Page 14 - 3-27-15 Friday's Edition

Features
West Tampa CDC Development Manager Out Of Hospital
Robles Park Residents Elect New Resident Council President
REVA IMAN
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
On March 18th, the resi- dents of the Robles Park Pub- lic Housing Complex elected their new Resident Council President.
Reva Iman, who has been outspoken on rights for the residents and creating a better community for the children, came out the win- ner after all the votes were counted.
Iman said she’s commit- ted to being a listener and also a person of action.
“I’ve sat in on enough Tampa Housing Authority board meetings to pick up on a lot of things, and I under- stand the importance of us
taking care of where we live. “If we don’t respect what we have here, it will continue to decline and look like what people expect “the projects” to look like. Just because a lot of people are living in a com- plex and not employed doesn’t mean it has to be run-
down and a place for crime.” In spite of conflicts in the past with some housing offi- cials, Iman said that rela- tionship could still use some healing, but that comes with
time.
“I don’t expect to have any
problems with anyone work- ing for the Tampa Housing Authority. I’m looking for- ward to working with Mr. Ryans (T.H.A. CEO), the residents of this complex, and the other members of the Resident Council.”
Steve Lee, who is Vice President but was acting as interim-President prior to the election, said he intends to file an appeal on the election results, and does not recog- nize Iman as president.
“I think there were a lot of things done wrong in this process, and I intend to ex- pose them all. I’m not at all happy with the results, and I don’t feel we have the best leader.”
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
At one point, Michael Randolph didn’t know if he’d ever leave the hospital after being admitted for cancer treatments in September 2014. Only his faith in God kept him from giv- ing up, along with his commitment to the peo- ple of West Tampa as the Development Manager for the West Tampa CDC.
Thanks to a lot of answered prayers and the work of a team doctors, Randolph was released from the hospital in November, started his chemo treatments, and those stopped in January.
“I’ve been trying to keep up with what’s been going on in West Tampa. I know the CRA is coming, and I know several meetings have been held about community involvement.
“Once the chemo started, I had a lot of doubt about whether I’d survive this. It was God’s will I made it and now I’m ready to go to work.”
Randolph said it was years and years of smoking that caused his cancer, and his advice is for all smokers to stop now.
“If you haven’t stopped and you are having problems with your health, don’t ignore it. Go see a doctor.
“I got so much support from people in the community when I was in the hospital and out recovering. There are no words to express how much I appreciate that, and I wouldn’t have made it without them.”
“The West Tampa CDC is being restruc-
tured and the current board wants to reach more into the community for representation.
“We’re trying to find funds to create job op- portunities and keep an eye on what’s happen- ing with the redevelopment plan and relocation of so many residents.”
Randolph said he’s still trying to get his strength back, and he’s also very much in- volved in what’s going on at the Robles Park Public Housing Complex where he lives.
“I attended the election they had on March 18th, and we’re all happy with the results. We’re eager to work with the new Council, and things are going to change in Robles Park.”
MICHAEL RANDOLPH
Events
Summer Sizzler At Ragan Park
On Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 9 a. m. until 12 p. m., Ragan Park, 1200 East Lake Avenue, will be the site of this year’s Summer Sizzler.
Everyone is invited to come out and meet their friends or make new ones, beginning June 8th.
There will be three meetings held every week, and each week there will be planned arts and crafts, fitness classes, and games.
All participants must have an active recreation card from the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department.
Free Health Education Programs Offered During Food Fest
On Sunday, March 29th at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Complex, Project L.I.N.K. and a group of sponsors will be hosting a food fest.
The event will help citizens improve their health, get access to healthy foods, learn how to cook healthy meals, and enjoy a healthier life and lifestyle for themselves and their family mem- bers.
Everyone is invited to come up and sign up for free health education programs and health screenings, and also free food. From 1 p. m. to 2:30 p. m., program registration and health screenings will be held. From 2 p. m. to 4 p. m., Feeding Amer-
ica Tampa Bay will conduct a big food distribution.
There will be plenty of games for the kids, and this is a fam-
ily event.
PAGE 2-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015