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Top Scholar, National Achievement Finalist Heads To FAMU
BRYAN ANDERSON
Port Tampa Bay Applauds Passage Of Trade Promotion Authority Legislation
TALLAHASSEE --- On June 29, National Achievement Award Finalist, Bryan An- derson, began the pursuit of a degree in computer engi- neering at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).
Not only did Anderson, a graduate of Deerfield Beach High School in Deerfield Beach, FL, earn a full aca- demic scholarship to FAMU, but he was also one of the top high school seniors in the na- tion, earning a 5.07 weighted GPA, a 2090 SAT score, and a composite score of a 33 on the ACT. He was also named a Na- tional Achievement Finalist.
It was Anderson’s eye for technical excellence that drew him to FAMU. He said he learned about FAMU when his high school band had the op- portunity to be a part of the 2014 Florida Blue Classic and experienced the world-class innovation of the Marching “100.”
"It was a great experience to be a part of the Florida Classic and witness two remarkable bands," said Anderson.
He decided to take a tour of FAMU’s campus, during which he learned about qualifying for the FAMU Life-Gets-Better Scholarship. It provides high-
performing students who focus on engineering with full- cost coverage for books, room and board, and tuition and provides a laptop.
Anderson expressed how he fell in love with the campus environment and instantly knew that FAMU was the right place for him.
"I plan to use my education in computer engineering to segue into biomedical engi- neering," Anderson said. "One of my goals is also to ob- tain a master's degree in busi- ness administration. I like to explore my options. I am thrilled to be in an environ- ment that supports growth and creativity."
Anderson gave a lot of credit to his parents for all of his academic success and ex- pressed how he was blessed to have a strong support system that was always there to help him along the way. He said that their support is what gives him the confidence to pursue his dreams and undertake multiple discipline interests, no matter how challenging it may get.
"My parents kept me grounded and balanced," An- derson said. "They will help me navigate through obstacles and turns in the road."
Port Tampa Bay, the largest economic engine in West and Central Florida, joins with other U. S. ports and trade as- sociations in celebrating the U. S. Congress’ passage last week of Trade Promotion Au- thority (TPA) legislation, which is pro-growth and pro economic development—hall- marks of the port’s strategic direction.
Port Tampa Bay leaders strongly supported the Bipar- tisan Congressional Trade Pri- orities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA-2015) and late last month issued a release urging passage of this impor- tant TPA legislation, which was fortunate to have biparti- san support.
“News of this Trade Promo-
PAUL ANDERSON
tion Authority passage is fan- tastic news for the port, for the region and for the state. Here
in Florida, trade supports 2.4 million jobs, and TPA ensures that trade agreements will have the clearest opportuni- ties to be successfully negoti- ated.
“The port firmly supports passage of this legislation, and we are extremely grateful to our leaders in Washington, the American Association of Port Authorities, and our fel- low ports nationwide for their support. It’s important that we continue to recognize the value of our ports and the nexus of trade activity to our country, our economy and to our citizens. The positive im- pacts of TPA passage will be with us for generations,” Paul Anderson, port president and CEO, said.
West Tampa CRA Closer To Becoming Operational
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Late evening storms last Thursday evening had an im- pact on attendance at a meet- ing concerning the West Tampa CRA.
Drew Park and West Tampa Development Manager, Jeanette LaRussa Fenton, addressed the attendees on what’s next before the West Tampa CRA becomes officially operational.
“What I’m proposing is that the Citizens Advisory Commit- tee (CAC) be composed of 11 people, 8 of them representing potential organizations: the West Tampa CDC, West Tampa Chamber of Com- merce, Old West Tampa Neighborhood Association, North Hyde Park Civic Associ- ation, West Riverfront Crime Watch Association, West Tampa Community Council, West Tampa Alliance, and the North Hyde Park Alliance.
“In putting together this list of organizations, I was trying to get representatives of resi- dents, business owners, and property owners.
“The remaining three seats on the CAC will be at-large seats and can be anyone from the West Tampa community who passes the screening process by the CRA board.”
Ms. Fenton explained that to qualify for a seat on the CAC, the criteria will be for in- dividuals or groups that:
Focus within the West Tampa CRA and recognized
JEANETTE LARUSSA FENTON
asa credible organization hav- ing significant standing in the West Tampa community.
Incorporated or officially recognized by the City of Tampa as a neighborhood or- ganization.
In existence for a minimum of 2 years.
Organizations meet regu- larly, has an organizational structure with an active mem- bership group, and engages in activities to improve West Tampa.
Also, the qualifications for serving on an advisory com- mittee is that committee members must live or work in the redevelopment area and/or have significant inter- ests within the CRA’s area of influence.
Some of the committee members should have a back- ground or expertise in the re- development process, such as neighborhood planning, real
estate development and/or real estate finance. The mem- bership should represent the diversity of the stakeholders in the area.
A majority of the members of each CAC shall be residents, property owners, business owners or employees, or other individuals representing groups with a community or business interest in the CRA they represent. This require- ment may be waived if there are insufficient applicants from these categories.
“The next step is to submit these recommendations and approval of the make-up of the CAC to the CRA Board in July,” said Ms. Fenton.
“After that is approved, ap- plications will be made avail- able, reviewed in August, and by September the decision on who will sit on the CAC will be announced.”
Questions were raised about possible conflicts of interests that may develop between CAC members and the organ- izations they represent. Ms. Fenton said there will be no conflicts as long as the Sun- shine Law is applied.
Mr. John Bowden
protested that his organiza- tion was left off the list, and Andre Hill protested the make-up of the organizations listed, saying they don’t repre- sent the majority of the resi- dents of West Tampa, and could be detrimental when de- velopment projects start com- ing into the area.
PAGE 8 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015