BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
S. Michael Vannetta
Recently, four people received special recognition during the Tampa Police Chief’s Appreciation Dinner. The event is held annually to recognize those considered Ambassadors of their neighborhoods.
Each district nominated an individual or couple who has gone above and beyond to keep their respective neighborhoods safe. One individual was also chosen to receive the coveted David West Award.
This year, Mrs. Lillie Howard is the recipient of that award. Mrs. Howard has fought tirelessly to keep her neighborhood safe. She has served in the Old West Tampa Neighborhood Watch for 27 years.
Major Sophie Teague said, “She was never shy with the street level drug dealers. … Although the Old West Tampa Neighborhood Watch has changed over the years, Mrs. Howard has been the constant reminder that dedicated citizens never give up on their neighborhood.”
Paul and Hally Boucher
David West fought tirelessly for the North Tampa Community Crime Watch and Civic Association. After he died suddenly in 2005, the Tampa Police Department established the David West Award in his honor.
Three other residents received the “Outstanding Neighborhood Watch Award.”
S. Michael Vannetta was the award recipient of the award for the Old West Tampa Crime Watch Association in District 1.
The District 2 award was presented to Paul and Hally Boucher in recognition of their work in the Arbor Greene neighborhood.
Ms. Estella Acree was the recipient of the District 3 award. She represents the Rainbow Heights area of town.
In the past, those who served as neighborhood vanguards endured threats of violence or endured the destruction of their personal property. Inspired by such
Estella Acree
activists as Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Marilyn Durst, and the late David West, then Senator Les Miller, Jr., successfully ensured the passage of a statute that offers protection to Neighborhood Watch Coordinators. The statute became law in 2004.
Having worked with Mrs. Howard for many years, Major Teague said, “I have always wanted to publically thank Mrs. Howard for being the inspiration behind the law. I was able to do that this year by nominating her for the David West Award.
