WESTSIDE GAZETTE FOUNDER DIES AT 94
Levi Henry, Jr., who launched Broward County’s Westside Gazette more than five decades ago, died this month. He was 94.
The publisher emeritus, who co-founded the paper with his wife, Yvonne Henry, gave the Black community a platform to uplift and empower African Americans whose concerns were ignored. The Westside Gazette is among the oldest Black newspapers in the country, focusing on critical stories impacting the Black community.
It continues Henry’s vision of giving the Black community a voice and helping to shape their lives. The paper is currently being run by his son, Bobby Henry Senior.
BROWARD COUNTY NAMES FIRST BLACK WOMAN DEPUTY BROWARD COUNTY ATTORNEY
Deputy Broward County Attorney Annika E. Ashton has made history.
Ashton will be the new Broward County attorney, effective Sept. 10, 2026, becoming the first Black woman and Jamaican American to assume the role.
Ashton has worked for Broward County since 2014, starting as an assistant county attorney and rose to senior assistant county attorney before becoming deputy county attorney in 2019.
She graduated from Princeton University and Columbia Law School and clerked for the Hon. Adalberto Jordan on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
KALINTHIA DILLARD LEADS PALM BEACH COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE
A familiar face was chosen to lead the Palm Beach County Inspector General’s Office.
Kalinthia Dillard, who previously was the deputy inspector general, is the new person in charge of running the independent oversight body which investigates allegations of fraud, waste, abuse and misconduct of 39 local governments.
Dillard, who earned her law degree from Florida State University College of Law in 1998 has been working for the Inspector General’s Office for 10 years.
Dillard has been the recipient of the Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals whose leadership and commitment have had a lasting impact on the legal profession and community.
POLITICAL CONSULTANT NAMED FLORIDA CITY DEPUTY CLERK
Makeda McLune was appointed the new deputy city clerk for Florida City.
In her new role, McLune supports municipal operations, legislative processes, public records management and transparent governance.
McLune was previously a legislative analyst for the City of Miami Gardens, providing legislative support and analysis for the city’s day-to-day operations.
Prior to this, McLune was a principal consultant for The McLune Group, which raised funds for political candidates, created campaign strategies and community outreach.
She was also the senior advisor for the U.S. Senate candidate Stanley Campbell.
VETERAN ADMINISTRATOR TAPPED TO LEAD FLORIDA CITY
Dr. James A. Poag, a distinguished public administrator in a career spanning two decades, has been appointed the new city manager for Florida City.
Paog will oversee daily operations, the city’s budget and enforce Florida City laws within the city’s boundaries.
Previously, Poag was director of the Office of Civic Engagement for the City of Miami Gardens, where he led initiatives to strengthen resident engagement, expanded civic awareness and had oversight of the $60 million general obligation bound projects for parks and recreation.
Poag holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a master of public management from St. Thomas University.
MYRIE EMBRACES NEW CHALLENGE AS NEW LAW FIRM MARKETING DIRECTOR
Brianna Myrie was recently promoted to director of sponsorships and marketing operation for Demesmin and Dover.
Myrie joined the law firm as an entry-level assistant during her senior year of high school and exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Now she’s leading the firm’s strategic growth by overseeing partnerships, community engagement, and brand development initiatives that strengthen Demesmin and Dover’s presence in multiple markets.
Myrie graduated from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla.
LONGTIME CULTURAL ARTS LEADER NAMED ASSISTANT THEATER DIRECTOR
Isis C. Roberts was named assistant theater director for the Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Liberty City.
Roberts, who joined the center in 1997, was previously theater administrator who demonstrated many talents in music and other cultural arts in a career spanning 29 years.
Roberts has been instrumental in expanding arts education and access within one of Miami’s most historically underserved communities.
During her tenure she has developed comprehensive music curricula and structured the center’s annual Arts Academics.
She is credited for igniting a passion that has shaped a career rooted in excellence, service, and cultural preservation.
