Page 10 - DemoFlorida Sentinel 3-5-21

Feature
Popular News Anchor To Leave Tampa Bay Area
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
For several years, Rod Carter has served as the weekend evening anchor for Channel 8 News. But re- cently, Carter decided to accept a position in another state.
Carter came to the Tampa Bay Area 21 years ago as an employee of NBC. He left Tampa briefly for Birmingham, AL, but later returned. For Carter, Tampa is a second home to him. Once arriving, not only did he serve as a trusted source of news, but he also became a part of the com- munities.
During his tenure, he was often called upon to serve on boards, commit- tees, and as speaker at vari- ous events. He was always eager to participate. And that’s what makes leaving a little emotional for him. But, he was quick to say that he is still a member of sev- eral boards, committees and organizations so he won’t be a stranger in Tampa. “The hardest part of the move is that I’m going to miss the communities. That was the hardest part,” he said.
Carter said his decision to leave came about at the
ROD CARTER
time to renew his contract. He was made aware of a po- sition in Raleigh, North Car- olina, with NBC. “I had never been to Raleigh, but I had friends there. And, by accepting this position, I would also be able to keep my benefits because I’m still with the same company, and I will have a steady schedule. I realized it was a good fit. I’m looking for- ward to having stability,” he said.
So, after much contem- plation, Carter accepted the position. In his new post, Carter will serve as the main anchor for the evening news program.
A native of Tallahassee, Carter graduated from Godby High School and
continued his education at Florida A & M University, where he majored in com- munications.
He said he decided on using his voice and talking as a pathway to his career. “I used to get in trouble all the time for talking. So, I decided on broadcasting.”
At the time, there were few Black men in the field and he gives credit to people such as the late Ellison Womack, and Ms. Car- men Cummings for the help and mentorship they bestowed upon him.
After earning his degree, Carter went into the work- force.
The 52-year-old also gave much thought to relo- cating because his mother, Mrs. Catherine Carter, still lives in Tallahassee. “But, she will be coming to Raleigh and I will be going to Tallahassee,” he said.
A member of Beulah B. I. Church, in Tampa, Carter is a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Xi Sigma Chapter (a newly formed chapter), and loves watch- ing old movies, T.V. shows, and reading magazines.
“I would like to just thank everyone across Tampa Bay because they have been so kind to me. I have received blessings I couldn’t have anticipated.”
Two Women Killed In Traffic Accident
Two Tampa women were killed in a traffic accident early Tuesday. It was investi- gated by the Florida Highway Patrol.
According to a spokesman, the accident hap- pened around 3 a.m., at the intersection of Dale Mabry Highway and Gunn Highway.
The 24-year-old driver of a Sports Utility Vehicle was driving southbound on Dale Mabry. For unknown rea- sons, she began traveling in the northbound lane on Dale Mabry. Her vehicle collided head-on with a sedan driven by a 23-year-old Tampa woman. Both women died as a result of the accident.
One of the victims killed in the traffic accident was known on Facebook as Dymond
There were no other occu- pants in either vehicle. The investigation is continuing.
HART Extends Black History Month Entries To March 7th
HART celebrates Black History Month by recogniz- ing the achievements of African Americans and their central role in history. The theme for 2021 is the repre- sentation, identity, and diver- sity of “The Black Family,” and we want to hear from YOU about your own family!
All entries received by Sunday, March 7, 2021, will be entered in a raffle to WIN A HART 31-DAY PASS. Four winners will be chosen and contacted in March 2021.
Send your submission by: email: Community@Go- HART.org (TIP: For large files, send a link through a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox) • mail: HART Community En- gagement, 1201 E. 7th Av- enue, Tampa, FL 33605 • drop off: Marion Transit Cen- ter (1211 N. Marion St.; 6 AM -6PMMon-Fri|8AM-5 PM Sat) or University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th St.;6AM-5PMMon-Fri|8 AM-5PMSat).
FAMU Band To Perform For NBA All-Star Game
FAMU Marching “100” Band members will per- form for the National Bas- ketball Association (NBA) All-Star game festivities airing Sunday, March 7.
The Marching “100” Band and the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band will play during the NBA All-Star player introductions from their respective historical campuses.
FAMU’S MARCHING 100 BAND
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