Florida Sentinel Bulletin

On Monday, September 12, at 6 p.m., the Voter Empowerment Coalition will host a Presidential Debate Rally. The event will take place at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The meeting will include a broad coalition of concerned citizens, civil rights activists, labor unionists, elected officials, and clergy. The rally is being called a “Rally of Conscience.”

A spokesperson for the Rainbow, PUSH Coalition said the rally will bring attention to the fact that candidates for U. S. President and others seeking political office should focus on providing authentic plans for putting Americans back to work, rebuilding the nation’s economy and safeguarding voting rights.

The Tea Party Express and CNN are holding their Republican Presidential candidates debate on Monday, at 8 p.m., at the Tampa Fairgrounds. We invite all people of conscience and those who want to speak truth to power to join us at this event. We need to come together and say loudly and clearly:

“We are not interested in wedge issues and divisive rhetoric. We want jobs, jobs, jobs and our rights protected, not more right wing venom to poison the body politic and further alienate us from each other,” the spokesperson said.

For additional information about the rally, contact Rev. Charles McKenzie at (941) 592-0045.

The sister of a popular Tampa family died suddenly Wednesday evening at Memorial Hospital. She was 53 years old.

Ms. Irene Meteye was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. After several tests, it was determined that she had pneumonia.

Her sister, Ms. Denese Meteye James stated that Ms. Meteye was surrounded by several of her family members when she passed away around 6:30 p. m.

Ms. Meteye was the youngest girl in a family of 8. She attended the schools in Hillsborough County, graduating from Chamberlain. She spent several years in the school system as a Cafeteria Manager, with Potter Elementary being her last assignment before retiring.

Ms. Meteye enjoyed fishing and spending time with the family’s African American motor home group. This past weekend the family took their motor home down to the campgrounds of Daytona Beach. “I didn’t go this time,” Ms. James said, “but they told me that Irene and one of my brothers did karaoke, which is surprising to me because my brother is so shy,” she said.

Ms. Meteye visited several churches in the community, but visited First Baptist Church of College Hill more than others.

Funeral services are incomplete at press time, however, Creal Funeral Home of St. Petersburg will handle arrangements.

Among Ms. Meteye’s survivors are: son, Charles Langston, significant other, Theodore (Ted) Allen; sisters other than Denese, Carolyn Meteye, Leonida Meteye Owens and Louise Meteye Leggett (who buried her husband a few weeks ago); brothers, Raymond, Ralph and Clemon Meteye.

After an 11-month investigation, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s detectives announced they had identified 54 people that were involved in a drive-through drug distribution business in the University area.

Of the 54 people identified, 37 have been arrested.

Detectives started building cases against two men known to be dealing drugs out of the Pine I Apartments on North 14th Street. Zavien Brand, 28, and Joseph Nurse, 35, were targeted in the investigation. The sting soon turned into a larger investigation that involved dozens of people.

Zavien Brand

Investigators focused on several residences in the neighborhood near Nebraska Avenue and Fletcher. Deputies recovered 29 guns, including seven assault rifles and two weapons believed to be linked to shootings in the area.

Investigators also seized 1.3 pounds of crack cocaine, .64 ounces of powder cocaine, .25 ounces of oxycodone and some ecstasy. The drugs were valued at $75,000.

Arrested and charged are: (pictured l-r, top row: Floreisha Allen, 33; Jusio Dixon, 21; Bruce Davis, 31; bottom row: Shavar Brand, 29; Aisha Evans, 23; Itiba Davis, 27) Tyrone Flowers, 48; Hasheam Fortson, 21; Kalvin Grimes, 23; Cuwissie Hamilton, 32; Joseph Huggins, 18; Ranney James, 36; Shay John, 38; Johnny Jones, 26; Stephanie Kelly, 33; Omari Knight, 29; Renard Lanier, 24; Cammaron Lewis, 27; Victor Milliner, 24; Keith Mullikin, 38; Glenroy Nibbs, 27; Leviticus Powell,33; Kimoy Prince, 21; Pedro Robles, 29; Damon Talley, 24; Tarvarus Talley, 23; Franklin Ulysses, 22; Anthony Winston, 22, and Jaris Youngblood, 33.

Funeral services for Mr. Lee Roy Selmon, retired NFL standout who died after suffering a massive stroke on Friday, September 2nd, will be held on Friday, September 9th, 10 a.m., at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz. A wake service will be held on Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, 2923 N. Tampa Street. The family will be present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Last Friday, Mr. Selmon suffered a massive stroke at his residence and was admitted to St. Joseph’s Hospital. He died on Sunday. Mr. Selmon was 56 years old.

Memorials

Three organizations, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, USF Football, and the Tampa Sports Authority, have designated a space at Raymond James Stadium for a temporary memorial for Lee Roy Selmon.  Anyone wishing to leave tributes is free to place flowers, cards or remembrances on the tree-shaded mound in the middle of the mass transit drop-off turnaround on Dale Mabry.

Signage for the drop off location near the pedestrian footbridge crossing over Dale Mabry will be displayed Tuesday after 5 p.m., September 6, and drop-offs may begin Tuesday after 5 p.m. and continue through game day on Sunday, September 11.

In Lieu Of Flowers

The Selmon Family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to further honor Mr. Selmon’s memory can donate to Abe Brown Ministries at (813) 248-3224 or the University of South Florida Foundation Partnership for Athletics (813) 974-2125.

Funeral Services

Mr. Selmon is survived by his wife, Mrs. Clabra Selmon, 2 sons, 2 daughters, siblings, and other family members and friends. Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

City Editor Iris B. Holton can be contacted at (813) 248-1921; or emailed at iholton@flsentinel.com.

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

During the mid-1960s, Mr. Charles Chester “Gay Pappa” Miles was an Algebra teacher at Howard W. Blake High School. He was also very interested in providing students with some kind of recreational outlet after school.

It was during that time Mr. Miles created teen dances that were held in the gymnasium at Blake. The event was so successful it started drawing bigger crowds, so he moved the teen dances to the Gasparilla Room at Curtis Hixon Hall.

During the early 1970s, Mr. Miles left Curtis Hixon and opened “The Psychedelic Shack” in the Tampa Park Plaza on Nebraska Avenue. That later became known as “The Alien,” and the teen dances continued until the late 1970s.

Mr. Miles has since been stricken with Parkinson’s Syndrome, but members of the All Class Reunion group thought this would be the right time to organize a tribute to him and speak on how he effected the lives of a lot of teenagers who might have otherwise turned the wrong way in life.

Efforts are now underway to reunite as many of the performers, DJs, and patrons of that era for this tribute.

Among those who have already pledged to be a part of the tribute are the Jackson Brothers, Eddie Durant, Sharon Thompson, Dwight Bolden, Daddy Cool, Floyd “Floyd Joy” Rivers, and some patrons.

“If it weren’t for Gay Pappa Miles, there’s no telling how I may have turned out,” said one Isaac Hayes impersonator.[private]

“Mr. Miles gave us all something to do on Friday nights, and brought together groups from Middleton and Blake in one room where they all got along without any conflicts. It was truly a beautiful thing to see and be a part of.”

What Mr. Miles did can’t be duplicated today as evidenced by the number of violent incidents that have occurred at teen gatherings over the years.

“But, that doesn’t mean we can’t look back and say thank you to the man who paved the way for teenagers to be responsible people and at the same time, display their talents.” said Mr. C.

“If it weren’t for Mr. Miles, no one would have ever heard of “The Mighty Good And Strong” Band.”[/private]

If you were a part of the Curtis Hixon, Psychedelic Shack or Alien history and want to be a part of this tribute, call (813) 743-8779.  The  tribute has been planned for October.

A retired Tampa resident, known as an outstanding athlete and humanitarian, suffered a massive stroke at his home on Friday. He died at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Sunday. He was surrounded by family members at the time of his death.

The family of Lee Roy Selmon issued the following statement: “It is with very heavy hearts that the Selmon Family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father and brother, Lee Roy Selmon.

“For all his accomplishments on and off the field, to us Lee Roy was the rock of our family. This has been a sudden and shocking event and we are devastated by this unexpected loss. We deeply appreciate the prayers and support shown by family, friends, the football community and the public over the past two days. “[private]

Funeral Services
Mr. Selmon is survived by his wife, Mrs. Clabra Selmon, children, siblings, other family members and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Lee Roy Selmon will take place on Friday, 10 a.m., at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz. A wake will take place Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, 2923 N. Tampa Street. The family will be present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.

In Lieu Of Flowers
The Selmon Family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to further honor Mr. Selmon’s memory can make donations to Abe Brown Ministries (813) 248-3224 or the University of South Florida Foundation Partnership for Athletics (813) 974-2125.

Friends Comment
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Quarterback Doug Williams said, “There is not a lot to say, his legacy speaks for itself. Whether you are riding on the Lee Roy Selmon Crossway Express or eating at his restaurant, he will always be remembered. He dedicated his life to USF football.

“Someone like him dying so young is just a tragedy, Williams said.”

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer David Lewis played with Selmon for 5 years. However, their friendship has lasted more than 30 years. Lewis recalled those early years when the Bucs team was filled with major college winners – the Selmon brothers were from Oklahoma, Lewis, Danny Reece and Ricky Bell were from USC, other players were from winning programs at Penn State and University of Pittsburgh.

“We were all from winning programs and it was difficult getting used to losing. Lee Roy, the first original Buc had to endure all the ridicule, jokes and hecklers. Being a new team, we didn’t have veteran players to show us the way or tell us how to do it. We had to feel our way. The fun we shared on the field then made the bond of brotherhood that we share today – we’re there for each other.”

“Even back then,” Lewis stated of the early years, Lee Roy tried to walk the life Christ has set for all of us.

“I still remember how Walter Payton used to describe Lee Roy. He said he was the nicest, roughest defensive player he ever played against,” Lewis stated.

Lewis, 56, was with the family throughout the weekend until Selmon passed away. Lee Roy’s brother, Dewey, kept the close knit group of friends informed of his condition.

He’s gone now and we’ll miss his flesh, but the Lord did not make a mistake. His work on earth is done and it didn’t take 70 years. He has accomplished so much, received so many accolades – Pro Football Hall of Fame, Bucs Ring of Honor, highway and restaurants named in his honor and so much more.

“His spirit will be with us forever. He left a legacy and a blueprint for his family –children, grandchildren, those who knew him and those that knew of him. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father, tremendous friend, super teammate, wonderful to people and most of all he loved Christ.

“I salute Lee Roy Selmon and I thank God for putting him in my life.”

Mrs. Marie Tarver White has known Selmon for more than 20+ years. She met him through her uncle, Rev. John Stephens, at his restaurant, Big John’s Alabama Barbecue. She said he has been a tremendous support in the success of the second-go-round of her magazine, On-Que! Christian magazine.

“He was so encouraging. He’d always tell me to keep on doing it because God would not have His Word to go forward void,” she said.

His Career
Selmon graduated from Eufaula High School in Eufaula, Oklahoma in 1971, as an honor graduate. He was the youngest of 9 children born to Lucious and Jessie Selmon. He joined his brothers, Lucious and Dewey, on the defensive line at the University of Oklahoma.

The brothers established themselves as a forced to be reckoned with at the University of Oklahoma. During his college career, Selmon received numerous honors including being named All-American in 1975, the Vince Lombardi Award, and the Outland Trophy, and Graduate Fellowship Winner National Football Foundation Hall of Fame.

After graduation, Selmon was the first player chosen in the NFL draft in 1976 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wore jersey #63. Selmon’s entire career was as a Buccaneer and he retired 9 years later.

The Bucs also drafted his brother, Dewey, that year.

Selmon was chosen “Rookie of the Year” and MVP his first year. He was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl six consecutive years and in 1979, Selmon was named the “NFL Defensive Player of the Year.”
He retired in 1984 after injuring his back. Two years later, the Bucs franchise retired his number.

Selmon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995. Four years later, he was named to the Sports Illustrated NCAA Football All-Century Team. Selmon was also the first player to be inducted into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor in November 2009.

After retirement, Selmon remained in Tampa, where he worked in the banking industry. He became active in several charities and athletic programs. In 1993, he was chosen as the Assistant Athletic Director at the University of South Florida. He was promoted to the position of Athletic Director at the university in 2001. It was under his direction and guidance that the university launched its football program. Health issues forced him to step down in 2004.

Since establishing himself in Tampa, a highway, the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, has been named in his honor and he established a chain of restaurants that bear his name as well.

Memorials For Selmon
Three organizations, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, USF Football, and the Tampa Sports Authority, have designated a space at Raymond James Stadium for a temporary memorial for Lee Roy Selmon.

Anyone wishing to leave tributes are free to place flowers, cards or remembrances on the tree-shaded mound in the middle of the mass transit drop-off turnaround on Dale Mabry.

Signage for the drop off location near the pedestrian footbridge crossing over Dale Mabry will be displayed Tuesday after 5 p.m., September 6, and drop-offs may begin Tuesday after 5 p.m. and continue through game day on Sunday, September 11.[/private]

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

In a press conference Friday, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor announced that a total of 49 people had been arrested in a year-long investigation into tax fraud.

Tampa Police and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office discovered the tax scam (known in slang terms as “The Drop”) and began investigating it on a case-by-case basis. The agencies realized the scam was taking place in large proportions and joined forces with the U. S. Secret Service and U. S. Postal Inspection Service. They formed the “Cash Back” Task Force in March to tackle the problem. The task force uncovered various schemes the defendants utilized to cash the illegally obtained treasury funds.

The result of the task force arrests was $100 million intercepted tax dollars, $5 million recovered tax dollars and assets, and $25 million stolen tax dollars.

This week, Operation Rainmaker culminated with the execution of six search warrants. Five of the warrants targeted businesses that are laundering stolen tax dollars. The sixth warrant was executed at a suspect’s home All of the suspects are facing charges for utilizing fake identities to file fraudulent tax returns online.[private]

Seized Vehicles

Listed below are the targeted businesses, seized property, and the arrests made:

Empire Street Wear, 1925 East Fletcher Avenue; seized property was business computers and files, $19,763 in cash, $58,306.40 in money orders, and $123,266,38 in U. S. Treasury Checks. A rental vehicle was seized on the property, and inside was found $7,730 in cash, $124,086 , in U. S. Treasury Checks, and $7,630 in cash.

Palace Fashions, 2525 East Hillsborough Avenue; seized property was $4,625 in cash. Arrested on 33 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and ID theft was Raid Faria.

Advanced Auto Sales, 5018 N. 22nd Street; seized property, $2,700 in cash, and $10,500 in money orders.

Suit World, 5202 North 22nd Street; seized property, $10,162 in cash and five Turbo Tax cards. Arrested was Reem Faria for felon in possession of a firearm.

Simmons Auto Sales, 4615 North 34th street; seized property was $25,000 in cash, $13,000 in money orders, $75,000 worth of jewelry, 134 turbo tax cards, a Bentley automobile, 2 Jaguars, 2 computers and business records. Russell Simmons, Jr. was arrested and charged with fraudulent use of a credit card, Identity theft, and grand theft.

2118 East Caracas Street; seized property was 8 cars, $800 in cash, 3 sets of 28” rims valued at $22,500, a 73” flat screen television, 128 grams of marijuana, and 22 turbo tax cards.

Marterrence Q. Holloway, who authorities have identified as the leader of the tax fraud scheme, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession of marijuana. He also violated probation for failing to appear for a court hearing.

Arrested at Holloway’s residence was Kenneth Goodson, Quincy Wimberly, and Janica Bullock. They were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of marijuana.

In Operation Rainmaker, there were 12 state felony arrests for identity thefts. The United States Secret Service seized a laptop, cellular phone and bank records from a dumpster in the Jackson Court Apartments.

A total of 19 vehicles were seized, and $130 million in cash and property.[/private]

Pictured (l to r, top row): Russell Simmons, Jr., Janica Bullock and Reem Faria (bottom row) Quincy Wimberly, Marterrence Holloway, and Kenneth Goodson

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

A Tampa woman has died and two others were injured as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The victims were discovered Thursday morning at an apartment complex.

Two of the victims of the poisoning were identified as Ms. Kashundra Joyner, 20, who is recovering at University Community Hospital, and her roommate, Ms. Rebecca Hawk. Ms. Hawk, 23, died of exposure.

The third victim was only identified as a 62-year-old woman who was treated and released.

According to Tampa Police, a maintenance worker smelled an odor outside of a building at the Vista Grande Apartments, 5207 Cypress Palms Lane, around 9 a.m., Thursday. He recognized the odor and began to evacuate residents.

Upon the arrival of fire rescue three victims were transported to University Community Hospital. [private]

Ms. Hawk graduated from the University of South Florida and was hired by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as a Child Protection Investigator. She completed her training on August 26th.

Her supervisor said Ms. Hawk had been employed for 10 weeks and was in the first week of field training at the time of her death. “Rebecca was always smiling, she had a promising career and was just a lovely woman,” the supervisor said.

During their investigation police determined that a 22-year-old man who lives with his father at the complex, parked his 2011 Gray Mazda in the garage at 8:30 p.m., and left the vehicle running.

Police have not identified the man, but said they are meeting with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office to determine if any charges will be filed or if the death will be ruled accidental. [/private]

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

BY TAMECA JOHNSON
Freelance Writer

WTMP as we know it is no more.  The station has been sold.  The announcement came Wednesday and has left many people angry and in shock.

The station had been up for sale for several years after Straightway Radio took over operations from Tama Broadcasting. The sale means the city of Tampa no longer has a radio station that targets the adult Black community with R&B and Classic Soul music.

It also means the city and surrounding areas can no longer hear The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Michael Baisden Show, Honest Opinion with Hakim Aquil and Jarvis El-Amin, The Citizens’ Report with Jetie B. Wilds or Sunday Gospel with Randall C.  In essence, Tampa’s Black community has lost one of the few voices it had.

“This is not a good thing,” says Alex Jordann, the station’s former Programming Director.  “WTMP is a business, but it isn’t a business to our listeners, it’s a part of the landscape of their lives.”

Community Activist Michelle Patty hosted a Sunday morning gospel show and was at the station when management broke the news.  “The station is 57 years old.  It’s like losing a relative.  I grew up on WTMP.  This leaves a huge void in the African American community.”

El-Amin agrees.  “There is now nothing to connect us.”   He says if we look at the bigger picture, the loss is much greater.  “Politicians are in trouble.  How are they going to get their message out now?  The community is in trouble.  This is a wake-up call for leadership.”

James Ransom, representing TOBA, who is familiar with an effort by some to finance/purchase WTMP in the past said, “that effort failed because the seller’s price was too high. The seller had the license, but no other assets (no building, land or towers). Another party controlled that,” he explained.

There is no word on who bought the station or what type of programming the new owners will provide, but there are reports it will not be geared towards the Black community.[private]

The right to obtain another local station with the same format is through a Lease Management Agreement (LMA), and that will cost approximately $200,000-250,000. That will allow the local community to return to the same R&B format with programs like the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Ransom further stated.

“Anybody that is interested in investing all or a portion of that amount to reestablish that format should send a letter to P. O. Box 3485, Tampa, FL 33601, Attn: James Ransom.”

“There are lessons to be learned here,” says Jordann. “If we don’t value and support the things that are important, we lose them.”[/private]