U-PASS KICKOFF CELEBRATION AT USFSP

Congresswoman Castor (D-FL) and Rocky the Bull at USFSP’s U-Pass Kickoff

By: Corey Givens Jr.

St. Petersburg – On Thursday, October 16, 2014 Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL), visited USF St. Petersburg to celebrate their new U-Pass partnership with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). The kickoff and press conference took place near the USFSP Student Center in the Quad at Harbor Walk, at 6th Avenue South and 2nd Street South.
Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch and St. Petersburg City Councilwoman Darden Rice both joined Congresswoman Castor at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. “Under USFSP’s new partnership with PSTA, students, faculty and staff can ride any PSTA bus or trolley FREE,” said Commissioner Welch.
PSTA CEO Bradley Miller was also present at the event. He blushed with excitement as he shook the Commissioner’s hand, before taking the mic at the podium.
“PSTA is one of the few transit systems to see continual ridership growth over the last five years including the recession, despite service cuts due to a major loss of property tax revenue,” said Miller.
One of PSTA’s hybrid “Smart Buses” was present, along with a surprise special guest… Rocky the Bull, USFSP’s mascot, made a special appearance at the Kickoff Celebration and rode the Smart Bus in style along with about 20 other politicians, students and reporters.

Brandy Murphy, 22, a USFSP Senior majoring in Biology spoke about how excited she was to be a part of the history that was taking place at that moment.

“St. Pete reminds me a lot of my hometown. Working-class people working together to make things work… Student’s like me who do not have a vehicle and commute to campus can now focus more on our studies and less on transportation because of the U-Pass.”

A myriad of media correspondents were present at the kickoff celebration. Television news stations present included: Bay News 9 and Fox 13 News. The Tampa Bay Times and USFSP’s Crow’s Nest were on scene to report as well.

Complimentary light refreshments were served to event attendees.

Commissioner Welch reiterated that the University and Pinellas county as a whole, would begin to see the following improvements once the plan is implemented:
• Lower work and school absences (students & staff do not have to worry about getting to-and-from work).
• A 25% increase in overall bus service throughout Pinellas County.
• Bus Rapid Transit lines on most major Pinellas corridors.
• Every weekend buses will run throughout Pinellas County to and from Tampa International Airport.
• Dual bus transit in North County.
• Longer service hours to accommodate second shift workers and evening travelers.

For more information on the U-Pass program, visit http://www.psta.net/upass

Red Light Cameras Remain in Gulfport

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

By: Corey Givens Jr.

Gulfport’s red light cameras are stirring up controversy, yet again. Some people are complaining that they are not getting any notification that they ran a red light in a timely manner. Because of this neglect, some citizens have begun racking up multiple violations before they have been notified of the first violation.
Now that the St. Petersburg City Council has voted to remove red light cameras from their intersections, some Gulfport residents now feel that they should do the same thing. However, according to city financial reports, the city generates close to 10% of its yearly revenue from red light cameras planted at the city’s three major intersections. The intersections with camera installations are listed below. Each of these intersections are marked with visible signs.

■Eastbound Gulfport Boulevard (22nd Avenue South) at 49th Street

■Southbound 49th Street at 15th Avenue South

■Westbound Gulfport Boulevard (22nd Avenue South) at 58th Street

Some argue that the city can’t afford to remove the cameras due to cost and safety concerns. Officer Eva Iwanowski, currently oversees the city’s Red Light Camera Program. She says that the city cannot afford to lose the program, simply because the good outweighs the bad.
“We have seen a reduction in the number of dangerous accidents requiring a police officers’
response. Not to mention the city has also reaped financial benefits as a result of installing the cameras,” said Iwanowski.
The city’s 2013 budget report shows that the Gulfport City Council allocated $175,000 to operate the red light camera program. Officer Iwanowski says, 100% of the expenses recouped from these violations go towards maintaining the city of Gulfport.
Gulport police Chief Robert Vincent did not respond to interview request. However, in June of 2013, Chief Vincent published his findings as it relates to the red light camera program on his personal blog, GulfportPDChief.blogspot.com.
“Injury crashes significantly decreased in Gulfport following the implementation of this program. I have also provided financial data indicating that the program covers its own costs but does not generate significant revenue for the city (approximately $25,000 net estimated in 2012).
Then there are others who believe that the implementation of the red light camera program was another way for city officials to gouge tax payers of their hard-earned money. Longtime Gulfport resident, Taylor-Marie Lawerence, says she received two camera citations for $158 and those tickets have come in the mail after the payment due date.
“By the time I went to pay violation, it was too late. My license had been suspended and I was forced to pay almost $400 in fines. Had I known about the ticket on-time, I would have gotten it paid,” said Lawrence.
Officer Iwanowski says that she was not aware of there being any faults in the citation programs notification process. The city is contracted with American Traffic Solutions Inc. ALS handles the maintenance and installation of all red light cameras and processes violations captured by the equipment. Iwanowski attempted to refute Lawrence’s comments by stating, “Like any technology the cameras have a few glitches, but that doesn’t mean we have to do away with them all together.”
Ultimately, the decision as to whether or not the red light cameras will stay or go remains up to the Gulfport City Council. With more and more city’s throughout the country breaking down their red light cameras, residents can’t help but wonder… Will Gulfport be next?

Pinellas Voter’s to Decide Future of Public Transportation

Photo Courtesy of CapitalSoup.com

By: Corey Givens Jr.

ST. PETERSBURG – The Tampa Bay area at-large has a difficult decision to make when it comes down to the future of mass transit in Pinellas County. This November voters will head to the polls to determine a few things:
Elimination of the Suncoast Transit Authority property tax.
Extended service hours from existing transportation options.
Additional bus stops in more Pinellas areas.
Increase in those who ride public transportation by 60%.
Additional 1% tax on every dollar to fund light rail transportation studies.

The comprehensive transportation plan that is advocating for light rail transportation is known as Greenlight Pinellas.

Underneath all the politics surrounding Greenlight Pinellas is the truth… Many advocates of the initiative have overlooked those who could possibly be affected if this decision makes it beyond the midterm election and it is of the utmost importance that voters be educated about the facts pertaining to Greenlight Pinellas.

With Greenlight Pinellas would serve citizens from North to South Pinellas. Working-class and lower-income families will see improvements in the county’s bus system, which means extra transportation options for those families with only one vehicle.

Wait times will be reduced by more than 10 minutes along the busiest routes, making traveling by bus a more desirable option. Those without the typical 9 to 5 schedule are in luck. Buses will now run later at night and more often on the weekends to accommodate frequent travelers. PSTA board members have announced that under Greenlight Pinellas, wait shelters will be renovated, buses will be equipped with Wi-Fi and there will be electric monitors installed at all stops displaying route times.

Economist working with Greenlight Pinellas,estimate if implemented by voters, the county can see a positive economic return of approximately $5 for every $2 invested in public mass transit.

County Commissioner Ken Welch, one of the leaders of Greenlight Pinellas says, “Election Day is just three weeks away and we need voters to get out there and vote in order for change to happen. Future generations are counting on us to improve the way we commute and to improve our local economy.”

A contemporary transportation method is imperative for meeting the demands of a growing county with socioeconomically disenfranchised families. Greenlight Pinellas supports not just one neighborhood, but an entire region.

The plan has received support from a multitude of Bay are politician’s including St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, and former Florida Governor, Charlie Christ. According to campaign financial reports, Greenlight has already received close-to $1 million in contributions.

For more information on Greenlight Pinellas visit, http://www.GreenlightPinellas.com

Lake Maggiore Shores: A Neighborhood Divided

Lake Maggoire Shores Neighborhood

By: Corey Givens Jr.

ST. PETERSBURG – An argument broke out during the Lake Maggiore Shores Neighborhood Association meeting last week in St. Petersburg, FL. The heated exchange of words happened after a Caucasian male shouted a racial slur at an African-American woman.

Lake Maggiore Shores resident, Janie Carter, 57, expressed concern over being the most recent target of trespassers who have littered in her yard; spray painted graffiti on her dumpster twice with racial slurs, and even stealing the newspaper off of her front porch.
That’s when she and witnesses said a Caucasian male named John Anderson, 43, started yelling racial slurs at Carter.

Carter, an African-American woman, says she has felt attacked ever since she moved into her home on 16th Street and 25th Ave South.

“You people don’t do nothing but cause a bunch of trouble here!” screamed Anderson, who was sitting in front of Carter at Lake Maggiore Baptist Church, according to her statement.
A meeting attendee broke-up the altercation.

St. Petersburg City Council Member Karl Nurse did not respond to request to be interviewed on this matter and it was unclear where he stood on the issue.
Anderson agreed to meet for an interview at his home on the 2800 block of 16th Street South, but refused to be photographed.

Anderson’s only statement to the reporter was, “I had to get out of that meeting before I said something I would regret later on. I’m not a racist, but I’m sick of people starting trouble in our city.”
This is not the first report of racial tensions flaring up in Lake Maggiore Shores. Many residents and local officials have acknowledged that the neighborhood has become racially divided over the years. Others say that the town is welcoming to people of various ethnicities and cultures. The neighborhood is the home of an Islamic Mosque and it has a large gay community as well.

Former Lake Maggiore Shores resident, Veronica Ross said, “I lived there for 15 years. I loved it and had no problems. Part of what made the neighborhood so nice was its diversity. You had whites, blacks, gays and senior citizens all living peacefully on one street. It’s hard to find that these days.”

During a district forum, Pinellas County Commissioner Kenneth Welch, who represents Lake Maggiore Shores, said highly diverse neighborhoods are still rare in south Pinellas and African American neighborhoods continue to remain largely segregated primarily due to the divide that 26th Avenue South has created.

The north side of 26th Avenue South, which Carter refers to as the “white side” is noticeably more maintained. You see well-manicured lawns, beautiful homes, businesses to patronize and parks for children to play at.

Then there’s the south side of 26th Avenue… Unkempt yards, vandalized street signs and miles of foreclosure signs.

U.S. Census records show that while segregation across America has decline in the past 40 years, new forms of segregation have emerged. White suburban neighborhoods have become much less white. They are increasing in diversity, but only in certain regions.

Carter says that what angers her most is that Lake Maggiore Shore’s black population has become too “accepting” to voluntary segregation. “It’s like we’ve become okay with the status quo. Nobody wants change; everybody wants things to stay the same. The black side of 26th Avenue is under attack and has been neglected.”

Whether or not Lake Maggiore Shores has become divided due to a single road, is hard to discern. A lack of affordable housing and a single-family home community have also contributed to the division that residents say is growing fast in this neighborhood. However you see it — the change has to start with some discussion; both on the civic and government levels.

Couple Remaking St. Pete’s Midtown Area

Elihu & Carolyn Brayboy

By: Corey Givens Jr.

ST. PETERSBURG — When Carolyn Brayboy went for her annual physical in 2007, she told her doctor she had been feeling a little nauseous.
The doctor referred her to a specialist for tests that led to a dreaded diagnosis: cancer.
For months, Brayboy underwent chemotherapy, which left her weak, exhausted and bedridden. But it worked. More than a year after the diagnosis, she was cancer free.

Shaken by her brush with death, Brayboy and her husband, Elihu, decided to take a risk. They invested $800,000 in real estate in the Midtown area of St. Petersburg.

Where some saw rundown old buildings and empty lots, the Brayboys saw opportunity. When some lamented what integration, urban renewal, an interstate highway and crack cocaine had done to a once-thriving neighborhood, the Brayboys remembered the good times of their youth and the values that a close-knit community instilled in them.

Now the Brayboys, both 65, are at work restoring four buildings along 22nd Street South, which in its heyday in the ’50s and ’60s was the main street of a community that its black residents and business owners called “The Deuces.”

In one building, at 909-913 22nd St. S., the Brayboys have installed an art gallery, a consignment shop and an ice cream parlor.

At 901-903 22nd St. S., they will have Chief’s Creole Cafe, featuring recipes of Elihu Brayboy’s mother. It is scheduled to open in a few weeks.

At 951-963 22nd St. S. is the historic Merriwether building. The Brayboys plan to put more shops on the ground floor of the two-story, 1925 structure, and low-cost housing on the second floor.

The fourth building, at 1025 22nd St. S., is where daughter Ramona Brayboy-Reio and her husband have a hair salon and fitness center.

The Brayboys say they knew they were taking a risk by investing here. But the experience has been positiv

“We know that we have to remain prudent of our surroundings no matter where we are, but in the six years we have been here, not once have we had a break-in, a single item stolen, or a broken window,” Elihu Brayboy said.
To outward appearances, the Brayboys are an odd couple. He is outgoing and talkative. She is reserved, reticent. He favors leopard-print jackets and silk shirts with initials monogrammed on the cuff. She is more likely to be in jeans, clambering up a ladder to help the roof repair guys. She’s good with her hands and watches expenditures closely — a good thing, Elihu says with a chuckle, since budgeting is not his strength.

They both grew up in Midtown. “My mother was a nurse at Mercy (Hospital) and my father worked at Clark Funeral Home, which was one of the only black funeral homes at that time,” Elihu said.

The Brayboys, who have known each other since childhood, began dating when Carolyn was at 16th Street Junior High and Elihu at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School.

“It wasn’t love at first sight,” she said. “He was cute, but at that time boys were the furthest thing from my mind.”

Her calling was to become a businesswoman, she said. “My mother wanted me to become a teacher, but that wasn’t what I wanted to do. So I changed my major from math education to finance.”

She was one of the first black students to attend St. Petersburg Junior College. She then earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s in business administration from Florida State University and landed a job at IBM, where she worked for 39 years.

The Brayboys lost track of each other for about a decade. But when Elihu returned from New Orleans, they reconnected and married. They have three children: Gus, Lynae and Ramona.

The Brayboys said they are determined to make their mark on Midtown.

“I want people to know that they have options,” Elihu said. “They have the option to spend or the option to invest. When I am gone, let it be said that I chose to invest so that others could have a better life.”

Published: August 11, 2014 http://tbo.com/pinellas-county/couple-remaking-midtown-20140811/

Longtime St. Petersburg funeral home owner dies at 88

Mr. Robert Creal Sr. – Photo Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Times

By: Corey Givens Jr.
9/14/14

ST. PETERSBURG – Robert L. Creal Sr. found joy in bringing comfort and solace to the lives of others after the passing of a loved one.

Creal passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening at Bayfront Hospital surrounded by family, friends and other funeral directors from throughout the Tampa Bay area. He was 88.

Born July 3, 1926 the Tampa native came to St. Petersburg in 1950 and shortly thereafter landed an apprenticeship at Williams Funeral Home.

Being the driven person that he was, Creal worked his way up within the funeral home and eventually found himself in partnership Williams. He purchased the funeral home in 1954 and it operated as Creal-Williams for ten years, until finally changing the name to Creal Funeral Home in 1964.

The World War II veteran spent the past 64 years of his life as a community servant, always just a phone call away from those who required his services. Whether he was picking up a body from the morgue or acting as an ambulance transporter, he always served with a smile and took pride in what he did.

Carlton Anderson, 54, credits Creal for saving his life after almost dying from drinking rat poisoning as a young boy.

“Back then black people had to call the funeral home if there was a medical emergency. One day I came home from school, took a sip of what I thought was a bottle of Coke, but it was actually rat poisoning. I called Mr. Creal; he picked me up in his hearse and drove me to Mercy Hospital just in time for them to pump my stomach. He saved my life and for that I’m forever grateful.”

Creal Funeral Home was the starting grounds for dozens of up-and-coming morticians.

Jerome Smith, owner & operator of Smith Funeral Home, was one of many Licensed Funeral Directors who got their start at Creal Funeral Home.

“I started out at Creal’s in 1977. He gave a young man like me a chance. His dedication to his profession and the compassion he showed to people in his time of need is what I’ll remember most.”

Robert Young, owner of Young’s Funeral Home in Clearwater recalled the personal relationship that he shared with his friend and colleague.

“We were more than just friends… He was my mentor, my godfather and my friend. He taught me something I never learned in mortuary school, and that was how to be compassionate.”

Creal was no stranger to death. He had to bury both of his parents, four brothers, and a host of other family members.

Creal is responsible for handling funeral arrangements of thousands people over the span of his six decades in the funeral business.

Farrell Speights met Creal while attending Gupton-Jones College in Atlanta. After finishing school in 1995, Creal offered Speights a job at Creal Funeral Home.

“Some of those people he buried for free — some of them for little or nothing. He didn’t do what he did for fame, but he did it because he loved his community,” said Speights.

Creal was known for being a man of his word and for not being too keen on accepting charity. Recently, he fell on some difficult financial times, but he refused to let that get the best of him. After losing his second funeral chapel on 20th Avenue and 9th Street South, he decided that he needed some outside help. In 2010 he brought in Leon Thomas III to help restore the glory of Creal Funeral Home.

“He set precedence for all funeral directors who followed in his footsteps. He was soft spoken, but never shied away from telling you the truth.”

With financial woes still hanging over its head, the future of Creal Funeral Home remains uncertain. However, Thomas says that the funeral home will keep their doors open for business to the community, as they have done since 1954.

Mr. Creal is preceded in death by his wife, Keturah Sanchez-Creal.

Survivors include his children, Robert “Bobby” Creal Jr and Elaine Boyd-Speights (Farrell); and two grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, Sep. 23rd, 11 am, St. Mark M.B. Church. Public wake will be held Sunday, Sep. 21st, 2-8 pm at Creal Funeral Home.

*Disclaimer: Patricia Sweat played no role in creating this article*

Published on September 18, 2014 in The Weekly Challenger: http://theweeklychallenger.com/robert-l-creal-sr-goes-home/