Shenie Norwood, a Volunteer for Trinity Cafe, was ready to serve the Tampa Bay Area community on a bright sunny Saturday morning on June 15, 2019; Photo by: Jonilda Francois
On June 15, 2019, Trinity Café, located at the First Church of God on E. Bush Ave in Tampa, FL, served meals for several people in the community that was waiting at the back door of the facility early Saturday morning. The volunteers for the organization were in the church’s restaurant area standing and wearing the organization’s purple apron, while the other volunteers were gathering cups filled with ice, and poured drinks into it. Before they started serving the homeless people breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., one of the coordinators was going over directions and information to the volunteers on treating, serving and greeting the guests. Several tables were set up, and each with a tablecloth, coffee cups, little blue flowers in a vase (centered), condiments, a number (to call out for an available table) and silverware.
Display of Cereals for the needy; Photo by: Jonilda Francois
“My favorite part about volunteering for Trinity Café is to see the smiles and the appreciation from the individuals that they reach out to, and make themselves available to serve the hungry [the needy]-those may not have any supports in Tampa,” said Shenie Norwood, a Volunteer for Trinity Café.
Trinity Cafe’s Door Greeter, Darlena Gainer, and Volunteer Supervisor, Jeremy Gloff, were ready to help serve meals in the Tampa Bay Area on Saturday, June 15, 2019; Photo by: Jonilda Francois
Trinity Café is a non-profit organization in two Tampa locations (Nebraska Ave and E. Bush Ave). It is a free service restaurant that feeds the community and part of a program with Feeding Tampa Bay.
Tables were all set and ready to go! Photo by: Jonilda FrancoisTrinity Cafe’s Volunteers were ready to serve hot meals; Credited by: Trinity Cafe via Facebook
Local Musician Jeremy Carter thinking about a musical project; Credited by Jeremy Carter
As the year 2019 (and the era of 2010) is coming to an end, music has captured the most iconic moments and unforgettable collaborations (so far) in this decade. From the time Beyoncé dropped her most surprised and successful self-titled album to Lil Nas’ breakout new hit single “Old Time Road” with country artist Billy Ray Cyrus. “The genre of music of 2010 has really captivated the audience in a different way. It was mostly focused on the pop and r&b, and somewhat of hip-hop,” said Jeremy Carter, a local Tampa Bay Musician.
Jeremy Carter, a local musician from the Tampa Bay Area, interviewed at Starbucks in Riverview, FL on June 9, 2019 Photo By: Jonilda Francois
Picture of Ariana Grande’s Album Sweetener Billboard Award at Full Sail University; Photo by Jonilda Francois
Additionally, there were more collaborations than ever before. Justin Bieber collaborated with Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi, a song called “Despacito.” The viral song that top charted in the 2017 Latin and Hot 100 Billboard for ten weeks, brought the Latin and pop roots together to get a broader, and diverse audience of new listeners.
Picture of Migos’ Culture II Billboard Award at Full Sail University; Photo by Jonilda Francois
According to Billboard.com, the Latin America market was the highest growth of streaming revenue by 49% continuing from the previous years. As for the North America market, it increased by 50% in streaming revenue last year.
Local Musician Jeremy Carter preparing to start his musical stunt; Credited by Jeremy Carter
How Hillsborough County Deputy Catherine Brown, Protects the Students in Spoto High School Produced by: Jonilda Francois
On May 31, 2019, a Deputy Sheriff was on the line of duty at Spoto High School to make sure the students, faculty, and staff were safe, during the last day of school for the 2018-2019 academic year. “To be able to see a kid graduate the end of their years while being a student, then they grow into adulthood…They’ll come back and visit you to say ‘Hey, this is what I’ve become,’” said Deputy Catherine Brown, of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Brown started her Law Enforcement career after nine and a half years on duty as a police officer with the University of South Florida (USF) Police Department and then transferred to her almost 20 years line of duty with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It allowed Deputy Brown to explore more of her career and to serve the county. “I got into this field because I love doing what I do. I have always been that person that wants to help people, so this is a way that I could share my gift of serving to the public,” said Deputy Brown.
Deputy Catherine Brown on duty at Spoto High School, on May 31, 2019 Photo By: Jonilda Francois
As a School Resource Deputy for Spoto High School, Deputy Brown felt that this is a rewarding job from the Sheriff’s Office to serve and protect the students, faculty, and staff from any harm’s way, including the community. “I’m just glad…God is allowing me to be in a situation where I can be able to serve the people… The children… And the students here in Hillsborough County.”
With several controversies about Law Enforcements across the country with social media, it caused many people to believe that the ones on duty don’t show the proper way of serving for the people, community, and country. Deputy Brown thinks that social media can be a positive impact on the Law Enforcement to show their way of caring and helping the citizens. “Is a way to address to the public, it’s the way to inform the public of things that are going on within the community, in which they live,” said Deputy Brown.
Volunteering at Feeding Tampa Bay’s Warehouse Produced by: Jonilda Francois
On Saturday, May 25, 2019, couple volunteers from the Tampa Bay Area came to Feeding Tampa Bay’s Warehouse to help package many foods for the hungry people. The volunteers started to work near 9:30 a.m. once they were directed what to do and what not to do, while putting foods into boxes.
Feeding Tampa Bay is associated with Feeding America. It’s a non-profit organization that its mission is to end hunger in the Tampa Bay Area. “So, Feeding Tampa Bay is an organization that serve ten counties in the Central Florida area. Is about 700,000 people who collect food reclaimed from the retail stores…,” Said Antoine Everett, Volunteer Supervisor for Feeding Tampa Bay.
Foods on the medal table at Feeding Tampa Bay’s Warehouse, on Saturday, May 25, 2019 Photo by: Jonilda Francois
There are two shifts at the warehouse for volunteers to help the organization to make Tampa a “hungry free” city. They have its schedule to start at 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays can be the fullest day for people to volunteer at the warehouse. It’s the most modern day because it falls on the weekend, convenient for people to help, and for some, it helps keep them being active during the week.
Feeding Tampa Bay’s Truck parked at the warehouse, on Saturday, May 25, 2019 Photo by: Jonilda Francois
“I have volunteer here several times with my son… I volunteer quite a few other establishments as well. But I really like this one because I’m the type of person who likes to be physically active, so… I always recommend this particular company to help people,” said Mercy Holland, the Volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay.
For more information about Feeding Tampa Bay, please visit FeedingTampaBay.org
On May 19, 2019, Indie Flea held an event at Armature Works in Tampa, FL. The event started at 11 am – 3 pm. According to their Instagram account, there were over 100 makers that showcased homemade and vintage products.
Indie Flea is an event for creative, business owners, and designers to show their handmade products (jewelry, plants, baked goods, vintage collectors, etc.). They are marketing in cities like St. Petersburg, Gainesville, and Tampa. Very soon, Orlando, Miami, and Nashville will be the next top cities to have their vintage event.
As people were entering the eco-friendly event, many were looking around to see the specific items that were made from scratch or used as antics. Several vendors made certain goodies like cookies and jam that are vegan items, and the event had a mix of today’s music and a slide show that helped bring in the excellent atmosphere.
“We’ve been working really hard on creating a community… From last year, getting our operations in a system,” said Becky Rudolf, Director of Operations for Indie Flea.
This year’s Indie Flea was a great kick-off, a week before the memorial weekend holiday for people to enjoy the sunny weather while looking for vintage summer clothes, accessories, and tasty treats.
“Since this is such a large production, we have over 100 vendors … We also have to connect with the venue itself, our promotions, the marketing, and we feel like we are catching a nice rhythm and really getting the community involve…” said Rudolf.
2019 Tampa Riverwalk Food and Art Festival Produced By: Jonilda Francois
This year’s Tampa Riverwalk Food and Art Festival was held in the bay area. Many people came to the event to see certain jewelry, sculptures, foods, food booths, and of course… Art! “Being able to provide and share a beautiful environment, for the public community at this venue, involving such talented vendors that both, have started with me years ago, as well as meeting many new faces and talent!” Said Wendy Harding, Market Coordinator for Your Tampa Markets via email.
The event was held under Your Tampa Markets on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Water Works Park in Tampa, FL (near Blake High School and Armature Works). It started at 10 am – 7 pm, with many vendors and booths to share many talented and local business owners in the community.
“I started in 2012 on Harbour Island, as a vendor, at a local waterfront restaurant with one table, and selling jewelry. It grew from 1 to 68 vendors over time. Since then, I have coordinated Fresh Markets at the Port of Tampa’s Channelside and Downtown Tampa, Artwalks, Food Truck events, leased Artisan Kiosks & mall markets,” said Harding.
It was a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon, on May 11, 2019. People from the Tampa Bay Area were very thrilled and fascinated about seeing the Tampa Riverwalk Food and Art Festival event. There were tunes played by a local artist and musician, cultural and homemade foods, arts and crafts, and cute shops, just in time for Mother’s Day.
According to Harding, she is planning to do the event again next year and may not relocate. “I think we already outgrew this one, but I like consistency, and right now, I don’t see changing what works.
If you like more information about the next Tampa Riverwalk Food and Art Festival, visit https://yourtampamarkets.com
The Tampa Riverfest Festival 2019 video created by Jonilda Francois
The beautiful Tampa Riverwalk had their 5th Annual Tampa Riverfest by Verizon on May 3rd and May 4th, 2019. This was a free event for everyone in the Tampa Area to come to relax and enjoyed the 85 degree temperature at the Citrus Hixon Park, MacDill Park, The Sail Pavilion, Glazer Children’s Museum, and other places along the Riverwalk.
On May 4th, the Tampa Riverfest took place at the Curtis Hixon Park. The Riverfest event had a VIP Tent and required people to purchase a wristband(s). There was Live Music, Wiener Dog Derby, and a TacoFest that started at 10 a.m. Later that night, the event was scheduled to do the hot air balloon glow as part of the fun before they ended the festival at 10 p.m. It was the second day of this friendly and free community event this past weekend. There were no interviews conducted with the Tampa Riverfest committee.
People are cruising on their boat on the Hillsborough River at the 5th Annual Tampa Riverfest on Saturday, May 4th, 2019
During the day, several attendees were on the Hillsborough River on boats, enjoyed margaritas and beer drinks at the bar, received free sample of orange juice, food trucks, tacos, and/or listen to live music at the Curtis Hixon Park. While enjoying the events with family and friends, and their dogs.
Along the Riverwalk, there were several other events that day. Attendees can go to the Kentucky Derby Watch Party at the Armature Works from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., the Hillsborough County Schools Music Performance and the Plank Bar were held at the MacDill Park at 11 a.m., and the Tampa Museum of Art had an admission discount for anyone to come half the price of the ticket(s).
Attendees were walking along the Tampa Riverwalk to see other activities during the 5th Annual Tampa Riverfest on Saturday, May 4th, 2019
Based on the website, the Tampa Riverfest committee is planning to do the event again next year. If you would like to get more information, please visit their website at https://thetampariverwalk.com/events/riverfest/
Only 51% of women are known to be targeted, and among them are in the sex industry by 72% in human trafficking than men and children, according to Anti-Slavery.
What can you say to many people about Human Trafficking? Does anybody know this continuing issue that is a problem in their community, county, and country?
According to anti-slavery, human trafficking is being forced to do enslave and inappropriate activities. Human Trafficking is not only happening in the United States, but it’s also a global situation in many other countries.
On April 24, 2019, Kevin Griffin, a former Front Desk Agent for Courtyard by Marriott and a Human Trafficking Activist, discussed in the first blog’s podcast about Human Trafficking and self-defense. As the interview was being conducted at one of the most popular Starbucks at Brandon, Florida, Griffin went into detail about this horrific-violence exploitation recruitment of vulnerable individuals, that are being forced to do inappropriate behavior to their “owners” during labor work.
Kevin Griffin, a former Courtyard by Marriott Front Desk Agent, being interviewed about Human Trafficking at Starbucks in Brandon, FL on April 24, 2019.
“There are two types of human trafficking… There is basically slavery, borderline… It’s actually just cheap labor that children and some women are sold off into certain countries,” said Griffin.
As many people like Griffin, that works in public areas (hotels, restaurants, parks, etc.) can detect several signs of people that are showing unusual behavior that might attack or kidnapped someone in a matter of time. According to Homeland Security, you can identify an individual by recruiting people that want to live the “American Dream,” in a vulnerable stage of their lives, or other promises that are convincing to do labor work.
The 2019 Bay Area Renaissance Festival at Mosi, was one of the events that were held in Tampa, during the weekends of Feb. 16th – Mar. 31st, between the times of 10am-6pm. There were many fun, creative, and memorable activities for family and friends that enjoyed the fantastic festival. Whether there were many costumes of fairies, leprechauns, mermaids, or Irish dancers, with craft beers and food, the excitement of the many faces was pleased. Also, as the reps for the Bay Area Renaissance Festival committee quoted on their website and over the phone, “rain or shine,” meaning the event did go on!
There was not a conducting interview with the Bay Area Renaissance Festival Committee.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival at Mosi is held every year located across from the University of South Florida (USF). It is the celebration of the European theme of the 16th Century full of entertainment and had the festival’s marketplaces that sell handmade shirts, bags, utensils, sculptures, and other souvenirs.
During the weekend of Mar. 16th and 17th, the theme for the festival were Shamrock and Shenanigans. It was one of the largest St. Patty’s Day celebration in the bay area. Many people had on their best St. Patty’s Day costumes (or wore green) to enjoy the festival. While the event was going on, the weather was not pleasant, it rains a little, but that did not stop anybody from having the time of their lives.
As many people were chugging craft beer and eating fried turkey, there was live entertainment — for instance, the Wheel of Death, Mud Show, musical events, and much more. Overall, the Bay Area Renaissance Festival will come back next year with more exciting and fun activities.
The 90’s kids and 90’s babies can remember a time when they were crazy about their favorite artists whether it’s Brittany Spears, Lauren Hill, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, or Destiny Child’s. Now everything changes, but CDs and tape cassettes are antics relics of the past.
“Electronic streaming is currently the best way to reach the most people around the world at one time. All kinds of songs and genres became available through online platforms,” said Khalil Garcia, a USF undergrad student, Class of 2019, via email.
Garcia is a current undergrad student from USF, who is knowledgeable about the music industry and understands how technology is helping today’s artist to make music and promoting their brand.
“The biggest change that’s occurred within the industry is the emergence of the digital revolution. CD’s along with boom boxes and mp3 players are a thing of the past,” said Garcia.
During the 90’s, it was the era of teen-pop, R&B, rap, reggae, and dance-pop music that transition a blend of a spinal of popular music. That time, CDs were a high demand for sales which caused many consumers to purchase their favorite musicians and artists’ albums, according to RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Also, the new phase of digital devices, like the MP3, that was released in the late 90’s, helped with the advance of technology in the music industry.
Before today’s artists were searched and found through social media, A&Rs (Artist and Repertoire) in the 90’s, found artists from demo tapes and CDs, and local musical events. With Instagram as one of the powerful platforms to find artists like today’s Grammy-Award Winner rapper Cardi B, has helped paved the way for her and other artists’ successful career(s).
Picture of Kanye West’s late registration Album Award Plaques at Full Sail University; Photo by J. Francois
“The more likes and the more views… It’s just the way it is. It’s saturated… But you still got to go out and put your name out there,” said Rawtraxx, a local musical producer from Tampa.
As a music producer, Rawtraxx has seen the transition of the music industry for over 20 years, and notice that social media has taken over for new musical artists to make a name for themselves to showcase their work, by linking their projects on different social media platforms.
Picture of Beyoncé’s dangerously in love Album Award Plaques at Full Sail University; Photo by J. Francois
“It changes now… It’s a lot of artists that you don’t know, that take it real serious. If the A&R can see a new artist with 47,000 viewers and likes, now half of their work is already done,” said Rawtraxx.
According to Nielsen, the demand for streaming music and videos are on the rise by 43% from last year. That shows consumers today, compared to 20 years ago are downloading music instead of purchasing CDs or albums. Also, it was the year of female empowerment in the music industry, to dominate the Billboard Hot 100, like artists Camila Cabello and Ariana Grande.
Contact Jonilda Francois at JFrancois2@student.fullsail.edu or Follow on Twitter: @jonilda_f
Jonilda Francois 