Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 2-23-18

Features
Free Flu Shot At DOH-Hillsborough Still Available
Despite small declines, in- fluenza activity remained higher than peak levels ob- served in past flu seasons. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) continues to encourage every- one to get a flu shot, espe- cially those at high-risk for complications from influenza infection.
It’s very important that children, pregnant women and adults 65 years and older get an annual flu shot. A re- cent study showed that flu vaccination can reduce a child’s likelihood of dying from influenza by 50-60%.
Anyone who would like to receive a flu shot can now get it for free at the Florida De- partment of Health in Hills- borough County. Those who would like to receive the free flu shot should visit the DOH- Hillsborough Sulphur Springs office, 8605 N. Mitchell Ave., Tampa, FL 33604.
Free flu shots will be given on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. There is a limited supply of high dose vaccines, which is given to those older than 64 years old. No appointment is needed.
For more information, call (813) 307-8077.
Students Arrested For Making Threats At Schools
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Earlier this week, two high school students al- legedly made threats to bring guns to their respective schools. Both incidents took place on Monday at different high schools.
The first incident took place Monday at approxi- mately 2 p.m. A 15-year-old student who had been sus- pended returned to Middle- ton High School campus. He was told to leave the campus and when he refused, he was arrested.
When told to leave the campus, the unidentified student allegedly said, “I’m going to come back tomor- row and shoot this b___ up. I don’t give a f___, I’m going to f___ this school up.”
Law enforcement con- tacted his parent and a threat assessment concluded that the teenager did not have any firearms to carry out his threats. He was charged with making a false report concerning the use of a firearm in a violent man- ner.
On Tuesday, a 16-year- old student was arrested for an incident that took place at Robinson High School the day before.
The student had a dis- agreement about his grade with one of his teachers. He reportedly said, “If you do not change my grade I will shoot up the school.”
Law enforcement launched an investigation
CHIEF BRIAN DUGAN Tampa Police Department
and concluded a threat as- sessment after visiting his home and determining that he did not have any firearms to carry out his threat.
On Tuesday, Tampa Po- lice Chief Brian Dugan and Jeff Eakins, Hillsbor- ough County School District Superintendent held a press conference.
During the press confer- ence, the message to stu- dents and parents was that both the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Depart- ment will continue to work with school security to inves- tigate comments and social media postings of a threat- ening nature.
Last Wednesday, Niko- las Cruz walked onto the campus of Marjory Stone- man Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida. When he left the campus, 17 people, 3 of which were teachers, were dead and 14 others injured.
Since that time, two stu- dents, have been arrested and charged with making
copycat threats about school shootings on social media.
There have also been ru- mors that resulted in several schools being placed on lock- down since the incident in South Florida.
Lockdown Drills
In the wake of the shoot- ing in Broward County, Su- perintendent Eakins directed all principals to con- duct a lockdown and evacu- ation drill this week.
The teachers will talk to the students before the drills take place and will lead stu- dents through an evacuation drill. The drills will be han- dled in the same manner as the fire drills that are held once a month, officials said.
The goal is for the stu- dents and staff to walk through the steps to be fa- miliar with the drill.
The drills will involve locking doors, taking cover and staying quiet. There will be no violent images, demonstrations of intruders, or loud noises.
JEFF EAKINS Superintendent, Hillsborough County School District
CORRECTION
In the Sentinel, published on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, it was printed that Ms. Delsha Stewart was an attorney. Her mother, Mrs. Carolyn House Stewart, said Ms. Stewart is not yet an attorney. She completed law school in January 2018 and is currently studying to take the Florida Bar Examination.
The Sentinel apologizes for any inconvenience the error may have caused Ms. Stewart.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018