Florida Sentinel Bulletin

In December 2010, Sea World and the Busch Garden theme parks decided to layoff a lot of personnel. Among those hit with pink slips were The Mystic Sheiks of Morocco.

The Mystic Sheiks Of Morocco had been performing at the Tampa theme park for more than 30 years when they were told their services were no longer needed.
Former members of the band stayed together and created the Distinguished Men Of Brass.

The Distinguished Men Of Brass are competing on America’s Got Talent, and after their performance in New Jersey, Monday, they were told they would be advancing in the competition that will result in a prize of $1 million.

The band consists of Ernest Elmore, Darius Boone, Nathaniel Gordon, John Gilbert, Rico Clark, Donald Scott, Mystic Sheiks founder, Desmond Boone, Kayraynard Lawrence, Ronnie Izing, and Rickey Williams.

Vickie Pratt-Boone, the wife of Desmond and mother of Darius, said she doesn’t want to sound biased, but she thinks their performance was great.

“I know the sacrifices they’ve made to get where they are.  One of the members has a pregnant wife and a small child at home he needs to care for.

“I think the end reward is what they must stay focused on. They get their names out, and get to do what they love.”

Mrs. Pratt-Boone said she’s proud of them, because they all took a bad situation, and created a great opportunity for themselves. “Desmond left the band before they were fired, and his departure and the departure of the band were both not good circumstances.

“I guess in hindsight, if they hadn’t lost their jobs at Busch Gardens, they wouldn’t have this opportunity. When one door closes, another one opens.”

Mrs. Pratt-Boone said she and other family members greeted the band when they returned to Tampa Wednesday, and held a big celebration, that included the group performing some of their music.

“Some of the family members were able to travel to New Jersey to see them perform.”

Mrs. Pratt-Boone said considering there were thousands of auditions, for the band to be in the top 48 is great.

To vote for The Distinguished Men Of Brass, call 1-866-602-4801. You can vote up to 30 times.

Reporter Leon B. Crews can be reached at (813) 248-0724, or e-mailed at lcrews@flsentinel.com.

Temple Terrace and Tampa Police reported that a Facebook rumor about a fight at a Tampa bowling alley proved to be true Sunday night when a brawl broke out involving at least 600 teenagers.

Authorities said Terrace Sports hosted a dance party Sunday night and expected about 300 teenagers. They had planned to handle their own security, but when 600 teenagers arrived, authorities were asked to be at the bowling alley at 9:30 p. m. in case there were going to be problems.

Police said a fight broke out and police closed down the party. No injuries were reported, but someone was allegedly pepper sprayed in the parking lot. It was also reported that gunshots may have been fired between two vehicles.

No arrests were made, and no one was injured.

On Friday, Judge William Fuente sentenced tow truck company owner/driver, Donald Montanez, to 35 years in prison. Montanez was convicted of the January 8, 2006 shooting death of Glen Rich.

The jury earlier rejected a theory by prosecutors that Montanez acted with a depraved mind during a confrontation near the Sugar Shack Strip Club. Jurors also didn’t believe Montanez was acting in self defense as Rich was trying to get his car back from a towing drop site.

Montanez was found guilty of manslaughter and third-degree felony murder. The latter charge means a death was caused in the commission of a felony. The manslaughter conviction was later vacated.

On the night of the shooting, Montanez had directed his employees to tow Rich’s vehicle from behind the Sugar Shack Strip Club, where prosecutors said the car was legally parked. The car and others were taken to a nearby drop site that property owners said Montanez and his company were not authorized to use.

Prosecutors said the illegal tow amounted to grand theft, but the defense argued it was a misdemeanor or civil violation of towing statutes.

During the trial, witnesses testified Montanez pointed his laser-sited gun at several people who had walked to where the cars were being temporarily kept on their way to the impound lot.

Witnesses for the defense testified Rich was driving toward Montanez and his employees when Montanez fired the gun. Defense attorneys also argued that Montanez was in fear for his life and the lives of his employees and made a split-second decision.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

What started off in Two Egg, Florida more than five decades ago, has now grown into a growing generation of gospel singers.

The Harmony Winds were created by Mr. T.C. and Mrs. Ethel Pittman, and from the beginning, consisted of family members.
Today, Tony Pittman and the Harmony Winds mark the second generation of the group, and overall, Tony Pittman represents the third generation of their family.

“I’ve been singing for 40 years, but as a second generation, we’ve been singing together for more than 20 years. The road has been rough, but believing in prayer and having faith in God has helped carry us through.

“Over the years, we’re had offers to go into secular music, but this is what we want to do. It’s not about the material rewards. It’s about souls and salvation.”

Tony Pittman said they all serve the same God, and it’s not world-renowned fame they’re seeking. Right now there are 12 family members continuing the tradition, and there’s another generation waiting in the wings to keep it going.

“The most rewarding thing for us has been sharing the stage with national gospel artists,” said Tony Pittman. “Yet, we’ve still maintained our spirituality and mission to keep people close to Christ.”

Tony Pittman said all of their songs are composed in-house, and played by their own musicians. To date, The Harmony Winds have released 4 albums, and they plan to keep it going.

“Our plan is to keep it going non-stop as one generation moves on and another prepares to take over,” said Tony Pittman.

“We look forward to bigger and better things from us in the future. We will continue to represent Tampa and the entire state.”

Tony Pittman said some of them have solo careers, but once a year, they all come together for a big family show.

Tony’s son, Tyrell Pittman, said outside of being a great lead singer, his dad has been a great father.

“I always think of how he would handle a situation. He trained all of us and laid down a great foundation for all 8 of us. Anytime there was a problem, he was a father to everyone in the group.

“Sometimes, you forget who opened the door for you, but I’ve never forgotten what my dad did for me and the direction he put in my life. He was strict, but now that I’m older, I understand why. He taught us all to push ourselves to get better, and no matter what, stay humble to Jesus.”

Tyrell said his dad was very serious when it came to everyone staying humble, and remembering where your blessings come from. “We stared this group, The Tampa Boyz, outside of The Harmony Winds, with my dad’s blessing. He continues to be a mentor to all of us.”

Tony Pitman credits his grandparents, T.C. and Ethel Pittman, with steering him in the right direction, and making sure he stayed on course.

Mrs. Ethel Pittman said if it weren’t for her grandson, there probably wouldn’t be any more Harmony Winds.

“I credit Tony with being instrumental in keeping us all together. Tony has won a lot of awards, but I remember someone asking him about what was his most rewarding experience.

“I feel after we’d finished singing on many occasions, people would come up and want to give their lives to Christ. Just to know you had a part in saving souls is all the reward you need, and Tony has been blessed with a great gift.”

Mrs. Ethel Pitman said the goal of her and her husband was to raise their children to know who God is and obey His doctrine. “We never got so busy where we broke our tradition of joining in prayer before our bus would leave for a show.

“When we come together like that, it’s the greatest reward anyone could ask for.”

A celebration to honor Tony Pittman was held Sunday at the 34th Street Church of God.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Construction should begin on two more buildings of the Encore Project. The groundbreaking is slated to take place before the end of the year.

Leroy Moore, Chief Operations Officer for the Tampa Housing Authority said funding for both projects has been secured.

The new development replaces the former Central Park Village Public Housing Project. The complex was home to 483 apartment units. The Encore Project, which is replacing it, will sit on the 28 acres near downtown Tampa.

Upon its completion, the Encore Project will be a mixed community with apartments, shops, a hotel, and a Black History Museum. It will nearly double the number of units torn down five years ago.  Moore described the project as an integrated retail, commercial, and residential community.

“We will close on “The Trio” in late August and building will start after that. We will close on the “Reed Building” in September or October. All of the funding is in place,” Moore said.

Upon completion, the Encore Project will consist of five buildings that will have nearly 800 units. The new development has a musical theme and each of the buildings will have a name associated with music.

The first building constructed was “The Ella,” which is slated for completion in November 2012. The ground was broken for that building nearly two years ago.

The first building constructed was “The Ella,” named in honor of popular singer, Ella Fitzgerald. It will sit beside “The Reed,” upon its completion in December 2013. Both of those buildings are earmarked for senior citizens.

“The Reed,” is named in honor of Mrs. Essie Mae Reed, a former Central Park Village resident who fought to improve the quality of life for people living in public housing.

“The Trio” is actually three buildings designed for families. It will consist of three separate buildings. The fourth building, which is not completed funded yet, will bear the name of “The Tempo.” Moore said the fifth and final building has not been named yet.

The Tampa Housing Authority submitted an application for the Choice Neighborhood Grant, a $30 million HUD grant in April of this year. Moore said the organization applied for the grant last year and was one of the finalists. He stated they hope to obtain the funding this year.

The Choice Neighborhood Grant replaces the HOPE VI Grants used by the Tampa Housing Authority to replace the College Hill, Ponce DeLeon, Riverview Terrace, and Rembrandt Public Housing Complexes.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Thursday morning, in a landmark decision, members of the U. S. Supreme Court issued a ruling upholding the individual mandate and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The court’s decision came about in a 5-4 vote with Chief Justice John Roberts supporting the law.

The court ruled that while the mandate is ruled unconstitutional under the Constitution’s commerce clause, the law is permitted as part of Congress’s power under a taxing clause.

While the ruling was a dramatic victory for President Obama and his administration, it was a devastating defeat for the Republican Party who has vehemently opposed the law.

Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the ruling, “the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that certain individuals pay a financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax. Because the Constitution permits such a tax, it is not our role to forbid it, or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness.”

Chief Justice Roberts was joined in the majority vote by Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan. The dissenting votes were casts by Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia, and Anthony Kennedy.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

“…The Defendant’s pattern of deceit and disrespect for the law ultimately enabled him to carry a firearm and wear a concealed weapons permit around his neck during his towing operations. Had the defendant not carried a concealed firearm on the morning of January 8, 2006, Glen Rich would be alive today. His death is attributable to the Defendant’s lifelong pattern of deceit and disrespect for the law.”
State Of Florida’s Memorandum For Sentencing And In Opposition To Appellate Bond

On Friday (today) Donald Montanez is to appear before a judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court. He is asking the judge to grant a bond while he appeals his second-degree murder conviction.

However, Circuit Judge William Fuente will have more to take into consideration than the words of Montanez or his attorney. The judge will have a 19-page document authored by Assistant State Attorney Jay Pruner and submitted by the State of Florida in opposition of a bond or consideration in sentencing.

For the past 6 years, Montanez has portrayed himself as a business owner of a tow truck company. The image created for the courts and the public is that of a married father who began his life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from North Catholic High School.

He also said he earned a degree in Business Administration from Penn State University in 1986.

His first arrest in Hillsborough County took place after he shot and killed Glen Rich on January 6, 2006.

However, according to the document, Montanez has lied about everything —  his name, age, criminal record, his mother’s name, the high school he graduated from, and his college degree — in short everything pertinent about his life.

The document stated that the only thing consistent with the defendant is the first name of “Donald.” Investigators learned Montanez was arrested for the first time as Donald Rivera on May 13, 1981, in Philadelphia.

Rivera was charged with taking and receiving stolen property. On January 31, 1984, he was charged with burglary and criminal trespass. He served two years in county prison.

Rivera was arrested on May 27, 1986, and charged with impersonating a public servant. By December 1986, he was in jail again for impersonating a public servant and driving under suspension. This time, he was booked under the name of Donald DiMartino, he received one year probation after pleading guilty.

When he moved to Florida in 1988, Donald DiMartino was arrested on August 1st of that year for impersonating an officer and driving while his license were suspended. Once again, he was given probation. In November 1988, Donald DiMartino was arrested for resisting/obstructing an officer without violence.

The name Donald Montanez first surfaced in Denton County, Texas when he was arrested on two separate instances for assault and family violence in December 1997. He pleaded no contest to both charges and was sentenced to 24 months community supervision.

The arrests under the different names were varied through fingerprint comparison, the document states.

The document uses the fact that Montanez has also used three different names, four different dates of birth and six different social security numbers is proof of his intent to deceive the court.

He also had a 20-year-old capias (issued in 1991) for failure to appear on a driving while license suspended charge in Broward County under the name of Donald DiMartino.

The trail of deceit was uncovered during an interview with Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Officer Kimberly Taylor on March 9, 2012. The purpose of the interview was to obtain background information for inclusion in a Pre-sentence Investigation Report. With a domino effect, the document derails practically everything that Montanez testified to as true about his life.

‘He also stated that he took his sister’s three children to raise after his sister’s death. The documents quote his niece as saying that was untrue and that she hadn’t seen him since she was 10 years old.

Montanez attempted to use the “Stand Your Ground” law as a defense, but the judge wouldn’t allow it as a defense. He was convicted of third-degree murder for killing 30-year-old Rich, a husband and father. The shooting took place after Montanez illegally towed Rich’s car from the Sugar Shack on E. Hillsborough Avenue. When Rich attempted to reclaim his vehicle, Montanez shot him. Montanez claimed Rich attempted to run over him. But prior to the shooting, one of his employees testified that Montanez said if he should encounter a problem, he would just “f***king kill them.”

Since the shooting, Montanez has been the subject of other criminal complaints as well. He also got into trouble since being incarcerated and had his telephone privileges taken.

Montanez is seeking the mercy of the courts, he stated, “If you can have it in your heart to let me out, I will spend every moment of every day helping Adama (the victim’s wife), with the kids.”

In light of the information uncovered, the document stated, “Release of the defendant on appellate bond shall place the public at risk.”

On Friday, July 27th from 7 p. m. until 10 p. m., an evening of “Celebration With a Legend” will be held at Dee Serving Spoon Café, 3255 West Cypress.

The legend who will be celebrated is Tampa’s own Olympian, Ms. Theresa A. Manuel. The celebration will take place during the opening ceremony broadcast of the 2012 Olympics in London, England.

The event for Ms. Manuel is to celebrate a great milestone in her life, 64 years after her debut with the American Olympic Team at the 1948 games in London.

Ms. Theresa A. Manuel was born in Tampa on January 7, 1926 to Willie and Frances (Washington) Manuel. She attended the schools of Hillsborough County, graduating from Middleton High school in 1944. She later attended Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, majoring in Physical Education, and received her B. S. degree in 1949.

During her college years at Tuskegee Institute, Ms. Manuel not only participated in the sport of basketball, where her team held conference champions status for four consecutive years, but also in track and field events, compiling records and victories that thrust her team to four championships.

In 1947, Ms. Manuel participated in a track meet at the University of Chicago. During the event, she set the record time for the 50-yard indoor dirt track hurdles that she still holds until this day.

Ms. Manuel was later honored by being chosen as a member of the 1948 U. S. Olympic Track team, making her the first African American Floridian to compete in the Olympic Games.

Ms. Manuel competed in the 80-meter hurdles and was third leg in the 440-yard team relay, and javelin throw. She, along with the rest of the team, were received in the White House by President Harry Truman when they returned to the states.

Ms. Manuel was a physical education instructor at Middleton High School, and coached girls basketball. Her team won three state championships.

Leaving Middleton after 21 years, Ms. Manuel coached basketball at Hillsborough High School for 17 years, where her teams won conference, district, and regional titles.

Ms. Manuel received many honors through the years. Among them was her being named “Coach of the Year for Hillsborough County in 1975, and 1976, and Coach of the Year for the State of Florida in 1976.

On November 2, 1979, Ms. Manuel was inducted into the Tuskegee Institute Hall of Fame; in March 1994, she became the first African American woman inducted into the Tampa Sports Hall of Fame.

Ms. Manuel was honored, along with other Olympians, by the 2012 Olympic Committee of the State of Florida, during their reception in March 2000.

Since March 1973, track and field events held at Hillsborough High School have been named the “Theresa Manuel Relays.”

Ms. Manuel, now 86 years old, is expected to be front and center during the celebration.

A couple was arrested after police executed a search warrant at their New Tampa residence for identity theft evidence. The Tampa Police Department’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) executed the warrant.

According to police, at the time officers arrived at the home of Elvis Martin, 28, and Ms. Rosa Moultry, 24, they were not at home, but two children were there. However, as they were completing the search, the couple appeared in a 2006 Gold Infiniti.

An officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued for four blocks, reducing his speed to about 10 miles per hour. When the vehicle finally stopped, the odor of marijuana was evident.

The vehicle was searched and police discovered marijuana hidden in the back passenger door of the vehicle near a 6-year-old child. Police arrested the couple, seized the vehicle, and released the three children into the custody of a relative.

Ms. Moultry was charged with child neglect and possession of marijuana. Martin was charged with fleeing to elude police. Both have been released from the Hillsborough County Jail on bond.

The charges of identity theft pertain to an ongoing investigation and police said additional charges are pending.

The spokesperson further said the police considered the execution of the warrant to be “high risk” and activated TRT. She would not elaborate on why it was given that designation.

She further said any time TRT responds, the department’s tank automatically accompanies the unit.