Page 29 - 4-3-15 Friday's Edition

Local
Popular West Tampa Lounge
Educators In Atlanta
National
Undergoing Name Change
Convicted In
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
If you grew up in the area of Cass Street during the late 1950s or sooner, you remem- ber a building on the north- west corner of Cass Street and North Boulevard called the Stadium Inn.
The Stadium Inn was a restaurant that served fast food and full meals.
In 1970, the Stadium Inn was gone and replaced by a new phase of the Oakhurst Apartment Complex. It relo- cated into the two-story building that had been used as storage, and became a bar and lounge.
During the mid-1970s, a contest was held to rename the establishment, and be- cause it had entertainment on two floors, the name Dou-
ble Decker was adopted. It stayed that way for decades, with the original building being razed, and a new mod- ern structure taking its place.
After undergoing a few name changes, it once again became the Double Decker before closing its doors in 2014.
Owner, Gene O’Steen, has retained ownership of the property, but has sold the business to Mark Newkirk, who already operates a club along South MacDill called The Patio.
Newkirk said their plans are to renovate the existing building and convert it into a restaurant and lounge.
“Our plan is to create something like Chili’s where there is a laid back atmos- phere, great food, and great entertainment. We want the
people to enjoy a casual din- ing experience.”
O’Steen said whatever their plans are, they need to get underway before the zon- ing runs out.
“I think they are trying to attract a different crowd at the place, and they may be targeting the students from the University of Tampa.
Newkirk, who still hasn’t said what the new place will be called, said their plans are to be up and run- ning in 60 days.
Newkirk will be meeting with Mrs. Ruth McNair and the members of the West Riverfront Neighborhood Association to layout exactly what kind of business he’ll be operating, and if any em- ployment opportunities will be available for residents in the community.
Cheating Scandal
ATLANTA — In a dra- matic conclusion to a jury on Wednesday convicted 11 edu- cators for their roles in a standardized test cheating scandal.
On their eighth day of de- liberations, the jurors con- victed 11 of the 12 defendants of racketeering, a felony that carries up to 20 years in prison.
Many of the defendants — a mixture of Atlanta public school teachers, testing coor- dinators and administrators — were also convicted of other charges, such as mak- ing false statements, that could add years to their sen- tences.
Judge Jerry W. Baxter
of Fulton County Superior Court ordered most of the ed-
David Bullock, a test co- ordinator, was led away in handcuffs.
ucators jailed immediately, and they were led from the courtroom in handcuffs.
Judge Baxter, who presided over a trial that began with opening state- ments more than six months ago, will begin sentencing hearings next week.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 13-A