Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Saturday evening, the country was shocked as the news that Ms. Whitney Houston had died. The death of the 48- years-old superstar remains under investigation.

In 1991, Ms. Houston sang the Star Spangled Banner during the Super Bowl at Tampa Satdium. Her rendition of the song made the Billboard charts and has yet to be rivaled.

Some Tampa residents shared their feelings on her sudden death.

Ms. Khaliah Fleming said, “Totally unexpected…. such an incredible and amazing voice, yet such a sad life story. We will never have another voice like hers!”

Billy Wheeler said, “Her voice was God-given; Whitney was born to sing.  She was beautiful, intelligent, and regal.  She was also human.  I’ve had her on my prayer list for the last few years, and I believe she has arrived at the peace she sought.  She leaves a wonderful legacy of music and life for us to celebrate.  I pray that her family finds comfort during this time of separation.”

Ms. Pat Spencer said, “Having enjoyed listening to Whitney Houston since the late 80s, I am devastated at her passing.  My feelings were expressed through the prayer offered by LL Cool J at the opening of the Grammy Awards last night.”

Danny Green (pictured above, with Houston) said, “The death of Whitney has come as a complete shock.   I had the great honor of meeting Whitney backstage at the 2010 BET Honors.  Knowing her personally has really affected me; I feel like I’ve lost a friend.

“Her talents exceeded the highest expectations.  My favorite songs by Whitney are I Will Always Love You and I Have Nothing.  Her acting role in The Bodyguard was outstanding, which certainly opened the doors for many artists to introduce acting to their careers. Whitney’s great talents and powerful voice along with her presence will certainly be missed.”[private]

Ms. Andrea White said, “A great loss when even any member passes in the community, remain positive and keep the family and community in our prayers.”

Ms. Tonya Lewis said, “I felt like a part was ripped from me. I grew up listening to Ms. Houston in high school in the 80s. My prayers go out to her precious daughter, Bobbi Khristina, and Ms. Houston’s family. She will always be cherished and missed by her fans. God bless you Ms. Whitney Houston, and may you soul have peace now.”

Keto Hodges said, “I was saddened by the passing of Whitney at the fairly young age of 48 on the eve of the Grammy’s an event she dominated throughout her storied musical career. I am most prayerful for her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, now 18 who has seen more than her fair share of tragedy, triumph and chaos since her early childhood.

“I hope that people take this time to reflect on positive memories of a historic figure, but most of all a real person.”

Andre Walker said, “I was in the airport at Newark’s Liberty Airport several years ago. I saw Whitney, Bobby, and friends in the Concourse.  Whitney was loud and somewhat rude. Running through the airport as if she was a kid. Wig turned to one side and looking a mess. “She almost ran over a little girl walking with her mom. We boarded a plane headed to Atlanta, both she and Bobby exhibited weird and strange behavior.

“Extremely hyperactive behavior, loud talking, using profanity, etc. Whitney’s addiction played a very important role in her demise. Her beautiful voice almost totally gone, a victim of her addiction and lifestyle. I am a firm believer that God giveth and he will take it away. Whitney never appreciated the gifts that was given to her by God.” [/private] 

***Look for full story in Tuesday’s Sentinel***

Federal agents arrested another bay area woman on alleged “drop” charges.

Ms. Belinda Brooks Smith, 46, was awakened early Tuesday and arrested. She has been indicted on 17 counts of tax fraud.

According to investigators, Ms. Brooks Smith has been charged with: 1 count of filing a false tax return; 6 counts of theft of government property in the form of tax refunds; 6 counts of aggravated identity theft; 3 counts of making false claims in the form of fraudulent tax returns; and 3 counts of identity theft.

According to court documents, police allege that in addition to filing her own false tax return, Ms. Brooks Smith also falsely used the names and social security numbers of other individuals to file fraudulent tax returns in their names. Investigators allege that she filed false tax returns in 2008 and 2009.

According to the Florida Department of Corrections web page, Ms. Brooks Smith was released from the Florida State Prison system in January 2007, after serving time for uttering a forged instrument, organized fraud, and two counts of grand theft.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office web page shows that she was arrested again in April 2008 on a warrant for fraudulent use of personal information and grand theft. The record also shows that she was arrested for violation of probation in December 2011.

The case is part of “Operation Rainmaker,” a coordinated effort involving several law enforcement organizations including the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, U. S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

In September, the Joint Task Force arrested 49 individuals as part of “Operation Rainmaker.” Since that time, several other arrests have taken place.

In addition, some of those individuals entered guilty pleas and sentenced to serve federal prison time. They were also ordered to repay the money obtained as part of the income tax fraud.

Tarah Powell is appealing to everyone to help her in locating her 15-year-old son, and convincing him to come home.

Ms. Powell said her son, Adrien Powell, has been missing since January 9th. “He’s run away before, but he’s never been gone this long,” said Ms. Powell.

“My biggest concern is he’s gotten with some adults who’ve steered him in the wrong direction. He looks more mature than his age, and I just want to know that he’s alright.”

Ms. Powell said Adrien was last seen in the area of Cuscaden Park, and none of his 4 siblings has heard from him or seen him anywhere.

“Adrien hasn’t been to school, and his friends say they haven’t seen him,” said Ms. Powell.

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Adrien Powell, please call (813) 231-6130.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Friday, February 17th, will be a special day for students of one Hillsborough County high school. The principal, staff, and students will welcome former graduates back to the school.

As part of the celebration of Black History Month, Owen Young, Principal of Middleton High School, is hosting the first Middleton Alumni Day. “The purpose of this day is to give former Middleton High School graduates the opportunity to come out and teach our baby Tigers about the rich history and good experiences at the school that has brought them to where they are today.

“We are asking not only the alumni from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, we would like to hear from those students from the first graduating class from the new Middleton High School, class of 2004 to the present, to come out,” Young said.

The school has planned a day of festivities for the returning graduates with presentations from them taking place throughout the day.

Young is also asking everyone to dress in his or her best Middleton High School gear and join in the celebration. Lunch will also be provided for those in attendance.

Anyone wishing to participate in the first “Middleton Alumni Day” should contact Mrs. Cathy Wiggins-Waters at (813) 233-3360, extension 243.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

Linda Dixon is fully aware of what the City of Tampa paid businessman Gene O’Steen for his property, the now demolished Gene’s Bar, and what they recently agreed to pay for a house for a roundabout.

Ms. Dixon said when she was first approached by an official from the city, she was offered $21,000 for her double corner lot that sits one block away from the old bar location.

“Two weeks ago, I was offered $80,000, and I still feel my property is worth more. I don’t understand how they can pay so much for the other properties, but not offer me a fair price for mine.

“I remember when they made their first offer, I was also threatened with eminent domain if I didn’t agree to what they were offering. I considered that a threat, and that made me hold on even tighter to my property.”

Ms. Dixon said the owner of the house behind hers said he had been approached by someone who offered to take him out to dinner to discuss the sale of his property.

“I also got a call from someone who claimed they had worked for the city in the past, and could get me $115,000 for my property. He didn’t give me any contact information, and he never showed me any identification. He even knew about another piece of property I own in the area.”

Ms. Dixon’s property is being sought as part of a proposed project by the CDC and the city’s East Tampa Manager, Ed Johnson, to build a U-Save Supermarket.
Ernest Coney, Jr., C.O.O. of the CDC of Tampa, Incorporated, said he can’t get into specifics about the proposed supermarket right now.

“I’m not prepared to discuss that project right now, but we have secured a federal grant for $759,000 to help bring healthy foods to areas that are considered food deserts (not a lot of healthy foods readily available).

“Within the grant are some economic development projects that will provide jobs for residents.”

Coney said the grant is for 3 years, and he’s excited about the jobs that will be created, and the fact they will be within walking distance of residents in the area.

“We also want to insure small businesses and minority owned companies be able to take advantage of the construction projects.”

Last week, a federal judge sentenced a Tampa man to ten years in federal prison on gun charges. He must also serve three years of supervision after his release.

According to the U. S. Attorney’s Office, U, S. District Judge Susan Bucklew handed down the sentence to 40-year-old Dwain Denorris Wallace, III, of Tampa. He was also ordered to forfeit both guns and the ammunition.

A jury found Wallace guilty on October 4, 2011, of possession of two sawed off shotguns and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, on the night of March 25, 2011, Wallace was stalking his ex-girlfriend and had taken her car from her and refused to return it.  At approximately 8:40 p.m. that night, Wallace found her at a relative’s residence and began to argue with her.

During the argument, Wallace allegedly pointed a loaded, 12-gauge Winchester sawed-off shotgun at her.  After the gun was observed, two 9-1-1 calls were made to the Tampa Police Department.  Wallace fled the scene before police arrived.

He allegedly found his ex-girlfriend within an hour, as she and her daughter were setting up for a party inside a local club.  Wallace allegedly confronted the woman while inside the club. A family member called 9-1-1.
Wallace attempted to leave just as the police arrived, and a pursuit ensued.  He was arrested near the club.

After the arrest, police recovered a Winchester sawed-off shotgun nearby, which was loaded with three rounds of 12-gauge ammunition.

During the search of the vehicle, police found an “extremely” short sawed-off Ithaca 20-gauge shotgun with a spent shell in the chamber, three more rounds of 12-gauge ammunition were found in a duffel bag on the passenger seat, and a baseball bat on the floor of the backseat.

Wallace had been convicted of five state felonies, including attempted second-degree murder for shooting his uncle before the incident with his ex-girlfriend last March.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Last month, Pastor Moses Brown accepted an invitation from African officials to visit Kenya. During his visit, he had the opportunity to speak with religious leaders, and met with many distinguished members of the Kenyan community, among them the grandmother of the U. S. President.

Pastor Brown visited Kenya January 20th through January 31st. Having returned home, he said one of the highlights of his trip was to meet Mama Sarah Obama, grandmother of President Barack Obama. He traveled with an interpreter.

“Upon arrival I was surprised to see that Mama Obama maintained a simple lifestyle. Living in a small modest home, with relatives, and a few orphan children. She lives in a one-acre, fenced, yet heavily secured compound, where President Obama’s father and grandfather are buried,” Pastor Brown said.

He described her as being a 90-year-old Muslim with head covering who greeted him with warmth and jubilant spirit.

During their conversation, Pastor Brown asked many questions including how life had changed for her since her grandson became President of the United States.

“She said that things started changing after he became a Junior Senator. The school in her area changed its name to Senator Barack Obama School. Upon becoming President, the Kenyan government had to provide her 24-hour security at her residence, and people from all over the world, desire an audience with her.

“I also asked Mama Obama what message she would like to send to the people of Tampa. With a smile, she expressed that I was the first person to ever come to her home from Tampa. She would like people to know that she loves and supports her grandson, and believes that he will be re-elected.

“Also, she indicated that she wants Americans not to forget that poverty and AIDS have left many children as orphans. She and the President’s sister, Auma Obama, have established a foundation to educate orphans in Kenya called, “Mama Sarah Obama’s Children Foundation,” Pastor Brown said.

The two shared one last event before Pastor Brown left. “Even though she is Muslim and I am of Christian faith, Mama Obama welcomed the spiritual words of encouragement and a prayer of God’s blessing for her and the President.”

Pastor Brown believes that said he believes meeting Mama Obama was a “favor from God because of those praying for me while I was in Kenya.” He further stated that his organization, “Feed Our Children Ministry,” plans to remain in contact to provide assistance in her effort to help orphaned and abandoned children.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

After several young people lost their lives to senseless violence, one Tampa activist decided to draw attention to the tragedies. She organized the first “Memorial Candlelight Vigil” in 1996.

The event was held annually and sponsored by Mrs. Vivian Heyward. However, a spike in violent deaths last year has lead to the revival of this event.

On Saturday, February 11th, beginning at 4 p.m., Mrs. Heyward has joined forces with the Stop The Violence Task Force and they will host a Memorial Candlelight Vigil. It will take place at the Lee Davis Center, 3402 N. 22nd Street.

Ernest Coney Jr

The Stop The Violence Task Force was formed last November after 14 murders took place in a ten-day period. Ernest Coney, Jr., Interim CEO of the CDC of Tampa, Inc., called upon the community to seek solutions to ending the violence. The task force was the result of that call to action.

Mrs. Heyward said, “During the last four years, there has been individual candlelight vigils held by the families of victims. The purpose of this event is to keep the memories alive of the fallen victims to stop violent crimes, recently and in the past.”

Randal C, formerly of WTMP Radio Station, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Two parents who have lost children to violence will also attend.

On November 9, 2002, 18-year-old Kevin Sylvester Allen was shot and killed while in the 5800 block of N. 42nd Street. According to Tampa Police records, it remains an open investigation. His mother, Mrs. Wanda Buie, will attend the vigil.
On November 6, 2011, 16-year-old Jamarie Lavon Hodges was shot and killed outside his residence on E. Ellicott Street. Jose Torres-Melvin, 19, is currently facing a first-degree murder. His grandmother, Mrs. Mary Reynolds, will attend and share her story as well.

Leroy Chestnut, Michael Watkins, Chad Lynch, Felecia Hines, James Davis, Cedric Cochran, Warren Mitchell, John Singleton, Jr., and many others will be remembered.

The purpose of the vigil is two-fold. First, it is designed to remember the victims while stressing the need to eliminate violence in our communities. Secondly, to form a support group to empower the loved ones of victims during their periods of loneliness and grief, Mrs. Heyward said.

She further stated that many of the cases remain unsolved and the police need information to solve them.

Designed to be a community event, Mrs. Heyward and Coney are inviting anyone who has lost a loved one to participate in the celebration of life. “I want our children to know that it’s time for a change and the time is now. Let’s prevent another tragedy by turning in your guns,” she said.

Those planning to attend the vigil are encouraged to arrive early and register his or her loved one, bring a chair, a candle, or a flashlight.

The event is open to the community. For additional information, contact Mrs. Heyward at (813) 270-1959, or Ernest Coney at (813) 248-9738.

A 50-year-old Wesley Chapel resident is in critical condition at a local hospital. He was severely burned this (Monday) morning after he allegedly attempted to douse his wife with gasoline.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Wong, of Wesley Chapel, was admitted to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. He was reportedly burned after being splashed by gasoline.

Shortly before 7 a.m., Monday, police were called to the 12400 block of Orange Grove Drive, in reference to a domestic altercation. Upon the arrival of deputies, they discovered Wong critically burned. He was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital.

The investigation revealed that Wong arrived at the apartment complex where his estranged wife, Mrs. Gloria Davis Wong, lived. Wong was reportedly driving a rented vehicle. Garbage bags had been taped to the windows and a blanket covered the rear window, police said.

Mrs. Wong told police that she observed her husband coming toward her as she attempted to get into her vehicle. He reportedly began chasing her while carrying two bottles containing what was later identified as gasoline.

Mrs. Wong ran and began screaming as her husband allegedly attempted to throw gasoline on her. However, the backsplash caused the gasoline to fall on Wong, police said.

A neighbor heard Mrs. Wong’s screams and opened the door for her, but denied her husband entry. Wong is alleged to have then begun splashing the gasoline on to the apartment and set the fire. However, his clothing ignited because of the backsplash, police said.

Neighbors extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher and blankets, but he was critically injured. Mrs. Wong, 48, was not hurt, police said.

During a search of the rented vehicle, police found duct tape, gloves, and two gallon gasoline cans. Police said the couple has been married for 25 years and separated in October. They are the parents of two adult sons.

Wong lives in Pasco County and Mrs. Wong lives in Hillsborough County.