[UPDATE]
Unfortunately, what was believed by her family was confirmed by police. The remains were positively identified by the Medical Examiner belonging to Michelle McCoy.

Larry Thompson (52) is wanted in connection to McCoy’s disappearance. He currently has a warrant for his arrest on charges of kidnapping.  Thompson has not been charged with McCoy’s murder and it is still uncertain what happened the night of her disappearance.

[ORIGINAL STORY]
The community joined in the search for Michelle McCoy, who was reported missing by her family, and finally by JSO, two weeks later. JSO made decision to report Michelle’s disappearance after it was reported by someone that she was seen being forced into a silver minivan in the 8900 block of Washington Avenue, near her home. According to the witness, a shoe, rope and other evidence led him to believe Michelle was being kidnapped at the time he made the observation.

Michelle’s twin sister advised that Michelle had reservations about meeting a man she knew and asked her to call her later, on the day that she disappeared. She did so, but Michelle did not answer her phone.

The man who suspected a kidnapping, called 911 but investigators said they were not able to locate the described vehicle. The man making the report, kept the items he found at the scene and gave them to JSO later.

Sheriff Rutherford said, based upon reports to them, they have been searching the Ribault River Lane area, off Winton Drive. A second tip led them to the area where the body of a female, believed to be Michelle was found.

Sheriff Rutherford, during his press conference said that he could not release details about why they believe the remains found are believed to be Michelle. He did advise that the public fear of a loose kidnapper can be eliminated since based on evidence so far, Michelle was the target of her killer. Both Donald Foy and Linda Dayson held prayer vigils and searches for Michelle with their organizations.

The Sheriff’s Department have stated that they will investigate the manner in which the officer who took the report of Michelle’s possible kidnapping and her missing report was handled. No suspect had been listed at the time of this report.

On Friday, shoppers and employees at Family Dollar, located at 2014 Norwich Street, scattered as a Mercedes crashed into the store, injuring three employees while smashing and scattering products and shelves.

The 75-year-old driver of the Mercedes Benz said that she was attempting to park and shop. She is convinced that she mashed down on the brakes but instead of the car stopping, it went straight into the store.

One of the employees said she suffered leg injuries and the other two did sustain cuts.

The police was called to the scene and the vehicle was removed from the building.

According to the report, the brakes on the car were functional.

Ms. Deborah Maiden, owner and general manager of WCGL-AM1360 radio station, holds the Stellar Award certificate and trophy for 2011, awarded the station on January 15, 2011.

WCGL (Where Christ Gets Lifted) won the award over other medium market stations in the United Stations while in Nashville, TN.

WCGL is Jacksonville’s first station to receive this award.

This is a first for the city of Jacksonville! And this year, WCGL was the only Florida station nominated for Station of the Year! WCGL was selected the winner over its other medium market nominees: KPZK-FM 102.5-Little Rock, AR; WJYD 106.3 FM-Columbus, OH; and WRJD 1410 AM -Durham, NC!

The win took place during the 26h Annual Stellar Awards weekend, Saturday, January 15th at the Radio Station of the Year Ceremony at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

The event consisted of musical performances by Veronica Petrucci (formerly of the 90′s duo Angelo & Veronica); Canton Jones, gospel music newcomer, Monica Lisa Stevenson; rap artist LaCrae; Rev. Norman Hutchins; and, Tim Rogers & The Fellas.

Also awarded were Station of the Year in the Small, Large, and Major Market categories as well. Plus, event sponsor Central South Distribution saluted several announcers with their Reach Awards.

Along with WCGL general manager Deborah Maiden, staffers Kelvin Postell, Operations Manager, Karen Jones, Senior Account Executive, and on-air personality Wanda “Wanda P” Patterson were present at event.

Once the station’s name was announced the winner, thunderous cheers and applause came from some of Jacksonville’s own who were in the audience also: Troy & Emil Sneed of Emtro Records; show host Candice Jones & her husband William, artist Jermaine Taylor, DJ Will, WCGL listener and loyal fan Violin Henderson, singers Emma Holmes and, Ann Reynolds.

The Radio Station of the Year Ceremony was part of The Stellar Awards Weekend, Jan. 13-15, 2011 in Nashville, TN. The weekend’s events included the ‘Verizon Wireless-How Sweet The Sound Choir Boot Camp’; Stellar Awards Pre-Show, all culminating with the main event, The 26th Annual Stellar Awards, hosted by Donnie McClurkin and produced by Central City Productions.

The 26th Annual Stellar Awards will air in National Syndication from Jan. 22 thru March 13, 2011. Locally, the show is set to air on Saturday, February 5, at 3pm on WAWS 30.

Jacksonville may be a little disappointed because the Jaguars did not make the playoff, but the city still has other reasons to feel proud in the area of sports. Of course, we still love the Jags.

The Jacksonville Suns is getting a new coach and now the city has acquired an ABA team. It is not the NBA but with the way the team is playing, maybe even it can become a NBA team.

The Jacksonville Giants played their first game on December 1 and will be playing their eleventh game at home on January 15 and another on January 16. If they can keep the same momentum of having not lost a game yet, we are on our way.

The Giants are (10-0) and are number two in the American Basketball Association. The fan base is growing. All home games will be at Veterans Memorial Arena here in Jacksonville. Go Giants!

Story by Rinetta M. Fefie 
Photos by Frank M. Powell

It was a historical moment beginning with the  Salute to Women in Leadership Breakfast on  Monday morning, followed with a Tribute to the  First Lady, Honoring Those who Serve, a Path to  Prosperity Reception, Florida’s Future Youth  Concert and the Inaugural Candlelight Dinner. The  two-day event was extremely elaborate but what was  most impressive was the swearing in of Lieutenant  Governor Jennifer Carroll. 

Many in the African American community  admitted it was difficult to hold back the tears as Ms.  Carroll was sworn in. She was joined by her family  as her husband held the Bible that she placed her  hand upon. 

Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Carroll’s  story is even more touching since she was adopted by her parents.  She moved to the United States when she was eight years of age,  and after graduating from high school, joined the U. S. Navy. She  was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and  became an Aviation Maintenance Officer in 1985. She retired  from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and later received an  Associate of Arts Degree, a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of  Business Administration. 

Jennifer Carroll is the first Black and the first female elected  as the Lieutenant Governor of Florida. She is also the first African  American female Republican elected to the Florida Legislature.  Actually, she is the first Black female on any statewide  Republican ticket for the state. 

Ms. Carroll is married to Nolan Carroll, Sr. They have three  children, Nolan Carroll, Jr., Nyckie and Necho. Her son, Nolan  Carroll, Jr. plays with the Miami Dolphins. 

Even though many are proud of Ms. Carroll and feel she is a  quiet but strong person, they are still concerned about what lies  ahead for Florida’s minority community under this Republican  administration with strong Tea Party ideas. Governor Rick Scott  ran his campaign on creating jobs for Floridians and during his  inaugural address alluded to how he will do it. Will Ms. Carroll  be given the power to help achieve such a goal? Governor Scott  said, “We have hard-working people who desperately want jobs.  We have energetic entrepreneurs with plenty of ideas.. and persuadable  investors with ready cash.” He ended his speech with,  “Lets get to work.”

Please click to enlarge and view in the PDF format.

We are providing you full access to our front pages of The Florida Star Newspaper from December 25th to the 8th of January!

Mrs. Ethel Clarke, 89, of the 200 block of West 17th Street, realized that her space heater had caused her house to catch fire. Ms. Clarke, saw the flame and rather than try to escape through her front door, went through the back door.

Even though there is very little space in her back area, in addition to the tall fences and dogs, she said she decided to risk climbing the fence behind her, which was the lowest, and tackle the dogs than try to run through the fire.

This was an excellent decision and of course shows her strength of mind.

The fire caused a lot of damage and Ms. Clarke was taken to Shands Hospital. She will not be able to return to her home because of the amount of damage.

Ms. Clarke needs financial support to help her get her home repaired and to purchase new items, such as bed and sitting furniture.

Those wishing to help should contact The Florida Star at 904-766-8834.

She has not set up a bank account.

Photo by  FMPowell3

The late MeVynee Betsch, known by all as “The Beach Lady,” died on September 5, 2005.
 
Ms. MaVynee has been nominated as one of ten finalists in the 2010- 2011 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame began honoring Florida’s women in 1982 who made significant contributions to the improvement of life for women and all citizens of Florida.

Ms. Betsch dedicated her life to exploring the history of Florida. She moved to her family’s property, The American Beach, in 1970 after ending her career as an opera singer. Her family was Jacksonville’s first Black millionaires.

The finalists were selected by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women and the governor can select up to three women for induction in the Hall of Fame.

MaVynee is Jacksonville’s only finalist.

Written by Marsha Dean Phelts

In a meeting of the  Duval County School  Board last week, the  Board voted to close the  James Weldon  Johnson Middle  School. The decision to  close this academic  magnet school purportedly  is due to low student  enrollment.  According to the proposal  those now attending  James Weldon  Johnson will be assigned to Paxon Middle and Paxon’s  students will be enrolled at Eugene Butler. This move  is scheduled to take place next school year beginning  August 2011.

There are numerous questions; foremost is what  school will continue the respected name of James  Weldon Johnson? There should never be a time in this  city that a Duval County public school does not bear  the name James Weldon Johnson. Another question is,  after closing the school what happens to the building  and the site? The school board could give this property  to Edward Waters College as these two properties are  adjoining. 

In a Déjà-vu flashback, many instantly recall a similar  strategy deployed over forty years ago when the  entire school system was ordered to desegregate. Back  in 1969, a major implementation of the integration plan  went into effect. As a result of this plan numerous  schools in black neighborhoods were shut down to prevent  white students from being bussed in certain Black  neighborhoods. Those geographically named schools  in Black communities like West Lewisville/Forrest  Park, Oakland and Jacksonville Beach Elementary  were discarded and reduced to rubbish. Public school  facilities bearing names of prominent role models such  as Isaiah Blocker and A. L. Lewis were closed and torn  down, assuring that those schools never open again. In  closing these schools the names of positive historical  figures were erased from positively imprinting the  futures of the youth that James Weldon Johnson so eloquently  wrote of in his prose, 
“You are young, gifted, and Black. 
We must begin to tell our young, 
There’s a world waiting for you, 
Yours is the quest that’s just begun.” 

For over a century James Weldon Johnson has been one of Jacksonville’s great citizens. 

He was born in LaVilla, spent his formative years in the city and was educated in our public schools as high as the system provided education for Negro students and upon completion of high school and college in Atlanta. It was James Weldon Johnson, former student at Stanton Grade School who in 1894 became principal then added higher grades, (from 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th) while upgrading the curriculum thus establishing the first accredited high school for Blacks in the state of Florida. The contributions of James Weldon Johnson are too significant for his name to be retired from an active public educational institution in Jacksonville .

Jacksonville, Florida is the only place on planet earth that can boast of being the birthplace of James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson, the brothers who in 1900 wrote the words and lyrics to “Lift Every Voice and Sing while serving as principal and music instruct or at Stanton High School.

Jacksonville appropriately should have a school named in honor of #1 James Weld on Johnson and his brother #2 John Rosam ond Johnson, #3 their mother, Helen Dillet Johnson , Florida’s first Black school teacher and their father #4 Jam es William Johnson, pastor of the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church who came to Jacksonville in 1869.

Upon the closing of James Weldon Johnson at 1840 W. 9t h Street, another public school bearing the name James Weldon Johnson must take pla ce immediately. Whether this is a new school opening or under constructed in 2011, this new facility should be given the name James Weldon Johnson. A second alternative would be to rename LaVilla the James Weldon Johnson L aVilla School for the Arts (if this school has not been named in someone’s honor).

Due to under performance of students enrolled in neighborhood schools in the Black community several of these schools are in danger of being closed by the state. This is not the case for the James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Sc hool, nevertheless the school is closing.

Please contact school board members and ask them to keep an active public school named for James Weldon Johnson who in the millennium year 2000 was inducted into The Florida Artists Hall of Fame E-Mail and Phone:
• District 1 – Martha Barrett | barrettm@duvalschools.org | 904-390-2371
• District 2 – Fred “Fel” Lee | leef@duvalschools.org     | 904-390-2386

Written by: Richard McLaughlin
Photographer: Laurence Greene

The citizens of Jacksonville made a commitment to stand behind the Jaguars with an even stronger grip when Everbank made the necessary move and earned the right to name the stadium after them.

At the beginning of the season, the sales were great. However, prior to this game, the tickets did not go as well and a few people were worried. However, the sales did come through and those ticket holders are still feeling the joy of attending.

The offense was having problems but the defense showed up and showed out in the last few minutes. It was a defining sequence in another dramatic game for both teams. An even more important twist came during the last few minutes. Jones- Drew finished with 132 yards rushing and 87 receiving. It’s the first time in his five-year career that he’s put together three consecutive 100- yard games.The Jaguars (6-4) are starting to make frantic finishes look routine as they are now tied with the Colts for first place in the AFC South.

Written by: Richard McLaughlin

Almost 62,000 attended the Florida Classics in Orlando this past weekend. It was stated that the attendance was the largest crowd in history. Some were late getting into their seats, but by half time, every seat was taken as the ‘battle of the bands’ began. You may be late for the game, but you are always present for halftime. 

There was never a question of who was a FAMU Rattler or a BCU Wildcatter. You knew when the bands started playing and what really turned the crowd wild is when each played, “Da Butt.” The crowded seats were suddenly empty – according to what school. In some cases, you could observe husband and wife or best friends separate, according to the school. 

By the way, who won the game? Well, the FAMU Rattlers won the game but the coin got stuck in the air when you asked who won the Battle of the Bands.

Cederic Cutter has spent the last 26 months at the  Duval County jail. He was arrested in 2007 after  being identified as the triggerman who committed a  double murder in Arlington. 

Cutter was identified by an inmate in the county jail  as he was seen walking past another inmate. He was  arrested by the U. S. Marshals Service in  Statesborough, Georgia about seven months after  being pointed out. 

The murder was done by two individuals. Killed  were David Holmes, 41, and Surapol Martin, 17 in a  house on Lone Star Road. The man who was supposed  to have been with him at the time of the murders,  Anthony Vaughan, was convicted of two counts of  murder in the deaths of the two men and sentenced to  life in prison. 

A private investigator, Allan Wainwright, worked on the case from the very beginning and  stated that he could not find any connection between Cutter and Anthony Vaughn. In addition,  a witness described the other person with Vaughn as being six inches taller than  Cutter. 

After gathering much evidence, the prosecutors agreed to drop the charges. Cutter has  been released and will have his 30th birthday at home next week.

Sheriff John Rutherford recently announced that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has concluded its internal affairs investigation of two of the five officers’ response to the March 26th armed bank robbery and carjacking, where the armed robber/carjacker Jeremiah Mathis was killed by police, and a young child and his mother in the car were injured by gunfire.

The State Attorney’s Office cleared the five officers of any criminal wrong doing in June. This entity investigates all officerinvolved shootings and found no violation of criminal law or criminal intent by officers. By the end of the investigation, and based on the determination of no criminal wrongdoing, the JSO was able to convene its Response to Resistance (RTR) board hearing. (Garrity vs New Jersey, 1967)

The RTR board hearing, held in June and open to the public, determined that Lt. Jesse York, Officer Jason Lederman, and Officer Richard Santoro all acted within policy guidelines and they were returned to their regular police duties.

Also at the June hearing, that same board recommended that the actions of Officers Ryan Black and Darries Griffith be referred to Internal Affairs for an investigation into whether or not their actions were within the guidelines of the agency’s policies.

Both Griffith and Black fired their guns multiple times at Mathis as he carjacked a vehicle occupied by a woman and two small children, at a Wendy’s drive thru window, located on Baymeadows Road.

Mathis was attempting to escape police apprehension following an armed bank robbery he committed just minutes earlier, at a nearby Wachovia Bank, by carjacking the car and taking its three occupants hostage at gunpoint.

The two officers continued firing as the car occupied by Mathis and his three hostages moved forward in the restaurant’s drive thru lane.

The Sheriff’s review of the internal affairs investigation determined that because the two officers did not act with any certainty about the presence of the three innocent hostages, they did not use reasonable caution necessary to avoid unnecessarily endangering the lives of others during the discharge of their firearms.

The review of the investigation also concluded that officers Black and Griffith failed to use reasonable caution by shooting at a car that was in motion which caused them to continually move their point of aim, putting other officers and citizens in a position to be exposed to the gunfire.

It was later determined that 2 year old Daniel Crichton, restrained in a car seat in the backseat of the vehicle, was shot by one of Black’s 24 fired rounds. The child’s mother also sustained a gunshot wound. The child and his mother survived their injuries.

Mayor John Peyton, as  required, is now putting together  his transition team for the  next mayor. In doing so, he  appointed Dan Kleman as  head, who presently serves as  director of Jacksonville’s Fire-  Rescue Department and  replaced him with Dr. Charles  Moreland. Moreland will need  to be confirmed by the City  Council. He has been with  Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for twenty years. He  has served as chairman of the department’s rescue division  since 2003 and will be the city’s second African American  Chief. Prior to Peyton, Ray Alfred served. 

In 2009, Chief Moreland was named EMS Administrator of  the Year by the Florida Association of County EMS. He  received his bachelor from Edward Waters College. He also  has a degree in nursing, a doctorate of education and a masters  in public administration from Nova Southeastern University.  Dr. Moreland was the first minority to serve as chief of rescue  and led a command of more than 200 personnel.

We are once again into a new school year and we are looking forward to a better academic year. Cox Art of Hair Barber Shop is proud to show case the  following Honor Roll Students for the first semester who have worked hard to achieve this goal. We are still encouraging all students to work hard and get a good education. We continue to encourage all parents to take an active role in their children’s education.

The Florida Star received a letter from Eric Wilson advising that he and his wife are in need of assistance regarding a health care problem for their daughter, Alisa Wilson, who is 37 years of age with a 10-yearold son. Alisa is in need of a liver transplant.

The couple was informed on November 3, 2010 that Lisa would receive a transfer from St. Vincent’s ICU in Jacksonville to Florida Hospital in Orlando to receive preparatory rehabilitation for a liver transplant. However, on the following day, the family was told that the liver transplant could not be done because her medicaid care had reached its maximum.
Prior to Lisa’s illness, she was with Sunshine State Health Insurance Plan HMO. That program was not acceptable to Mayo, which is known for its professional work regarding liver transplants.

The Wilsons were seriously concerned as their daughter’s health continued to fail. After discussion with Dan Evans of The Florida Star and cooperation from their church, the Wilson again felt hope.

A “One Life to Live” Candle Light Prayer Vigil is planned for Saturday, November 13th, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Good News Evangelism Ministries, 7646 Lem Turner Road, Pastor Dr. Deborah H. Coleman and Rev. Otha Coleman Sr. have planned the event.

Mr. Wilson was informed on Thursday, November 11 that Medicaid has made a determination, after many inquiries, to take care of surgery for Alisa. The Wilsons are needing to know the cost of all that is needed to take care of their daughter, who is getting weaker daily. They wish to know the cost and are having the prayer vigil to get help from God and the people. It is not clear how much would be needed and if Medicaid would want to know the total cost before going forward before Lisa can actually get prepared for the transplant.

In talking with a medical care specialist, it was learned that many hospitals will take care of those in need, knowing that they may have to ‘eat the cost of the procedure.’ In this case, at least they will know that part will be paid through medicaid. Another concern is the health of Alisa and her ability to go through with the surgery and the procedures that will follow.

Prayer will make a difference. Therefore, all is invited by the church and the family, to attend this prayer vigil. Lisa does not wish to leave her son alone and her parents are getting older.

When you see situations like Alisa Wilson, you wonder why Florida’s Attorney General Bill McCollum has filed a Motion for Summary Judgment in the Health Care Lawsuit. Oral argument for this motion will take place on December 16, 2010 in Pensacola. With all of this, and realizing that Lisa is not the only person that is suffering now or in the future with health problems.

Help is needed. Please help!

Written by: Staff Sgt. Blair Heusdens

Approximately 25 Soldiers from the Florida National Guard’s 1153rd Finance Management Detachment were honored during a ceremony in St. Augustine, Nov. 10, 2010, prior to departing for their deployment to Iraq.

The unit will provide financial assistance for Soldiers at forward operating bases near Baghdad, Iraq. For most of the Soldiers, this will be their first deployment overseas “We have a real young unit,” said Sgt. 1st Class Corey Walker, the senior enlisted member of the detachment. “For a lot of people, this will be their first time going, but we’re leaning on our veterans to push us through.”

To prepare for the deployment, the Soldiers spent months conducting additional premobilization training. The Soldiers will leave at the end of the week for additional training at Fort McCoy, Wis., prior to arriving in Iraq.

“We’ve gone through months of rigorous basic Soldiering training,” said Walker. “We also went through extensive finance training to hone our finance skills at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.”

Family support was emphasized throughout the ceremony, with leaders at each level reassuring the families present that the Florida National Guard is committed to helping them while their Soldier is away.

“What I want you to remember is, the Florida National Guard is a family,” said Lt. Col. Paul Chauncey, the commander of the 927th Combat Service Support Battalion. “We understand that it takes the strength of each and every one of you sitting out in this audience for these Soldiers to do their job.”

“We recognize your sacrifice,” Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw, The Adjutant General of Florida said to the families. “You are so much a part of what we do. We are there for you while your Soldier is gone. Please remember, we are only a phone call away.”

At the unit level, a family support group is in place to provide support to families throughout the deployment. The group has held numerous events prior to the deployment to ensure that the families know each other and they know how to get in contact with each other if they have any issues.

The unit leadership expressed confidence in their Soldiers’ training and their ability to accomplish the mission safely and effectivel.

The Gator offense capitalized in the 1st quarter on a Commodore blocked punt by Chris Rainey that lead to the first touchdown of the game on a 3-yard scamper by Mike Gillislee.

In the 2nd quarter, the Gators blew the game wide open with 5 touchdowns and Vanderbilt was scoreless. Touchdowns courtesy of Deonte Thompson, Chris Rainey, Terron Sanders (a 45-yard fumble recovery and score), Frankie Hammond Jr. and Solomon Patton (42-yard blocked punt return for a score). At halftime, the score was Gators 41; Commodores 0.

For those still watching the game in the second half, Vanderbilt got on the scoreboard with a 4-yard return of a blocked Gator punt by Javon Marshall for a touchdown and the extra point was good. The Gators responded to that score with two more touchdowns of their own with a 43- yard run by Mike Gillislee and a 6-yard scamper by Jordan Reed. At the end of three quarters, the Gators led 55-7.

A 4th quarter touchdown by Vanderbilt on a 6-yard pass to Jordan Matthews with 39* seconds left in the game capped the game scoring. Game final: Gators 55, Commodores 14.

With the win, the now 22nd ranked Gators (6-3, 4-3 SEC) continue their two game winning streak and face the 23rd ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (6-3, 4- 3 SEC) in Gainesville at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, November 13, 2010 with a 7:15 PM EST kickoff. The game will be televised on ESPN and ESPN3.

The winner of this contest clinches the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title and a berth in the SEC championship football game in Atlanta. The Gamecocks are coming off a 41-20 drubbing by the Arkansas Razorbacks (ranked 18th) so will need to regroup to make it a contest in The Swamp. If the Gators win, this will be their consecutive third trip to Atlanta and the SEC Championship game.

And if the SEC Championship game is not prize enough, there is the coaching dual of ex-Gator now Gamecock coach Spurrier returning to the Swamp to face current Gator coach Urban Meyer. If the Gamecocks win, it will be their first ever trip to the SEC Championship. However, the Gamecocks are 0-12 against the Gators and have only won once in the last 19 times the two teams have played.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier synopsized the upcoming matchup succinctly with this quote, “We’re going to find out if we can perform on the big stage and this is the big stage down there, one of the biggest in the nation.”

Ezekiel Wiley is a well known, greatly loved  Brunswick business man, considered a philanthropist  that was always willing to help neighbors and church  members in need. 

On Wednesday, someone broke into his home. He quietly  reached for his gun and fired six shots at the intruder.  He could not see the person’s face but could see that  he was holding a knife. The intruder, William Bernard  Stafford, 47, was pronounced dead at the scene and that  is when Wiley realized that he has known the intruder  who had broken into his home for more than 25 years.  He was a man, he considered as his ‘godson.’ The  intruder’s mother lived a few houses down from Wiley  and is actually considered his ‘spiritual mother.’ The  intruder’s mother, Rev. Carlee Wiley too is very loved by  the community. Wiley was close to both mother and son. 

Even though she is grieving for her son, who police  says had been arrested eight times between 1994 and  2009 for such crimes as forgery, burglary, assault, battery  and shoplifting, she still had a mother’s love but also  understand Wiley’s action. Wiley had been in the hospital  and perhaps William thought he was not at home. 

Wiley is sorry for his death but felt he had no other  choice but to protect himself. No charges were filed.

On October 30, 2010 in  Jacksonville FL at the annual Florida  Gator/Georgia Bulldogs Fall Classic,  also known as the World’s Largest  Cocktail party, the Gators nipped the  Bulldogs to win in the first overtime  34-31. 

The first quarter of the game  was scoreless as both teams had  chances to score but the defensives  held strong coming away with interceptions  and creating fumbles. 

The Gators erupted in the 2nd  quarter with 3 touchdowns, courtesy  of Chris Rainey, Jeffrey Demps, and  Trey Burton. Georgia was able to  respond with a score from Bulldog  quarterback Aaron Morris to wide  receiver Tavarres King on a 63-yard  b o m b .  At the half, the Gators led 21-7. 

The sole score in the 3rd quarter  was a Bulldog 28-yard field goal  by Blair Walsh to inch the score at  the end of the quarter, Gators 21,  Bulldogs 10. 

In the 4th quarter, both teams  lit up the scoreboard with two Bulldog  touchdowns (Washaun Ealey 4-yard  scamper and 15-yard reception by  A.J. Green) and a 51-yard touchdown  run by Gator Trey Burton and  34-yard Gator field goal by Chas  Henry to knot the game up at the end  of regulation 31-31. 

In overtime, the Bulldogs got  the ball first, 1st down and 10 at the  Gator 25-yd line. The Gator defense  intercepted an Aaron Murphy pass to  stop that Georgia scoring attempt. 

The Gators took over 1st and  10 on the Georgia 25-yard line. After  several plays, the Gator offense  stalled and punter-turned-kicker  Chas Henry was called upon to  attempt a 37-yard field goal for the  Gator victory. With his teammates  support, he nailed the kick and  Gators won 34-31. 

This was the first overtime  game ever in the 95 year history of  this series. Florida head coach  Urban Meyers said, “This is the  biggest win we’ve had. We’ve had  some great wins around here and  maybe some people would say more  important. I’d probably argue that  one. This is the biggest one that I can  remember, and I’ve coached a long  time.” 

The win keeps the Gator SEC  Eastern Division title hunt and eliminates  the Bulldogs chances altogether.  Georgia came into the game with  a three game winning streak and  Florida a three game losing streak. 

The Gators (5-3, 3-3 SEC)  now will face Vanderbilt  Commodores (2-6, 1-4 SEC) on the  road on Saturday, November 6,  2010. The Commodores got  trounced by the Arkansas  Razorbacks 49-14. Expectations  would be the Gators will have no  problems winning this road game  after the emotional win over Georgia  this past weekend.

Can we now brag that Florida  understands the power and value of  a woman?

In 1992, Corrine Brown was  elected to serve in the U. S.  Congress and was again re-elected  Tuesday to add another four years  to her 18 years, already served.

You don’t have to ask why,  because everybody knows that  “Corrine delivers.” 

Now Florida can boast of another  trailblazer, Jennifer Carroll who  presently serves as a Florida State Representative and come January, she will take the  seat of Florida’s Lieutenant Governor – another first for Florida. 

Voting was not easy around the state, even though it appeared to be but one would  say it was not easy, using Duval County as an example of was displayed all around  America. People did not go to vote, especially members of theDemocratic Party. The polls showed early that the turnout was low. In Duval  County, there are 527,079 registered voters. There were 260,269 ballots cast,  49.38% of the registered voters, which is less than half of those who have the ability  to utilize their right to vote. 

Jennifer Carroll is truly a history maker since the 51-year-old is also the first black  female Republican elected to the state legislature. As an adopted child, born in  Trinidad, West Indies, she has shown much strength. The Navy veteran served for  more than twenty years, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. She was an aviation  maintenance officer with a degree in political science and she also has a master’s  degree. Both Congresswoman Corrine Brown and Lt. Elect Carroll hold master  degrees. 

They are both very talented women and have served the community well in their  elected positions. 

There were few Democrats elected during this mid-term election. Ms. Brown was  one and Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop of Georgia’s 2nd District, was re-elected  by a very small margin, even though he has served for 18 years. Also winning in  Florida is Iraq veteran, Republican, Allen West. The retired Lieutenant Colonel will  be representing Florida’s Congressional District 22. Ten Iraq veterans will join as  new members of Congress. 

Many were disappointed by some of the amendments for the State of Florida,  specifically Amendment 5 and 6. It is understood that even though the state voted  for the Amendment, it may not be able to become effective until after the census has  been counted and reported as it would go against the U. S. Constitution if the  approval change would overlook the minority population in the districts where such  a population is high and the citizens would prefer a minority representing them. 

Even though Ms. Carroll did not use this on her platform, her son, Nolan Carroll is  a rookie defensive back for the Miami Dolphins so, we know someone is really  ‘watching her back.’

There were over 95,000 consumers this year at the
Southern Women Show, held at the Prime Osborn
Convention Center. Nearly all vendors sold out of their
merchandise which made this the best year yet.

The Florida Star sponsored two fashion shows with
clothes from Ashley Stewart, modeled by Dangerous
Curves. And, as always, the crowd (women of all ages)
went wild over the firemen models, actually putting
money in their pants.

Corey Hunter (Chilly), a military veteran and a City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department employee, was well respected and loved. He died on Sunday, September 12 after jumping into a retention pond to save his 8-year-old niece. The child did not drown but Corey, who could not swim, did not make it. He was at the pond with his son and niece, doing what he enjoyed the most, being with the children. Five days after his death, his mother, Karolyn Hunter, was on the way to the funeral home to visit her only son, when she died of an apparent heart attack. Many said that Hunter would do anything to help a child. Losing his life to do so, proved that was true. Others said he was “a mama’s boy” and that too was apparently true so she truly could not live without him.

Written by Rinetta McLaughlin Fefie

Edward (Eddie) Nelson, 70, is known as one of the most fit 70 year old males in the world.  The most frequently asked question to Nelson is “How do you do it?”  For Eddie, the answer seems easy because of his personal goals in life which is:  “reflecting a healthy lifestyle for the human body.”  This is what he states in his book, “Old School Workout.”

            Edward Nelson was born in Washington, D. C. and now resides in Jacksonville, Florida.  He feels that he received his gift for having a positive mind and being physically fit from God.  He states that we all have gifts, and it is up to us to discover our own.

  Eddie’s passion for being fit started as a child with playing stickball, handball, table tennis, track, and of course while on the playground.  During the 1950’s he enjoyed spending time at the famous Uptown Gym in Harlem, New York where he was able to watch some great prize fighters such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis and Archie Moore.  He became more active at the age of 64 while working out at the World Gym and being observed by two men, who he later learned were NFL players, Donovan Darius and Brian Dawkins, who were astonished at his ability. 

  Mr. Nelson starts his day at 2 a.m. with his first work out.  He is a morning manager at the World Gym in Jacksonville.  His routine is to work out three times a day, Monday through Friday.  He retires to his bed each day at 6 or 7 p.m. and generally rest on the weekends.  Besides his gym workouts, Nelson also does public speaking and appearances.  One of his most recent trips was to Los Angeles, California with Mike Torchia, Head of Shaping Up America.  His biggest thrill was leaving Jacksonville, where Interstate 10 begins, and enjoying the beaches in Los Angeles, where Interstate 10 ends.  His greatest honor while there was the reception given to him by the Mayor and other honorable citizens of the city.

  Nelson actively competes each year in the Jacksonville Senior Olympic Games for the Javelin, Hammer, and Discus.  He holds the world record for doing the most wide-arm pull-ups with a 45 pound plate tied to his waist, which is in Ripley’s Believe it or Not.  He has received many honors, awards, and medals. In fact, he has appeared twice in Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

  When asked about his diet, he stated that he does not believe in diets unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.  He does believe that one should eat in moderation.  He states that everyone can’t make it to the gym everyday or have access to workout equipment.  Therefore, he has created a book which he  calls, “Old School Workout.” The book provides tips on how to exercise in an uncomplicated manner, and can be used by people of every age – from the very young to the very matured.

  Eddie has more fantastic advice in his book which can be found at Barnes and Nobles, Books A Million and from him directly.

  At 70, his main goal in life is to never stop working or working out and even has a modeling contract with an agency in Miami and a writing agreement with The Florida and Georgia Star newspapers.

  To live long and healthy, Eddie’s advice is to listen to your body, find the exercises that give you results, eat in moderation, and treat your body to proper rest.  He is thankful that his spouse, Deborah, daughter, Jackie Bell, grand children and great grand children, all understands.  He said his family provides him his biggest inspiration, support and encouragement.  And Eddie, you have definitely inspired this writer.

  You may reach Eddie Nelson at:  eddieoldschool@yahoo.com or at (904) 349-5288.