Author: Zenena Moguel

It’s not a class. It is a newsroom.

BY ZENENA MOGUEL
NNB REPORTER

*Sign of Neighborhood News Bureau located in Midtown. Photo courtesy of nnbnews.com.*

ST. PETERSBURG – At University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s (USFSP) Department of Journalism & Media Studies exists a class that prepares students for the path of professional journalism. Unless you’re a part of this department, you probably have not heard of Neighborhood News Bureau (NNB). To many it’s just another required course, but it carries a different meaning to those who have taken it. To those ‘it is a newsroom.’

“Neighborhood News Bureau is a mix. It’s not just a class,” said Dr. Bernardo Motta. “They actually work like they were working in a newsroom. They do their assignments just like they would do in a newsroom for publication.”

Founded by George Killenberg and late Robert Dardenne, NNB originated in 2001, but officially opened its offices in March 2006 in the community it continues to serve – Midtown, St. Petersburg. Just south of Downtown St. Petersburg, Midtown was once the heart of the black community. Though trying to get revitalized, the media as well as the government have always overlooked the community. NNB strives to serve this community and uncover the stories that still need to be discovered.

“Midtown is everything for NNB. Without Midtown, we don’t have NNB,” said Motta. “The stories we tell are stories that aren’t usually told in mainstream media. There’re so many stories that are missing and nobody is telling those stories. That’s what NNB does,” Motta continued. “We’re basically filling that gap.”

Indhira Acosta Suero, NNB reporter. Click on the picture to read her story[sg_popup id=”2″] 20151013_123839

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Lorien Mattiacci, NNB reporter. Click on the picture to read her story.

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Eric Vaughan, NNB reporter. Click on the picture to read his story.

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Danielle Von Dreele, NNB reporter. Click on the picture to read her story

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Undergraduate student Danielle Von Dreele and graduate students Indhira Suero Acosta, Eric Vaughan, and Lorien Mattiacci shared their experiences in NNB and believes NNB has prepared them for their future in journalism.

NNB is completely staffed by both undergraduate and graduate students and the faculty of the department. The newsroom aims to provide real-life experiences to young journalists and reporters while challenging the students to step out of their comfort zones.

“They have to pitch their stories. They have to come up with their own ideas and produce the stories for different types of media,” said Motta. “Jared [NNB’s Graduate Assistant] and I basically work more as the editors.”

Apart from getting out into the real world, these students get to hear from media professionals in the field. A number of award-winning media professionals shared experiences and knowledge with NNB students during the semester. The list includes Lara Cerri (photojournalist at the Tampa Bay Times), Michael LaForgia (investigative journalist at the Tampa Bay Times), Adam Playford (director of data and enterprise at the Tampa Bay Times), Mary Shedden (news director at WUSF), Craig Pittman (environmental journalist at the Tampa Bay Times) and Cynthia Barnett (environmental journalist and book author), and Kate Bradshaw (news and politics editor at the Creative Loafing Tampa).

After all, NNB is also building relationships with the mainstream publications like Creative Loafing and The Weekly Challenger. Multiple students have been published this semester, and for some it was their very first published work.

“I was so excited,” said graduate student, Lorien Mattiacci. “This was my first non-academic publication.”

From education, arts, events, and even the city council election of St. Petersburg, the impact NNB is having on the community is significant in building relationships with entrepreneurs, teachers, politicians, and members of the community.

Elihu Brayboy, entrepreneur and business owner, remembers the time he got involved with an article about the history of the Mercy Hospital in Midtown by a NNB student.

“The great thing that happen from it (article) was I got a phone call from a Dr. Crist, who happens to be Governor Charlie Crist father, who said he spent time at the Mercy Hospital as an intern when he first got out of med school,” said Brayboy. “He knew my mother and the doctor that was in the story and he knew a lot of other things. As a result, he was willing to meet with the student to talk more about the history of the Mercy Hospital from his perspective,” Brayboy continued. “So that is a phenomenal thing that would never have happened without the student assignment you guys are doing about the community.”

NNB students are working with many others like Brayboy who are being impacted by the stories these students are telling.

“It is very important for them (NNB students) to keep digging stories out which may seem to be redundant, but it’s not redundant, ” said Brayboy.

While NNB students are working on covering the Midtown community, the Midtown community, in turn, is having an impact in these students’ lives. Listen to NNB student, Clarence Ford, as he shared his story on how NNB has made him become a more active member of the Midtown community. Ford is also planning on joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

One would think this is an actual newsroom, and in reality it is. Each student selects a beat of his or her own interest preparing them for their future in journalism.

January 27, 2016

Voices of Midtown – Mr. C, The Performing Arts Director

November 21, 2015
Q&A: Steve Kornell
Each city council candidate was asked the same questions by NNB reporters. Here are their unedited responses.
1. Why are you running for City Council?
“To continue the work that I have started and that community has worked on with me for the last six years. Lots of things to continue and move forward. I haven’t even stopped. I’ve been doing things the whole time I’ve been up for re-election working on issues and pushing things forward. Things like the Skyway Marina District, purchasing environmental land like we did with Boyd Hill – expanding Boyd Hill, making sure that we fixed the sewer issues that we’ve had for a long time that have now really come to light and making sure that gets moving. So, I’m going. It’s not like what I will do after the election. It’s what I’ve been doing and continuing moving forward with that.”
1. What is your plan for Midtown?
“Well, I think there is a broader area. Like for example, Jabil Circuit moving into South St. Petersburg is good. That is very good. There is a lot of potential there. If we can get corporate headquarters into South St. Petersburg that will bring jobs. That’s a real game changer for South St. Petersburg, and Jabil Circuit coming in on 34the Street South is fantastic for example. So, I think that’s important. I think the Midtown campus of St. Pete College is important. I think public transportation that serves the community is important.”
1. What do you feel are issues impacting Midtown?
“Well, I think we need to make sure the city does things that are fair. You know, I think jobs. I think jobs are the most important thing. I think housing is important. I think jobs and housing are two of the most important things and giving people those opportunities that are important for everybody to have.”
November 3, 2015
Education, employment opportunities buoy candidate forum

BY ZENENA MOGUEL
NNB Reporter

City Council candidates and St. Petersburg residents take their seat as NAACP President, Maria Scruggs begins.

ST. PETERSBURG – Residents quickly filled the Enoch Davis Recreation Center for a final City Council Candidate forum hosted by the St. Pete National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Monday (Oct. 26) evening.

“This is a part of the NAACP legacy is the having an important voice in the voting process,” said NAACP President Maria Scruggs. “Our goal was we couldn’t afford to be silent, and we have two very important seats – District 5 and District 7.”

Four City Council candidates engaged in a tense and lively two-hour forum including District 5 candidates Steve Kornell and Philip Garrett and District 7 candidates Lisa Wheeler-Brown and Winthrop ‘Will’ Newton. While the candidates were there to express their plans to tackle issues and future for the city, the reason the residents attended centered around a main goal – a better understanding of what’s at stake this election.

Resident holding a sign about the importance of voting.

“I really just want to understand what are some of the positions that some of the candidates are taking on specifically key things that are affecting our community,” said resident Kent Channer of District 5. “Water registration, education for our children, economic opportunities for the diverse people that are here.”

“I plan on really understanding more of what (the candidates) are all standing for,” said resident Shane Armstrong, who lives in District 7.

The forum began with opening statements from each candidate expressing their goals for the overall betterment of the community. Coming out strong and highly intense in her statement was Lisa Wheeler-Brown addressing the allegations her opponent, Will Newton, has brought about throughout the race.

“My opponent and some of his supporters have been saying some pretty terrible things about me and my murdered son,” said Wheeler-Brown. “They’re accusing me of profiting from my murdered son’s murder.”

The forum continued with candidate responses on issues concerning economic development, the Failure Factories series of stories, and education. The issue of the Tampa Bay Rays even arose with Newton and Kornell sharing in agreement to not take the proposed deal and Wheeler-Brown and Garrett proposing the city should.

While Wheeler-Brown and Newton shared a similar vision for the community in providing better housing and job opportunities, Garrett and Kornell shared their differences with Garrett accusing Kornell of the lack of progress he has done over the past six years especially with education. However, Kornell was not afraid to hit back at these accusations with his involvement in educating youths and the importance of proper housing and jobs that will impact education.

From left to right, moderator, Adam Smith, District 5 candidates, Steve Kornell and Philip Garrett, and District 7 candidates Winthrop ‘Will’ Newton and Lisa Wheeler-Brown.

“You want kids to come in ready to learn, well of course we do,” said Kornell. “To do that your parents have to have a good job. You have to have a house – not sleeping in a car.”

As the candidates continue to share their stance on each issue, the crowd of residents was not afraid to show their agreement or disagreement with the candidates. In the end, many residents felt the forum strengthened the decision they already had.

“I came here knowing who I was supporting,” said resident Ashley Green.

For Green, this merely was an opportunity to confirm her decision. However, for other attendees such as Ray Tampa, who lives outside of districts 5 and 7, this was a chance to make sure the city continues to grow and prosper especially in education concerning the Failure Factories stories.

“I cried when I read what I read (Failure Factories),” said Tampa. “I’m very passionate about education.”

Although confirmed to attend, District 1 candidates Monica Abbott and Charlie Gerdes were not present at the forum.

Residents get to make their choice with their vote Nov. 3.

November 1, 2015
Steve Kornell looks to serve, for a final term

BY ZENENA MOGUEL
NNB Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG – Steve Kornell sees one vision for the future of the city.

“Equality for everyone,” he said.

Kornell, District 5’s current council member, has been in office since 2009. Kornell was re-elected in 2011 and is now running for a final term.

Born in 1966 at the now Bayfront Medical Center, Kornell has lived in St. Petersburg practically all his life. He attended Childs Park Elementary School and Gibbs High School. Kornell received his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Eckerd College and Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. As a School Social Worker for the Pinellas County School System, Kornell has always been devoted to education especially education among the youths.

Kornell speaking with members of the community. Photo courtesy of stevekornell.com.

As a social worker, Kornell is involved in the Childs Park Initiative Council (CPYIC), Pinellas Youth Pride, as well as many other community groups in hopes he will build a better and safer community. Involvement in the community is very important to Kornell. He wants more people to be engaged with the city.

“I want people involved,” said Kornell. “I live right here. People know me. People see me. I’m approachable. You can call me and I’m available to meet with you.”

Kornell serves on committees that fit his passions including the Youth Services Committee, Public Services and Infrastructure Committee and the Arts Advisory Committee. He focuses on issues of youth and safety through improvements including the renovation of the Lake Vista and Campbell Park Recreation Centers and the creation of the St. Petersburg multi-family crime reduction program.

Kornell aims to improve safety, schools, education, job creation and safeguards for the environment. Kornell wants to add officers to the police department. He plans to expand the city’s youth employment programs, fight against the increase of after-school and summer program fees as well as making the Shore Acres Recreation Center a reality. With St. Petersburg’s Grow Smarter Economic Development initiative, Kornell hopes to continue funding so more and better jobs can be created as well as welcome new businesses to the city. Kornell also said he plans to install solar panels on city buildings. The city can use capital funding for the panels and the energy cost-savings come from general funds to use for community programs.

Kornell is already working towards some of these goals.

“I met today (Oct. 26) with a team of partners including St. Pete College to try to rename our youth employment program so that kids that go through it get college certification in industries and college credit,” said Kornell.

As far as job creation, Kornell sees the area poised to become a music mecca like Nashville.

“We’re poised for it, and it’s going to be big,” he said.

Kornell speaking with other members of the community. Photo courtesy of stevekornell.com.

In his 2015 campaign, Kornell has raised more than $45,000. Major organizations such as the Police Benevolent Association and Pinellas Realtor Organization and individuals including Rick Baker, former Mayor of St. Petersburg, and Rene Flowers from the Pinellas County School Board have endorsed him. However, Kornell has lost one of his top endorsers, The Tampa Bay Times.

The city’s contract with the Tampa Bay Rays is a contentious issue in this election. Kornell said recently he is open to working on a solution, according to the Tampa Bay Times. He previously voted no on a plan to allow them to look to build a stadium elsewhere.

“Sometimes these are difficult choices when there is more than one quality candidate. Sometimes the decision is difficult because we wish we had other alternatives – just like voters sometimes do,” Tim Nickens, editor of editorials of Tampa Bay Times, said in an email. “But The Times traditionally always makes a recommendation based on who the editorial board concludes is best qualified among the candidates, because someone is going to be elected and voters are going to have to choose.”

However, Kornell is not worried about the endorsement or election results. He plans to stay engaged and active in the community no matter what happens Election Day.

“I will still be involved in my community. I didn’t get involved because I want to run for office,” said Kornell. “I was involved, and that’s why I ran for office.”

Residents will get their chance to vote for Kornell or opponent Philip Garrett Tuesday, Nov. 3.

For more information on Steve Kornell visit www.stevekornell.com.

October 30, 2015
NNB journalists add to The Weekly Challenger report

BY ZENENA MOGUEL
Email: zenenam@mail.usf.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2015) –Stories written by Neighborhood News Bureau journalists about education efforts, a new radio station and the longest-living pastor in Midtown were recently published in The Weekly Challenger, the Tampa Bay area’s largest circulating newspaper covering the African-American community.

Neighborhood News Bureau (NNB) journalists, Lorien Mattiacci and Indhira Suero Acosta, graduate students at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, are currently working towards their Master’s of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.

Mattiacci’s story In Pinellas County, groups collaborate to get kids reading focused on the Juvenile Welfare Board’s “Read Across the Globe” initiative, which partners law enforcement officers with students to help improve their reading.

When Mattiacci found out her story would be published, she was overjoyed.

“I was so excited,” said Mattiacci. “This was my first non-academic publication.”

Suero Acosta’s stories, Radio for the people and Bishop Leonard: 58 years serving the community, were also recently published. Her first story focused on Black Power 96 which is a radio station created by the African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF) to help the Midtown community. Suero Acosta’s second story made the cover as the main story. It was a feature on Bishop Preston D.H. Leonard, the longest living minister serving the community.

Suero Acosta was pleased that her hard work was being recognized.

“I was really happy because it shows that my effort paid off,” said Suero Acosta. “And, also because English is not my language so it’s really nice to have something published the first time that you do something.”

The Weekly Challenger and NNB partnership helps aspiring student journalists at USFSP get their work published in a professional publication.

Mattiacci and Suero Acosta hope to continue contributing.

To view full stories, please click the links below:

In Pinellas County, groups collaborate to get kids read

Radio for the people

Bishop Leonard: 58 years serving the community

About Neighborhood News Bureau

Neighborhood News Bureau is a working newsroom, staffed by University of South Florida St. Petersburg undergraduate and graduate students under the guidance of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies faculty members. The newsroom opened in Midtown, St. Petersburg March 2006. Its mission is to serve the Midtown and surrounding communities of St. Petersburg. For more information, visit http://www.nnbnews.com/ or email nnb@usfsp.edu.

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October 30, 2015
Times Talk: Targeting the elements of an environmental beat

By ZENENA MOGUEL
Email: zenenam@mail.usf.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Journalist Craig Pittman holding his new book, The Scent of Scandal.Photo Courtesy of Eric Vaughan

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Oct. 23, 2015) – Award-winning journalist, Craig Pittman, shared his experiences and advice for covering environmental issues to Neighborhood News Bureau (NNB) reporters Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Pittman has reported on environmental issues for the Tampa Bay Times since 1998. Along with working at The Times, Pittman has written multiple books including “Paving Paradise,” “Manatee Insanity,” and “Scent of Scandal.” With his knowledge and experience, Pittman targeted three major areas that fall into an environmental beat.

“The environmental beat is a great intersection of politics, science and the law,” said Pittman.

A slide titled “Telling the enviro story” from Craig Pittman’s presentation to future Journalists. Photo Courtesy of Eric Vaughan

According to Pittman, the environmental beat is the best part of the paper. As an environmental journalist, you get to cover some of the weird stuff. He mentions telling environmental stories can come in various forms. But, sometimes it’s not all about the cool weird stuff.

“It’s not just fancy nature writing and gee whiz science stories, but stories about human health or taxes,” said Pittman.

But, sometimes these stories can raise challenges including the length of the story and being able to get into the field. However, Pittman talks about his biggest challenge.

“There are too many freaking stories, and, it’s hard to get past all of them,” said Pittman. “Just finding the time to do stories on everything.”

Pittman discussing the “dos” and don’ts” of environmental journalism. Photo Courtesy of Eric Vaughan

In the end, there are different methods to target and build upon environmental stories. And, it’s finding different ways to approach the story. Pittman lays down some advice including using the Unified Field Theory in journalism. The Unified Field Theory is explaining all the forces at work. In journalism, Pittman advises looking at different events and seeing how they connect.

“The bottom line, look for your unified theory, start with a timeline, always keep your notebook dry,” Pittman said.

View the entire Times Talk with Craig Pittman here.

About Neighborhood News Bureau

Neighborhood News Bureau is a working newsroom, staffed by University of South Florida St. Petersburg undergraduate and graduate students under the guidance of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies faculty members. The newsroom opened in Midtown, St. Petersburg March 2006. Its mission is to serve the Midtown and surrounding communities of St. Petersburg. For more information, visit http://www.nnbnews.com/ or email nnb@usfsp.edu.

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October 27, 2015
Just A Little Love to Restore A Stronger And Diverse Community

BY ZENENA MOGUEL
NNB Reporter

ST. PETERSBURG – It was just another night where the sound of music and laughter filled the air of this vibrant community. It was Midtown in the 1940s bringing out the African-American culture. But, it was not always that way. It took brave and valiant individuals to build the lively and joyful culture of Midtown. Then, Sidney Harden and his grocery store was one these individuals, and today, it is Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy.

Sidney Harden’s advertisement on the outside of the grocery store’s wall. Published in St. Petersburg Historic 22nd Street South by Peck and Wilson, 2006, 68.

In 1942, Harden opened ‘Sidney Harden’s Grocery Store’ on 22^nd Street South. It was the place to get cultural food and resources throughout the community, according to the St. Petersburg Times. The grocery store also served local residents in times of need and comfort.

Harden was a neighbor and hoped the best for his community. According to a staff report from the City of St. Petersburg Community Preservation Commission, when local residents didn’t have enough, he gave and was known to hire residents for minor labor in exchange for food. He is remembered for his donations to different charities in the hope to make Midtown a better place for those in the community.

In the 35 years since the closing of Sidney Harden’s Grocery Store, that same passion and determination can be seen in Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy, better known as Mr. B and Mrs. B, and their hope to build a stronger and diverse Midtown. Despite a tough start and individuals’ perception of Midtown as being a rough place, the Brayboys decided to start their own business. They even have a reply for those with a misconception of Midtown.

“We’re putting the neighbor back into the hood,” said Elihu Brayboy. “Therefore it is a neighborhood.”

The café was renovated to meet modern day demands while keeping the design and layout of the historical Sidney Harden’s Grocery Store.

Although it was not what they intended, it became a place they now hold dear and true. Like Harden, the Brayboys are trying to invigorate the community. With just the start of a café, the Brayboys hope other businesses will see the opportunity Midtown has to offer.

“We value it and our view is it’s a great area and all it needs is love,” said Elihu Brayboy.

Named after Elihu Brayboy’s mother, Mary ‘Chief’ Brayboy Jones, a native of South Louisiana who catered to many celebrities such as Teddy Pendergrass, the Chief’s Creole Café serves a taste of Creole dishes including shrimp and grits, spicy jambalaya and Creole gumbo. Along with a delicious meal, customers have a choice of a spacious, elegant and vintage dining room or the outdoor patio setting to enjoy.

Chief’s Creole Café celebrates their first year anniversary on Nov. 1. The celebration starts with a momentous ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 30 with Mayor Rick Kriseman. The event leads into the ‘Masquerade Under The Stars’ with live entertainment and dancing.

“We are ready for the storm,” said Kenny Roberts, a restaurant employee. “We know it’s coming.”

This is just the start of a new and diverse Midtown. The Brayboys and their employees are definitely excited, but so are those in the community.

Cranston Cumberbatch, office manager of Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, has been a regular at Chief’s Creole Café since its opening.

“I really think that it’s a real treasure to this community,” said Cumberbatch. “For what (the Brayboys) are providing I think it’s really something good to help in the resurgence of this community to getting back to those memorable iconic places that so many residents in this community are familiar with.”

September 19, 2015