Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

Antoinette Glover has always been in favor of law enforcement officials doing whatever it takes to get drugs out of our communities. But, during a trip to a store with her grandson, she was shocked and angered by what she saw inside.

“I saw a huge display case full of these synthetic drugs and pipes of all kind right in the front of the store. The store owners make sure you don’t miss the display, because they have signs and huge advertisements on the front of the display case and other areas of the store.”

Ms. Glover immediately started a campaign to get the items removed from stores, especially the stores in inner-city communities, and initiated a petition to present to elected officials. She also took her case to the Board of County Commissioners and the Tampa City Council.

On Thursday, Ms. Glover stood before the Council again pleading her case, and she was successful in getting some action initiated.

City Councilman, Frank Reddick, said he agreed with Ms. Glover about the items, and he was going to initiate a campaign he hopes will help in getting the items removed from stores in the city.

“I think we should go after the people who are distributing thee products, not just the store owners.  We should also consider making this a citywide campaign.

“Unfortunately, the city is limited as to what they can do legally. We can only follow what legislators have deemed to be the 92 banned substances and make sure they aren’t being sold in these stores.”

Councilman Reddick said his campaign will be in the form of a protest, saying we don’t want these products sold in our community. He also said he plans to meet with community leaders to form a strategy to deal with the problem.

“Ultimately, I want to see our children protected from the sales of synthetic drugs and the pipes,” said Ms. Glover.

“It’s obvious all of the  products are drug related, because if an officer arrest you with a pipe in your pocket, you can get a paraphernalia charge. So, why is it alright for them to sell them in stores? They know they are selling these drugs leally, and the items to smoke it with.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Monday afternoon, a Hillsborough County graduating senior was surprised. He learned that he was the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship award.

School board members Candy Olson and Doretha Edgecomb were on the campus of Middleton High School for the presentation. Although Abraham Tejeda knew that he had submitted an essay for the Richard R. Green Scholarship, he had no idea that he had been chosen as the recipient.

Mrs. Olson said, “This was one of the toughest things I’ve had to make. I wanted a student who was an advocate of public education. I really wish I could have presented 5 scholarships.”

Tejeda talked about how much he admired and respects his band instructor, how it has changed his plans for the future. He also talked about other teachers who loved what they taught, she said.

Tejeda is a first generation student to attend college in his family; Salutatorian at Middleton with a grade point average of 4.5; he is Head Drum Major; and teaches the French horn to students at Sligh Middle School.

In addition, he is a member of a jazz band; teaches beginning music at Revealing Truth Ministries; and wants to become a teacher in the future.

Tejeda will receive $2,500 for four years and hopes to attend a college in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mrs. Olson was awarded the Leadership and Education Award from the Council of Great City Schools. As part of that award, she had the opportunity to select one student to receive the $10,000 award.

She invited students to submit an essay on the subject of what public education meant to them. Two students were chosen from the 27 public high schools and the winner was chosen from those finalists.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Last Friday, a Circuit judge in Sanford, Florida set a $150,000 bond for George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was charged with the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was walking home from the store when he was shot and killed in February.

Some readers shared their opinions about the judge issuing a bond for the accused murderer.

Quinton Robinson said, “It amazes me that Zimmerman received a bond for the charge of second-degree murder. How is it that most of those detained on drug charges receive no bond at all; and if they do, are considered a flight risk and monitored by law enforcement.

“Apparently, this judge has more compassion for the perpetrator rather than the whole of public safety. Maybe, his father being a former judge plays a part. Whatever the case it seems that justice isn’t blind just color blind.

“Yet, the masses cried for an arrest only to be slapped in the face with letting the murderer of an innocent young Black male walk amongst society as if he did no wrong. Where is the justice in that? History can be quite disgraceful!”

Donald Dowridge, Jr., said, “44 DAYS & NOW BAIL! The thought, if there was a different outcome of this situation, Mr. Martin would not have had the opportunity to skip arrest. “44 Days” later Mr. Martin would be in court on this day with bail, not an option! Issue at hand, evidence points to George Zimmerman taking the life of an innocent young Trayvon Martin.

Bail should not been allowed and the inmate should have been returned to the cell.”

Ed Racker said, “I think the bond was low, if a bond is appropriate; $500,000 would have been more appropriate; and if the court is concerned for Zimmerman’s safety, leave him in jail!”

Ronnie Moorer said, “It all seems outrageous to let Zimmerman get out on bond and have his freedom. That judge may allow that to happened, but we got to realize who’s really in charge, and that is God. Man may not give equal justice, but God will. All we can do right now is keep praying for the family to be strong and support them.”

Mrs. Tonya Lewis said, “I’m very upset and disappointed. I would have never thought they would have granted the bond request for Zimmerman, considering he was charged with second-degree murder.

“The system has failed Trayvon Martin’s parents time and time again. This should show the world that we, the people, need to exercise our rights at the voting polls. We need to move some of the corrupt officials out. Enough of the injustice.”

Danny Green said, “It is my opinion that George Zimmerman should not be allowed bond.  However, if the bond is granted, he definitely should not be allowed to leave the state due to second-degree murder charges and the nature of the arrest, he should remain incarcerated until his trial.   I feel that Zimmerman will be safer behind bars, than on the streets.”

James Ransom said, “The murder of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman was an atrocity.  His bonding sends a message that the court believes he is not a flight risk.  The real focus must be on his trial and conviction for causing the death of Trayvon Martin.

“All eyes should be on the Special Prosecutor who has charged Zimmerman with 2nd degree murder. The lights needs to be on this case and shining brightly so everyone can see that justice is in the open and being served.”

Dr. Samuel Wright said, “It is obvious to me that George Zimmerman is a criminal. He should be entitled to all treatment that suspected criminals get in this state.  He should remain behind bars!”

Tampa Fire Rescue spokesperson, Lonnie Benniefield, said a homeless woman was arrested in connection with a fire that erupted at a home in Tampa Heights on April 18th.

Veronica Shelby, 26, was arrested in connection with the house fire on 105 E. Oleander Street and is facing a charge of first degree arson.

Shelby was arrested at the corner of Columbus Drive and East Jefferson at 5:30 p.m. She is being held without bond. The house that was set on fire is a homeless shelter for battered women operated by Homeless Helping Homeless, Incorporated.

According to the facility’s Finance Director, Tony, Shelby had been living at the house on Oleander for two months. “We have strict policies on people getting along with each other, and we don’t tolerate residents being threatened.

“Shelby had gotten into a dispute with four women at the shelter over a pack of cigarettes. She threatened them, and we told her she had to leave. As she left, she looked back at the women and said she’s make sure they didn’t have a place to live anymore.”

Tampa Fire Rescue units responded to a house fire after receiving a call at 1:39 p. m. It took fire crews 5 minutes to get e fire under control. The fire was contained to the kitchen area of the house and no injuries were reported.

Fire investigators ruled the fire to be arson.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Several people have admitted to taking the life of another during a confrontation that turned violent. However, many of them were never held accountable for their actions.

Kerlin Adelson is all too familiar with the “Stand Your Ground” law. A man armed with an ice pick stabbed his son, Wathson Adelson, in the head last year. He died three weeks later, never regaining consciousness.

Alcisviades Polanco, 62, never saw a jail cell or a courtroom in connection with the case.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, on November 21, at 9:30 a.m., two vehicles were traveling on Manhattan Avenue when the 1994 Honda Accord driven by Adelson, accelerated and passed the 1995 Hyundai Accent, driven by Polanco.

Adelson allegedly slammed on breaks, blocking traffic after passing the car. Witnesses told police that Adelson then walked back to Polanco’s car and the two became engaged in a verbal argument.

At some point, the argument turned physical and Polanco armed himself with an ice pick. He then stabbed Adelson in the head and arm with the ice pick.

Kerlin Adelson said his son was returning home after dropping his girlfriend off to work. “I was told that my son was walking to get in his car and someone saw him fall to the ground. He was stabbed in the left temple and the ice pick exited the middle of his nose. He was also stabbed in his arm twice. “I want justice for my son.”

Adelson’s son died nearly three months before George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin in Sanford in February 2012.

Adelson wants to raise awareness about his son’s death. He has made posters and hopes to raise community awareness. He said the family is trying to organize a rally as well.

A native of Haiti, Wathson moved to Tampa as a youngster. He graduated from Middleton High School, where he played football. His father said he had gotten a full scholarship to college. However, after his son was born, Wathson returned to Tampa. At the time of his death, he was attending Hillsborough Community College, where he was majoring in Criminal Justice. He was working as a cashier at the University of Tampa.

Adelson was among those who crowded into Beulah Baptist Institutional Church on Thursday for the town hall meeting on the “Stand Your Ground” law.

A spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute the case.

Tampa businessman, Joe Robinson, has been an outspoken critic of the Hillsborough County School District’s actions.

In a School Board meeting last Tuesday, Robinson was given his three minutes to speak, and told the board members, “mismanagement, misfeasance, malfeasance, that’s what you’re doing.”

But, when Robinson told the Board members, “three, five, seven, vote them out, School board chair, Candy Olson, ordered him to stop, accusing him of political campaigning.

“I went there to discuss operational mismanagement, and was accused of political campaigning. Two weeks ago, I asked them to define what is political speech? That’s when I discovered they have no policy on what is or isn’t political speech.”

Robinson said he has documented evidence that there are no guidelines, policies or tools regarding political speech

“So, how can I be stopped from addressing the Board because of a policy that doesn’t exist? “I feel my first amendment rights were violated.”

Robinson said the Board’s attorney cited a 2009 case out of Boca Raton where someone wore a political button, and another person wore a political tee-shirt while addressing the board.

“I did not make a political statement, and I was not campaigning for anyone. I never mentioned any candidates’ name.

“Even if they have case law, they have not adopted any policy on political speech.”

Robinson said he was contacted by a representative of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who said they were in the meeting last Tuesday, and they wanted a copy of what was sent to him.

“My plan is to file a complaint with the NAACP for violation of my first amendment rights. I have also filed a battery complaint against the men who escorted me out of the meeting.

Robinson said school board spokesperson, Linda Cobbe, sent him an e-mail and said they do have a policy for political activity. Also, spokesperson, Steve Hegarty, said Robinson had been warned about promoting political activity at the board meetings, and that we had a policy against it.

“We always let people know you can’t promote candidates at our meetings. That is a part of our policy. Also, our civility police may have been violated. We can invoke that just to restore order.”

“I’ve read the information Cobbe sent me and I don’t think it covers what happened during that meeting. The County by-law, 32-32, applies only to employees, and is protected by Florida Statute 104.31. They don’t have a policy for anyone who isn’t an employee.”

Robinson said he also feels he’s been conspired against because of the numerous complaints he’s made to the Board about its operational procedures.

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

A Hillsborough County School District teacher died suddenly at the school on Tuesday. He was 55-years-old.

According to Steve Hegarty, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County School District, Mr. William J. Smith was in his first year of employment with the district, having been hired in August 2011.

Captain Lonnie Benniefield, spokesman with Tampa Fire Rescue said, “After Mr. Smith collapsed, some of the staff began doing CPR before Fire Rescue arrived. Although the outcome was not successful, people tried to help. It is very important for us to know CPR.”

School records show that Mr. Smith began his career at Zephyrhills Junior High School in 1979. He obtained employment with the Pasco-Hernando Community College in 1981 and remained there for ten years.

He was hired at St. Petersburg College in 1991 and remained there until 2009. He was certified as a Physical Education teacher and Coach.

Mr. Smith graduated from Bethune-Cookman College in 1979, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Coaching. He earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education, Teaching and Coach from the University of South Florida in 1992.

His wife, Mrs. Ruth Smith said her husband had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. “They tried to revive him at the school, but couldn’t. He was pronounced at the hospital.”

Mrs. Smith said her husband had retired and then decided to return to work. Throughout his career, he coached girls’ basketball.

He grew up in Dade City and graduated from Pasco High School in 1974. She further stated that he loved basketball.

A member of New Mt. Zion M. B. Church, Mr. Smith was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

“We didn’t have any children of our own, but his two beautiful goddaughters, Anaa Sanders and Anaria Wilson were his heart. He loved spending time with them,” she said.

Funeral services for Mr. Smith were incomplete at press time. Ray Williams Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

On March 26th, Tampa Police responded to a convenience store in reference to a shooting. At the time, the store owner told police that she had shot the suspect after he attempted to rob the store.

Quintavius Moore

At the time of the shooting, police said Quintavious Moore, 16, entered Baker’s Mini Mart, 2504 N. Armenia Avenue, and asked Ms. Taquanda Shanti Baker, the owner for change for a bill.

Ms. Baker told police that Moore returned to the store 30 minutes later, armed with a handgun and pointed it at her. She told police that she pulled out her handgun and accidentally fired one round into the ground. She then fired one round at Moore striking him.

Moore was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he died about 4:30 p.m., the same day.

Ms. Baker told police she thought Moore had shot at her, but later realized that she had fired both shots because she was nervous.

Ms. Baker ran out of the store following the shooting and flagged down a police officer to report the incident, police said.

Within 24 hours of the shooting, police said detectives determined that Ms. Baker’s account of the shooting did not match forensic evidence or statements received from witnesses.

Detectives investigating the shooting also obtained the surveillance video from a nearby business. Based on the video, Ms. Baker was not inside the store when Moore was shot and killed.

According to police, Ms. Baker arrived at the store nine (9) minutes after the first 9-1-1 call. Police are also searching for a person of interest who was photographed leaving the store after the shooting by the surveillance video.

Ms. Baker was arrested and charged with making a false police report; tampering with and fabricating evidence; and firing her weapon in an occupied dwelling. She claimed self-defense at the time of the shooting.

Person Of Interest

Police are continuing their investigation to determine what role Moore played in the shooting.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting or if anyone recognizes the person of interest to contact the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130.

Family Responds
Charles “Wes” Wesley, uncle of Quintavious Antonio Moore said, “The family is very pleased with the Tampa Police Department and it’s information. We know there were a lot of unanswered questions that they slowly had to piece together.

“We want justice to be served and we are just going to let the Justice System handle the situation.”

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Thursday, April 19th, the National Bar Association (NBA) will host a town hall meeting. The meeting will take place at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church, 1006 Cypress Street, beginning at 12 noon.

The topic of the town hall meeting is entitled, “Standing Our Ground for Justice.” The meeting will provide an update on the Trayvon Martin case as well as the legal and social effects that have been compounded by the case and led to a nationwide movement for justice.

Guest speakers for the meeting will include: Otis Anthony, (88.5 WMNF); Clinton Paris, (Tampa Organization of Black Affairs); Representative Chris Smith (D-FL); and Carolyn Collins (NAACP-Hillsborough County).

In addition to the guest speakers, Ms. Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, parents of Trayvon Martin, will also attend.

On February 26, Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old unarmed youth was walking in a gated community in Sanford when he was shot and killed.

George Zimmerman, 28, a Neighborhood Watch volunteer, admitted to shooting and killing the teenager. He was charged with second-degree murder last week, more than 40 days after the death of the teenager.

The arrest followed weeks of protests throughout the country and internationally because Zimmerman alleges he defended himself after the unarmed teenager attacked him.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing the Martin Family, as well as National Bar Association leaders John Page (President-Elect) and Tanya Clay-House, Civil Rights Law Section Chairperson, will provide commentary.

CNN’s legal analyst, Sunny Hostin will serve as the forum’s moderator.

NBA President-Elect John Page stated, “As lawyers from around the country converge here at ground zero of stand your ground, victims and their families impacted by its application need to be heard.

“We give voice to their concerns by examining the effects of this law, particularly the increasing justified homicide claims in its wake.”