Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 11-25-16 Online Edition

Features
City Councilman To Host Community Meeting
County Employees Cannot Be Involved In Violent Gangs
Last week, a warrant was issued for Hillsborough County firefighter Clinton Neal Walker, who is a member of the Outlaw Mo- torcycle Gang. The warrant was in reference to a bar fight in September.
According to police, the surveillance video from the Rumors Bar in Key West shows Walker, 33, repeat- edly striking another bar pa- tron in the face. Police were able to positively identify Walker as the man cap- tured on the video.
After Hillsborough County government learned that there was an outstand- ing warrant for Walker’s ar- rest, he was placed on paid administrative as a result of the outstanding warrant.
However, the warrant has also resulted in the creation of a new policy banning Hillsborough County em- ployees from being a mem- ber of or voluntarily participating in certain or- ganizations.
The County is using the 2015 FBI National Gang Re- port and includes such or- ganizations as the Outlaw Biker Gang, the Crips, Bloods, Latin Kings, Queen
MIKE MERRILL Hillsborough County Administrator
Nation, Hell’s Angels and the Pagans.
A written statement, re- leased last Friday by Mike Merrill, Hillsborough County Administrator wrote, “Today, a Countywide direc- tive was issued for all em- ployees under my administration that prohibits employees from any mem- bership or voluntary partici- pation with an outside organization that is recog- nized by government agen- cies to support or be involved in criminal or illegal discrim- inatory activity.
“Involvement or partici- pation with such organiza- tions or groups will not be
tolerated as these affiliations are contrary to the mission of public service. This directive is a reminder of our continu- ing obligation to represent all of the citizens of Hillsbor- ough County,” Merrill said.
The employees were noti- fied that that directive was effective immediately. They were also made aware that a violation of the directive would result in disciplinary action that could include ter- mination.
Walker has not surren- dered to police. An attorney representing the fireman said Walker was out of state on vacation and would sur- render when he returned.
FIREFIGHTER CLINTON NEAL WALKER
... Placed on paid administrative leave
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
In recent months, the West Tampa community has been the topic of discussion for redevelopment. And, in many cases, residents are not sure how the changes will af- fect their lives.
Councilman Frank Reddick will address the is- sues and answer questions during a community meeting. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 29th, from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. It will be held at the West Tampa Public Library, 2312 W. Uni9on Street.
During the meeting, Councilman Reddick will discuss the issues pertaining to Julian B. Lane Park, the Oakhurst Apartment Com- plex, North Boulevard Homes, and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Representatives from the City of Tampa and the Tampa Housing Authority will be in attendance at the meeting to address many of the concerns the residents
FRANK REDDICK City Councilman
may have about the future of West Tampa.
“I believe it is imperative that residents are informed on the redevelopments that are taking place in their com- munity. So many people will be affected by these changes and therefore, transparency is of the utmost importance for these residents.
“This meeting is open to the public and I am encourag- ing all residents and business owners to attend to hear about the future of West Tampa,” Councilman Red- dick said.
The Sentinel Office Will Be Closed Thanksgiving Day &
Friday, November 25th.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016