Florida Sentinel Bulletin

On the morning of September 4^th, 21-year-old Jobree Platt and his cousin were returning to an apartment at Village Oaks after a night at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino.

Police said Platt and his cousin were confronted by a masked man in a corridor of the complex. The masked man fatally shot Platt.

Temple Terrace Police have arrested Edward Larry (pictured), 29, and charged him as an accessory to the crime. A second man, Gary Brown, II, 29, is being sought on charges of felony murder, first-degree murder, and two counts of attempted armed robbery.

Temple Terrace officials ask anyone with information on Brown’s whereabouts to contact them at (813) 989-7110.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Tuesday, October 9th, is the last day an individual can register to vote during the 2012 General Election on November 6th. In order to afford this opportunity to unregistered citizens, Dr. Earl Lennard, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections has extended the hours of the Hillsborough County Elections Office.

Spokesman Travis Abercrombie said, “We have extended the hours from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. to accommodate anyone who cannot get to the office before 5 p.m. If a person cannot get to the office by 7 p.m., then he or she can return the application by mail. However, it must be postmarked by midnight on October 9th.”

As of Friday, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office had mailed 119,684 Vote By Mail ballots.

“With a six-page ballot looming, all registered voters in Hillsborough County are encouraged to consider voting by mail, a convenient and secure alternative to appearing in person to vote.

“Any citizen who wishes to register to vote may do so at any Supervisor of Elections Office, public library, or state agency that provides public assistance.”

Individuals who would like to visit one of the Supervisor of Elections Office to pick up a Vote By Mail Ballot can do so between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

There are four locations:Fred B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 16th floor, in downtown Tampa; Supervisor of Elections South Office, 10439 Gibsonton Drive; Supervisor of Elections Northwest Office, 12022 Anderson Road; and Robert L. Gilder Elections Service Center, 2514 N. Falkenburg Road. Over the counter ballots can also be picked up at this location on Sunday, October 30.

The registered voter can complete the ballot and submit it at the office, complete it at home and return it by mail (postage paid), drop it off at any of the Early Voting locations between October 31 and November 3.

The last day an individual can request a Vote By Mail Ballot is Wednesday, October 31. If a registered voter plans to obtain the ballot over the counter, it can be picked up after the mailing deadline.

Early voting will begin on Saturday, October 27 and end on Saturday, November 3. Early voting hours are from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. The General Election 2012 will take place on Tuesday, November 6.

Abercrombie further said, “Once the Vote By Mail ballots are received, the will be counted. Any ballot in question will be forward to the Canvassing Board and the Canvassing Board will make a determination about the ballots.”

The Canvassing Board will hold its first public meeting at 3 p.m., on October 24th.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Mrs. Michelle Aiken admits that she has always had a passion for food. However, after graduating from the University of South Florida, she entered the business arena.

After experiencing many changes in the field, she decided the time had come to nurture that passion. She said the changes in corporate America forced her to pursue her first love — full time.

So, three years ago, Mrs. Aiken opened the doors of Michelle’s Cakes Galore Baking and Café. The first year, she operated out of a commercial kitchen before she was ready to open her own shop.

Mrs. Aiken relocated Michelle’s Cakes Galore Baking and Café to 12029 E. U. S. Highway 92, in Seffner and has operated from that location for the past two years.

“Coming from a family of 9 kids, we all learned to cook because we shared chores. But food is my passion. I love to eat and I like different foods. That’s why my cakes have lots of flavor,” she said.

In the beginning, she also offered sandwiches, but now she dedicates the bulk of her time to her cake creations. However, she does cater events.

When it comes to food, she feels that not only must it taste good, it must also have eye appeal and look good. After all, presentation can be very persuasive when a person is considering purchasing desserts.

Ms. Aiken applies two stages to her creations. The first is she adds special homemade flavor and lots of love. And then, she steps into her element of creation.
Her decorations range from the traditional to the odd, with one requester wanting a cake that symbolized a man on fire. She made it happen and has a photograph to show for it.

Mrs. Aiken also works by inspiration and said her greatest enjoyment is making people happy.

Established in the business with 2 employees and her daughters helping out, Mrs. Aiken is turning her attention to her next venture.

She refers to her creations as “works of art” and she doesn’t mind helping others to be creators in their own right. She hopes to open a cake and design school. “My vision is to help and inspire low to moderate income individuals to help them.”

A native of Port St. Joe, Mrs. Aiken moved to Tampa to attend college and made it her home. She is married and the mother of two daughters. She is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Seffner, and enjoys spending time with her family, tasting and trying new food, and she loves to dine at new places.

And, she still considers her cake creations as a hobby. For additional information about the shop visit www.michellescakesgalore.com.

Less than a handful of them remain, and Floyd “Floyd Joy” Rivers, is among the elite of disc jockeys from back in the day.

Floyd Joy reportedly suffered a stroke last week, and was hospitalized. According a close friend, Randall C., he is currently at home recovering and being cared for by his family.

The stroke reportedly left Floyd Joy with slurred speech and the need for him to move around with the use of a walker, but he is still trying to get out and do what has made him a household name.

On Saturday night, Derrick J. Dixon, 20, was found shot to death inside his car.

Tampa Police said they haven’t identified any suspects in the shooting.

Police said Dixon had driven to the River Oaks Apartments at Sligh Avenue and 43rd Street around 9:30 p. m. to drop off a friend. He was sitting in his car in front of the building when someone approached the car, firing several shots inside.

Dixon reportedly tried to drive away, but died a short distance away in the 6700 block of Shadeville Lane.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Tuesday, November 6th, the American people will elect the next President of the United States. Wednesday night, the two contenders, President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, participated in the first of three scheduled debates before the General Election.

Some readers who watched the debate shared their opinions.

Ms. Ann Porter said, “I listen to the debate between the President and Mitt Romney.  I must admit that after running for President for more than six years and debate prep for eight weeks, Mitt Romney came prepared.  He gave a solid conservative message of the private sector with little regard for the public sector.

“While, on a personal note, celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary, the President reminded all of us about the partnerships long established between the public and private sector such as the railroad, health, education, interstate commerce and many landmark accomplishment. “He is tirelessly working for the middle class and the safety of the USA.  The questions ranged around domestic policies. Romney remained true to States Rights and a voucher system, while the President stressed progress for a strong middle class, Medicare, Medicaid, training and job advancement to enrich the lives of all the American people. There was very little said about the party of NO.  They will have two more debates and one for the vice-presidential candidates.”

Atty. Clinton Paris said, “Surprisingly, President Obama was passive, flat, unemotional, and stayed on the defensive.  He did not debate with the confidence and zest of an incumbent candidate in a very close race.

“In contrast, Gov. Romney appeared prepared, aggressive, and eager to engage the President. Gov. Romney benefitted from his performance.”

Danny Green said, “the President Obama vs. Mitt Romney debate was a face off to the country. President Obama came prepared and with his purpose for this debate. He stated, ‘I promise I’d fight every day on behalf of the American people, I’ve kept that promise.’

“He promised to give tax cuts to the middle class people and he did. President Obama focuses on educating the American people, by stressing why Mitt Romney is not a good candidate for the Presidency. One of them being Medicare changes that will affect so many people’s lives with age of 54 and 55. Both of them had their difference on the economy, Romney stated he likes Big Bird, but he will get rid of PBS. Mitt Romney spent the night on the defense, on the same bad ideas that crashed the economy.

“Romney stated he will appeal the Obama Health Plan. I was also disappointed to see the moderator, Jim Lehrer allowing Romney to interrupt the President.

Ronnie Moorer said, “President Barack Obama was very open in what he has done and will continue to do for this country. He kept his cool even when Romney presented things that weren’t true.  Romney could not, and would not, give specifics on how he was going to turn this country around for the better, even when the moderator asked him to.  Mitt Romney has a “Top Secret” agenda for us.  “If your name is “Mitt,” you cannot be “Fit”, … to run this country, that is!”

Ms. Pat Spencer said, “As I watched and listened to the debate, I had several thoughts. First, Mitt Romney was primed to continue telling untruths about how, if elected, he will lead us into more difficult times.

“Second, he was disrespectful of the Moderator and proceeded to take over the debate, even sharing that the funding for PBS will be cut if he is elected.  Third, he backed down on things he has been saying throughout the Election, by agreeing with what President Obama was saying, or quickly stated “I did not say that.”

“President Obama was a gentleman, and did not get in Romney’s face.  This is what he has to do at the next debate.  Romney said that his Health Plan will protect citizens who have existing illnesses, however, shortly after the debate, one of his top advisers stated that his plan will not cover persons in this position.

“There were many untruths he shared last night, so that he could continue trying to reach the undecided voter.  We must read and share with others the true facts because from Mitt Romney, they did not come out last night.  Most of all, we must make sure all of our family and friends are registered by October 9th and do Early Voting.”

Jet Set Hudson said, “I feel that Mitt Romney didn’t have the facts and he wouldn’t give any details to any of the questions President Obama asked. Romney is secretive and he doesn’t want to answer questions. He was like a pit bull, he just kept attacking, with no substance and no proof of his accusations. America doesn’t need a pit bull as the Commander in Chief. If President Obama had acted like that, the news reporters would have torn him apart.
“Romney is a billionaire, he doesn’t care about the poor, and he is definitely not trying to help the poor. But, you can’t fool the people all of the time. We need to get to the polls and take someone else with us to vote.”

Dr. Samuel Wright, Sr., said, “The debate was quite interesting in that President Barack Obama was quite presidential and non-combative. I believe he employed this strategy to remain calm and to exude no anger.

“On the other hand, Mitt Romney was somewhat rambunctious and overly aggressive. He rambled on and on without being direct in answering some of his questions. Stay tune for Debate 2!”

Keto Hodges Nord said, “You can tell a lot about a person’s character by their debating style. Someone who will look you in the eye and lie to you when millions of people are watching and swear they never said anything that has ever been reported and documented in the news is intellectually dishonest and does it because he thinks he will get over on you, and after all, what are YOU going to do about it?

“In sum, that person lies, obfuscates, and projects because he don’t respect you and thinks you are dumb enough that you can’t remember the things he said out of his own mouth. (Unfortunately, most Americans do not bother to educate themselves on politics). That is despicable and such a person does not deserve your attention much less your vote because he don’t respect you anyway. This is my opinion of Romney’s debate ‘win.’”

Atty. Roderick Ford said, “Pundits and Polls say that Gov. Romney “won” the First Debate. However, President Obama’s debate style really maintained the “dignity of the Office of President.”

Ms. Evangeline Best said, “I listened to the debate and I connected and trust President Obama. I come from humble beginnings in Belmont Heights. Those of us who have lived in this community back in the 1960s recall who we are because of our praying and devotion to family, church, and our neighborhoods.

“President Obama has shown in the past four years that he is for “us,” (the middle class, seniors, disabled, veterans, and disabled and many others), and the 47% of “us” according to the U. S. Constitution. are to be represented.

“We have to make sure that our families, friends and others we meet are registered to vote.”

BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor

The life story of the Jackson Brothers is one of interest. They are brothers and cousins who have maintained a close relationship over the years.

Like most groups, the brothers’ (Ricky, Jessie, Willie Robert, Joseph – original group) singing started in the church.

It has been 30 years since the group has performed.

The All-Class Reunion is hosting “A Night In Pink And White,” a dressy affair, at Channelside Cinemas. (Although the theatre is closed, private events are being held there.)

The Saturday, October 13, 2012, 8 p. m.-12 midnight event will allow the young men a second chance to show their talents. Since being asked to perform, they’ve spent 3-4 nights each week perfecting the performance – dancing and singing. Who knows, they believe this may lead to additional performance dates, especially since many groups are hosting “Old School” events.

The group started out performing at Blake with Gay Pappa and moved to Curtis Hixon with him. They also performed at the Sugar Shack. “We’re older now, but we’ve still got it,” Harold said.

The young men all grew up in West Tampa, all graduated from Plant High School, and they all played basketball. Other former members were Carlton Jones (Head), Herman Holmes and Leroy Murray.

Their goal as a group was to bring all the communities together. During those times, they would explain, communities would fight each other – Belmont Heights, Jackson Heights, Central Park, West Tampa, Robles, etc.

Because the Jackson Brothers were known for winning all the talent shows in the area, they also faced some trying times. “We also had to fight a lot,” Jessie said, “because of winning those talent shows.”

For 10 years the group was managed by Jessie “Jet Set” Hudson. They credit him with propelling their careers as young performers and not allowing others to take advantage of them. “We owe all successes to the community that supported us,” Willie said.

They consider it an honor and a privilege to perform for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They’re also excited because their adult children have not seen them perform and they, too, are looking forward to the event. “It will be a blessing for our kids to see us perform,” Johnny said.

What are they doing, now? Jessie retired from the School Board after 23 years; Harold owns a plumbing company; Johnny is employed by the Railroad; and Willie multi-tasks – School System, DACCO, Ray Williams Funeral Home.

For tickets to the event, call (813) 743-8779, 850-1202, or 245-2046.

Pictured: The Jackson Brothers, who will perform on October 13, 2012 for the All-Class Reunion Breast Cancer Awareness benefit event are: left to right, Johnny (JJ) Watson, Jessie (Mess) Jackson, Willie (Willie L) Jackson and Harold (Moon) Reeves.

On a Wednesday morning in April, seven-year-old Zhanaye Williams left home en route to her bus stop. However, she never made it.

Police said the child attempted to move a huge gate that encloses the parking lot at the apartment complex where she lived,  and it fell and crushed her. She died of head trauma.

This week, her mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Brookside Apartment, 5008 Sierra Place, and its management, Franklin Street Apartment Management Services.

Ms. Coretta Williams filed the lawsuit on behalf of her deceased child and her surviving child, Christian, 9, who witnessed the incident that led to his sister’s death.

Ms. Williams alleged the complex failed to maintain the premises, correct dangerous conditions, or to inspect and correct those conditions. She also stated in the lawsuit that her son has suffered “injury and emotional distress and his damages are continuing.”

Last month, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office discovered human remains in a torched vehicle. The vehicle belonged to a woman who had been reported missing two hours before the vehicle was discovered.

At the time of the discovery, police identified the 2000 Nissan Maxima as the vehicle owned by the missing woman, 43-year-old Gwendolyn Hill Belcher. The skeletal remains found in the vehicle were later positively identified through dental records as being Mrs. Belcher.

On Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that Mrs. Belcher’s death was the result of homicidal violence. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Mrs. Belcher was reported missing by family members on Sunday, September 16th, around 4:30 p.m.

During the course of the interviews, they learned that on the night of September 15, her husband, Christopher Keith Belcher, 43, had gone to a birthday party. When Belcher returned home, he and Mrs. Belcher became engaged in a verbal confrontation that turned physical.

About two hours after receiving the missing person’s report, police said other deputies responded to Taylor Road and Pruett Road in reference to a burned vehicle.

After arriving at the scene, police determined that the vehicle belonged to Mrs. Belcher and discovered it contained skeletal remains.

Deputies arrested Belcher early the following Monday morning and charged him with domestic violence. He was initially held at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond. Bond was later set at $1,000,000.

However, Mark Cox, spokesman for the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said the charge against Belcher has been dropped.

“He was being held on a misdemeanor and after the case was reviewed, it was determined that based on a lack of evidence, we didn’t have enough to substantiate the case. However, the death of his wife is still a very active investigation.”

Belcher was released on Tuesday.