Kerron Thomas

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Kerron Thomas, neighbor and friend.  The following is from the Tallahassee Democrat.

Kerron S. Thomas, 29, departed this life Thursday, February 9, 2012, at his home in Tallahassee, Florida. Funeral services will be 11 am, Mon., Feb. 13 at Strong & Jones Chapel with burial at Southside Cemetery in Tallahassee.

He is the son of Stelbert and Rose McCoy Thomas, of Apalachicola, Florida.

He attended elementary school in Clarendon, Jamaica where he was born. Kerron moved to Tallahassee, Florida in 1995 and graduated from Lively Technical Center. After graduation, he was employed at Strictly Wholesale from 1999 to 2008 in Tallahassee, Florida where he made custom design doors and windows. Kerron learned carpentry and masonry skills from his father, Stelbert Thomas.

Prior to his spinal cord injury on July 31, 2011, Kerron established S. T. Concrete, Inc. where he enjoyed and worked diligently remodeling houses, building decks, making doors, window frames and restoring historic windows. He took pride in his work as a master carpenter.

He accepted the Lord as his personal savior to lead and guide his path in every walk of life on August 21, 2011. Kerron (K.K.) was a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle and friend.

He leaves to cherish his memories, grandmother, Gwendolyn Thomas, Clarendon, Jamaica; two brothers, Lawrence Thomas, Tallahasseee, FL, Angeto (Reiko) Thomas, Northridge, CA; one sister, Susan Thomas, Tallahassee, FL; one niece, Iyana Thomas; Tallahassee, FL; five aunts, Beverly Thomas Kelley and Clarissa Thomas, both of Brooklyn NY, Esmine McCormick and Lois Wynn, both of Tallahassee, FL and Geraldine Black, Havana, FL; two special nephews, Kamasculine Dawkins, and Brandon Bradwell, both of Tallahassee, FL; one special niece, Dallas Kennedy; three special uncles, Daniel McGuire, Defuniak Springs, FL, Darrel (Sandra) McGuire, Atlanta, GA and Anthony McGuire, Crawfordville, FL; two special cousins, Renee (Frank) Diltz, Orlando, FL, Taryn (Chance) Jones, Clermont, FL and a host of friends and other relatives.

Thought you’d like to know

On February 6, Leon County School officials, Governor Rick Scott, and City of Tallahassee broke ground on a new compressed natural gas (CNG) facility near Seminole Manor.  This new CNG fueling station will be located north of the intersection of Capital Circle SW and Pensacola Street (Highway 20).

This new facility will provide fuel for Leon County School’s 14 CNG vehicles, but according to recent news reports, the station will also provide service to private citizens and other businesses.  This is a first-of-its-kind facility in Florida.

You may have also noticed land clearing near the intersection of Jackson Bluff Road and Capital Circle SW.  Although it has been difficult to confirm, it appears that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is constructing a new Army Reserve Center at this location.  The site will consist of 3 buildings of varying sizes.

Burglary Updates

As you know, there have been a string of burglaries in Seminole Manor over the last several months, and although this mirrors a bigger trend across Tallahassee, it may not make you feel any better. However . . . .

We are happy to report that the Tallahassee Police Department has made an arrest in connection with some of the burglaries in Seminole Manor. It’s possible these individuals may be linked to other burglaries, but there is no way to make that connection. Regardless, this is definitely good news.

Of course, there is always a BUT . . . . . Just because this arrest has been made, it does not mean that you should be less alert about your surroundings and your home security. The individuals arrested were responsible for some of the burglaries but not all. As it was pointed out, criminals can be like roaches. For everyone you see, there may be several more you don’t.

Continue to monitor your surroundings and report suspicious activity immediately. Some of you have asked how to recognize suspicious activity. TPD has provided a document which will help.   We’ve posted it here.

Lastly, TPD has put in a request to have two new “Neighborhood Watch” signs installed in the neighborhood. This is one of the topics that was raised during our last meeting. We will certainly want to install more, but this is progress.

TPD’s Tips for Spotting and Reporting Suspicious Activity

Spotting and Reporting Suspicious Activity

The following information was provided by the Tallahassee Police Department to help you recognize and report suspicious activity that might indicate the potential for criminal activity.  Remember, taking a proactive approach to crime and trust your instincts.  Always call TPD at 891-4200 or the Leon County Sheriff’s Office at 922-3300 with reports of suspicious activity or suspicious individuals.

Despite the best efforts of law enforcement and neighborhood groups, crimes are committed daily in communities everywhere.  The best response is to remain vigilant by taking reasonable steps to secure your property and become involved by reporting potential criminal activity.  Be Alert – Not Afraid!  Fear creates panic within communities. 

The Tallahassee Police Department is committed to partnering with neighborhood groups and educating the community on situational awareness.  In most cases you are in control of the circumstances in which you place yourself. Just by being aware that you are a potential victim of crime is the first step toward prevention.

Neighborhood Watch groups frequently ask why certain types of crimes are being committed in their neighborhood and what types of activity they should report to law enforcement.  The following are some guidelines to assist with reporting activity.

Who is committing crimes in your neighborhood?

•         Suspects who live in your neighborhood
•          Suspects who live in other neighborhoods in Tallahassee
•         Suspects who live in other cities and have traveled to your neighborhood to commit crimes

How do I know what is “Suspicious”?

Identifying suspicious activity is not a difficult science. Rely on your judgment. Your perception of suspicious behavior could simply be based on a “feeling” that something “doesn’t look right.”  Your suspicions will be based on:

• Experience
• Judgment
• Common sense

If you have any doubt, call the police – you may help prevent a crime.

Unusual or suspicious activity does not necessarily mean that a crime is happening, but be aware of the following suspicious behaviors:

• Individuals avoiding eye contact/trying not to be noticed
• Individuals departing quickly when seen or approached
• Individuals in places they don’t belong (walking out of someone’s back yard!)
• Over dressed for the type of weather
• Any type of activity or circumstance that seems frightening or unusual within the normal routines of your neighborhood, community, and workplace.  

 

Learn to recognize the difference between normal and abnormal behavior. It can be a fine line. Stay alert in your daily travels and routines and get to know:

• Who your neighbors are
• What cars are normally in your neighborhood
• Who regularly walks or jogs in your neighborhood

Staying alert is NOT about becoming paranoid. Staying alert is being aware of one’s surroundings. Be alert to indications of possible trouble. They may include:

• A local activity that could indicate problems in your neighborhood, (i.e. door to door soliciting)
• Previous activity or crimes.
• Recurring trends or seasonal crime patterns
• Recurring sightings of suspicious persons and/or vehicles

 

What To Do If You Spot Suspicious Activity

If you see suspicious behavior, do not confront the individuals involved.

Take note of the details:

S – Size (Jot down the number of people, gender, ages, and physical descriptions)

A - Activity (Describe exactly what they are doing)

L - Location (Provide exact location)

U – Uniform (Describe what they are wearing, including shoes)

T – Time (Provide date, time, and duration of activity)

E - Equipment (Describe vehicle, make, color etc., license plate, camera, guns, etc)

Suspicious activity is often recalled after an event. We must train ourselves to be on the lookout for things that are out of the ordinary and arouse suspicions.

 

The simplest measure you can take to protect yourself against crime is to incorporate certain habits into your daily routine that make you and your family less vulnerable, to adopt a “security conscious” lifestyle. The best prevention is precaution. Be cognizant of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

A print-friendly version of this document is available.  Just click the following link: SMNA Tips for reporting suspicious activity