Florida Sentinel Bulletin

Tampa Police have charged a man with two counts of aggravated battery after an incident Friday

Police said John Prince, 45 was arguing with his girlfriend, Mary Taylor, 53, on the balcony of their second floor apartment at the Brookside Apartments on Del Rio Way.

During the argument, Prince reportedly pushed Taylor and her son, Norman Vickers, 25. The railing broke and both fell 15 feet to the concrete slab below. Taylor rolled another 10 feet down a grassy embankment to the sidewalk. Both she and her son were hospitalized with serious injuries.

After interviewing Prince, he was charged and transported to jail, where he is being held under a bond of $70,000.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A 15-year veteran with the Tampa Fire Department was demoted after he failed to report his service issued handgun missing. The gun was allegedly used in a home invasion in St. Petersburg.

Tampa Fire Chief Tom Forward demoted Fire Investigations Supervisor Milton Jenkins to the rank of Fire Inspector. Chief Forward said the demotion was the result of Inspector Jenkins’ not taking appropriate action when he discovered his service revolver missing.

Chief Forward said, “Supervisor Jenkins, in the course of his duties as an Arson investigator, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and as a Tampa Police reserve officer, has the powers to make arrest and carry a firearm.

Adrien Jenkins

“We know that his firearm went missing and it is alleged by St. Petersburg Police that this same firearm was used in an armed home invasion.

“The investigation indicates that Supervisor Jenkins had the firearm properly secured at his Lutz home, but his adult son allegedly managed to gain access to it. After having reason to suspect that his son may have been involved with the offense, Supervisor Jenkins failed to take the proper steps.”

Chief Forward further said that rules required that Jenkins immediately notify the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office because he lives in Lutz and the Tampa Police Reserve Force Supervisor because he works for the Tampa Fire Department, that the gun was missing.[private]

In addition to the demotion, Jenkins is no longer a Reserve Police Officer, he no longer has arrest powers, and he can no longer carry a gun.

Chief Forward said while he is “very sensitive to the fact that Supervisor Jenkins was torn between his official duties and his fatherly concerns,” he decision was both unprofessional and unacceptable.

The Home Invasion

According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, on July 22^nd, officers responded to a complaint of a possible residential burglary in which shots were fired.

Upon arrival, the investigating officers learned that two Black men ran from the apartment to a vehicle. They also reportedly located a shell casing inside of the apartment.

According to police, Eron McClendon said he heard a knock on the door. When he opened it, he observed a man known only as “Eric,” who had been to his apartment once before.

Eric allegedly attempted to force his way in and McClendon attempted to block him. McClendon told police he then observed another Black man with a gun pointed at him.

McClendon told police he slammed the arm of the suspect with the gun in the door, and he dropped it, but it never fell to the floor. Eric allegedly gained possession of the handgun.

Eric and McClendon then became involved in a struggle over the gun with Eric, who had gained entry into the apartment. McClendon said he pulled the trigger during the struggle to draw attention and to get help.

Both men fled the scene after the gun discharged. A witness obtained the license plate number of the vehicle and reported it, police said.

During the investigation, police reportedly learned that the 1989 Buick was registered to Jenkins.

Police said when contacted about the vehicle, Jenkins reportedly said his son, Adrien, usually drives the vehicle.

Police identified the suspects as 20-year-old Adrien Jenkins and 17-year-old Eric Van Johnson.

After being informed of the situation, Jenkins located the vehicle and contacted the St. Petersburg Police Department. A few days later, he, his son, and his attorney went to the St. Petersburg Police Department, where his son was interviewed and arrested.

Johnson was arrested on July 29^th, and was also charged with home invasion burglary.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A new, expanded grading system has led to several Florida schools receiving higher grades. In Hillsborough County, four schools previously graded as “D” schools, leapt to an “A” grade from last year.

The four schools are Blake High School, King High School, East Bay High School, and Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate Charter School. Sixteen to 27 traditional schools also improved at least 1 grade level.

Several of the schools with increases in grades have a large African American student population. They include Brandon (from C to B); Chamberlain (from D to C); Hillsborough (from C to B); Jefferson (from C to B); and Wharton (from C to A).

Hillsborough County School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia said, “The new components added this year provide a much better picture of the student achievement in our high schools, and more than three quarters of our high schools earned an A or B grade.

“The teachers and administrators at our high schools have done a great job.”

Ms. Sharon Morris rose through the ranks at East Bay High School from classroom teacher to principal. She has taught at the school for her entire career. “We are very excited. I attribute it to the hard work of our students, faculty, and the entire staff.

“I’ve worked here for 28 years and I’ve often said East Bay is the best kept secret in Hillsborough County. Now, the secret is out.”

[private]Ms. Jacqueline Haynes, principal of Blake High School said, “I am ecstatic. We are excited because all of the hard work of our students, faculty, and the entire staff has paid off and the state has recognized it. They are looking at the total school and that’s important. This is a testimony to us having an awesome school in West Tampa.”

Ms. Haynes also said that the Alumni has been very supportive in the past two years. She was assigned to Blake as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum 10 years ago. After 3 years in that position, she became the school’s principal. Ms. Haynes said the components the state began utilizing this year were already in place at Blake High School.

Middleton High School, which has struggled since opening, improved its grade from a “D” to a “C.”

Owen Young said, “George S. Middleton has official received its first   “C”   FCAT Grade in its recent school’s 8-year history. As principal, I would like to say thank you to the community, stakeholders and to our family members for the support and prayers that you have given us.

“This is just the start of a long but conquerable road of achievements that will be attained by the Middleton High School family. We will strive to become the pride and joy of our community.”

This year, the Florida Department of Education added several new components to the grading system including the graduation rate, college readiness, and accelerated course work.

Congratulations For Improving School

As the news spread throughout the community, several people sent congratulatory messages and encouragement to the Sentinel praising Young and congratulating the school on its improvement from a “D” school to a “C” school.

Ms. Jannette Bradley, Ms. Chloe Coney, Lafe Thomas, Ms. Ella K. Coffee,    Curtis Stokes, Teresa Mechele Morning, Tom Looby, Kim Miner, Kevin Bryant and Dr. Samuel Wright, Sr., send their congratulations.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

With the approach of the Christmas holidays, students are out of school for two weeks. This presents a problem for those parents who work during the holidays.

In an effort to continue a year-round tradition of providing a safe and nurturing environment for children, Ms. Wanda De La Rosa, Executive Director of It’s All About Kids, Inc., is offering a Winter Break Camp.

The camp begins on December 20th and runs through December 30th. Parents can bring youngsters from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The youngsters will enjoy a computer lab, games, reading, math, and writing activities, storytelling activities, prizes and other incentives.

Although this is a holiday camp, Ms. De La Rosa, still believes in re-enforcing education. “Teaching starts in the home and parents are the first teachers and they set the tone for successful education. However, as an organization, It’s All About Kids, stands together with parents to form a united front.

“Our organization is committed to helping children [private]with academics and teaching parents to get more involve in their child’s educational plan.”

In addition to the full-day winter camp, Ms. De La Rosa is offering a drop n’ shop program for parents while they shop. On Saturday, December 11th, and December 18th, from noon until 6 p.m., parents can drop their youngsters ages 5 through 12 off at It’s All About You and continue shopping. It’s convenient because the facility is located at University Square Mall.

Ms. De La Rosa said parents can also take advantage of the academic afterschool program. The children receive help with homework, tutoring, and help with reading and math. The afterschool program operates from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year.

For additional information about the programs offered at the center visit the web site at www.ItsAllAboutKids.org.[/private]

Ms. Betty King, along with her three grandchildren and two great-grands, moved into their Clair-Mel home on Flint Drive five years ago. After enjoying a great Thanksgiving, the family had started their Christmas shopping.

Ms. King said all of that came to an end early Saturday morning.

“It was about 1 a.m. and we were all sleeping when our next door neighbor woke us up saying the house was on fire. My 27-year-old granddaughter got up and started trying to wake everyone up to get them out of the house.

“I suffer from arthritis and have to use a walker and cane to get around, so it was difficult for me to get out. I could smell the smoke, and when I looked back toward the kitchen, it seemed that’s where all the smoke was coming from.”

Ms. King said her granddaughter managed to get everyone up except for one child, whose door had to be kicked open to get him out.

“Thank God we all got out safely. It looks like the fire started in the laundry room and may have been an electrical shortage.

“The house is a total loss with fire, smoke and water damage in every room. We lost everything in the fire, because we never had a chance to grab something on our way out.”

[private]The American Red Cross housed the family for 3 days, and later gave them a 2-day extension. However, after that Ms. King and her family will have to find somewhere to go.

“The weather has turned cold, and everyone is fighting just to keep a roof over their own heads these days,” said Ms. King.

“We would appreciate any help we can get, especially for another place to call home. We’re also in dire need of clothing.”

County Fire spokesman, Capt. Ray Yeakley, said according to investigators, the fire did start in the laundry room area and the cause has not been determined.

“The investigators said the heaviest damage was on the west side of the home, and although there was a washer and dryer in the laundry room, it was determined neither was the cause of the fire.”

Yeakley said the report also indicates that the home was total loss.

Anyone who can assist this family can call (813) 516-3962.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

For several years, Pastor Moses Brown, founder of Feed Our Children, Inc., has provided for needy families during the holidays. And, each year, he has witnessed the number of families he helps increase.

Last year, Pastor Brown said there were so many requests for assistance that he reached out to Dr. Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne, Senior Pastors of The River Church, 3738 River International Drive, and his congregation.

“I ran out last year, and contacted Pastor Daniel McGehee, Outreach Pastor for The River Church. We ended up with everything we need and everyone was taken care of. This year, we decided to work together,” Pastor Brown said.

This year, the two organizations have joined forces to minister to the needs of the community. On Sunday, December 19^th, beginning at 10 a.m., the organizations will distribute groceries and toys at the church. They are expecting to serve more than 2,000 people at the church.

Pastor McGehee said the church began its Outreach Program in 2008, and provides free groceries to needy families every Sunday.  Last year, The River Church began offering bus service for those without transportation.

[private]Pastor McGehee said, “It’s exciting to watch God move. We don’t have everything we need, but we know that all needs will be met.”

Pastor Brown said, “We know that what God gives, He will provide for. He provides answers to every prayer. We just have to watch the hands of God move.”

The pastors said anyone who wishes to help make this event successful can make a tax deductible donation or submit an unwrapped toy for a child in need. Those wishing to contribute can contact the church.

The buses will pick up residents at several locations throughout the city.

The bus locations and pickup times are: beginning at 8:30 a.m., Jackson Heights on Lindell; 8:40 a.m., Belmont Heights on Lake; 8:45 a.m., on Central Avenue, Robles Park; 9 a.m., Central Court Apartments; 9 a.m., Tampa Park Apartments on Scott Street; 8:30 a.m., Main Street, North Blvd. Homes; and 8:40 a.m., C. Blythe Andrews Apartments.

Buses will also pickup at 8:30 a.m., Royal Park Apartments in front parking lot; 9:30 a.m., Kenneth and Johnson Court Apartments; 8:30 a.m., 47^th Street for Seminole Apartments; 8:35 a.m., Nuccio Park Apartments; 8:40 a.m., Brookside Main Entrance and 9:30 a.m., back Entrance on Henry for Meridian Pointe Apartments.

Residents living in the Fletcher and Fowler areas will be picked up at 8:30 a.m., and those living in the Sulphur Springs area will be picked up at 9:20 a.m. Residents are asked to call for pick up locations.

The pastors are encouraging anyone in need of assistance to pre-register by calling (813) 71-9999, ext. 267.[/private]

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Thursday, December 9^th, the Academy of Excellence will host its first graduation exercises. Seven of the fifteen students who began the class in March will graduate.

The ceremony will take place at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr., Public Library, (formerly College Hill Library, corner of E. Dr. M. L. King, Jr., Blvd. and N. 26^th Street), at 9:30 a.m. The graduates are Ms. Lydia Burns, Ms. Amber Hicks, Ms. Ashaunte Singletary, Kendredge McKinnon, and Edwin Gay.

Ms. Hicks and Ms. Burns have applied and been accepted at Hillsborough Community College. Others have expressed an interest in learning a trade.

The students, who range in age from 17 to 29, came to the Academy with varied backgrounds, including referrals from the Juvenile Justice System, a teenage parent, and some formerly incarcerated.

Ms. Angelica Norton, founder of the Academy of Excellence, said launching the school was her way of giving back to the community. “I grew up in College Hill as the second of seven children, and I was a teenage mom.”

However, Ms. Norton came to realize the importance of having an education. She enrolled in an online high school [private]program entitled, Stepping Stones, a nationally accredited online high school diploma program.

Tre Lawson, and Ms. Ushanda Pauling, Project Facilitator, gave the students instructions and educational guidance. Ron Anderson, of Project Now, purchased their cap and gowns, Toni Cruz, CPA, Dayle Greene, Lynnette Stallworth, and April Griffin, school board member were instrumental in launching the program. The Hope Learning Center served as its first location until it moved to the library.

“The Academy works with teens and adults who have been forced out of traditional school models or who are in familial situations that required them to leave school to take on other roles,” she said.

The next academy will begin on January 24^th with students classes being held Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Orientation will be held on January 18^th.

Ms. Norton said the enrollment capacity is 15 students and enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis for the free program. She plans to have two classes per year.

Ms. Norton said, “The Academy of Excellence will help take our young people out of the shadows of uncertainty and into a place of clarity and hope.”[/private]

BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

As part of an overall restructuring at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, layoffs of more than 120 people were announced at Tampa’s Busch Gardens.

Among the layoffs were the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco, an all-Black entertainment group that has been performing for 35 years.

The band’s 14 members were told they were being fired during an impromptu meeting last Thursday.

The Mystic Sheiks are Pete Henefield, Earl Rutledge, Rufus Spencer, Solomon Taylor, Michael Bliss, Nathaniel Gordon, Ernest Elmore, Ronnie Laing, Ricky Williams, Mike Hill, Terry Clark, Karay Nard, Ricardo Floyd, and Desmond Boone.

Terry Clark, who joined the Sheiks 31 years ago, said none of them had a clue this was happening.

“A meeting was called for Thursday, a day we normally have off and that’s when we were told we were being terminated. The word just came down from the new owners, and that was it.

“Officially, we will be paid until February 2, 2011, but we aren’t allowed on the property.”

Clark said a lot of people in other departments also got pink slips, and they all just have to try and make the best of it.

K-Ray, who joined the Sheiks 16 years ago, said when he heard an annual meeting had been called, he knew something was going on.

“It was very unusual for this kind of meeting to be called, especially on our day off. When I got to the meeting, the first thing I noticed [private]was all the security personnel there. After the meeting, we all had to hand over our security badges, and from there we had to leave the property.

“I’m very upset over how this happened, and I think the timing stinks. Most of us have families to take care of, and this is not a favorable time to be out of work. We’ll probably get back together at some point and discuss our next move. But for right now, I’m wondering how I will take care of my family.”

Ronnie Laing has been a Sheik for 22 years, and said he believes they were deceived.

“We were deceived and lied to when we were told it was a monthly meeting to discuss going forward for the 2011 year. The decision to fire us wasn’t made overnight, because they had individual packets already made up. I also don’t believe getting rid of the whole group was as random as they would have you think.

“I can’t see anything good coming from the company with the new owners. I think they want a quick return on their investment, and the final decision didn’t come from them on who to let go. This wasn’t handled tactfully at all, and this is no way to treat people.”

In a letter from group members Laing, Henefield, Nard, Floyd, Boone, , Bliss, Pete and Terry, they state December 2^nd was Black Thursday at the Entertainment Department of Busch Gardens.

The letter said the only Black staff member left in entertainment, Earl Rutledge, was also let go.

The Mystic Sheiks wrote their own music and were an icon at Busch Gardens.

Some members feel Entertainment Director, Nancy Hutson, played a role in the band being fired.

In the only statement released by Busch Gardens on the firing of the Sheiks, their media representative, Kelly Heckinger, said this is the official company statement:

“The Sheiks have performed at Busch Gardens since 1975, and we have been proud to showcase the talents of the individuals who play in the band. However, as we move forward in our new structure, we are re-evaluating all aspects of our park. The Sheiks are among the entertainment we will move away form, but we are certain to bring guests more and new exciting entertainment in the future.”[/private]

Tampa Police investigated a reported hit-and-run accident that occurred at 3:30 a.m. Monday at Florida Avenue and Zack Street, Downtown Tampa.

According to police a vehicle was traveling north on Florida Avenue when the driver ran a red light and struck another vehicle. Police said the vehicle flipped over and the driver that ran the light struck a small tree.

The driver of the vehicle that ran the light pulled Mark Rambaran from his vehicle, but fled on foot before police arrived.

The hit-and-run driver was caught two blocks away and identified as Elijah Nottingham, 22. He is being held without bond on charges of leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, and DUI with serious bodily injury.

Rambaran was hospitalized after the accident and his condition has been upgraded to serious.