Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 2-5-19

Feature
5th Anniversary:
Family Of Andrew Joseph, III Plans Events In Memory Of Him
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
It’s been five years since Andrew Joseph, III, was struck and killed by a car on Interstate 4 after being re- moved by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies from the Florida State Fair- grounds on Student Day.
It’s been five years and Andrew Joseph, Jr., says he and his wife, Deanna, know just as much then about what exactly happened to their son as they do now. Andrew, III was one of 99 students ejected from the fair that day after fighting broke out.
But it remains unclear why Andrew, III was taken into custody and then dropped off near the high- way.
“There has been no inves- tigation,” Andrew, Jr., said. “It’s unbelievable.”
ANDREW AND DEANNA JOSEPH, JR. with portrait of their son ANDREW JOSEPH, III
the foundation will host “We Remember Andrew Joseph, III Weekend Memorial” with a series of events that kick off Thursday with a panel dis- cussion about the relation- ship between the community and the police.
The goal is to explore how the presence of “Officer Friendly” in schools gave way to armed guards, said An- drew, Jr.
“It’s our job to bridge that gap,” he said. “It’s going to be hard, but it’s a discussion that needs to be had.”
On Friday, there will be a gathering and speaker’s demonstration at the fair- grounds and a talent show- case on Saturday. Proceeds from the show will go toward the programming and legal expenses of the foundation, which offers educational pro- grams to promote safety first and preventable death cam- paigns, inform students about their rights, and pro- vide outreach to parents and advocates.
“You don’t want any other parents to stand in these shoes,” he said. “It’s a terri- ble burden that you don’t wish on anyone.”
The Florida State Fair Au- thority implemented a host of security measures follow- ing Andrew, III’s death, in- cluding requiring students to be with an adult after 6 p. m. and allowing students who are ejected from the fair- grounds to call a parent.
Andrew, Jr., said stu- dent access to the fair, how- ever, remains a concern because gun owners with permits can be admitted in- side.
“You can’t put kids...in
the same environment with guns,” he said. “We’re just asking them to stop the guns from coming in the gate.”
In the years since his son’s death, Andrew, Jr., said he and his family have had to watch Andrew, III’s friends celebrate milestones like senior prom and high school graduation.
But there’s been some small comfort in knowing that fighting for Andrew, III is helping to keep more children alive, Andrew, Jr. said.
“We only have so much control over life,” he said. “The only thing we are in control of is his name and his legacy.”
If You Go
Protect Our Children Memorial weekend events:
"What Happened to Offi- cer Friendly?" panel discus- sion, 5:30 to 7:30 p. m., Thursday, Feb. 7, The Well Care Room, 200 W. Waters Ave., in Tampa.
“Protect Our Children Student Day” with drum- ming circle and speaker’s demonstration, beginning at noon, Friday, Feb. 8, Florida State Fair Grounds, 4800 U. S. Hwy. 301 North, in Tampa. Wing House, meet up before noon.
“Premier Tampa Talent Showcase,” 6 p. m., Satur- day, Feb. 9, “Evening of Arts Benefit,” Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, 2005 N. Lamar Ave., in Tampa.
For more information, visit www.andrewjoseph- foundation.com.
A lawsuit the Josephs filed in 2016 against the Sheriff’s Office, the state fair- grounds, and the school dis- trict – the entities they say are responsible for their son’s death – is still pending.
Meanwhile, the Josephs continue to advocate for their son and bring aware- ness to his story via the An- drew Joseph, III Foundation.
To mark the fifth anniver- sary of Andrew, III’s death,
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