Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Several weeks ago, members of a local organization planned summer events. One of those events was to take place at a local club in Tampa. However, the experience left the members and their guests drenched by the rain because they did not have access to the building.

Ms. Janet Brooks, President and co-founder of the Black Women Business Owners, Executives, and Entrepreneurs (BWBOEE) said the organization had planned to host “The Summer Groove Jazz Café” at The Fox Jazz Club, 5401 W. Kennedy Blvd., on August 19th. The event was scheduled from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Ms. Brooks, who had never been to the club, said she arrived about 3:30 p.m., because she wanted to be on hand to greet the guests and meet the management.

However, when she arrived, she discovered the door was locked and they did not have access to the facility. Ms. Brooks said that when someone from the club did arrive, that person did not have a key.
She further stated that everyone was dressed for the occasion and when the rain started, there was no shelter. “It was a torrential rain and it just flooded. Everyone was upset, but we are all professional women and maintained our cool.”

Ms. Brooks said that they were not the only ones out in the rain. She stated the club’s chef and staff did not have access, either. “They were outside with us.”

Someone arrived with a key around 5:40 p.m., Ms. Brooks said, but by that time, the event was a disaster. “No one was upset with us, and we apologized to everyone who had attended. Our guests were very good and tried to stay positive. It’s unfortunate our organization didn’t get to have our event as planned. I don’t believe any of our guests will go back to The Fox.”

She further said that they had place a deposit on the facility and the deposit was returned. However, no one from the club had contacted her prior to the interview to explain what happened or to apologize for the fiasco.

“We were looking forward to having a good time. People were still coming close to 6 p.m., and we would have had a large crowd. I don’t see how you own or manage a place and not show up.”
On the bright side, Ms. Brooks said even with the disastrous results, five women who arrived to attend the event expressed an interest in joining the organization.

Ms. Brooks said she heard the people who had planned an event after theirs had cancelled. “The professional side of me wants to give them the benefit of the doubt and say that it was an honest miscommunication. But today is Thursday, and I still haven’t heard from the club.”

Joe Robinson, who is a VIP member, attended the event said the rain began a few minutes before 5 p.m.

“The sky became dark and the wind was howling. It must have been blowing 25 to 30 mph. We couldn’t go to our cars because the downpour was too hard.

“I directed the ladies under the canopy, but when the rain hit the gutters, we were drenched. We were standing in about two inches of water. I was surrounded by about two dozen fine women and we all were soaked. It was really bad because they were wearing expensive clothes and wearing $200 and $300 shoes for this event.”

Club Owner Responds
When contacted by the Sentinel, the owner, Toby Oldham, told a different story. He stated that the group used a promoter who was aware that the club did not open for business until 7 p.m.

Oldham said, “We are a very high end club and we don’t mess up. I spoke with him on Saturday night to get a head count and he knew the time the club opens. I told him that I would open at 6 p.m. That is why my staff arrived at 5:30 p.m.

“If I had known the event was from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., I would have told him ‘no’ because that would mean my staff would have had to work until 1 a.m. I want to get to the bottom of this. I want to meet with everyone at one time and discuss it.”

Pictured: Some of those gathered at The Fox for the Summer Groove Jazz Event, hosted by the Black Women Business Owners, Executives, and Entrepreneurs, were photographed before the rain. From left to right: Shelly, Brandy, Crystal, Netra Cromuel, Joe Robinson, Damita Wren, Judy, Joyuita House, and Beleria Floyd. (Photograph by Toby Scott of Chow and Scott Keepsakes).

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A local entrepreneur had a vision to help combat the negativity associated with youth. His goal is to offer them to demonstrate their natural talent in a competition.

James “DJ JROCK” Harrell said, “There is so much negativity in the community and I felt I wanted to do something positive. Even when there are events such as club night planned for teenagers they always end up fighting.”

His vision to promote something positive has taken the form of a talent showcase. Entitled the first Annual “Tampa Bay’s Next Big Star,” JROCK is currently inviting youngsters from age 5 through 16 to come out and show off their talent.

The talent show, which is a Trinity #164 & Another J-Rock Productions, LLC, will take place on Saturday, September 8. The event will take place at 6 p.m., in the auditorium of Tampa Bay Technical High School, 6410 Orient Road.

Currently, the organizers are having auditions every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., at 2909 E. Hillsborough Avenue. Singers, rappers, poets, and dancers are encouraged to audition.

JROCK said he plans to make the talent show an annual event. “I hope it grows so that we can have multiple events. I want the community to get behind the youth in a very positive atmosphere and see that they have talent.”

The young man further stated that he plans to offer something other than a trophy to the winners as well.

“I feel that there is a lot of poverty out there and I want to give something uplifting to the winners. I’m giving cash and trophies. They can spend the cash on whatever they want and still have the trophy,” he said.

The first place winner will receive $500; second place winner will receive $150; and the third place winner will receive $50.

JROCK said the talent show is only one of the visions he wants to share with the community. His next project is to host a teen fashion show. He also plans to have a fun day that the entire family can enjoy. “These are some of my visions and I’m going to do it,” he said.

Anyone wishing to obtain more information can call (813) 298-6941 or (813) 770-7964.

PINELLAS COUNTY – Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced Thursday that Eddie Walker, 24, had been arrested by members of the U. S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force in Lithonia, Georgia. He is being held in the DeKalb County Jail.

Walker was being sought on a first degree murder warrant following the April 5, 2012 shooting death of Terrence Thomas.

Deputies said Thomas was found near 703 Patterson Street in Largo. He had been shot once in the head.

Authorities said Walker had escaped capture last week, and a reward was offered for his arrest.

Authorities were able to locate Walker through surveillance and monitoring cell phones.

Tampa Police reported that at 6:20 a. m. Thursday, a woman was struck by an SUV at 22nd Street and Hillsborough Avenue.

According to the report, Sharon Okoh-Esene, 46, was crossing Hillsborough Avenue to the south when she was hit by a Lexus SUV. Officers patrolling the area saw Okoh-Esene on the ground unconscious.

Tampa Fire Rescue was called and responded to the scene. Okoh-Esene was transported to a local hospital with severe head and leg injuries. Her condition is reported to be critical.

The SUV’s driver, Naresh Shah, was not charged in the accident.

Tampa Police have arrested a 67-year-old man who allegedly set a woman on fire Saturday.

Police said Ulysses Chapman was arguing with Anita Ahmadi, 40, inside his car when he allegedly poured gas on her, and lit the fuel. Ahmadi suffered serious burns.

Chapman was arrested and charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, second-degree arson, and cocaine possession. He is being held without bond.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

An African American who has represented the Republican Party for the past 12 years has resigned. Joseph W. J. Robinson renounced the Republican Party because of several reasons, including their lack of response to African American issues, businesses, and inclusion in the upcoming Republican National Convention slated for Tampa next week. Robinson officially changed parties on Friday, August 17, 2012.

Robinson said, “I have sought an elected office here in Tampa several times without the support of the Republican Party.  I have been outspoken on their outreach to Blacks and Latinos to no avail.  I am able to confirm what Jim Greer has said in his affidavit on how the Republican Party treats and it’s outreach to the Black community.”

Robinson, a Tampa native, further stated that since he became a Republican, his role has been to obtain inclusion for African Americans and other minorities in the events sponsored by the party. He stated that his appointment to the SWFMUD Board gave him an opportunity to open doors that had previously been closed to minority.

He further stated that during the years, he has been able to witness the changes of the party from the time former Governor Jeb Bush took office and 2010 when the new Republican Tea Party, which he called “an evangelical political” Republican Party.

During the years after Bush left office, opportunities for African Americans disappeared. He stated that he attempted to develop business opportunities during the RNC, but all of his efforts were blocked.

“They have decided that they don’t need the African American vote, so they are not awarding African Americans contracts. If any Blacks receive any business, it will be the trickle-down effect or the crumbs.”

Robinson said he was a staunch Democrat for the majority of his adult life. He is returning to his roots and said he does not plan to leave the Democratic Party again.

“I am the type of person who works regardless of what I’m involved with. I worked for the Republican Party and I intend to do the same thing for the Democrats.

During this last election, I received more support from African Americans than I ever have. I intend to work to help other Democrats get elected. But, we must vote, we cannot do it unless everyone who can, participates in the voting process,” Robinson said.

“From my observation during the last election, I know that the only way President Barack Obama is going to be re-elected is through Absentee or Votes By Mail.

Anyone can request a ballot and all they have to do is complete it, sign it, and return it. The voters in Hillsborough County don’t even have to purchase a stamp, the postage is paid,” Robinson said.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A recently released report indicates that there are approximately 17,000 Florida residents who may not know their right to vote has been restored. At least 13,000 of those individuals are not included on the state’s voter registration roll.

The names are of individuals who were convicted of a felony, but who applied for their restoration of rights. However, because they moved and did not provide a forwarding address, notification was impossible.

Ms. Yvette Lewis (pictured, right), Political Action Chairperson of the Hillsborough County Branch NAACP said of those 17,000 names, 1,816 are residents of Hillsborough County. The list of individuals applied for the rights restoration, but did not follow through with the Clemency Board.

Five years ago, then Governor Charlie Crist spearheaded the rights restoration rule. The names could include anyone who applied for rights restoration prior to the election of 2010. However, since that time, the Rick Scott Administration repealed the rule.

The rule was repealed and a new rule was proposed and spearheaded by Pam Bondi within months of her becoming the Attorney General in 2010. The new rule states that if a person is on a list to have his or her rights restored without a hearing, they must wait five years before they can apply. In the instances where a hearing is warranted the person must wait seven years before he or she can apply for rights restoration.

Whether a hearing is required or not depends on the type of crime that was committed.

Senator Arthenia Joyner said it actually takes even more time because the person must first prepare and then submit the application to have his or her rights restored.

Senator Joyner further said, “It is important that everybody in the community assist us in getting the word out that there are thousands of ex-felons who have had their rights restored and don’t know it.

“This is an opportunity for those who have fully paid their debt to society to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Let’s join together and talk this up at our churches, beauty salons, barber shops, on the job and everywhere we go because OUR future is at stake in the upcoming presidential election.”

Ms. Lewis said, “It was been brought to my attention that the Florida Parole Commission has Restoration of Civil Rights certificates of 17,604 as undeliverable.

“Through, hard work and determination I was able to get the complete list of certificates. Then, I discovered there were 1,816 Restoration of Civil Rights certificates in Hillsborough County.  The NAACP is in the process of locating these people to inform them that they are eligible to register to vote.

“We have several people in the community that will be researching and visiting each person on the list throughout the County.  If you have applied or would like to check to see if your rights have been restored please contact Yvette Lewis, NAACP Political Action Chair at (813) 234-8683.”

Four young men were injured during a shooting in East Tampa. The shooting took place during an unsanctioned block party Sunday night.

According to police, the shooting happened shortly before 9 p.m., Sunday night at the intersection of N. 17th Street and E. 24th Avenue.

Police said a fight started which resulted in shots being fired. Police said details pertaining to the shooting are sketchy because the victims are not being cooperative.

However, the victims were identified as Terrico C. Newson, 21; Kenneth Royal, 22; Joe Fussell (pictured), 23; and 17-year-old Jeremiah Hobbs. Police said all four were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Royal has been released. The other three victims are in critical, but stable condition.

The investigation into the shooting is continuing. Police said this incident does not appear to be a random act of violence. Detectives are asking anyone with any information about the shooting to contact the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Wrier

Last Thursday’s City Council meeting addressed a lot of issues, one of them being making sure the city is prepared for the Republican National Convention in 9 days.

Among the items discussed as points of concern were prostitution and drug sales. Also discussed were the aesthetic problems that exist in certain parts of the city.

Councilwoman Yolie Capin pointed out what she thought were problems in West Tampa, especially along Main Street. She addressed the streets being crowded with people late at night, and vendors along the side of the street selling food and other items.

One business owner, Bernard Jordan, addressed the Council and first pointed out that he does not oppose the Occupy Tampa group being at Voice Of Freedom Park.

“I’ve never had any problems with anyone connected with that movement. I find them to be cordial, and I have allowed them to use my restroom and property for some of their events. There are people who don’t spend a dime in my businesses or any other business on Main Street. They just show up and loiter in the parking areas and in the street. That hurts my business, because they don’t patronize anything.”

Councilwoman Capin felt a stronger police presence was needed on Main Street, and Code Enforcement should examine if any ordinances are being violated.

On Friday, two businesses felt the immediate impact of the suggestion of Councilwoman Capin.

Huey Johnson, who has been operating a vending business on Main Street for years, was told he had to shut down.

Jeff Hilaire, who operates a restaurant on Main Street, was told he couldn’t have speakers outside the door playing music for the customers who sit at the outdoor tables.

Councilman Frank Reddick, who was upset at his colleagues for their opinions of West Tampa, was particularly upset at Councilwoman Capin’s comments, and her statement that she has driven through the area at night and observed what’s going on.

West Tampa activist, Dwight Bolden, has been trying to draw the Black business owners in West Tampa together to form an alliance. He says this appears to be a planned strategy to shut down the Black businesses in West Tampa to make way for the redevelopment plan for the area that apparently doesn’t include Black owned businesses.

“I think the city is trying to shut us down. I think they are using every trick they have to come into our community, and tell us where we’re going to spend our money, and it won’t be with Black owned businesses.

“We must unite now to stop this, and I’d like a meeting with the Mayor and the Black business owners to be scheduled so some assurances can be made to the Black business owners.”

Johnson said he intends on meeting with the city’s Code Enforcement Inspectors to find out exactly what he did wrong, and how he can get things right and continue vending.

Councilman Reddick said the business owners called him over the weekend, and they were upset about Councilwoman Capin’s comments, and want him to meet with them.

“One of the business owners coordinated this effort by getting in touch with the others. All of them, including some patrons, are upset, and want something done about it.

“I think Capin intentionally exaggerated one of her points by saying there were thousands of young people in the streets. That’s not close to being accurate. “

Councilman Reddick said eventually, the business owners will bring their concerns before the Council, and drop them right on Capin.

“As far as the increased police presence in the area is concerned, they will be focusing most of their attention to the Occupy Tampa group.”