Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Tampa Police arrested a man Saturday night after an accident left a car in flames on 40th Street.

According to reports, Ricky Polston, 33, was driving north on 40th Street, approaching Riverhills. Police said when Polston entered the roundabout at 40th Street and Riverhills, he failed to yield for a vehicle traveling east and struck it in the rear.

The impact caused the rear-ended vehicle to catch fire. Emergency personnel were called and extinguished the fire immediately. No one was injured in the accident or the fire.

The report said when officers approached Polston, they reported smelling alcohol and called for a DUI  Unit. Polston was administered a sobriety test, and found to be over the legal limit.

Polston was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. He was later released after posting a $500 bond.

Hillsborough County Public School bus driver, Trevor Dooley, was arrested and charged with manslaughter on September 26, 2010 as the result of a fatal altercation Dooley had with a neighbor, David James, 41.

Deputies said James was playing basketball with his 8-year-old daughter near their home and gave a 14-year-old boy permission to skateboard on the basketball court. Dooley reportedly saw James give the teen permission, and came out of his house, saying skateboarding was not allowed.

Witnesses said Dooley had turned to leave when James closed the distance between them, yelling at Dooley for using profanity in front of his daughter.

Witnesses further reported that James caught up with Dooley, spun him around, and Dooley went to the ground. James reportedly landed on top of Dooley. Dooley shot and killed James.

Dooley, 70, wants to invoke Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground” law as a defense, and his attorney, Ronald Tulin, has filed a motion with the court seeking the charges against Dooley be dismissed on those grounds.

Dooley was also charged with improper exhibition of a weapon, and open carrying of a weapon.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

On September 20th, a special meeting was called by the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership for citizens to give their input on a proposed roundabout for the junction of 22nd Street and 21st Street. Also discussed at that meeting was the purchased of a house at that junction.

On December 5th at 6 p. m., another meeting will be held on the roundabout at the Ragan Park Center, 1200 East Lake Avenue.

The second meeting came as a result of City Councilman Frank Reddick requesting that the meeting be called to clarify confusion on who voted for and against the project. Councilman Reddick received several phone calls from business owners and residents who said they weren’t informed about the September meeting, and the vote taken during that meeting didn’t reflect the concerns of everyone in the area.

East Tampa Development Manager, Ed Johnson, said at the September meeting that the 22nd Street enhancement Project began in 2003 when the area was designated as a Front Porch Community.

ETCRP Chair, Essie Sims, had stated earlier that he raised concerns six months ago that the allocation of Tax Increment Finance (TIF) dollars were being used in a concentrated area instead of assessing all of East Tampa.

“At the meeting Monday, the process will be for Ed Johnson to make his presentation, then the issue will be open for debate. After the votes are taken, that’s the action that will be taken.

“The Democratic process was supposed to be done, but confusion caused us to have another meeting, and after this meeting, that will be the final say on this project.”

ETCRP Board member, Attorney Geraldine Williams-Shaw, said she wants to assess the facts and look at what the community is asking them to do.

“There are two issues, one regarding the purchase of a house at the site, and the other the roundabout itself. Many in the community who are more vocal don’t want it. I don’t know if it’s efficient financially. The ball is in the community’s court now, and as a board, we are bound to act in their best interest.”

Former ETCRP chair, Sam Kinsey (who was chair when the plan was formulated), attended that meeting. Mr. Kinsey said he will be at the meeting Monday.

“Again I will vote in favor of the roundabout. I think it’s a good idea, because it adds attraction to the area, and 22nd Street is the major corridor through East Tampa.

East Tampa Business and Civic Association CEO, Diane Hart, was also at the meeting in September and said she will be at the meeting Monday to once again support the project.

“I’m in favor of it, because we decided years ago we’d do something to improve that area. The roundabout would create better access to the community for residents, and I think it would be great for traffic control.

Those opposing the project were current board members. The minutes did not reflect who by name.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Ms. Nicole Walker said she is still in shock over the death of her sister, Ms. Monica Alvarez (pictured, right). Ms. Alvarez died on November 16th after she was hit by a car near the intersection of N. 43rd Street and E. Hillsborough Avenue.

On Thursday, she completed the first step in her agenda to have the street where her sister died, renamed in her honor. Ms. Walker appeared before City Council to make her request officially known.

Appearing before City Council on Thursday, Ms. Walker said, “I’m looking for lights, sidewalks, speed bumps, and I want the street named after my sister. If that can’t be done, then I want a monument in her honor,” she said.

Chairman Charlie Miranda extended his condolences to Ms. Walker and assured her that her representative, Councilman Frank Reddick, was already working toward accomplishing those things.

Nicole Walker

Ms. Walker said her sister was about 6 years old when their mother, the late Mrs. Alice Alvarez died. She grew up with Ms. Walker’s children.

“I was like a mother figure to her. We were very close. It’s very hard for me to go over to her apartment and see the teddy bears and dolls. People even took teddy bears and dolls to the hospital. I want to thank everyone for the prayers, love and support. It has been amazing,” Ms. Walker said.

At the time of her death, Ms. Alvarez did not have any insurance. However, Ms. Walker said the community gave from their hearts.

“I want to have the street named after my sister and I’m not going to stop until I do. That is when I will feel complete and can go on with my life,” she said.

Ms. Walker, a recovering addict, gives all credit for her being able to endure the tragedy to God. “It’s not me, it’s God. He is real. I didn’t have a dime to bury my sister, but I thank God for the people who came through for us. God has poured so many blessings on me and I won’t move until He tells me to move.

“I don’t hold any hard feelings toward the young man. I called him over to my house the day of my sister’s funeral and talked to him. He kept holding his head down and I told him to hold his head up. I want him to be somebody, come back, and tell his story. People have to understand, the same thing can happen to you that happened to him.”

A hair stylist by trade, Ms. Walker said she had a hard time dealing with her sister’s death. “I went into the closet and told God to have his way. He is the only one who can comfort me.”

Ms. Alvarez, a 27-year-old Tampa native, who was six months pregnant, was pushing her 1-year-old daughter, Imani, in a stroller at the time of the accident. Ms. Shanita Little, 23, was walking with Ms. Alvarez and pushing her own 1-year-old daughter, Marquisha Wilson, in a second stroller.

Ms. Alvarez and her unborn son, Angel, died. Ms. Little and her daughter were injured, but survived. Imani was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where she was admitted in critical condition. Ms. Walker said the little girl is still hospitalized, but she is showing improvements.

The driver, Daryl Oliver, 28, of Tampa, told police he didn’t see them walking down the partially unlit street.

The accident happened within a block of the intersection of East Hillsborough Avenue and N. 43rd Street. The area is poorly lit and there are no sidewalks.

The up and coming Bay Area gospel group, Anotha Level will appear on The Dorinda Show.

The group was formed 2 years ago and is comprised of group members from Tampa, Brandon, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Gainesville.  The group has appeared on stage with and background for gospel greats such as Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole, Beverly Crawford, Rance Allen, Leandria Johson, Durward Davis, and Karen Clark Sheard.

Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole is a member of the Grammy Award Winning Clark Sisters.   Her show airs on TCT network on Direct TV Channel 377.

The show featuring Anotha Level will air on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 9 p. m. and 3 a. m. or Monday December 5th.   If you don’t have Direct TV, you can go to www.tct.tv and watch live online at 9 p. m. or 3 a. m.

Tampa Police arrested a woman Sunday and charged her with aggravated battery. The incident took place in the 400 block of E. Forest Avenue. She is being detained at the Hillsborough County Jail without a bond.

According to police, shortly before 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Ms. Tamika Willis, 29, went to the home of her child’s father, 49-year-old Curtis Lee Roberts. At some point, the two became engaged in an argument.

Police said Ms. Willis then took her 1-year-old daughter from Roberts and placed her in the front passenger seat of the car without any restraints. She is alleged to have then gotten into the car and drove through the chain linked fence.

Roberts reportedly had to flee onto the porch to avoid being hit by the vehicle. She then intentionally rammed the car into the porch, where Roberts was standing, police said.

During the collision, the baby flew forward and struck her forehead, causing a large bump.

After hitting the porch, Ms. Willis got out of the car, placed the baby in her car seat in the backseat of the car and drove away. She returned a few moments later and ran into another section of the fence around the house, before driving away, police said.

Ms. Willis was stopped a short distance away by police and taken into custody. She was charged with aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, aggravated child abuse, and violation of probation on an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon charge.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

The matriarch of a popular East Tampa restaurant died after a brief illness. Mrs. Sallie B. Stephens was 85 years old.

Her daughter, Mrs. Jabessa S. (Beth) Major, said her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer about 1½ months ago, and was under the care of Hospice. She also suffered from dementia.

A native of Eufaula, Alabama, Mrs. Stephens was the last of 13 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cass Henry (Willie Lou) Hicks. She attended the public schools of Barbour County, Alabama.

After reaching adulthood, Mrs. Stephens married Rev. John Stephens and the couple moved to Tampa as young adults. They were the parents of 6 sons and 4 daughters.

The couple was married 56 years at the time of Rev. Stephens’ death in 1994.

Mrs. Stephens was the founding First Lady of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens and the First Lady of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, in Bradley, FL for more than 20 years. Her husband served as the senior pastor of both churches.

Rev. Stephens opened the doors of Big John’s Alabama Barbeque in 1967. It became a family-owned and operated business located on N. 40th Street, in East Tampa. Mrs. Major said upon his death, her mother became the majority owner of the business.

Mrs. Stephens is survived by 8 children, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, 11 a.m., at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Major said the business will be closed on Saturday and the repast will take place at the restaurant.

Ray Williams Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

Since the death of Florida A&M University Drum Major, Robert Champion last Saturday, allegations have been swirling about what happened.

Family members of the dead student have retained attorneys and announced they will file a lawsuit against the school. Champion allegedly died from injuries he sustained during a hazing incident.

FAMU Alumni, Freddie Shellman, said when he heard the news, he was shocked.

“I thought they had stopped dong that stuff when I was still in school. I definitely don’t think Dr. Julian White (the band director) should have been fired. He had nothing to do with it. He had suspended at least 20 band members just before the Florida Classic for hazing.

“I think it’s wrong to punish the entire band for the actions of a few. I think this needs to be thoroughly investigated before any final action is taken. I still find it hard to believe something like this happened.”

Andre Walker said he thinks it’s important for people to understand the difference between initiations and hazing.

“When I was in school, we called it being initiated, not hazing. Every member of the band at some point has gone through this. When white kids started getting hurt, it became a third-degree felony and given the name hazing instead of initiation.

“I’ve had to experience it as an athlete and band member. When it becomes hazing, that’s taking it too far. In my mind, when I hear hazing, that means to do bodily harm. The act of initiation is a tradition among African Americans and part of our history. When it became hazing, that’s when it had nothing to do with being initiated.”

Walker said when he was attending FAMU, you went through one process.

“Champion was a first-year drum major. He went to do his little ritual where he had to run through a bus with his head covered and was hit. It got out of hand, obviously, and unfortunately a young man died, and we don’t know if what happened on that bus had anything to do with it.

“Dr. White took a stand on this issue a long time ago and has never condoned this act. He’s even gone to school administrators and complained about it, but no action was taken. I really feel bad for him and h is wife. He suffered a massive stroke last year but still continued dong his job. Now that he’s fully recovered, they want to toss him out. I hate to see what’s going on now, but we’re dealing with a new generation now, and they do things with less compassion. This incident has affected a lot of people and this is a sad time for the school and the young man’s family.”

Walker said he also thinks it was wrong to physically escort Dr. White off the campus.

Dr. Carolyn Collins, a member of the National Alumni Group, said they are waiting for the investigations to be completed, and consider what’s been reported so far as allegations.[private]

In a statement from FAMU NAA President, Tommy Mitchell, Sr., it was the FAMU NAA is extending their heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family of beloved Drum Major, Robert Champion.

“We stand ready to support Florida A&M University’s president and the appointed task force that is investigating the marching band’s practices and circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Champion.

“Under state law, the FAMU Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for implementing policies that govern the university and its leadership. No person, organization, or entity, outside the university president or the Board of Trustees, has the authority to dictate the hiring or firing process at this university.

Therefore, we endorse only legitimate and administrative procedures required to bring deliberate and analytical conclusions to both the university and law enforcement investigations in process, based on accuracy and facts.”

The statement further says as official investigations into Champion’s death proceed, the FAMU NAA stands with Champion’s family and the university, prepared to examine the full scope of its findings and to support its recommendations.

“We support the mission of FAMU, and in that spirit we support the care, development, and welfare of our most valuable assets – our students. We support all actions taken for the betterment of Florida A&M University.”

A statement from FAMU Board of Trustee Chairman, Dr. Solomon L. Badger, said they are deeply saddened by the loss of Robert Champion and each of them will keep his family and the FAMU family in their prayers.

“Since the unfortunate incident, I have been in constant discussion with President Ammons. He has responded appropriately to this tragic situation and he has taken measures to get to the root cause of what happened.

“Dr. Ammons has convened an independent task force to review patterns of behavior b the band and to make recommendations regarding matters that should be addressed at the administrative level. He has suspended performances of all band ensembles, including the Marching 100 and has started appropriate personnel actions to also address the current situation.”

The statement also said prior to the Florida Classic, there were other measures taken to ensure that students in the band were aware of not only the university policy, but also the penalties under the state’s anti-hazing law. [/private]

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

Last week, U. S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara sentenced a 25-year-old Tampa man to 54 months in federal prison. He entered a guilty plea on tax fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Roger Snells, who pleaded guilty on September 2nd, was also ordered to pay mandatory restitution of $26,164.61 to the U. S. Treasury.

According to court documents, Snells admitted to using the names and identifying information of deceased individuals. He electronically filed fraudulent federal tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, and received tax refunds.

Law enforcement officials located more than 100 fraudulent tax returns on Snells’ laptop computer. Some of the returns were filed. Police said Snells intended to file the others. He reportedly submitted $165,599 false claims to the IRS, police said.

Police arrested Snells in September, along with 48 other defendants during the Operation Rainmaker investigation. The arrests were the culmination of task force investigation that began more than a year ago. Some of the agencies involved included the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, and the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.