Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

More than 20 years ago, Tommy Davidson stepped onto the stage as a standup comic. Since that time, he has become a well-respect actor as well.

He credits his success in the industry to “continued hard work and the love of it. I love both careers for different reasons.”

Beginning on Thursday and ending on Sunday, Davidson will be in town at the Tampa Improv, 1600 E. 8th Avenue. He’s looking forward to sharing his brand of comedy with the Tampa community.

Davidson is not shy when it comes to his talents. His message to Tampa, “?I’m the baddest there is. Come out and see where I am now if you thought I was good before.”

King Cobra Enterprise Gospel Artist, KSAM, will be auditioning for the hit television show, “X-Factor,” hosted by Simon Cowell, formerly of American Idol.

KSAM is a Tampa native and has always been a leader in the community and an over-achiever in whatever he puts his mind to. He was an outstanding athlete at King High school and captain of the football and track teams.

King Cobra said this is a defining moment, not just for KSAM but for the Tampa bay community.

“It’s time for Tampa Bay to shine within the music industry and that time is now. KSAM is the right artist to make it happen.”

KSAM’s audition will be at the Dallas, Texas Convention Center on May 26th, and we are asking for the community to support him.

Elijah Dukes, the former outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, was arrested Sunday for driving with a suspended license. He was later released on bond.

According to arrest records, Dukes, 26, has been arrested three times within the last year. He was arrested in November on three counts of contempt of court. In March of this year, he was arrested on charges of aggravated battery of a pregnant female, after a former girlfriend accused him of hitting her.

On Monday, Tampa Police were called to an apartment complex on East Sligh Avenue. When they arrived, they were told a 10-year-old boy was dead from an apparent suicide. Their report said the boy’s mother found him hanging by the neck from a shelving unit in his closet.

That boy’s parents, Alfonso and Jennifer Ammons, said their son, Tyriq, did not intentionally hang himself.

“Tyriq did not go into his room, fashion a noose and hang himself,” said Mrs. Ammons.

“I think Tyriq was just trying to get attention I think he stood in his closet and fell asleep and somehow the cord got caught around his neck. I should have check on him. My son was not suicidal.”

It took nearly 5 hours before the board of Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) decided it would fire its Chief Executive Officer at a special call meeting Monday evening.

David Armijo had been placed on paid administrative leave while an independent law firm investigated whistleblower allegations of intimidation, retaliation, a hostile workplace, favoritism, among others.

A vote of 7-4 led to his dismissal. Board members County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, Wallace Bowers, Alison Hewitt, David Mechanik, Sandra Murman, County Commissioner Mark Sharpe and Michael York voted for Armijo’s dismissal. Those who were against his firing: John Byczek, Fran Davin, Ron Govin and Steven Polzin.

Much of Monday night’s meeting centered on discussion of Armijo’s boldness in having language in his contract changed on 2 occasions, most recently in 2010. The inserted or changed language in the contract would make it difficult to fire the CEO.

Board chair Alison Hewitt made the discovery of language changes last week while going through the contracts. She apologized to the Board for getting them the information she discovered at Monday’s meeting.

Phillip Hale has been named Interim CEO while the Board searches for a new leader.

At their regular Board meeting Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved a disaster assistance policy that allows the County to collect and disburse private donations received by the County to homeowners of Progress Village affected by the storms on March 31.

The policy was initiated by County Commissioner Lesley “Les” Miller, Jr., whose district includes Progress Village.

The disaster assistance fund is intended to assist homeowners who are ineligible to receive assistance through the County’s housing assistance programs, for reasons such as their income exceeds federal/state program requirements or their assets exceed  limits set by the County.

Progress Village residents who think they may be eligible to receive assistance through this fund can contact Affordable Housing Services at (813) 612-5397.

For additional information, contact Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services at (813) 612-5397.

Tampa Police arrested 18-year-old Jairus Shine Tuesday, charging him with battery on a pregnant female. He is being held without bond.

Police said Shine and the victim got into a verbal argument. During the argument, Shine reportedly hit the victim on the left side of her face and kicked her in the left side of her stomach. The victim is 7 months pregnant.

Police later discovered that Shine and the victim are cousins and have lived together as a family for two years.

It was around 3 a.m. Monday morning, and Reginald Mike had gotten up to get a drink of water. With his water in hand, he sat in his favorite chair in the family room area of his home. Minutes later, Mr. Mike said he heard a loud boom, then the next thing he knew, he and his favorite chair were being thrown across the room.

According to Tampa Police and Tampa Fire Rescue, a car crashed into the home at 3702 North McBerry, causing extensive damage. The residents have been told they can no longer live in the home and power has been shut off.

The car that crashed into the home was towed away, and police are conducting an investigation.

Dr. Sydel Barnes LeGrande’s Clinic and Fitness Center at Tampa Park Plaza has been closed due to code violations.

According to Tampa Park Property Manager, Yolanda Anthony, she was informed the clinic was being closed temporarily.

Dr. Sybil Rosado, a consultant and niece of Dr. LeGrande, said the clinic is closing because of a city code violation due to a lack of appropriate parking spaces.