery of the torched car was reported to police.

Deputies were unable to identify the make and model of the burned car. However, after further examination, it was determined that the vehicle was a black 2000 Nissan Maxima, owned by Mrs. Belcher.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner positively identified the skeletal remains removed from the car as the body of Mrs. Belcher. Dental records were used to make the identification.

Reported Missing

Mrs. Belcher’s family reported her missing around 4:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 16^th.

One of her daughters interviewed by police stated that she last spoke with her mother on September 15^th, around 4 p.m. When she attempted to contact Mrs. Belcher later that night, the call went to voicemail.

The woman said she attempted to call her mother shortly before 9 a.m. the next day, and again reached her voicemail. Shortly after 11 a.m., texted her mother, but still did not receive a response. When the daughter called Mrs. Belcher’s place of employment, she was told that Mrs. Belcher was not scheduled to work that day.

The woman told police it was very unusual for her mother not to answer her phone calls for such an extended period of time.

Interview With Belcher’s Daughter

During an interview with Belcher’s thirteen-year-old daughter, she told police she had gone to the party with her father. She said they returned home around 9 p.m.

After returning home, Belcher became engaged in an argument with Mrs. Belcher. She further told police that at some point, the quarrel became physical, and she observed her father hit Mrs. Belcher in the face with an open hand.

The teenager further told police that her father sent her to her room. She also said she heard Mrs. Belcher scream, “Chris stop!” on more than one occasion.

She also said she heard a loud beating banging noise. The teenager told police that at some point during the physical confrontation, she called her own mother because she was scared.

The teenager told police that once the yelling had stopped, her father came into her room and told her to go to bed. She never saw Mrs. Belcher again, she told police.

Belcher’s Statements

During the initial interview, Belcher stated that he had gone to a birthday party the night before with his daughter and returned home around 8 p.m.

He said his wife left shortly after, but did not tell him where she was going. He said early that Sunday morning, he discovered that Mrs. Belcher was not at home and her car was gone. He said he attempted to contact her by cell phone, but didn’t get an answer.

Police obtained a search warrant and discovered what appeared to be possible blood and blood spatter in several areas of the residence. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) advised investigators that a full DNA profile of the blood swabs matched the DNA profile of Mrs. Belcher.

When asked about his daughter’s statements, Belcher told police he had several drinks at the birthday party and did not remember getting into an argument or fight with his wife.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to help locate a missing teenager. She was last seen early Sunday morning.

According to police, Melexus Suegaryia Graham was last seen at her residence. Her mother told police she last saw the 15-year-old in her bedroom around 2 a.m.

However, when she returned to the girl’s room at 8 a.m., the mother found the door locked. After gaining entry into the room, the mother discovered that the girl was gone and the window was open.

The teenager also left a note behind threatening to harm herself. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has listed her as an endangered/ runaway juvenile.

Melexus, who is a student at Bloomingdale High School, is 5’5” tall and weighing 140 pounds. She has brown eyes and short, brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black vest and blue jeans.

Anyone who comes in contact with her is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.