ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

Transcription

1 Hillsborough County Chapter Page 1 June-July 2012 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. AMERICAN BIKERS AIMED TOWARDS EDUCATION Hillsborough County Chapter Newsletter Volume 31 Issue 2 Your Local Chapter for Tampa Bay Area s #1 Motorcycle Rights Organization PUT SPOOKS N SCOOTS ON YOUR CALENDAR OCTOBER 12-14, 2012

2 ABATE of Florida, Inc. ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. Our Mission Statement T o Fight for the Freedom of the Road & Freedom of Choice for the motorcycle riders of the state of Florida. T o Become a powerful and viable political force in the state of Florida by encouraging riders to register to vote, be active at the polls, and to communicate on a regular basis with our legislators. T o Promote safe riding habits & driver awareness without infringing upon the rights of any individuals. T o Work towards educating our legislators in motorcycle matters so that they are able to m a k e t h e b e s t decisions affecting Florida s motorcycle riders. T o P u b li s h a periodical publication to keep members of ABATE of Florida informed. DISCLAIMER The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC., or the Hillsborough County Chapter. This publication encourages its members to submit letters about ABATE related events, stories, articles, photographs, poems, commentaries, etc. ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. and the Hillsborough County Chapter accepts no responsibility for the opinions, views, or comments contained in this publication. Hillsborough County Chapter reserves the right to edit any article submitted for publication. All materials submitted to Hillsborough County Chapter for use in this newsletter become property of the chapter. DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES Guidelines For Submissions Members can submit photos, articles, letters of interest, stories, etc. The newsletter deadline is listed on the calendar pages. Please do not submit accusatory or slanderous articles, or those containing profane language. For Submissions, please contact: Patti Phone: (813) Or hccabate@gmail.com Page 2 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC ABATE of Florida, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of Florida as a motorcycle rights organization or MRO. ABATE of Florida, Inc. currently is the only political MRO in Florida representing the interests of it's 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. The corporation has retained the services of a full time lobbyist. It is the duty of the lobbyist to coordinate with the legislative trustee on matters of legislative interest and to put forth these interests to the legislators in Tallahassse. The lobbyist works closely with the Legislative Trustee and the state Board of Directors to formulate favorable bills and pursue getting the bills enacted into law. The lobbyist is also responsible for finding a willing and suitable sponsor in the Florida House and Senate for the aforementioned bills. In the area of education ABATE of Florida, Inc. has copyrighted a Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program. The program is designed to be presented in schools and other public forums to better educate students and the general public. ABATE of Florida findings, show a greater need for public awareness due to the increased numbers of motorcycles on the streets and highways of Florida. We will endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals who share a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of freedom. The corporation through its chapters enlists the talents of it's members to promote a positive public image and lobby at the local level by contacting their respective legislators. The corporation aligns itself with other organizations and individuals who are pursing the same rights and freedoms as guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Florida. We will involve ourselves in fund raising to achieve our goals. The corporation raises money from memberships and fund raising events at both the state and chapter level. At the state level the main fund raising event is the campground during Bike Week at Daytona. The chapters hold fund raising events throughout the year across the state and use these funds to help the state organization pursue its goals at the local level.

3 Hillsborough County Chapter Page 3 REMINDER!!!!!! Member personal classified ads are free. This Does Not include Business Ads. Please or call in your ad before the newsletter deadline. Identification Statement ABATE Outloud Is the publication of the Hillsborough County Chapter, Abate of Florida, Inc. Published bi-monthly (6 times a year). ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. HILLSBOROUGH CO. CHAPTER P.O. BOX TAMPA FL Our Newsletter is available online. It is available in print by request only. If the chapter has an address for you, you will receive an with a link to view the newsletter on line. If you would prefer to receive a copy via the US Mail, you will need to call Patti at and request a printed copy. If we do not have a current address for you, you will receive a printed copy of the newsletter via US Mail. If you need to update your address please sent the information to hccabate@gmail.com HCC meets on the Last Sunday of each 1:00pm At the Pole Barn (next door to Richard & Patti s house) at 6921 Senoj Dr. Tampa Chapter Board Meetings are on same Richard s house unless otherwise posted. All Meetings Are Open And Everyone is Welcome For Directions, call or visit our website at: Click on Meeting Times Support Abate of Florida Hillsborough County Chapter Board and Trustees President: Richard Nasrallah (813) richard.nasrallah@verizon.net Vice President: James Sewell (813) jpsewell@tampabay.rr.com Secretary: Ted Evans (813) grtpmkn@verizon.net Treasurer: Bob Munroe (813) bmunroe59@tampabay.rr.com Sergeant at Arms: Bill Nasrallah (813) billnaz1@gmail.com Membership Trustee: Steve Nasrallah (813) snasrallah1@gmail.com Legislative Trustee: Vacant Safety Director: Jan Reed (813) havegone2the dogs@yahoo.com Public Relations/Community Affairs: Dino Reed (813) havegone2the dogs@yahoo.com Products Trustee: Jo Brown (813) jojobrown465@aol.com.com Newsletter Editor: Jim Cass (813) jcass78@gmail.com Web Master: Patti Nasrallah (813) patti.nasrallah@gmail.com Chapter Delegates: Steve Nasrallah Vacant Alternate Chapter Delegates: Tom Barbieri Bill Nasrallah Bob Munroe Terry Schissler Dino Reed Memorial: Ted Evans (813) grtpmkn@verizon.net "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ---Margaret Mead,

4 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 4 I would like to thank our outgoing board members and welcome the new incoming board of directors. I am looking forward to working with everyone. I want to thank all the officers that set time aside to attend the leadership seminars on July 14. These seminars are put on by the state officers so that we all know the requirements of our positions. This was a good time for our directors to meet their state board counterparts, and learn something. Spooks and Scoots is fast approaching and we are already gearing up to get ready for this event. This event is our main fundraiser and it is very important that everyone supports it. Talk it up and invite your friends to join us. Keep an eye out for places to post our flyers. Let's work together to make it a success this year. Ride Safe, Ride Free Richard Our Vice President s Voice: It is time to gear up for Spooks N Scoots, I have sent out the vendor applications and if you know someone who would like to vend (no food) please have them contact me. I have a pet peeve that I would like to share with everyone, headlights and road lights. I drive at night and nothing is more dangerous than to have someone in the opposing lane with lights that are aimed to high and blind oncoming traffic. Please be courteous and aim your lights properly to keep us all safe on the roads. I check my aim often to see if they are correct, and adjust accordingly. James Sewell, Vice President, Hillsborough Chapter

5 Hillsborough County Chapter Page 5 Chapter Secretary - Ted Evans During the April 29 meeting, I made a plea for members to step up to the plate to move into Board and Trustee positions, to bring our chapter back in to our proud heritage of involvement. I can only say that I was overwhelmed by the response as we filled out the slate during our nominations. Of course, I include myself in this. A big THANK YOU to all! Let s not lose sight of continuing work toward Spooks N Scoots. The economy is recovering, somewhat, and we must be prepared to go after the basic biker community who have supported us for so many years. I m sure they will come back as they are able. Jim Cass wanted to get an early start on our work parties, and we can only do that with YOU! This is going to be a great year! Thank you for your participation. Ted Evans Sgt. At Arms - Bill Nasrallah Hi, to all Hillsborough Co. members. I m your new Sgt-At-Arms. I was your former treasurer. This will be all new to me but with help from some other members and asking a lot of questions I should be ok. I attended a workshop this month for sgtat-arms that was be a big help in understanding all of my duties. I do know one of my main duties is to get as much help as I can for spooks-n-scoots. A lot of members and non-members of Abate step up to help but we always need more help. My goal is to have more than less help. I know with all the good members we have in Abate that you guys and gals will make that an easy job for me to get your help. Remember why we are here. To FIGHT for are right to RIDE our bikes and RIDE them SAFE!!! PS, remember to check your tire air pressure and give your brake pads a quick check!!! GOD BLESS - See you at the Meeting. Chapter Sgt-At-Arms, Billy Nasrallah

6 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 6 Membership Means You!! MEMBERS EXPIRING or expired in March through June lastname firstname expiredate BOESSWETTER DAN 4/30/2012 REDDING RAY 5/31/2012 LOCKE DOUGLAS 5/31/2012 DUNLAP GARY 5/31/2012 LOCKE STEPHANIE 5/31/2012 STOUT ROCKY 6/30/2012 PEARSON GENE 6/30/2012 PEARSON DIANE 6/30/2012 ADAMS HINTON K. 6/30/2012 LEWEIN VINCENT 7/30/2012 FOGAL DONALD 7/31/2012 NOLAN SANDRA 8/31/2012 BOUGHNER ROBERT 8/31/2012 SAVIDGE MIKE 8/31/2012 ALVAREZ RICHARD 8/31/2012 Independence Day is not just fireworks and bar-b-que; it s about the freedom that we have in this ALVAREZ ARNIE 8/31/2012 great nation that we have. There has been great sacrifices that men and women have paid their lives for the freedom that we have.we should thank all military people for there service... Freedom is nice but don t forget the price! I was at the last state meeting and we have a new President his name is Danny Doc Fish, and a new V.P. Jim Gladstone form West Coast Chapter. I would like to say congratulations and welcome them onboard. As always ride safe be aware of your surroundings and keep the rubber down. Ride safe and keep the rubber down! Steve Nasrallah Membership trustee

7 Hillsborough County Chapter Page 7 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHAPTER MEETING MINUTES Date: 6/3/12 (AS MAY MEETING) This meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. Board Members present were: Richard, James, Ted, Billy, and Becky. 1. INTRODUCTIONS & PRESIDENTS REPORT: Richard welcomes all guest and visitors. Richard led pledge of allegiance and moment of silence. Bill Nasrallah took a few minutes to remember a close friend, ABATE Member, and a worker in the Beer Tent: Craig Patterson. 2. VICE PRESIDENT S REPORT: To be made at the June meeting. 3. SECRETARY S REPORT. Last month s Minutes were published in the Newsletter. There were no changes to be made, so a Motion by Patti, and seconded by James suspended the reading of the Minutes. The Chapter voted, & motion carried. 4. TREASURER: Bill Nasrallah reported that there would be further discussion at the June meeting. 5. MEMBERSHIP TRUSTEE: Steve Nasrallah was an excused absence. 6. PRODUCTS TRUSTEE: Becky Speer, outgoing Trustee, expressed her thanks for support in the previous year. 7. SERGEANT AT ARMS: Jim Cass was an excused absence due to a brand new Son! 8. LEGISLATIVE TRUSTEE: Milton Gonzales will report at the June meeting. 9. PR/COMMUNICATIONS TRUSTEE: Barbara Beamer Cronk was absent. 10. STATE BUSINESS: This will be discussed at the June meeting. 11. SAFETY TRUSTEE: Jim Cass enjoying new baby. 12. NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Thanks to Patti for getting a Newsletter out prior to our new board being active. 13. WEB MASTER: Patti Nasrallah reports everything is fine. 14. OLD BUSINESS: This will be reserved for the June meeting. 15: NEW BUSINESS: This will be reserved for the June meeting. 16. GOOD OF THE ORDER: This will be reserved for the June meeting. 50/50: To be performed at the June meeting. Motion Made by Patti to adjourn the Meeting- Seconded by James. Chapter voted and motion passed. Meeting was adjourned at: 1:25 pm NEXT MEETING: 1:30 pm June 3, 2012

8 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 8 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHAPTER MEETING MINUTES Date: This meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. Board Members present were: Richard, James, Ted, and Billy. 1. INTRODUCTIONS & PRESIDENTS REPORT: Richard welcomed all guest and visitors. Richard led pledge of allegiance and moment of silence. 2. VICE PRESIDENT S REPORT: Nothing to report. 3. SECRETARY S REPORT. Ted reported that the May minutes are not yet available, but will be printed in the newsletter. Motion made by Patti that last month s minutes will be printed in the newsletter and therefore do not need to be read to the chapter at this time - Seconded by Milton. Chapter voted & motion carried. 4. TREASURER: Bill Nasrallah reported and announced that chapter expense and balance report are available for any member to view after the meeting. Motion made by Tom to accept the Treasurer s report - Seconded by Bob. Chapter voted & motion carried. 5. MEMBERSHIP TRUSTEE: Steve Nasrallah excused absence. 6. PRODUCTS TRUSTEE: Becky Speer: Nothing further to report. 7. SERGEANT AT ARMS: Jim Cass absent with new son. 8. LEGISLATIVE TRUSTEE: Milton Gonzales reports that the Proclamation making May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness month, was read before Council on May 2 nd. TV cameras were in the chamber, and aside from parking tickets, it was a great success! 9. PR/COMMUNICATIONS TRUSTEE: Barbara Beamer Cronk was absent. 10. STATE BUSINESS: Next week the State Meeting will be held in Clairmont. The slate of new board members for the state was discussed by the membership. The chapter voted with Dino nominating Doc Fish for President, seconded by James. In similar fashion, Patti nominated Emory Griffis for Vice President, seconded by Dino. The chapter will vote in this manner at the State Meeting. 11. SAFETY TRUSTEE: Jim Cass was home enjoying new son. 12. NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Patti did a great job in the interim before Jim gets onboard. Thank you Patti! 13. WEB MASTER: Patti Nasrallah reports everything running smoothly. 14. OLD BUSINESS: Charlie has been working hard. The vinyl came off the roof, and the metal underneath is really in rough shape - - but he can handle. There are a lot of bad spots on the rest of

9 Hillsborough County Chapter Page 9 the paint, but he estimates another two weeks to be ready to paint. Great news! Mechanical issues are also being addressed. Diane would like to put together a run next May. James feels we would do better in the fall. More pressing is that we need people to work our booth at Music and Motorcycles. 15: NEW BUSINESS: In consideration that all positions were accepted or appointed, unopposed, the Elections Slate has been approved for the years These officers and trustees are: Richard Nasrallah, President James Sewell, Vice President Ted Evans, Secretary Bob Munroe, Treasurer Steve Nasrallah, Membership Milton Gonzalez, Legislative Jo Brown, Products Jan Reed, Safety Education Jim Cass, Newsletter Editor Bill Nasrallah, Sgt-at-Arms Dino Reed, PR/Communications Other new business: James has vendor info out. We need vendors. Keep your eyes open for those who can t afford the big fees of some of the other events. 16. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Watch out for all the old folks up in Zephyr Hills on scooters. When at all possible, make them aware that they should take their lane - - not ride on the shoulder. Becky advises that June 18 is National Ride to Work Day. Fill up the tank Richard! Take a couple laps around the house. 50/50: Won by Terry Schissler, who graciously donated it back to the Chapter. Motion Made by Milton to adjourn the Meeting- Seconded by Kevin. Chapter voted and motion passed. Meeting was adjourned at: 3:00 pm NEXT MEETING: July 29, 2012 Board of am and Chapter 1:00 pm, POLE BARN

10 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 10 Chapter Products - Jo Brown HELLO MEMBERS, We have Chapter Shirts, Head Bands and NEW Personalized Name Tags. If you would like to order one please me at hccabate@gmail.com or send $ $1.50 for mailing or just pick it our meetings. Please support our chapter. You can go on our state web-site to see all of the State Products. We have Pins-Patches-Stickers-Jewelry products.php Hope everyone has a safe Bike Week.Ride Safe! Becky ORDER FORM NAME: ADDRESS: CITY, STATE & ZIP CODE: ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER: NAME (as you would like it to appear) ON NAME TAG: # TAZ S MEMORIAL PATCHES: $5.00 ea. STATE ITEM NUMBER(S): TOTAL NUMBER OF ITEMS AMOUNT + MAILING* $ 1.50 = $ PICK (If picking up order, write N/A for mailing amount) PREPAY Y N (circle one) CASH CHECK # MONEY ORDER MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: ABATE OF FLORDIA, INC. Mail to: Hillsborough Co. Chapter PO Box Tampa, FL * Please Note: $1.50 will cover up to 3 patches - Other postage will be quoted per order.

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12 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 12 Hey Everyone, New laws on a range of topics from high school athletics and pregnant prisoners to automobile insurance and environmental permitting take effect Sunday. July 1 marks the beginning of the fiscal year, but also is the effective date for roughly half of the laws passed by legislators earlier this year. In all, about 150 new statutes and a $70 billion budget take effect. Among them: EDUCATION: Public schools will now be held more financially accountable for student performance in core courses under a measure (HB 7059) that also makes it easier for students to graduate early. The law allows students who have completed 24 credits to graduate early and receive Bright Futures scholarships. The measure also ties funding for must-pass courses to student performance on tests in those subjects while clarifying eligibility rules for Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment programs. It also pushes school principals to adopt accelerated learning options for students and provide certain guarantees that qualified students get the chance to participate. High school athletes at charter and private schools will find it easier to compete as lawmakers relaxed restrictions on their participation in events sponsored by the Florida High School Athletic Association. The measure (HB 1403) allows transfer students to largely remain eligible in the same year they change schools and would limit the ability of FHSAA to force students to sit for recruiting violations. Instead, it would crack down on schools and coaches involved in the violations. School boards will also be able to allow students to deliver inspirational messages at school events under a controversial measure (SB 98) that critics have already promised to challenge in court. The measure, one of the most contentious of the past session, could allow prayers at events that students must attend, but also could allow other types of messages. HEALTH CARE: Counties could have to pay tens of millions of dollars in disputed health-care charges that have piled up for years under a Medicaid bill (HB 5301), which includes several other provisions in addition to the billing change. The most contentious part of the measure requires counties to pay disputed Medicaid bills unless they can prove to an administrative judge that the bills were unwarranted. Counties argue that the state should fix its billing system, which they say is plagued with errors, before using the withholding mechanism in the bill to force counties to pay 85 percent of bills that might or might not be valid. Lawmakers who supported the measure said they should have been paying their bills all along. The counties would have three years to pay back the money, at a cost of about $77.5 million, according to the state; the Florida Association of Counties argues that the measure will cost governments nearly $155.6 million. Several counties have sued over the issue. Other health bills taking effect include HB 291 that requires the FHSAA and independent youth sanctioning authorities to develop return to play policies for athletes who sustain traumatic head injuries.

13 Hillsborough County Chapter Page 13 Another new law (HB 509) authorizes pharmacists to administer the pneumonia vaccine to adults pursuant to a protocol with a physician and to administer the shingles vaccine to adults pursuant to a prescription from a physician. The law requires pharmacists to obtain continuing education and certification. INSURANCE: Lawmakers earlier this year passed an expansive bill (HB 119) aimed at reducing costs in the state's personal injury protection system (PIP), a $10,000 medical benefit that critics say is rife with fraud, overutilization and litigation. The law's major provisions don't kick in until Jan. 1, 2013 and include a detailed framework for which medical providers are eligible for reimbursement under PIP coverage. The list included physicians, hospitals, and chiropractors. Other provisions of the law, however, kick in Monday. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/WORKFORCE : Republican-led efforts to assist Florida businesses, a priority of both chambers and Gov. Rick Scott, continues with a roll back of unemployment taxes and another initiative to assist the Space Coast in its transition to a post-shuttle world. The tax paid by businesses for unemployment benefits was scheduled to go up to about $171 per employee, but the law (HB 7027) would reduce that to about $121 per worker. The law delays the state's repayment schedule, stretching it out to five years instead of three. That puts employers on the hook for more interest, but reduces payments now. The measure also reduces the wage base for calculating the unemployment tax from $8,500 to $8,000 per worker. A law (HB 1205) allowing state agencies to drug test their employees kicks in but is being challenged in federal court. The law, which was overwhelmingly approved by the Legislature, would allow agencies to conduct random testing every three months. Agencies would use a computer system to choose employees to be tested, with the total not exceeding 10 percent of the agency workforce. The law gives agencies the authority to put the tests into effect but does not require them to do so. Costs of the tests would have to be paid for by the state. It limits the number of employees tested to no more than 10 percent of each agency's workforce every three months. Lawmakers also nipped at the autonomy of regional workforce boards by allowing the governor to fire individual board members without having to sack the entire board, a "nuclear option" that hindered oversight. Some of the boards have come under fire for conflicts of interest as they attempt to retrain workers. A state audit found that from 2008 to 2010 the workforce boards handed out more than $7.5 million in contracts to companies controlled by or linked to their board members. Questionable expenditures like the purchase of super hero capes for unemployed workers were among a litany of other concerns that led lawmakers to push for more statewide oversight. The measure (HB 7023) sets standards and qualifications for regional workforce boards and would require board members to submit financial disclosures. ENVIRONMENT: A wide-ranging bill (HB 503) makes a number of changes in the environmental permitting process, including prohibiting local governments from making a development permit conditional on having some other state permit. The law deregulates certain types of injection wells and sets a time limit on some permit applications. The bill also removes agency approval requirements for small storm water projects and extends deadlines for certain environmental resource permits.

14 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 14 Another measure will change the way the state regulates reclaimed water. The law (HB 639) exempts reclaimed water from the current definitions of "state waters." The designation is significant because Florida statutes say the state is responsible for managing state waters, which are considered a basic public resource. The measure prohibits water management districts from requiring consumptive use permits for reclaimed water. If groundwater of surface water is included in the mix, the district would retain the ability to regulate. Statewide, about 660 million gallons of reclaimed water is being used every day for a range of purposes, from phosphate mining and electricity generation to golf course watering. The amount equals about half of the state's available resource. CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Lawmakers also passed restrictions on restraints used on pregnant incarcerated women. The measure ( HB 524) prevents certain types of restraints used during pregnancy, labor and delivery. The cost of a concealed weapons permit was slashed by $5. The new law (HB 5601) lowers the cost of a new concealed weapons permit to $70 and the renewal fee to $65. Darrin Scribe Brooks State Legislative Trustee ABATE of Florida, Inc. Sandy & Ralph are Life Members of ABATE of Florida, Inc.

15 Hillsborough County Chapter Page 15 H-45 Richard Corcoran District: 7132 Little Rd New Port Richey, FL (727) Capitol: Room 1101, The Capitol** (850) H-47 James JW Grant District: Northdale Blvd. Tampa, FL (813) Capitol: Room 322 The Capitol** (850) H-48 Peter Nehr District: 905 E. MLK Drive #430 Tarpon Springs, FL (727) Capitol: Room 204 HOB* (850) H-50 Ed Hooper District: 2963 Gulf To Bay Blvd. #206 Clearwater, FL (727) Capitol: Room 222, The Capitol** (850) H-51 Larry Ahern District: 5511 Park Street N #101 St. Petersburg, FL (727) Capitol: 1102 The Capitol** (850) H-52 Jeff Brandes District: th St N Ste 101 St. Petersburg, FL (727) Capitol: 1301 The Capitol** (850) H-53 Rick Kriseman District: th Street N #203 St. Petersburg, FL (727) Capitol: 316 The Capitol** (850) H 54 Jim Frishe District: 125 Indian Rocks Rd #A Belleair Bluffs, FL (727) Capitol: Room 322 The Capitol** (850) H-55 Darryl Ervin Rouson District: th Way S Ste D St. Petersburg, FL (727) Capitol: Room 405 The Capitol ** (850) H-56 Rachel Burgin District: Winthrop Main St A Riverview, FL (813) Capitol: Room 303 HOB* (850) H-57 Dana Young District:2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd #202 Tampa, FL (813) Capitol: Room 101, The Capitol** (850) H-58 Janet Cruz District: 2221 N Himes Ave. B Tampa, FL (813) Capitol: 1401 The Capitol** (850) H-59 Betty Reed District: 2109 Palm Ave. # 201 Tampa, FL (813) Capitol: Room 405 HOB* (850) H-60 Shawn Harrison District: N. 56th St. Temple Terrace, FL (813) Capitol: Room 1301 The Capitol** (850) H-61 Will Weatherford District: SR 54 Suite A Wesley Chapel, FL (813) Capitol: 418 The Capitol** (850) H-62 Richard "Rich" Glorioso District: 110 W Reynolds Street Ste 204 Plant City, FL (813) Capitol: Room 222 The Capitol** (850) H-63 Seth McKeel District: 4250 S Florida Ave #4 Lakeland, FL (863) Capitol: Room 422 The Capitol** (850) H-67 Greg Steube District: 5800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd S Ste 5880 Sarasota, FL (941) Capitol: Room 1102 The Capitol** (850) H-68 Jim Boyd District: 717 Manatee Ave. W. # 100 Bradenton, FL (941) Capitol: Room 1102 The Capitol** (850) ** The Capitol** or * House Office Bldg* 402 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL Updated: 5/10/2012

16 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 16 SENATE S-10 Ronda Storms District: 421 Lithia Pinecrest Rd Brandon, FL (813) Capitol: Room 413, SOB* (850) S-11 Mike Fasano District: 8217 Massachusetts Ave. New Port Richey, FL (727) Capitol: Room 406, SOB* (850) S-12 Jim Norman District: N Dale Mabry Blvd Tampa, FL (813) Capitol: Room 214, SOB* (850) norman.jw.web@flsenate.gov Updated: 5/11/2012 S-13 Dennis L. Jones, D.C. District: 8940 Seminole Blvd. Seminole, FL (727) Capitol: Room 408, SOB* (850) jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov S-16 Jack Latvala District: th St N #102 St. Petersburg, FL (727) Capitol: Room 222, SOB* (850) latvala.jack..web@flsenate.gov S-18 Arthenia L. Joyner District: 508 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. #C Tampa, FL (813) Capitol: Room 202, SOB* (850) joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov SOB = Senate Office Bldg. 404 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL We now includes all of the representatives and senators for Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough Counties. If you live in another county, we are glad to have you as a member and an easy way to find your State Representative, State Senator, or US Congress person is on the web at: On the left side, scroll down to the box listed as find your legislators. Enter your zip code and hit Go. Once you have found your legislator s webpage, I recommend you bookmark it. The District address is the Legislator s address at home in his/her district. When you want a letter to go to their office in Tallahassee, do the following: For Senators: For Representatives in the House: The Honorable The Honorable The Florida State Senate The Florida House of Representatives Room Senate Office Bldg. Room House Office Bldg. (or Capitol) 404 S. Monroe St. 402 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee, FL If you have any questions please call your local Voter s Registration Office or Milton

17 Hillsborough County Chapter Page 17 Florida's Voting Laws If you are a resident of Florida and feel strongly about many of the political issues that face you, your family, Florida and the entire nation right now it is critical that you register to vote and make sure that your voice is heard. The Registration Process In Florida, you can register to vote at any time. But keep in mind that Florida maintains a closing date for registration to vote in a particular election. This is important for voters to realize because if you miss the closing date you can t vote in the election. This is why it s critical to register to vote as soon as possible. Registration Closing dates in Florida are 29 days prior to the elections. This year s Registration Closing Dates are: Primary Closing date --January 3, 2012 Presidential Preference Primary Closing date--july 16, Primary Election Primary Closing date --October 9, 2012 General Election In other words, register to vote today! If you wish to vote in a primary, Florida is a closed primary state, you must be a registered member of one of the political parties for which you intend to vote. For example, voters registered as independent, or a member of the Green Party, can t vote in the Republican or Democratic primaries. The only exception to this rule is a 1998 Florida constitutional amendment that states that if all candidates share the same party affiliation, all registered voters regardless of party can vote in the primary election. The General Election Process The General Election is always held in November of even-numbered years with the Primary Election taking place 10 weeks before the General Election. During presidential election years, every four years, the presidential primary in Florida is held in January. Keep in mind that the presidential primary and the Primary Election are two different voting events. So if you would like to vote in the presidential primary, you need to make sure you are registered in time. In other words, register to vote today! The Absentee Ballot Process If you are a resident of Florida but will not be in Florida during the election, you have the right to request an absentee ballot. To obtain an absentee ballot simply contact your local office of Supervisor of Elections either in person, in writing, or over the phone and request a ballot. It s very important to include all of the required information or your request can be denied. After you send in your request, make sure to call the office to follow up with the process. Don t assume that you will receive your ballot until you ve received confirmation back in writing. Change of Address Process If you moved and have a change of address to another county, you need to fill out a Florida Voter Registration Application again to provide notice of your new address. This application can be obtained from your local office of Supervisor of Elections. It s important to have your correct address on file because Florida law requires you to vote in the precinct where you live. If you go to the wrong precinct, you won t be allowed to vote. Make sure you are aware of your correct voting precinct before Election Day so that you don t run into any problems. Voting is a Right Remember, voting is a right and not a privilege; no one can stop you from voting. However, you still need to follow and obey Florida s voting laws in order to enjoy that right. The laws are in place in order to keep elections fair for all candidates. Make sure you understand the rules, register early, and on election night, make your voice heard!

18 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 18 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHAPTER NEWSLETTER ADVERTISEMENT SUBMITTAL BUSINESS NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIPCODE PHONE FAX CONTACT NAME: TITLE: AD SIZE # OF ISSUES TO RUN AD AMOUNT ENCLOSED PLEASE INCLUDE AD COPY ADVERTISERS WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHAPTER NEWSLETTER DURING THE MONTHS THEY ADVERTISE. ADVERTISING RATES (includes 7% sales tax) 6 ISSUES 12 ISSUES BUSINESS CARD $30.00 $ /2 PAGE $50.00 $90.00 FULL PAGE $70.00 $ Please make checks payable to ABATE of Florida, Inc. Full Application is Available for download on the Chapter Website Biker's Prayer As we go out on our ride, We pray the Lord rides by our side, Keep us safe and in your sight, And let it rain some other night Amen Important! Sign up to be on the Legislative Click on the Legislative Site link on the front page. Get the information you need to know and then share it!!

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20 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHAPTER P. O. BOX ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Please check your membership ABATE of Florida, Inc. Page 20