Florida Sentinel Bulletin

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Bay Pointe Apartment Complex last Wednesday night on a report of a robbery and shooting.

When deputies arrived at the complex, they reported finding Anderson Albino, 21, with gunshot wounds to his right arm. He and witnesses gave deputies detailed descriptions of two suspects. More deputies in the area were able to locate the suspects in an adjacent complex. They were arrested without incident.

Donald Bass, 20, and Bobby Holmes, 20, were both charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, and armed burglary.

Deputies said Albino had gone to his mailbox in the complex when he was approached by Bass and Holmes. They reportedly made a demand for money and when Albino said he had no money, but they could take his vehicle, Bass and Holmes looked inside for anything of value.

When they found nothing in the vehicle they wanted, deputies said one of them fired several shots at Albino, striking him in the right rm. He was transported by Fire Rescue to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

On December 13^th, the Tampa Sports Authority released a list of the four finalists their selection committee will be interviewing for a security contract at Raymond James Stadium for all events held at the stadium for a 3-year period. The security staff would consist of 10 people.

The finalists are Allied Barton, Aegis, First Coast Security and G4S .

Sable One Investigations And Security, owned by Michael Hadley, also took part in the process for the contract, but wasn’t selected as one of the finalists.

Hadley contacted TSA to inquire about the process for filing a protest on the selection process.

“I was told by Eric Hart (TSA Director) that a protest process was not in place and he would explain to me what I needed to do to file a protest.

“Hart told me about the process, but I later discovered that there is a document that outlines the procedure for filing a protest and I felt I was entitled to that document. I was told I had five days to file my protest with the committee.”

Hadley said he was told to first notify the evaluation committee of his intent to file a protest, then after a decision has been rendered, submit his protest to the Director of Purchasing for TSA.

“I filed my protest December 13^th and now I have five days to [private]protest to Hart, then after that to the board.

“I think this process can go on for 30 days to deny someone due process.”

“I’m also upset that none of the four finalists are located in Florida, and all have litigation issues regarding personnel and their job practices.

“I have a right to know who is on the evaluation committee, and how the selection process works. I have requested all notes, tapes and documents from the selection committee. They have five days to make those items available to me.”

Eric Hart said Hadley was sent an e-mail with the protest procedure.

“He has the full written policy. When he returns it to us, the process begins. He can later request a public hearing if he’s not satisfied.

“Mr. Hadley has met with us repeatedly through this process and has sought a contract before with the sports authority. He wanted the process changed, and we told him that wasn’t going to happen. He’s also made a public records request.”

Hart wants Hadley to be careful, but he may be putting himself in a position where he could be disqualified.

“First of all, there was never a bidding process. It was a Request For Purchase (RFP). Mr.  Hadley’s company rated well in some areas, and not well in others.

“Currently, G4S has the contract. They are also one of the finalists. We do this as a public process and we rate the RFP based on what people submit to us.[/private]

On Saturday morning a Tampa mother accused of killing her infant daughter learned that she would have to remain in jail. She appeared before the judge over closed-circuit television.

Tampa Police arrested Ms. Eboni Shameeca Thompson, 31, Friday afternoon in connection with the death of 4-month-old Markala Thomspon. The infant died Tuesday night.

According to police, the father, Marcus L. Harden, 38, said he left his home for about 20 minutes to go to the store and left Ms. Thompson at the house. When he returned, Ms. Thompson was holding the child on the couch.

A short time later, she placed the infant in her bassinet. When Harden checked on the infant a short time later, he discovered that she was not breathing and called 9-1-1. The baby was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police said Ms. Thompson did not have custody of the infant and was not supposed to have unsupervised visitation. She allegedly fled the scene when police attempted to interview her Tuesday night, but police were able to locate her.

Police interviewed Ms. Thompson on Wednesday and again on Friday, after receiving the report from the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. The autopsy report revealed the infant had multiple broken ribs and a broken arm.

[private]According to police, Ms. Thompson confessed to chocking her baby until she stopped crying and eventually stopped breathing. She told police she pretended the baby was still alive when Harden returned home. Ms. Thompson also allegedly admitted to abusing the infant several times over the last four months.

There were four other children, three girls ages 4, 6, and 17, and a 21-month-old boy living with Harden. Those children are now in custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Ms. Laura McElroy, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said, the investigation is continuing and police have not decided if Harden is going to be arrested for leaving the children with Ms. Thompson without supervision.

Ms. Thompson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm and aggravated child abuse. She is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail.[/private]

On December 1 2009, Tampa Police were called to 2107 109^th Avenue on a report of a disturbance concerning several Black males with bats and sticks.

When the officer arrived, he reported seeing no disturbance, but a witness said there was a person pointing a gun at her son. She led the officer to 15^th Street and Heather Avenue where Derral Hamilton was sitting on the ground with a gunshot wound to his left calf.

The suspect in the shooting was identified as Derral’s cousin, Cuwissie Hamilton, and a witness reported that several shots were fired at Derral by his cousin, who fled the scene.

Derral Hamilton

A warrant was issued for his arrest on an aggravated battery with a firearm charge, and he was subsequently arrested February 2, 2010 on the warrant. He bonded out of jail 10 days later.

State Attorney’s Office spokesman, Mark Cox, said the [private]case was dismissed In June after witnesses disappeared, and the victim failed to make any statement about what happened to him.

2^nd Incident

On December 13, 2010 at 10 p .m. Tampa Police were called on a report of a man shot at 8345 Nebraska Avenue, the Stop and Shop Store.

When officers arrived, they found Cuwissie Hamilton, 31, suffering from two gunshot wounds to the chest. Officers said Hamilton had been driven to that location from the actual shooting scene at 15^th Street and Eskimo Avenue by an unknown person. He was hospitalized, and is reported to be in stable condition.

An investigation by detectives revealed that Cuwissie had been shot by his cousin, Derral, 25. Witnesses reported the two had been arguing, possibly over a woman and money, prior to the shooting.

Officers called Derral Hamilton and convinced him to turn himself in. He was arrested and charged with attempted murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

A family member who didn’t want to be identified, said “this is pure madness. I don’t understand how relatives could let anything cause them to hurt each other. I guess they didn’t learn a thing after the shooting last year.”[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Newly elected County Commissioner Les Miller, Jr., said he was unaware of problems with the County’s Head Start Program until the issue came up during the public comment section of the Board meeting on Wednesday. However, he vows to fight any efforts to privatize the program.

“I wish that someone would have called me and discussed it with me before the meeting. However, when it came up, I asked the question, ‘What are you talking about?’

Commissioner Miller said he learned that rumors were floating about disciplinary actions involving top-level employees of the Head Start Program. “I can’t act on something if I don’t know anything about it. I can’t do anything about rumors; I need to have the facts.

“Last year, the issue of privatizing Head Start came up and there was public outcry. The funding is still there for the program. It helps many people, including those in my district, and I will fight any efforts to privatize it. This program is too important. It needs to stay under the control of the board,” Miller said.

Hillsborough County is one of only two counties in the state with dual Head Start programs.

He further stated that he had not met with [private]County Administrator Mike Merrill and brought up to date about the issue. “That wasn’t his fault. He was in meetings this week and so was I, and we just couldn’t meet. It was a scheduling issue.”

Pending Controversy

An investigation is currently underway concerning a book written by the wife of Head Start’s Fiscal Manager, Mike Jay, which was published and distributed throughout the county with approval.

An anonymous source told the Sentinel that part of the controversy pertains to an allegation that Jay never disclosed the fact that the book was written by his wife. Louis Fenney, Director of the Head Start Program is Jay’s supervisor.

The issue was slated for discussion during the Policy Council meeting on Thursday evening.

Interlocal Agreement

A pending Interlocal Agreement between Hillsborough County and the Children’s Board would place Don Dixon, Chief Operations Officers for the Children’s Board, in an advisory position to the County.

The agreement states in part, “In consideration of the County’s payments, the Children’s Board shall loan Mr. Don Dixon’s services to the County and the County may assign him as its Director of the Children’s Services Division and other related assignments of the County’s Family and Aging Services Department.”

Dixon’s services may include, but aren’t limited to: “Oversight of all operations and staff of the Children’s Services Division of the County’s Family and Aging Services Department;

“Lead responsibility for the County’s role in implementing the short term action plan for the System of Care for Children and Families in Hillsborough County; to assess Board of County Commissioners-funded children’s services in order to provide budget recommendations to the County Administrator for the next two-year funding cycle, etc.”

Pete Edwards, a member of the Children’s Board of Directors said the Interlocal Agreement must be agreed upon and signed by both parties, and that has not yet taken place.

He further said Dixon is recognized as an expert in the field. “We are lending them his expertise to help keep the services they have and not lose them. It is going to be rough for the next two years with these budget cuts.”

When asked about the pending Interlocal Agreement, Commissioner Miller said, “I have my staff trying to get a copy of it, but I have not seen it.” [/private]

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

On New Year’s Eve at the Embassy Suites Ballroom, 3705 Spectrum Boulevard near the  University of South Florida, Shawn Brown Entertainment Experience will present a New Year’s Eve Gala. The event will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Shawn Brown said he decided to recognize the American Cancer Society because of his own personal bout with the cancer and the loss of a brother to the disease.

“Two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer, and God healed me. I went through a year of treatment, and came out fine. However in April, my brother came out of remission and passed away. Two weeks later, my mother passed away from a kidney stone ailment.

“Through God, I’ve been able to keep going, but this has been a tough year for my entire family.”

Brown said he wants to be an advocate for cancer treatment, and said he wants to create awareness.

“I want to send out the message for everyone to get pre-screened for cancer. This event is to celebrate and encourage those who’ve beat cancer and the others going through treatment. I’m going to need a lot of help getting the word out.”

Brown was born and[private] raised in Baltimore, Maryland and has been a professional musician for the past 30 years. As a child, guidance from an equally talented mother taught him the fundamentals of music.

Making Tampa home since 1980, Brown toured Japan in “The Precision Band.” He’s also opened for Howard Hewitt, Roger and Zapp, and Stephanie Mills.

Brown has shared the stage with Al Green, Clarence Clemons, Christopher Cross, Earth Wind and Fire, Keith Sweat, Ronnie Earl, Lucky Peterson, Little Milton and Percy Sledge.

Showcasing the New Year’s Eve event will be Nate Najar, Theo Valentine, Tony Janflone, Jr., Tom Patton, Pat Barbara, Lonza Barlett, Dee Lewis and special guest host, Jo Mamma Johnson of 95.7FM The Beat. Also, Dr. Thomas Taylor, and State Representative Darryl Rouson will be honored.

Tickets to the event are available now. You can reach Shawn Brown at (813) 924-8943 or Pat Barbara at (941) 730-6911. VIP tickets are available at $100, to include two dinner entrees per person, plus VIP room access. Standard tickets are available at $85 and include a single dinner entrée per person.

You can also visit the website www.ShawnBrownEntertainment.com for ticket purchases and more information.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

Like many other students with expectations of attending college, Ms. Sidnie Patterson graduated from Blake High School in 2008. She applied to Florida A & M University and was accepted.

This year, Ms. Patterson is a junior in the Business Administration Program. Her concentration is in Advertising and Marketing. Recently, she learned of an opportunity to study abroad during the spring semester that begins in January 2011 and ends in May.

Ms. Patterson will have the opportunity to visit Grenoble-French Alp, France, and spend four months learning new cultures, language, and to study International Business Relations.

The program is being offered through the School of International Training and Florida A & M University. In order for Ms. Patterson to visit France, she needs assistance in raising the $22,110. Ms. Patterson said so far, she has received about $12,000 in scholarships and grants.

She hopes that members of the community will help her accomplish her goal. “Although this is a very expensive semester program, I truly believe that it will enrich my college education with indispensible, tangible experience on a global scale.

[private]“I have secured some of the funding, but I am seeking help from my family, friends, and support from the community. Your donation will bring me even closer to achieving my goal. In the fortunate event that I raise more funds than I need, it will be donated toward the establishment of the study abroad scholarship fund at Florida A & M University to help another student,” she said.

A Tampa native, Ms. Patterson is the granddaughter of Felix and Jean Patterson. She is a member of the 34^th Street Church of God and enjoys exercising, hanging out with her friends, reading, and writing poetry.

After earning her B. A. degree, Ms. Patterson plans to continue her education and earn her Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing.

Ms. Patterson said, “I’m a little nervous about leaving the country for the first time. But, I’m excited too, because it will be a new experience for me.”

Ms. Patterson further said that those wishing to stay informed about her progress during the trip can contact Ms. Karen Mitchell, her Abroad Coordinator at (850) 599-3295. For more detailed information about the trip, visit the website at www.gowithcea.com.

Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Ms. Patterson at (813) 842-1142; or via email at icecream90@live.com. Donations can be mailed to: Sidnie Renee’ Patterson; P. O. Box 172386, Tampa, FL 33672.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A popular Baptist minister died last week at a local hospital following a brief illness. Rev. James Matthew Marion was 70 years old.

A family member said Rev. Marion had been placed on dialysis about 4 months ago, but never allowed his illness to prevent him from being active. He was at Tampa General Hospital for dialysis treatment last Monday when he became ill. He was admitted to the hospital and died on Tuesday.

A native of Dublin, Georgia, Rev. Marion was the oldest of 13 children and moved to Florida with his family as a youngster. As a sophomore, Rev. Marion moved to Seffner to live with an aunt and attended Middleton High School.

While in high school, he played on the Varsity Football team. He also met his future wife, the late Mrs. Carolyn Wheeler Marion. After graduating in 1960, he married and settled in Tampa.

Rev. Marion joined New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and served as a Deacon for more than fifteen years. He also served as president of the Gospel Chorus and was a member of the Finance Committee.

After receiving his calling into the ministry in 1975, Rev. Marion enrolled at Florida Seminary in Lakeland and graduated in 1985. He later obtained his B. S. degree in 1991 from Beacon College in Clearwater.

His first role as religious leader was at St. Mark B. B. Church, in Fort Myers. He later returned to Tampa and assumed the leadership role at New Philadelphia M. B. Church, where he remained for several years.

[private]Rev. Marion relocated and became the senior pastor of St. Mary M. B. Church, in Desoto County and New St. Paul M. B. Church in Hardee County. He led both churches for more than 14 years until his demise.

A member of the Desoto County Branch NAACP, Rev. Marion served in several capacities with various organizations including being President of Congress #1 Auxiliary to the South Florida Progressive Baptist Association. He also served as Chairman of the Evangelical Board, Director of Church Planning, Counselor to the Senior Women’s Auxiliary, and Chairman of the Association Banquet.

Rev. Marion is survived by 2 children, his mother, Mrs. Estella Marion, siblings, and numerous other relatives and friends.

The first wake for Rev. Marion will take place in Limestone, Florida, on Thursday, December 16^th, at New St. Paul M. B. Church. The second wake will take place in Tampa on Friday, December 17^th, at Exciting Central Baptist Church from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 18^th, at 2 p.m., at  Mt. Tabor M. B. Church, Tampa. Williams Funeral Home of Bartow is in charge of handling arrangements. [/private]

Never before in the history of Hillsborough County have three of its high schools reached the state finals in high school football.

Plant, Armwood and Jefferson all won their semi-final games Friday, and will move on to the finals that will begin Friday.

Jefferson, who squeaked by St. Augustine 28-27, will be facing Miami Norland in a 1 p.m. contest Friday for the Class 3A State Championship.

Plant, coming off a 48-6 thrashing of Lakeland, will face Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas for the Class 5A State title at 7 p. m. Friday

Armwood, who prevailed 22-20 over Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer, will face Tallahassee Lincoln for the Class 4A title Saturday at 1 p.m.

In the Plant victory, normal starting quarterback Phillip Ely watched from the sideline with an injured back as his teammate, James Wilder, Jr., beat the Dreadnaughts single-handed.

Wilder rushed for 215 yards, [private]scored five touchdowns, blocked an extra point, and recovered a fumble.

Plant (12-2) was never challenged as the game started with an 87-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Eric Patterson. They went on to score 20 unanswered points before halftime.

In Armwood’s victory, they were trailing by one point with five seconds left when head coach Sean Callahan called senior Darrell Dudney from the sideline and sent him into the game. Dudney responded with a 44-yard game winning field goal to push his 14-0 team into the finals.

The undefeated Jefferson Dragons (14-0) pulled out their victory with senior quarterback Quentin Williams pounding his fist over his heart.

With 6:24 left in the game, Williams, who passed for 249 yards and two touchdowns, scored on a one-yard run to tie the game. They then converted the extra point to claim their one point lead.

Jefferson’s defense did their part with linebackers Ramik Wilson and Tyriq McCord sending St. Augustine players in reverse for losses.[/private]