Florida Sentinel Bulletin

On Thursday, among the agenda items the Tampa City Council discussed was imposing night club regulations. The need to impose the regulations is centered around what one Council member said was a pattern of problems at Club Manilla on 7th Avenue.

Councilman Frank Reddick established the fact that the club does have security personnel inside the club and off-duty officers outside.

Councilman Reddick said he hoped someone from the club would have been at the meeting to explain why the problems are occurring and what they are doing to correct them, but the owner, Fred Schwartz, nor any other representative of Club Manilla was present.

Representing the city’s legal department, Rebecca Hert explained that the city does not have the legal ability to regulate night clubs.

“What I would suggest is something that would allow us to regulate the business permit. That would cover all night clubs in the city. We also must clearly define what a night club is. We’ve modified our amendment to say if there is a cover charge or minimum drink requirement, a dance floor, and you’re open to the public in the late evenings, you’re operating a night club.”

Hert also said the size of the crowd determines how many off duty police officers have to be hired by the club.

“We have to determine if a club is a nuisance before it can be shut down through city action,” said Hert.

“Certain criminal activity also plays a role as well as violations such as illegal sale of alcohol to minors and drug possession. Some violations can result in the revocation of the club’s operating license. We also want to recommend that bouncers at clubs be licensed security guards.”

Councilwoman Lisa Montelione said the city is not regulating alcoholic beverages, but trying to adopt night club regulations.

“You can sell alcohol all night long, but not actually run the night club that long. We can regulate the hours of operation of a night club, but not the sale of alcohol.”

Councilman Reddick pointed out that you can go in a club at the age of 18, but you have to be 21 to buy alcohol.

Dr.  Jeanna MastroDicasa, a former Gainesville City Commissioner, and current Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Florida, said you can’t regulate hours of operation or the age limit at night clubs.

“We also discovered you can’t regulate excessive drink specials or the club’s licenses.”

Councilwoman Montelione said she wants to see the city hold the bar/club owners responsible. “I’d like to see us find a way to hold the right people accountable. Holding employees responsible is a concern of mine. I also understand in some cases, the property owner and the person running the night club may be different people.

“In some cases, the property owners are not aware of what’s going on at the club, and I think they should take action.”

Councilman Reddick wanted to know if there are clubs in the area that start at age 21 for patrons. The answer was the Hard Rock Casino is the only one.

“I think underage drinking will continue to be a problem especially if you can get in at the age of 18,” said Councilman Reddick.

“Someone inside the club is buying/giving the 18 year olds alcohol, especially with the drink specials. I don’t think 18-year-olds should be allowed to go into establishments that sell alcohol.

The Council decided to not make any decision at this time on imposing any regulations.

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

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Recently, an article printed in a newspaper analyzed the data pertaining to a list of potential ineligible voters. The analysis reportedly revealed that the majority of the names on the list were African Americans and Democrats.

Supervisors of Elections purged a combined 7,000 names from the voter rolls during the first four months of the year. The list included individuals who are not legal citizens and convicted voters.

The published article said, “A Times/Herald analysis of four months’ worth of data from the state Division of Elections shows that 6,934 people were removed from the rolls in the first four months of 2012 following felony convictions, and that Democrats were three times more likely to be removed than Republicans.

“Of that total, 3,550 or 51 percent were registered as Democrats, and 1,206 or 17 percent were registered as Republicans. Another 1,614, or 23 percent, were registered with no party affiliation.

“Here’s the racial breakdown of felons removed from the voter database in 2012: Whites accounted for 3,018 or 44 percent, and blacks accounted for 2,956 or 42 percent. Hispanics accounted for 608 or 9 percent.

“The five zip codes that accounted for the largest number of civil rights revocations were in Jacksonville and Tampa.  Jacksonville, the state’s largest city, had the most purged felons (928). Tampa had 797, Miami 367, Orlando 222, and St. Petersburg 174.”

Travis Abercrombie, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, said the list of purged names was statewide and were primarily of illegal citizens.

“We receive names everyday electronically. Once we receive the names, we must generate a certified letter that gives the person 30 days to respond, if the information is incorrect,” he said.

However, Abercrombie said the voters do not have to wonder if their names are on any of the lists generated statewide. He said the simplest way to know is to go to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website, enter the requested information, and complete the boxes.

“Voters can visit the website and update their information. If there is an error, then that person will have the opportunity to correct it prior to the election. If the person is a convicted felon who has had his or her rights restored, then that person only needs to show proof.”

Abercrombie said if residents check their voting status early, then it will eliminate any problems that may arise during an election. He also said, if there is a problem, then the voter will have time to correct it prior to the election.

Once on the website, select “My Registration Status.” The person then only needs to enter his or her last name, date of birth, and the numbers in that person’s address. Once the information is submitted, it quickly reveals that person’s information and voter status.

Abercrombie said anyone with questions or who is seeking additional information can contact the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office at (813) 744-5900.

Plant City Police and deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a shooting that left four people wounded.

According to reports at 6:32 p. m. Sunday, officers responded to the 1500 block of Plantation Grove Court at Hunters Ridge Apartments on a report of a shooting with injuries.

When authorities arrived, they found Sheraye Hicks, 20; Hugo Alvarez, 17; Dilworth Gilley, 18, and Derrick Reese shot. Hicks and Alvarez are reported to be in critical condition. Dilworth is reported to be in stable condition and Reese was treated and released.

The shooter has been identified as 31-year-old Luise Acosta (pictured), who is currently being sought on 4 counts of attempted murder.

The circumstances that led to the shooting is being investigated.

The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office has received approval from the Hillsborough County Commission to reduce the number of voting precincts.

Once the request has been submitted, the Department of Justice has 60 days to approve or deny it.

Dr. Earl Lennard, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections wants to reduce the number of polling locations from its current 285 to 270. The number of precincts will be reduced from 383 to 347 if the measure is approved.

The reduction would reportedly save the county $105,000 for the upcoming election cycle.

Dr. Lennard said, “With an increasing number of voters in Hillsborough County casting their ballots prior to Election Day, consolidating precincts not only enables us to save money for the county, but it also allows for the better utilization of resources for the other voting methods that are quickly gaining in popularity.”

Dr. Lennard is referring to voting by mail and early voting. The redrawing of the precinct lines that occur every 10 years because of the Census also played a role in the request.

Travis Abercrombie, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office said that the precincts of most people will not change. However, he said every voter on the rolls in the county will receive a new voter registration card that will list the voter’s district, precinct, polling place, and other election related information.

He further said that the process of updating information is continuous and if a person moves, changes his or her name, they are requested to update their information with the Supervisor of Elections Office.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

What made Central Park Village stand out from the other public housing complexes was its close proximity to the major Black business sector of Central Avenue.

Very few young people know about the history of Central Park Village, and now that it’s gone, some of the former residents came up with the idea of having an annual reunion.

The first reunion was held four years ago, and thanks to Clarence Jones, a lot of former residents got to see each other after decades had passed.

On Wednesday at 6 p.m., Jones will be meeting with his group of organizers to get this year’s reunion underway. The meeting will be held at Club Manilla and everyone or anyone with information on Central Park’s history is welcome to attend.

“I want this year’s reunion to be bigger than the others,” said Jones.

“I want to see a mix of the first residents to live in Central Park, and those of us who came along much later.”

Jones said it’s important that we remember where we came from and where we’re going.

“Not all of the people who lived in Central Park were poor. You have to remember what things were like in the early 1950s, and where Blacks had to live, regardless of what they did for a living.

“What we want to do this year is reflect more on the history of Central Park Village, and the impact it had on the downtown area.”

Jones wants the people who have something to contribute to attend Wednesday’s meeting, and he asks for anyone with old photos of the area to please bring them to the meeting.

For more information, call (727) 342-4580.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Steinbrenner Spanish teacher for reportedly stealing drugs.

According to deputies, Lamonte Hambrick taught Spanish to students and was one of the sponsors of the Spanish dance club at Steinbrenner. During the evening, Hambrick worked at a CVS Pharmacy as a technician to help supplement his income.

Deputies said Hambrick stole more than 16,000 pills from the pharmacy at 813 West Bearss in a little more than two months.

Between March 1st and May 11th, Hambrick, 30, reportedly took 9,200 hydrocodone pills, and 7,200 alprazolam pills. He allegedly told authorities he would give them to a friend who would then sell the pills.

District school officials decided to terminate Hambrick before the drug allegations surfaces.

Hambrick is reportedly being held under a bail of $252,000.

Earlier this month, officials at the Hillsborough County Jail learned that an inmate had divulged information to file fraudulent tax returns. Upon further investigation, police learned that one of the people was the inmate’s alleged murder victim.

According to police, deputies learned that Jason Jamar Whitfield had allegedly provided the personal identification information of four people to someone outside of the jail. He also provided the person with specific instructions on how to go about filing fraudulent tax returns in the victims’ names.

Police said Whitfield, 27, told the person exact amounts to enter on the IRS form and that the information would fall in line with standard deductions and would generate a tax return check.

After learning about the telephone conversation, deputies conducted an investigation and learned that one of the victims was deceased. The deceased person was 26-year-old Michael Massaline. Massaline was shot October 24, 2011, while in the 2200 block of 131st Avenue.

Deputies who responded to shots fired in the area, discovered Massaline lying in the yard between two duplexes. He had been shot in the upper body. Massaline died at Tampa General Hospital.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office investigated the murder, and arrested Whitfield on November 7th, charging him with second-degree murder.

Whitfield has been in jail since he was arrested in Osceola County. His bond on the murder charge was set at $500,000. Jail records show that Osceola County has placed a hold on him, preventing him from bonding out of jail.

Since the discovery of the tax fraud scheme on May 3rd, Whitfield has been charged with four counts of fraudulent use of personal information.

The trial on the murder charge is set for later this year.

Police said Sheriff David Gee has placed increased emphasis on criminal activity based at the jails. He has placed specific emphasis on combating tax fraud at the jails.

Excitement is in the air for the Greater Tampa Bay church community. This year the church community will host the 3rd Annual “Pentecost Service.” This event will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 6:00 pm at the Bible-Based Fellowship Church, 4811 Ehrlich Road, where the Rev. Dr. Arthur T. Jones is pastor.

The “Pentecost” event first began in 2010 through the vision of Dr. Jeffery Johnson and Dr. Thomas Scott of 34th Street Church of God. It was their desire to see unity amongst the congregations and pastors of the Tampa Bay area.

The first year it was held, nearly 800 people were in attendance. The second year it was held nearly 900 people were in attendance, and this year over a 1,000 people are expected to be in attendance.

This service is designed to be jubilant, celebratory through worship of Holy Communion, community choirs, and a dynamic word. Pastors from Pinellas, Polk, and Hillsborough Counties are used to chair and participate in the worship service.

This year the guest speaker is Bishop J. Delano Ellis. Bishop Ellis is the pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Christ, Cleveland, Ohio, and he is the founder of the Joint College of African American Bishops.

His organization has added value to the ministries of Bishop T. D. Jakes, Bishop Paul Morton, Bishop Noel Jones and many more.

For more information on how your church and your pastor can be involved with Pentecost 2012 please email, b.burney@34thstreetcog.org or call 813-248-6548.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A tragic accident at a Florida has Port left a Tampa longshoreman dead. The accident took place around 9 a.m., Monday at Port Manatee in Manatee County.

According to a press release from the Manatee Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Robert “Dooley” Dixon, Jr., 48, was part of a crew of longshoremen unloading bananas from a ship. Dixon was reportedly walking across a loading area when he was pinned beneath a 5,500-pound crane basket. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident and has contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in reference to Mr. Dixon’s death.

A Tampa native, Mr. Dixon was the son of Robert Dixon, Sr., and the late Mrs. Betty (Thornton) Mack. He grew up in the Central Park Village Housing Complex. After graduating from Robinson High School in 1985, Mr. Dixon continued his education at Hillsborough Community College.

His wife, Mrs. Antoinette Dixon, said Mr. Dixon attended HCC for about a year he enlisted in the U. S. Army. After serving his country for 10 years, he returned to Tampa and obtained employment with the Veteran’s Administration. Two years later, he became a dockworker. Mrs. Dixon said her husband was not a member of a church, but visited different churches in the area. He was most recently visiting Heritage Christian Community Baptist Church.

Mr. Dixon was a member of the Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons and was a sports enthusiast. “He loved all types of sports and could tell anything about sports,” Mrs. Dixon said.

In addition to his wife and father, Mr. Dixon is survived by 5 children, 4 brothers and 1 sister, and other family members and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Dixon were incomplete at press time. However, Saturday, May 16th has been set as a tentative date. Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

According to Larry Coleman, a spokesperson for the International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 1402, said, “He was a member of the union and had worked at the Port of Manatee unloading vessels for the past six years. He was a hard worker and a loyal union member.” Coleman said.

ILA Local 1402 is an all-Black union of dockworkers organized by the late Perry C. Harvey. The organization received its charter in 1935. Mr. Harvey was succeeded by his son, Perry Harvey, Jr., until he became ill. James Harrell succeeded Mr. Harvey and is currently the president.

Approximately four years ago, under the guidance of the international body, Local 1402 and Local 1759 merged. The merger increased the size of the union to about 500 men and women.