Page 19 - Florida Sentinel 9-8-17

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
TAMERA
How tough can it be getting through this mixed up weather we’re having, when you have this week’s Spotlight feature, Tamera, staring you in the face? Tamera has a quiet attraction about her, but there is plenty of fire burning underneath that exterior. Tamera enjoys the spotlight and being the focus of attention, but she also enjoys sharing that spotlight with her close friends. Congratulations to Tamera as this week’s Spotlight feature.
Local
Man Searching For Grandchildren As He Prepares To Bury Wife
SANDRA BYRD ...Passed Sept. 2nd
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
A Tampa man is prepar- ing to bury his wife next weekend. At the same time, he is searching for his grand- children, who he believes are somewhere in the Tampa Bay community.
Mrs. Sandra Byrd
passed away last Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, at home. She was 72 years old.
As Ernest Byrd is plan- ning his wife’s funeral with Integrity Funeral Services, he is hopeful that someone will
Alvin (Dad), Diane and Nathan.
recognize Mrs. Byrd’s grandchildren, Diane and Nathan Walters. He would like for them to contact him at (813) 391-1678. He has not seen or had contact with them in quite some time, but believes they are in the area.
Byrd said his wife, a pro- fessional launderer, has been ill for several months. He has taken her to the hospital and to doctors on several occa- sions, but has not found out her cause of illness.
Mrs. Byrd had one
daughter, the late Mata Watkins, who was also reared by the late Cora Nel- son. Mata Watkins is the mother of Diane and Nathan.
The family attended St. John Cathedral Church, but the service next weekend will be at Integrity.
Anyone who sees or knows the whereabouts of Diane and/or Nathan can contact Mr. Byrd and Laura Jones (813) 965- 4019.
Officials Warn Residents To Be Prepared
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Hurricane Irma has al- ready wrecked havoc on the islands south of Florida. Now, it positions itself to strike the mainland.
Officials throughout the state and in each county are urging their residents to pre- pare for the storm. As it stands, its path remains un- certain, but some portions of Florida most likely will feel its affects. Locally, officials are encouraging people not to wait to see if the storm will strike their respective areas.
State Representative Sean Shaw said, “Citizens should prepare for this storm and its aftermath. We should take this very seriously. It is important to prepare NOW!”
He also offered safety tips such as: during weather re- lated to the storm, Rep. Shaw warns that residents should stay inside and away from doors and windows. Use flashlights, not candles, and turn off electricity if
SEAN SHAW State Representative
flooding begins. Leave if you are told to evacuate and no- tify other family members as to where you are going.
After the storm, he warns to use caution and beware of such things as downed power lines. And, have a radio and batteries to stay up to date on information regarding the storm.
Mayor Buckhorn said, “Depending on the storm track, this could be a poten- tially powerful storm that could affect the Tampa Bay Area. Prepare your hurricane checklist and most impor- tantly, have a plan for you and your family.
MAYOR BOB BUCKHORN
“It is critical that you know where you are going to go if we give the order to evacuate. Please pay atten- tion to the news stations, the weather reports and your local officials. Your life could depend on the preparations that you make now, not when the storm is bearing down on you.”
The Tampa Police Depart- ment urges residents to stay connected and informed: via Text: Text TAMPAREADY to 888777; Via Voice: Register at tampagov.net/alerttampa; or Via Social: Follow@Alert- Tampa and @CityofTampa on Twitter.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 13-A