Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 7-11-17

Local
Tampa Housing Authority Hosts Event Before Demolition Of Oldest And Largest Public Housing Property
The 44-acre North Boulevard Homes community, built in December 1940, is being demolished, which began Thursday, June 29, 2017, to make way for the West River Development project. The first unit demolished was at 1706 Butler Court, and was bulldozed by Tampa’s Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
The Tampa Housing Authority’s oldest and largest public housing community was the answer to the prayers of many Tampa residents seeking an affordable place to live. Comprised of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units, this commu- nity became home to more than 3,100 residents.
In March of 1966, the need for more affordable housing was crucial and another 65 units was added to accom- modate the growing need, bringing the total number of units to 832.
On May 20, 2015, the first family was cleared for relocation after having participated in regular mandatory work- shops that included one-on-one counseling, case management throughout the process and transportation/tours to view potential replacement housing, which included trips to other Florida cities.
Tampa Housing Authority President/CEO, Jerome Ryans, was joined by representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), local and state officials, other THA officials, former residents and com- munity partners who participated in this event that was open to the public. (Photographs by Frederick Harris)
These 2 HUD officials who attended
Marsha Smokes.
the demolition are: left, Dr. Uche Also attending the demolition were: Winnie Lofton, Carl- Oluku, Director Miami Field Office, ton Lofton, Tammy Royal, Helen Smith, Diane Wingo and
Public Housing; and Chris Taylor, Deputy Director, Region IV of HUD.
These ladies of THA are: Anna Hickman, Letrease McCarthon and Michelle Littles, Property Manager.
Priscilla Pate, Dominique Cobb, Natalee Newson, George Martin and Francis Theodoro.
Community leaders who witnessed the building com- ing down were: Joe Robinson, Chloe Coney and Dr. Ben- nie Small.
West Tampa Community residents who attended the demolition were: Heem Baisden and Andre Hill.
FYI
Midsummer Revival
St. James Primitive Baptist Church, 3202 E. 33rd Ave., is having its Midsummer Revival, July 12, 13, 14, and 16. The guest evangelists will be Apostle Michael D. Long and Prophetess Evelyn Long of Life Changing Church of the Living God.
Pinto World Series
The 2017 South Zone Pinto World Series will be held in Youngsville, Louisiana, beginning July 13, 2017. The Wellswood Twins Pony 8U All-Star baseball team, Tampa, won the Regional State Champi- onship. Their record is 9-1. Their coach is Corey Thomas.
The Wellswood Twins are trying to raise funds for their trip to pay for hotel rooms and traveling ex- penses. They set up a gofundme account: https://www.gofundme.com/Tampa-youth-baseball-go- Worldseries for anyone wishing to donate.
WELLSWOOD TWINS
PAGE 10 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2017