Page 25 - 2-13-15 Friday's Edition

Local
Changes Made Student Day 2015 Better, Safer
MAJOR SANKAR MONTOUTE
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Student Day at the 2014 Florida State Fair was a com- plete disaster. Almost 100 stu- dents were ejected for what was described as “wilding,” and a 14- year-old, Andrew Joseph, III, was killed after he was struck by a vehicle attempting to cross I-4 after being ejected.
This year, County Commis- sioner Les Miller (who also is a member of the Florida State Fair Authority’s board), and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office guaranteed everyone that 2015 would not be a repeat of last year.
The Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Major Willie Parker and Major Sankar Montoute, joined with a group calling itself the” Community Action Group,” and with the help of other volunteers, they made sure this year’s Student Day was safe and without con- flict.
“We did have a couple of small disturbances, but nothing even close to what happened last year,” said Major Parker.
“There were 35 ejections, and six arrests made. There was also a fight between two groups of teenagers, but that was taken care of before it gained any steam at all.”
Maj. Montoute said he thinks their show of security and other things they put into place acted as a deterrent.
“I was told once the students saw what we were doing and how we were prepared to re- spond, as as a problem started we dealt with it. Next year, maybe another group will step up and come out to act as chap- erones. ”
Maj. Parker said he felt everything went great.
“I thought it was a great day, and the Community Action Team was very impressed with what they saw and we told them we need them to come back to help out with other events.
“There was no ‘wilding’ or any of the commotion that ru- ined everything last year. We re- ally want to thank the community for their support.”
The Community Action Team consisted of Commis- sioner Les Miller, Pastors on Patrol, School Board member Doretha Edge- comb, School Area Director Henry “Shake” Washing- ton, NAACP President Ben- nie Small, Dr. Lewis Brinson, businessman Marvin Knight, the Sheriff’s Advisory Council members, and other volunteers.
MAJOR WILLIE PARKER
them will be sent letters of grat- itude, and he like to see the group continue to meet with them and the Fair Authority in the future.
Knight said he thought it was a very enjoyable evening.
“A few minor things hap- pened, but overall everyone got along. I think because of all the people who volunteered their time to be there, and parents talking to their children, it was a much better evening.
“It’s all about doing things to open doors, not close them.
MARVIN KNIGHT
Now, we do know our students can go out and have a good time. A lot of people are due thanks for helping to make this a safe day for the students.”
Small said when he was there, the students were well be- haved.
“We were all assigned to particular sectors, and overall, I thought it was well planned, and people were very respective of our presence.
“The parents were also pres- ent, and told us how much more relaxed they were in knowing
BENNIE SMALL
their children would be fine.” Ms. Edgecomb said the biggest change she noticed was there were more families at-
tending.
“That was very impressive.
It’s supposed to be a family ac- tivity, and I’m glad to see it re- turn to that.
“I thought the kids obeyed the rules, and I think the stu- dents took responsibility for their actions and those with them. I also believe the show of force by law enforcement had nothing to do with the change in
DORETHA EDGECOMB
the behavior of the students. I think the parents just decided they would get more involved and deal with their children be- fore, during, and after Student Day.”
Ms. Edgecomb said the community collaboration made a big difference, and they must continue this effort and show the students they’re here on their behalf.
“In the future, we will have to be proactive and ready to re- spond when something hap- pens.”
Major Parker said all of
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 13-B