DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE

Transcription

1 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Chapter The Iron Press DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE February 2018 Vol 35 issue 2 Our Mission Statement: WHO WE ARE ABATE is a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiast from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals that share a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of Freedom. We promote motorcycle safety, training & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB

2 OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors and friends who work, pay taxes, and get involved with our community. We serve and support our country and believe in freedom. We use all legal means to protect our rights without infringing on the rights of others. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of Florida as a motorcycle rights organization or a MRO. ABATE of Florida, Inc. currently is the only political MRO in Florida representing the interests of its members and the motorcycling public at large. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is dedicated to securing and protecting the rights of all motorcyclists in the state ABATE S Objectives are to: Keep all bikers informed on legislative actions and events that affect their safety and rights. Be a powerful political force in legislation that affects Motorcycle safety and rights. Provide a lobbyist that will represent ABATE interests at State and National levels. Promote voter registration and to motivate members to speak up for their rights. Promote safety without infringing on individual rights and freedoms. Educate the public and Motorcycle Awareness and safety Issues. ABATE s Accomplishments: ABATE was the driving force behind the changes in Florida s Helmet Law. Florida Motorcyclist, over the age of 21 and who carry at least $10,000 medical insurance coverage now enjoy the Freedom to Choose whether to wear a helmet or not. ABATE has developed & copyrighted The Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program (MSAP). The program is presented to non-motorcyclists to educate them on how to safely share the road with motorcycles. It is taught in local schools & to civic organizations at no charge in the hope of reducing motorcycle accidents and deaths through education, not legislation. ABATE had gained a positive and respected position in Tallahassee. Because of our Lobbyist and Legislative efforts, State Representatives are aware of ABATE members and our vigilant quest. ABATE reminds travelers every day to Look Twice Save a Life, Motorcycles are everywhere through our billboard campaign. Disclaimer The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Polk County Chapter or ABATE of Florida Inc. This newsletter encourages all members to submit ABATE related material, photos, events, and commentaries, etc. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Polk County Chapter of ABATE accepts no responsibility for the comments, views or opinions contained in the newsletter. Polk County Chapter reserves the right to edit or omit any article submitted for publication. All materials submitted to Polk County Chapter for use in this letter becomes property of the chapter. Guidelines for Submissions Members are asked to submit articles, photos and other materials that would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the Meeting. All board members are encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters, profanity or nudity. Identification Statement ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL

3 Position Name President James Doc Reichenbach Vice President Darrin Scribe Brooks Secretary Shelly Johnston Treasurer Patti Nasrallah Sgt. at Arms Marcus Hotelling PR/Communications Sally Carroll Webmaster Dan Slo Mo Henderson Masterlink Editor C/O State Office Membership Laurie Hanley Safety Program Victor Piorkowski Legislative Darrin Scribe Brooks Products Steve Caretaker Knee Legal Larry Crow Position Name Phone President Mark Zman Zinser Vice President Greg Vernon Secretary Laneata Lo McDermott Treasurer Rawson (Rusty) Goff Sgt. at Arms Tim Roadmap McDermott Membership Ralph Snearly Safety Rawson (Rusty) Goff Products Greg Vernon PR Aaron McCormick Legislative Mark ZMan Zinser Delegates Tim Roadmap McDermott Dewey Cain Newsletter Jenni Stapleton Webmaster Steve Ammerman

4 2 Hey y all It was great to see such a good turn-out for our first chapter meeting of The breakfast ride led by Roadmap (thanks bro) was picture perfect! Just a reminder, every month before the chapter meeting, some of us get together for an informal ride through the prettiest back roads in Polk, and sometimes Hillsborough & Pasco counties. Doing breakfast is an option. Look for details in this newsletter or ask a fellow member. KSU at 9am, Breakfast at 8am at the Lunchbox on Memorial. Suggestions on doing this are always welcome! The annual run to Tallahassee is Feb This ride is for ABATE to show our politicians that we are involved regarding their actions, and WE VOTE!! Look up your Rep or Senator in this newsletter and call them for a face to face with them Monday the 12th, if you are able to make it. Ask Roadmap about details. Our next date to grill Burgers & Dogs at Lakeland Harley Davidson is Sat. March 24. This is a fund raiser, and also fun to do. Need 4 or 5 volunteers to work it, and hopefully anybody out riding that day will stop by to say hi and shoot the breeze. We discussed our annual gun give away at the last meeting. More from VP Greg on that. Also, our most fun event, the soon to be world famous Skills on Wheels Motorcycle Rodeo will be in May. More details to follow. Don t forget to check the State Newsletter (Master Link) for events from other chapters that you can go to and support. That s it for this month, so RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY Zman Vice President Hey all Hey what a great turn out for this last meeting. I trust everyone is getting geared up for the run to Tallahassee and Bike week. When you re out and about let everyone know that you are a part of ABATE OF FLORIDA and POLK COUNTY CHAPTER is your chapter, maybe let them know when and where our next meeting is and invite them to come out, remember strength is in numbers. Stay safe and ride safe my brothers and sisters. Secretary THANK YOU to today s meeting attendees: Lo Alexander, David LaRose, Dewey Cain, Cecil Mitchell, George Swatzbaugh III, Gary Saunders, Linda Vernon, Greg Vernon, Ralph Snearly, Darlin Deb, Kevin Culison, Gerry Elliot, Steve Ammerman, Aaron McCormick, John Klugo, Kat Sullivan, B. Kennedy, Jeannie Parnell, Ginny Sullivan, Wayne A. Paskman, Virginia Stapleton (Jenni), Muff McLeod, John Tardy, Tim McDermott, Antonio Gonzalez (Tony), Al Haines (Mal Al), David Cox, Kay Floyd, Mike Gray, Z Man, Rawsom M. Goff (Rusty), T. Morris, T. Morris Sr., Terry Butler 1:00p. The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence were led by President, Z Man. He welcomed everyone and spoke of coming events. The Tallahassee Run will be Feb

5 3 We cook at H-D Sat. March 24. After a spirited discussion, we decided to have the gun drawing at the annual Skills on Wheels rodeo. The rodeo will be Saturday, May 12th. VP, Greg Vernon thanked everyone for coming out. Discussion: What s best for home defense? A nice pistol and an AK-47. Ralph volunteered to oversee ticket sales. Only 500 tickets will be printed! Secretary, Lo Alexander thanked everyone for signing in. There were no adjustments suggested for December s meeting minutes. MOTION TO ACCEPT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Treasurer, Rusty Goff told us what we had. His report was ACCEPTED UNANIMOUSLY. Arms, Tim McDermott led a very nice ride this morning. [He leads one every meeting morning. Read his article this newsletter.] For the Tallahassee run, meet at the 98 N. and Daughtery Saturday Feb. 10th. The State meeting is the 11th. And MONDAY is the day you all will RIDE ON THE CAPITAL! [This is the heart of ABATE to me. A brisk ride from Monticello thru Tally and up to the Capital and park in the COURT YARD. This is your opportunity to express yourself.] Membership, Ralph Snearly announced the new membership numbers better than ever! PR, Aaron McCormick had nothing going on right now Safety, Rusty Goff warned us of seasonal challenges: new or worsening potholes, intersections, construction and, always, the unfamiliar. Newsletter, Jenni Stapleton told us Friday is the deadline for articles, classified, letters to the Editor, and PHOTOS. Products, Greg Vernon brought BLM T s and chapter T s. He will order year pins, consider zip hoodies and get new hats. Bring your hat size to the next meeting. Legislation, Z Man brought news. The House is considering daylight savings time. We vote to have it permanently-no changing it back and forth. Texting may finally become a primary offense.::::::::crashes are up but deaths are down. Read more in this newsletter. Webmaster, Steve Ammerman reminded us to check Facebook ABATE of Florida and Polk Co. Riders. OLD BUSINESS: The rodeo will be May 12. Come, help, practice your skills on wheels! NEW BUSINESS: none The Good of the Order: Brooksville will host a Native American Festival Feb. 2.::::::::::Thank you, Tony.:::::::::The Cobras invited us to their Chili Cookoff today.:::::::thank you, Ginny for your wonderful and delicious hospitality!! Adjourn: 2:04 Respectfully Submitted, Lo Alexander January 23, 2018 Sgt. of Arms I hope you all had a safe and happy New year.we had 5 bikes and 10 people ride to Tarpon Springs on our annual New years ride.hardy souls I tell ya! Cold and wet.it was all about the ride and brotherhood.it is also nice to eat a nice meal and talk with all your friends about whats goin on in the world today, just the good stuff mind ya Gettin ready for the Tally ride, lookin forward to seeing some of my bothers and sisters!i m thinking positive for the weather, not too cold and no rain sounds good to me.we had a good turnout for our Breakfast ride,i believe I got couple of my brothers turned around,haha,thats all ways nice.we all strive to find new roads to ride so thats why its nice to have someone new or been around the block to show us some new ground.any time someone would like to lead our breakfast ride,just let me or Dewey know at breakfast and I will be happy to give you the reins.we meet at the the Brunch Box on Memorial Blvd.[92] Lakeland,Fla.on the third Sunday of every month at 8oclock for breakfast with KSU at 9.We always meet at the Boondocks for our Chapter meeting.ya'll come on out and start enjoying what goin on with Polk ABATE.We got our Rodeo and gun drawing coming up May 12,I hope all can participate in these annual events.thanks,ride Safe,Ride often, an Ride like ya stole it! Membership New Members: Steven Clark and Paul Gauthier Renewing Members: Vickie Bradshaw, Dewey Cain, Kevin Cullison, Deb Daggett, Don Jones, Tom Lowndes, Aaron McCormick and Z-Man Due in January: Michael Harman Due in February: Jamie Blankenberg, Gary Saunders, Greg Vernon and Charles Wallner Due in March: William Ford, Janes Griffin, Robert Lewis, Abel Santos, Jeffery Schiling and Brian Short Please renew a month early to advoid expiring and losing your years of continuous membership.

6 4 Dues can be paid at our Chapter meetings or mailed to P.O. Box 2743 Lakeland, FL If you have not updated your contact information recently, did not receive your renewal notice or are a new member or renewal and haven t received your membership card, please me at membershipabatepolk@hotmail.com or mail at ABATE of FL, Inc. Polk Co. Chapter P.O Box 2743 Lakeland, FL Products It was requested by the chapter to look into some long sleeve shirts and ball caps and some hoodies (zip up). And that info will be relayed out to the chapter by the next meeting. Your years of service pins will also be ordered from the state and hopefully picked up at the next state meeting. Any questions please give me a call. (863) All orders must be paid in advance. Thank you. Safety NO SUBMISSION Legislative Hey y all.here is the latest from Tallahassee and beyond..zman. TOUGHER TEXTING WHILE DRIVING BAN MOVES IN HOUSE With support from the House speaker, a proposal to make texting while driving a primary offense in Florida received unanimous support Tuesday from a House panel as the 2018 legislative session opened. The House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee approved the measure (HB 33), which would allow law-enforcement officers to stop vehicles when they see motorist s texting behind the wheel. This will prevent the actual behavior of texting behind the wheel, said Rep. Emily Slosberg, a Boca Raton Democrat who is co-sponsoring the bill with Rep. Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa. Because right now, it s completely unenforceable as a secondary offense. Currently, motorists can only be charged with texting and driving if they are stopped for other offenses, such as speeding. The bill, which must still go before two more panels, advanced despite concern by St. Petersburg Democrat Wengay Newton --- a committee member who voted for the bill --- who said the change from a secondary to primary offense could be used to racially profile African-Americans. I know the inference of having the safety. Newton, who is black, said. I get it. But at the same time, when you talk about how it affects everybody in the state there are a lot that look like me that I want to ensure get a fair shake. Also, some supporters of the texting-while-driving ban would prefer lawmakers require motorists to be hands free from electronic devices. They also contend the House proposal could prevent law enforcement from inspecting electronic devices if drivers simply claim

7 they were using allowed GPS rather than typing messages. There s just too many loopholes in it, said Demetrius Branca, whose 19- year-old son Anthony Branca was killed by a distracted driver just over three years ago in Tallahassee. In my mind, distracted driving, the core of it, is no different than drunk driving. You are doing something that you know to be dangerous, and you are endangering everyone around you. The House bill would allow motorists to text while in stationary vehicles and would require law-enforcement officers to inform drivers they have a right to decline a search of the wireless devices. The measure also would prohibit officers from confiscating handheld devices without warrants. The civil liberty protections were important for many lawmakers. Bills in the past to toughen texting-whiledriving laws have failed to advance in the Republican-dominated Legislature. Slosberg said after the meeting she d prefer a hands free requirement and for charges to be criminal, but she said the bill had been negotiated and needs to be viewed as a step in the right direction. We re moving the needle, added Toledo, who noted her stepson bragged that he knew he couldn t be pulled over for texting while driving unless he was committing a separate offense. That s when I m thinking we need harsher legislation, Toledo said. We need to be clear with our children that you cannot text and drive. The proposal got a major boost in December when House Speaker Richard Corcoran announced his support. The Land O Lakes Republican said that as the father of six children, including two teens who have driver licenses, he has become convinced by statistics showing the dangers of texting while driving, particularly for younger drivers. The state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported nearly 50,000 distracted-driving crashes in 2016 in Florida, including 233 deaths. Slosberg sought a texting-while-driving ban in the 2017 session and has spent the past several months urging support from local governments. More than 20 counties and nearly 30 cities approved resolutions in support of making texting while driving a primary offense. For Slosberg, efforts to increase traffic safety are also personal. On Feb. 23, 1996, Slosberg and her twin sister, Dori, got into a car with friends. The driver, 19, was speeding 90 mph in a 50 mph zone when the car struck a median and crashed into a car heading east. Emily Slosberg survived the crash with a punctured lung and several broken bones. Dori was killed along with four other teenagers. The bill does not alter existing fines --- $30 plus court costs for a first non-moving violation and $60, court costs and three points on a driver s license on a second offense within five years of the first. By not changing the fines, the House measure is closer in line with a Senate bill (SB 90) by Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, that will go before the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday. NO-FAULT INSURANCE REPEAL GETS SENATE BACKING TALLAHASSEE --- An effort to eliminate the state s no-fault auto insurance system got rolling Wednesday in the Senate, amid concerns the change would not significantly lower rates. Also, questions continue over the fate of the Senate proposal (SB 150) because of medical coverage requirements that are not included in a similar measure (HB 19), which is teed up for a vote by the full House. The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Wednesday voted 10-1 to support the bill by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa. It would repeal the no-fault law, which requires motorists to carry $10,000 in personal-injury protection, or PIP, coverage to help pay medical expenses after accidents. I m trying to make sure we don t raise premiums on Floridians, but at the same token that we protect as many options for consumers to get medical care in the event of an accident, Lee said after the meeting. It s a balancing act. The proposal must still go before two more committees before reaching the Senate floor. Since a 2012 effort to reform the no-fault system --- championed by Gov. Rick Scott and then-state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater --- efforts have increased in Tallahassee to replace it with a tort-based system. The 2012 law, in part, required people involved in crashes to seek treatment within 14 days, put a $2,500 cap on coverage for non-emergency conditions, eliminated massage therapists and acupuncturists from getting paid for medical coverage and set new requirements for chiropractic visits. The 2012 changes were considered a last-ditch effort to maintain the no-fault system after rates increased because of fraudulent claims. Lee s measure would require motorists to carry $5,000 in what is known as medical payments coverage, or MedPay, and minimum amounts of bodily-injury coverage that would increase over time. Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, called his vote for the measure a soft yes, saying he will continue to seek lower projected premium increases. Insurance rates will go up for those that have just PIP policies, Garcia said. So, that means that a lot of us in the minority communities, for a lot of us that live in South Florida, some of those rates for those that have insurance just PIP-only policies, their rates will go up. Under Lee s MedPay rules, people would be required to seek medical attention within 14 days of injuries occurring. Through an amendment, Garcia was able to attach language to the bill that would allow MedPay to also cover chiropractic and dental costs. Mark Delegal, a lobbyist representing State Farm, which is opposed to the Senate proposal, called Lee s amended measure PIP version 2.0 and warned that the system will remain costly and inefficient. You re throwing that right back on it, with a broad spectrum of providers, and without knowing the costs of that up front, Delegal said. It s going to be unaffordable to a lot of people. Lee s proposal is estimated to initially raise rates about $4 a year, as the savings from the elimination of no-fault would be offset by increases in premiums for bodily-injury liability coverage and uninsured-motorist coverage. You could lower insurance premiums, if that was our solitary goal, by gutting insurance coverage and having people drive around with almost no coverage, Lee said. The question is what is the most efficient system. The House measure sponsored by Rep. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, faces opposition from some insurers, business groups and medical providers. It has been projected to save motorists on average about $80 a year. Grall's proposal, which was backed by the House Commerce Committee in an 18-7 vote last month, would eliminate the system's limits on lawsuits. Drivers at fault in accidents would be fully liable for damages, with the minimum bodily-injury coverage under Grall's proposal being $25,000 for damages for injury or death of one person and $50,000 for injury or death of two or more people. Lee's proposal, starting Jan. 1, 2019, would set a minimum of $20,000 for bodily injury protection that includes coverage for the injury or death of one person and $40,000 for injury or death of two or more people. Individual premiums would be expected to increase as the minimum coverage would grow to $25,000 and $50,000 two years later and to $30,000 and $60,000 on Jan. 1, HOUSE TO MOVE QUICKLY ON `SANCTUARY CITIES' A bill aimed at sanctuary cities will be one of the first items of business for the Florida House when the 60-day legislative session begins next week. House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes, said Tuesday on Twitter that the proposal (HB 9) will pass quickly. Sanctuary cities are a threat to the safety of our communities, Corcoran tweeted. On week one of session the Florida House will pass a bill that will enforce the rule of law. The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, would require state and local agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and would bar 5

8 sanctuary policies. It drew quick praise from Corcoran in November after getting approval from the House Judiciary Committee, the only committee that heard the bill. The House has approved similar measures the past two sessions, but the proposals have died in the Senate. The House Republican position has drawn heavy opposition from Democrats and immigrant advocates who argue, in part, that the bill would lead to racial profiling by authorities. LAWMAKER PROPOSES YEAR-ROUND DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME With the measure dubbed the Sunshine Protection Act, a House Republican on Friday proposed a bill that calls for Florida to observe daylight-saving time throughout the year. The bill (HB 1013), filed by Rep. Jeanette Nunez, R-Miami, indicates it would depend on Congress changing a law to authorize states to stay on daylight-saving time year-round. But the Nunez proposal, which says Florida should be kept sunny year-round, could clash with a bill (SB 858), filed by Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, that would lead to the state exempting itself from daylight-saving time and observing standard time. The bills are filed for consideration during the 2018 legislative session, which starts Jan. 9. Daylight-saving time this year started March 12 and ended Nov. 5. MOTORCYCLE CRASH STATISTICS ARE OUT DHSMV has recently published their 2016 Traffic Crash Annual Report. I have attached the entire report and copied the part on motorcycles down below. Compared to 2015, total motorcycle reported crashes are slightly up 1.27% Motorcyclists deaths are down 5.68% from 546 down to 515 Motorcycle passenger's death are down 21.05% from 38 down to 30. FROM THE AMA : National and Regional News PICKERINGTON, Ohio - Scot Harden, a former motorcycle industry executive and a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, has launched his Plus 1 initiative, an effort to encourage motorcyclists to become evangelists for the lifestyle. Harden has outlined several simple actions motorcyclists can take to help friends, family members, coworkers and neighbors better understand the appeal of the motorcycling, whether for recreation, competition or transportation. Harden outlined his concept in an article for the January issue of American Motorcyclist, the AMA member magazine. You can read the complete story here : WASHINGTON, D.C. - The renewable fuels mandates released in late November by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are higher than the 2017 levels and the 2018 levels the agency proposed in June. The EPA's final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligations call for billion gallons of renewable fuel-primarily corn ethanol-to be blended into the nation's gasoline supplies. That figure is higher than the billion gallons the agency proposed in June and slightly higher than the billion gallons required in The EPA mandates continue to rise, even as cars become more fuel efficient and drivers travel fewer miles each year. Forcing more ethanol into fewer gallons of gasoline results in higher-ethanol blends for consumers. Most gasoline sold in the United States contains 10 percent ethanol (E10), which all modern automobile engines and many motorcycle engines are built to accommodate. However, if the RFS requirements continue to be implemented, it will result in higher-ethanol blends-such as E15 (15 percent ethanol)-to become more prevalent at retail outlets. An increase in the supply of E15 can lead to inadvertent misfueling-caused by blender pumps and confusing pump labels-by motorcyclists. None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States is approved by the EPA to operate on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. The AMA also is concerned the increased reliance on ethanol could further reduce the availability of E0 fuel, which is necessary to operate older and vintage motorcycles. STURGIS, S.D. - The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame plans to double in size within three years, with its Hall of Fame section getting its own campus. Meanwhile, the museums' Main Street location will get a major revitalization, courtesy of donations from supporters, board members and the Law Tigers. Preliminary plans are complete for the second site. The larger building will house the Hall of Fame, the pre-1938 collection and various galleries. Key features include permanent collections, featured galleries, a café, meeting rooms, a gift shop and training areas. Completion for Campus 1-Legendary Main Street-is July Campus 2-Heritage Hill-is scheduled for completion in time for the Sturgis Rally's 80th anniversary in International News RIYADH - By royal decree, the Saudi government lifted a ban on women driving vehicles, including motorcycles. The decree means there will be no discrimination between men and women regarding traffic laws and regulations, but female offenders will be detained at women care centers. Women also will be employed at traffic checkpoints and recruited as field inspectors. STOCKHOLM - The Swedish government has announced a scheme to financially support people that buy an electric bicycle, moped or motorcycle, according to the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations. In the next three years, 35 million Euros will be available annually to those who buy electric motorcycles, electric mopeds or electric bicycles. The regulation on contributions to private individuals for the purchase of electric bikes, mopeds or motorcycles will become effective Feb. 1. The premium is a maximum of 1,000 Euro and is limited to one per person. When the Swedish government presented the proposal for the first time, motorcycles were excluded. Swedish FEMA member SMC talked to the ministry and sent a proposal that included motorcycles. When the proposal was amended Dec. 15, it included not only electric bicycles and electric mopeds, but also electric motorcycles. That,s it for this month, so RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY 6

9 7 Webmaster Hi Polk County, To keep up with our chapter, you can go to our website at or follow us on Facebook on our page ABATE of Florida - Polk County Chapter. I also post upcoming events and notices on Facebook on POLK COUNTY MOTORCYCLE RIDERS. See you on the road.

10 8 ABATE came to Florida in the mid 1970 s. At that time it was a group of individual and unaffiliated chapters. In 1979, ABATE of Florida, Inc. was formed by the individual chapters. This union was the basis for today s organization. Throughout the years, ABATE of Florida, Inc. has strived to be an effective political force for the rights of motorcyclists in Florida. We have also attempted to keep up to date on all legislation on a federal level and have tried to input our concerns to our federal officials. ABATE of Florida, Inc. has hired a professional lobbyist to aid us in our fight for freedom of choice. Our lobbyist has also been instructed to keep a close watch on all State or National legislation that would affect all motorcyclists. Please note any political information in the chapter newsletter is for your educational purposes only and is not meant as promotional materials. All members are encouraged to submit articles, photos, and other materials that would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the chapter meeting except when announced otherwise. All board members are encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters, profanity or nudity. Muff CMA, Iron Fishermen (Here if you need us) Gibtown Bikefest was a good time for all that attended, especially for my 3 year old grandson. He likes bike nights and any place motorcycles gather. After watching the stunt riders show, He said Papa I want to ride in a steel ball on one wheel and be shot out of a cannon. (ESPECIALLY SHOT OUT OF A CANNON!) He wanted to know why it took the man so long and why he talked so much before he was shot from the cannon. I told him; it gave time for all the preparations to be done to get it right, so he would land in the net and not splatter on the ground or land in the crowd. He looked at me and said safety first, right Papa. While the guy was talking he had someone doing all the prep work to make sure all went well. Just as it is with us as we ride down life s highway, we have someone who has already done the prep work for us on the cross. When we ask God to take over and lead us He will gladly step in and show us the best road to take. Trust in the Lord, He will direct your path and show you the way! Calling all members we are looking for letters from YOU!!! It does not have to be about the chapter it can be about legislative issues, community activities that have happened or other vital information. Please send your submissions to either PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL or abatenewsletter@hotmail.com

11 9 Join Us! At our next meeting February 18, 2018 at 1:00PM Boondocks 8515 US Hwy 98 North Lakeland, FL

12 10 A.B.A.T.E upcoming EVENTS Polk County Chapter February 18 Chapter Meeting BOONDOCKS 8515 Hwy 98 North February 23 Newsletter submission deadline State February 2:00 American Legion All Monticello, FL Other Chapters OTHER EVENTS Every TUES 6-9 PM BEEF O BRADYS Northside Lakeland Every WED 6 PM -?? MOJO s - Lakeland Every THURS 7 PM -?? JOHNNY G s Lakeland Every Thurs 7 PM -?? LA s MIDWAY Across from Winter Haven Airport Every FRI 7 PM -?? POUR HOUSE Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven First THURS, 6PM -?? VFW on North 98

13 11 Contact your elected officials - They work for YOU! For corrections to this listing please abatenewsletter@hotmail.com Governor Rick Scott The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Senator Darren Soto D-District 14 Legislative Assistant: Christine Aleknavich 220 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL Soto.Darren.web@flsenate.gov Senator Kelli Stargel R-District 15 Legislative Assistant: Rachel Barnes 324 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL / Stargel.Kelli.web@flsenate.gov Senator Denise Gimsley R-District 21 Legislative Assistant: Larry Ford, Andrea Jahna and Marty Mielke 306 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL / Grimsley.Denise.web@flsenate.gov Representative Neil Combee R-District 39 Legislative Assistant: Barbara Blasingame 1302 The Capitol 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL / Neil.combee@myflorida-house.gov Representative Colleen Burton R-District 40 Legislative Assistant: 222 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL / Colleen.burton@myflorida-house.gov Sen. Tom Lee Senate District / Lee.tom@flsenate,gov Representative Sam Killebrew R-District The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL / Sam.killebrew@myflorida-house.gov Representative Mike La Rosa R-District 42 Legislative Assistant: Rebekah Hurd 1302 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL / Mike.larosa@myflorida-house.gov Representative Ben Albritton R-District 56 Legislative Assistant: Kevin Cleary 222 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL / Ben.albritton@myflorida-house.gov Senator Bill Nelson D-Florida 716 Senate hart Office Building Washington DC F: bill@billnelson.senate.gov Senator Marco Rubio R-Florida 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC Representative C.W. Bill Young 10 th Congressional District Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC F: Representative Bill Posey 15 th Congressional District 120 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC F: Representative Dennis Ross R-Lakeland 12 th Congressional District 404 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC F:

14 FOR SALE: Wheel Harley Davidson Freewheeler ~Scratch on Fender ~Price is the amount owed on it at the time of sale ~ Approximately 2,800 miles ~as of price is $19,600 ~has 5year appearance package ~has a 3year tire and wheel package ~original warranty till March of 2018 on bike MIKE

15