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ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
ABATE of Florida, Inc. ● Polk County Chapter
The Iron Press DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE
October 2015 Vol 32 issue10
OUR MEETING WILL BE AT BOONDOCKS IN SEPTEMBER SEE INSIDE FOR ADDRESS DETAILS
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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 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 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
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 33806
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
Position Name Email President James “Doc” Reichenbach [email protected]
Vice President Dennis “Mudder” Rudoi [email protected]
Secretary Shelly Johnston [email protected]
Treasurer Patti Nasrallah [email protected]
Sgt. at Arms TJ Painter [email protected]
PR/Communications Sarabeth Kohl [email protected]
Webmaster Dan “Slo Mo” Henderson [email protected]
Masterlink Editor C/O State Office [email protected]
Membership Grace Lord [email protected]
Safety Program John Massoth [email protected]
Legislative Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected]
Products Steve “Caretaker” Knee [email protected]
Legal Larry Crow [email protected]
Position Name Phone Email President Zman 863-559-9550 [email protected]
Vice President Greg Vernon 863-934-9719 [email protected]
Secretary Lo Alexander 863-688-3161 [email protected]
Treasurer Ralph Snearly 863-206-9028 [email protected]
Sgt. at Arms George Swatzbaugh
410-852-6663 [email protected]
Membership Deb Daggett 863-594-6661 [email protected]
Safety Bill Cone 813-393-0875 [email protected]
Products Lo Alexander 863-688-3161 [email protected]
PR Linda Vernon 863-934-9333 [email protected]
Legislative ZMan 863-559-9550 [email protected]
Delegates Tim McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected]
Dewey Cain 863-688-0608
Newsletter Deb Daggett 863-594-6661 [email protected] Webmaster Steve Ammerman 813-363-9540 [email protected]
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Z man
Hey y’all. I hope all is well for everyone. Well, the “big event” is only one week away. As everyone knows, that would be our Rodeo, Oct. 3, at the Avon Park Bikefest, Oct. 2, 3, 4. A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED!!! It is deeply appreciated, and is a testament to how great our Polk County chapter is. As if the Bikefest isn’t plenty, the following weekend is our chapter “working the gate” at Spooks & Scoots in Brooksville. This is a fundraiser for our chapter, and again, thank you so much for the volunteers we have so far. There will be a separate sign in sheet for Polk County ABATE members. When you sign in, tell Patti (Hillsborough Chapter) if you are there just to work the gate or camping overnight. This makes a difference on our admission costs (camping will be $25). This is being paid for out of the money we get for working the gate. And for some of us, the weekend following Spooks is Biketoberfest. Pretty busy month, huh? The next chapter meeting is the Sunday of Biketoberfest, but I’m going to do my best to get up early enough in Daytona to pack the tent and hit the road for the Boondocks. Hope to see lots of y”all this month at one, two, or three of these weekends. Ride safe and enjoy. Zman
Greg Vernon Hey all We all need to come to the ABATE Autumn Bike Fest in Avon Park this coming weekend, we will need your help as well as your support also. It's a very nice ride down there and camping is cheap. Make sure you are doing your routine maintenance on your bikes. After this we have Spooks and Scoots and we'll need your help there to. Be safe out there and enjoy the ride. Ride safe and ride free Greg, VP
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Lo Alexander SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Meeting MINUTES
The Boondocks, 8515 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland, Florida
THANK YOU to today’s meeting attendees: Laneata “Lo” McDermott, Tim McDermott(Roadmap), Zman, G.K. Swatzbaugh III, Bill Cone, Deb Daggett, Maria Griffith, J. Schilling, Ida Holland, Crazy Rick, Thomas Kinney, Cecil Mitchell, Dewey Cain, Chris Brandfass, Patty Brandfass, Don Jones, Vickie Bradshaw, Muff McLeod(Steve), Muffett McLeod(Marena), Bill Howe, Emmitt Wooten, 1:00 The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence were led by Zman. President, Zman welcomed everyone and explained the upcoming events. If you can’t predict your work schedule enough to sign up, don’t worry. Just come out on the day of and we’ll find you a volunteer spot. Come to Avon Park Oct. 3 to support the RODEO. Come Oct 2, to help set up. Following that event, the next weekend is SPOOKS ‘n SCOOTS. We help Hillsborough County by manning the gate. [We check each motorcycle coming and going, so it’s a big deal]. No charge for Polk County ABATE members who help out with that. VP, Greg Vernon was absent and excused. Secretary, Lo Alexander thanked everyone for signing in. Correction: I had previously written that we were partnering with Inerstate Chapter. Not so. Inerstate is the host county. That means we are putting on the RODEO with just ourselves. Thus, your help is needed. The minutes were accepted as read UNANIMOUSLY. Treasurer, Ralph Snearly was absent and excused. Zman read his report to us. Sgt. at Arms, GK thanked those who helped at the mock rodeo. Talk to GK about your ideas and concerns. Membership, Deb Daggett gave us the membership figures. Newsletter, Deb Daggett asked that you send in whatever news, old photos, new photos, news of events, or items for sale WHATEVER to THE IRON PRESS. PR, Linda Vernon was absent and excused. Safety Officer, Bill Cone brought NEW safety products. Products, Lo Alexander spoke of shirts. Our chapter shirts are in their 3rd printing. Legislative, Zman brought news from Tallahassee: Military members get fast tracked on weapons licenses, open carry may be allowed, campus gun bills advance in House and Senate, burden of proof would shift in self-
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defense cases, the battle continues over doctor-patient gun law, and one lawmaker wants to ban ALL symbols, statues, memorials, related to the Confederate States of America. In AMA News, Two pro-motorcycle amendments were introduced by Randy Hultgren and Jim Sensenbrenner. One is a study of the most effective means of preventing motorcycle crashes and included language to prevent motorcycle-only checkpoints. Webmaster, Steve Ammerman was absent and excused. Although Steve travels in his job, he always has his computer handy to work for us OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business. Good of the Order: Scott told us about a poker run that will benefit a little girl with cancer. See the flyer in future newsletter. [Unfortunately, ABATE cannot sponsor any charities.] …..Highway Beautification is scheduled for Nov. 21. However, we may have to change the venue. Dewey is working on it…Welcome CMA and new president, Emmitt! ……THANK YOU, Scott and Ginney of The Boondocks for your hospitality and wonderful buffet! Adjournment was 1:55 Respectfully submitted, Lo Alexander September 23, 2015
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CLASSIFIEDS….. Ads are free to Abate Members
Any Runs in this section are NON-ABATE events
Want to Ride? Tim McDermott (better known as “Roadmap”) is not going to go on a FUN RUN due to bike week this month.
Meeting of Friends Nothing going on this month…..saving up for the Bikefest in AVON PARK Oct 2-4th 2015.
FOR SALE If anyone has something they would like to sell and want to put it in the newsletter, feel free to contact me at
[email protected] and I will gladly put it here. Pictures with ad would be great.
Highway Beautification The next Highway cleanup will be November 21st. Mark your calendars, the more we have the faster we get ur done! Meet at the
7/11 on the corner of Shepherd Rd and S. Florida Ave. Would like to say thanks to the people who came out and helped with our
last one. We appreciate ya helping out!! I enjoyed a hotdog afterwards……heee heee!
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Put this on your calendars. Ginny from Boondocks is helping this organization put together a Poker Run for
November 14th, 2015. I will send you all a flyer via email when one is made up, it will be starting and ending at the Boondocks. If
you can make it, it will be appreciated. Here is some info on the Charities involved. This is NOT an ABATE event, just trying to
help get out the word on it.
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Hey guys, we need your support on this one too!!! We need help with manning the gate but we also need to get the word out and get people to go to this too. If you don’t want to camp for the weekend come up for the day on Sat, you can get in for just $10.00. If you can help with the gate that would be great. Call Zman and let him know if you are just working the gate and not camping. We appreciate your help.
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Debbie D Membership Report Total Members: 142 Welcome to NEW Members: Abel Santos, Steve McLeod and Marvena McLeod Thank you for renewal: Vernon Shoots Past Due in AUGUST: Derrick Degroat, Theresa Degroat, Carole Lewandowski, Past Due in September: Wayne Dennis, Mark Dillon, Stephen Dubrey, Due in October: Phillip Castor Due in November: Ray Redding Due in December: Gerald Elliott, Joe Imbrogno, Vern Kreuser, Judith Redding, Karen Robinson, Terry Robinson, Ralph Snearly, Ed Yulke Reminder for Renewal: Please be sure to check your membership cards Please renew a month early to avoid expiring and losing your years of continuous membership. Dues can be paid at our Chapter meeting or mailed to our PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806
If you have not updated your contact information recently or email or did not receive your renewal card, lease send me an email with your correct info at [email protected] or mail updates to ABATE of Florida Inc. – Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806.
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Zman LEGISLATIVE REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2015 NEWSLETTER
Hey Y’all. This months topics are: Tallahassee News
1. Military members get fast-tracked on weapons licenses.
2. Proposal would allow open carrying of firearms.
3. Campus gun bills advance in House & Senate.
4. Burden of proof would shift in self-defense cases.
5. Democrat lawmaker wants to ban all flags, emblems, of the Confederate States of America.
6. Battle continues over doctor – patient gun law.
7. Letters to Editors from “Scribe”
AMA News: Two pro-motorcycle amendments were introduced by Republicans Randy Hultgren and Jim Sensenbrenner. One is a study on the most effective means of preventing motorcycle crashes, and includes language to prevent motorcycle-only checkpoints. MILITARY MEMBERS GET FAST-TRACKED WEAPONS LICENSES The state has fast-tracked 7,549 concealed-weapons licenses for active-duty members of the military and honorably discharged veterans since Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced July 27 that those people would be moved to the front of the line when seeking licenses. "If we get a complete application and a clean background, we're turning it over roughly in six days," Grea Bevis, director of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Licensing, told members of the House Military and Veteran Affairs Subcommittee this week. Another 900 applications are pending, Bevis said. The goal when the fast-track program started was to get the licenses application completed within 30 days, Bevis added. "So we've made great strides to meet that mark," he said. The fast-tracking was part of Florida's reaction to a shooting rampage at a military-recruiting center and a Navy Reserve facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., that left four Marines and a sailor dead in July. Gov. Rick Scott called for the state to expedite processing of new concealed-weapons licenses for members of the National Guard. Putnam expanded that to all active-duty military members and honorably discharged veterans.
PROPOSAL WOULD ALLOW OPEN CARRYING OF FIREARMS A House Republican on Monday filed a proposal that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry firearms. The bill (HB 163), filed by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, will be considered by lawmakers during the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January. The bill also would make other changes in gun-related laws, including giving direction for judges to use "strict scrutiny" when reviewing laws dealing with the right to bear arms or self defense. "The right to bear arms is a fundamental and individual right that exists in any place that a person has the right to be, subject only to exceptionally and narrowly tailored restrictions that employ the least possible restriction on the right in order to achieve a compelling government interest,'' the bill says.
GAETZ JOINS SON IN FILING OPEN-CARRY BILL Sen. Don Gaetz on Wednesday joined his son, Rep. Matt Gaetz, in seeking to allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry firearms. The elder Gaetz, R-Niceville, filed a bill (SB 300) that is identical to a measure (HB 163), filed Monday by Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach. The proposals, which will be considered during the 2016 legislative session, also would make other gun-related changes, including giving direction for judges to use "strict scrutiny" when reviewing laws dealing with the right to bear arms or self-defense.
CAMPUS GUN BILLS ADVANCE IN HOUSE AND SENATE A proposal that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to pack heat while hitting the books on college and university campuses notched it first two successes Wednesday. The legislation (SB 68 and HB 4001), which won support from criminal-justice committees in the House and Senate, is widely opposed by academic leaders. Proponents argued that
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the proposal would make colleges safer, while opponents questioned the need to allow weapons into an already stress-filled atmosphere. "I don't feel like your constitutional rights should stop at a line in the sand," said Senate Criminal Justice Chairman Greg Evers, a Baker Republican who is sponsoring the Senate bill. The Senate committee voted 3-2 along party lines to support the proposal, which is filed for the 2016 legislative session. The Senate proposal must still get through three additional committees, including the Judiciary Committee, which did not take up the issue during the 2015 legislative session. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee voted 8-5, with Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, joining four Democrats in opposing the measure. Pilon, saying he is a National Rifle Association member, noted a desire for additional training for campus law enforcement. House bill sponsor Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, indicated the measure could make schools safer since concealed-carry permit holders must be 21. Also, he said current law prohibits military veterans who have returned to school on the "GI Bill" from carrying weapons. "Most of those people have more training than our law-enforcement officers do," Steube said. "I was an infantry officer. We trained for years on how to execute different scenarios, and so have all these different military members." BURDEN OF PROOF WOULD SHIFT IN SELF-DEFENSE CASES A key supporter of Florida's controversial "stand your ground" law filed a bill Tuesday that would shift a burden of proof to the state in cases in which people argue they used force in self-defense. The bill (HB 169), filed by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, came about two months after the Florida Supreme Court ruled that people who use "stand your ground" defenses have the burden of showing they should be shielded from prosecution. In such cases, pre-trial evidentiary hearings are held to determine whether defendants are immune from prosecution under the law. But Baxley's bill, which will be considered during the 2016 legislative session, would place the burden of proof on prosecutors in the evidentiary hearings. The bill said it is "intended to correct misinterpretations of legislative intent made by the courts" and would apply retroactively to pending cases. "The Legislature finds that imposing the burden of proof on a person who uses or threatens to use defensive force as permitted by general law at a pretrial evidentiary hearing substantially curtails the benefit of the immunity from trial provided by this section (of law),'' the bill says. "The Legislature intends to make it explicit that the state shall bear the burden of proof in establishing beyond a reasonable doubt whether a defendant is entitled to immunity at a pretrial evidentiary hearing in order to disprove a prima facie claim of self-defense immunity. The Legislature has never intended that a person who acts in defense of self, others, or property be denied immunity and subjected to trial when that person would be entitled to acquittal at trial."
SENATE EASES BACK INTO COMMITTEES While lawmakers will return to Tallahassee next week for the first round of committee meetings before the 2016 legislative session, the majority of Senate committees will remain idle. The Senate is scheduled to hold seven committee meetings, while 14 other panels will not meet, according to a calendar published Wednesday. Also, the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, which includes senators and House members, will meet. Probably the heaviest debates next week will focus on bills in the House and Senate that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on college and university campuses. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee is scheduled to take up the proposal (SB 68), filed by Chairman Greg Evers, R-Baker, at 9 a.m. next Wednesday. That will be followed at 10:30 a.m. by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee considering the House version (HB 4001), filed by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota. The 2016 session will start in January.
LAWMAKER SEEKS TO BAN CONFEDERATE FLAGS AT GOVERNMENT SITES A Democratic lawmaker this week filed a proposal that would ban the display of Confederate flags on state and local government property in Florida. Under the bill, filed Wednesday by state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, any flags now flying would have to come down. The bill says the ban would apply to "the flag or emblem of the Confederate States of America or any flag or emblem used by the Confederate States of America or its military or naval forces at any time within the years 1860 to 1865." The flag issue has been heavily debated since a racially motivated massacre of nine black churchgoers in June in Charleston, S.C. With the flag continuing to fly at some local-government sites in Florida, Thompson said it's time for lawmakers to act. "We haven't seen the county level move to remove the flag,'' she said. But House Local & Federal Affairs Chairman Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said the bill will die if it comes to the committee he leads. "It's unfortunate that we've gotten tied up in this discussion of cultural cleansing,'' Baxley said. “The problem is once you start moving on this, then it goes to monuments, then it goes to roads, then it goes to disturbing graves." The bill (SB 154) is filed for the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January.
BATTLE CONTINUES OVER DOCTOR-PATIENT GUN LAW Raising concerns about First Amendment rights and public health, opponents of a controversial Florida law aimed at restricting doctors from asking questions about patients' gun ownership have asked a full federal appeals court to take up the issue. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last month upheld the constitutionality of the 2011 law, which has drawn heavy attention and was dubbed the "docs vs. glocks" law. The 2-1 ruling was a victory for gun-rights supporters such as the National Rifle Association and a defeat for medical groups. Attorneys for opponents filed documents Tuesday asking the full appeals court to hear the case, a move known as seeking an "en banc" hearing. The documents also make clear that opponents plan to go to the U.S. Supreme Court if they continue to be unsuccessful at the Atlanta-
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based appeals court. "The (appeals-court panel) majority's decision breaks with established precedent and will invite other attempts to silence professional speech because of its message,'' one of the documents said. "(The law), on its face, restricts professional speech on the basis of its content, and disagreement with a particular viewpoint is what spurred its passage." The law includes a series of restrictions on doctors and other health providers. For example, it seeks to prevent physicians from entering information about gun ownership into medical records if the physicians know the information is not "relevant" to patients' medical care or safety or to the safety of other people. Also, the law says doctors should refrain from asking about gun ownership by patients or family members unless the doctors believe in "good faith" that the information is relevant to medical care or safety. Also, the law seeks to prevent doctors from discriminating against patients or "harassing" them because of owning firearms. FROM DARRIN “SCRIBE” BROOKS ----IMPORTANT!!!!
Hey Everyone, We are seeking the “publics” help in getting ready for the next session. We are going to get as many individuals as possible to help us testify and reach out to the legislators. It will be harder for the legislators to ignore a grieving mother and I think it will help to personalize the “cold statistics” and give them a face. Below is the "Long" version of a Letter to Editor that I have been sending to every newspaper that will let me submit something. Each newspaper has a different limit on words so my letter will be anywhere from 400 words to 150 words. One must have already been published because I received an email from a guy in Margate FL telling about his brother getting killed by a drunk driver. Keep your eye out, hopefully one will appear in a paper near you. Scribe............. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is looking for families who have lost a family member or friend in a motorcycle crash that was the
fault of another vehicle. The majority of people who kill or seriously injure a motorcyclist get a failure to yield, running a red
light or some other minor traffic citation. It is time for the voices of those that have suffered this terrible loss to be heard up in
Tallahassee. It is time to address this problem before more loved ones are lost.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. is Florida’s largest Motorcycle Rights Organization. We have Chapters all across the State of Florida
made up of men and women who love riding and who want to promote motorcycle safety and motorcycle awareness to the
general public. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is contacted many times each year by people who have suffered a loss and feel that
a great injustice was done when the driver of the other vehicle only gets a small ticket. A recent example, I was contacted
by a mother who lost her 21-year-old daughter while riding home one evening. Her daughter was wearing a full face helmet,
armored riding jacket and gear. The person who killed her turned left, running a red light, crossing several lanes of traffic
before killing her daughter. The person was only given a ticket for running a red light.
We are not just talking about motorcycles. We need to protect all the vulnerable road users on Florida roadways. Bicyclist,
pedestrians, road construction workers, and all the others who have a legal right to travel on or near roadways. If you know
someone who has been killed or seriously injured as a result of another vehicle driver's negligence, please contact ABATE
of Florida, Inc. and tell us your story.
Sometimes the legislative / legal system needs a reminder that there is a problem. We are asking for your help to put a face
and a story to the cold statistics. Your story can help to change the law to help protect other vulnerable road users so that
more families do not have to suffer a needless loss.
If you would like to share your story and help us show the legislators that the vulnerable road users need help, contact
ABATE of Florida, Inc. at this email address [email protected]
Thank you,
Darrin “Scribe” Brook, State Legislative Trustee, ABATE of Florida, Inc. AMA NEWS:
Committee addresses motorcyclist safety
Contact your representative today!
Take Action On Sept. 10, two motorcycling-related amendments were approved by the Subcommittee on Research and Technology of the U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Committee as part of the “Surface Transportation Research and
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Development Act of 2015.” The bill – as part of the broader surface transportation authorization bill – prioritizes research and development activities within the U.S. Dept. of Transportation. It passed by voice vote. The two motorcycle-related amendments were introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren on behalf of U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner. Amendment No. 036 would require the DOT engage the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the most effective means of preventing motorcycle crashes. While this study is being conducted, no federal funding would be provided to states to conduct motorcycle-only checkpoints. The Senate version does include language to prohibit federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints. The federal dollars from this program should be used exclusively for proven highway safety strategies and not sporadic, discriminatory checkpoints. The amendment was approved by voice vote. Amendment No. 037 would prohibit the DOT from lobbying for any activity on any pending federal, state or local legislation. This is commonly known as the “NHTSA Lobby Ban.” Sensenbrenner included similar language in the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 1997. It was approved by a vote of 7 – 6. The American Motorcyclist Association applauds these amendments and will work to include them in the next highway bill. On Sept. 17, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is tentatively scheduled to consider the highway bill. To ensure these amendments are included, urge your representative today to include these amendments as part of a six-year highway bill. That does it for this month y”all. Ride safe and enjoy. Zman
Linda Vernon Hello Everyone, I hope everyone had a great month. I want to remind everyone we have the A.B.A.T.E Rodeo
and Spooks and Scoots coming up. We are in need of volunteers for both of these events. If you can help out
please contact someone on the board and let us know when you can come out and help out. We appreciate
everyone that has signed up already to help out. It's a time for us to hang out and have some fun together also. I
hope everyone has a great month. Hope to see you all at the meeting. And as always please be safe out there.
Linda Vernon
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Steve Ammerman Hi Polk County, I’m still up here in South Carolina. I’ve been getting a little riding in. I’m working 6 days a week, riding on Sundays. Saturday night I rode up to Robbinsville, NC to meet a friend from Tampa. On Sunday, we rode to Maggie Valley to the Wheels through Time Museum. About 30 miles into our 200 mile ride, I broke my toe shifter. It just fell to the floorboard. Luckily, Joe had a roll-up tool bag. I removed both the heel & toe shifters and used the heel shifter as a toe shifter. Off we went on our adventure… The moral of the story is that it doesn’t matter how good you think the condition of your bike is, stuff happens and it’s good to be prepared. My first-aid kit didn’t help in this emergency. Yep, more stuff to carry in my saddle bag. Be safe out there and enjoy the wind. Steve Ammerman ABATE of Florida – Polk County Chapter Webmaster
George Swatzbaugh (GK) Greetings Everyone! First I would like to thank everyone that has come out to help with inventory on the trailer. From there we have had a few small work parties and like to thank the volunteers who has taken the extra time to get our trailer up and running. Without the help, we would not have been able to do this on our own. Additionally, after Avon Park is over we will have other activities in the upcoming weeks that if you like to help, donate, or participate let us know. Without you we can’t make this possible. And lastly, now that we have entered into Autumn, the weather will be changing (a bit) and we are hoping to have more fun rides. If you know of an event or just want to get together for a ride feel free to post it on our Facebook page. That is all for this month and if anyone has any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me anytime.
V/R GK
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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.
Hey Guys!! As always, please make sure I have your current email address or home address so that you can get the newsletter or renewed Membership card. If you have anything you would like to put in the newsletter let me know, always enjoy new pictures to put in. We have a ”Classified” section in the newsletter now so if you have anything you would like to add to that section or if anyone has something they want to sell and want to put it in newsletter, contact me [email protected]. As everyone has said, we need your help with putting on a successful rodeo for the AVON PARK BIKEFEST. Please if you can give us a little bit of your time on the 3rd of October it would be greatly appreciated. We are all in this together so let’s be a team and work together. Until next time, enjoy the ride and be safe! Deb 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.
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 33806 or email [email protected]
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Join Us! At our next meeting Oct 18th, 2015 at 1:00PM
Boondocks 8515 US Hwy 98 North
Lakeland, FL
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Polk County Chapter
Oct 3rd Skills on Wheels Rodeo @ Avon Park Bike Fest Oct 9-11 Spooks and Scoots Oct 18th Chapter Meeting 1:00pm @ BOONDOCKS 8515 Hwy 98 North Oct 25th Newsletter submission deadline State Oct 10th State Meeting Hosted by Hillsborough County
Other Chapters (go to www.abateflorida.com/events/index.php to see flyers)
Oct 3rd Frisco’s Memorial Poker Run Oct 2-4th Avon Park Autumn Bike Fest Oct 9-11 Spooks and Scoots Oct 20th Gator Alley Memorial Ride Nov 1st Peace River Toy Run Nov 14th Black Creek Wreaths Run 2nd Annual Poker Run Nov 15th Gator AlleyRun and Gobble
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
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ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
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ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
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GET WITH DEWEY CAIN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BUYING ANY TICKETS FOR THIS
DRAWING IN MARCH!!!
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ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
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ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
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ABATE-Polk County Chapter Life Member
ABATE–Polk County Chapter life member ABATE-Polk County Chapter member
ABATE-Polk County Chapter Member ABATE-Polk County Chapter Member
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
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Contact your elected officials - They work for YOU! For corrections to this listing please email [email protected]
Governor Rick Scott The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 850-488-7146
Senator Darren Soto D-District 14 Legislative Assistant: Christine Aleknavich 220 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 850-487-5014 [email protected]
Senator Kelli Stargel R-District 15 Legislative Assistant: Rachel Barnes 324 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 850-487-5015 [email protected]
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 32399-1100 850-487-5021 [email protected]
Representative Neil Combee R-District 39 Legislative Assistant: Barbara Blasingame 1302 The Capitol 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 850-717-5039
Representative Seth McKeel R-District 40 Legislative Assistant: Joseph Clements 222 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 850-717-5040
Representative John Wood R-District 41 Legislative Assistant: Emily Nance 214 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 850-717-5041
Representative Mike La Rosa R-District 42 Legislative Assistant: Rebekah Hurd 1302 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 850-717-5042
Representative Ben Albritton R-District 56 Legislative Assistant: Kevin Cleary 222 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 850-717-5056
Senator Bill Nelson D-Florida 716 Senate hart Office Building Washington DC 20510 202-224-5274 ● F: 202 228-2183 [email protected]
Senator Marco Rubio R-Florida 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 202-224-3014
Representative C.W. Bill Young 10th Congressional District 12407 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-5961 F: 202-226-9764
Representative Bill Posey 15th Congressional District 120 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3671 F: 202-225-3516
Representative Dennis Ross R-Lakeland 12th Congressional District 404 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-1252 F: 202-225-0585
ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter
ABATE of Florida, Inc Polk County Chapter
PO Box 2743
Lakeland, FL 33806
Dues, Donations, and fees to ABATE Events, etc. are not Deductible for federal income tax purposes
Use a separate form for each member; duplicate form as needed.
First: MI: Family/Last: Address: City: Province/State: Postal Code: County: Phone: ( ) Email: Is this a contact information change: __ Yes __ No How did you hear about ABATE? May we use your phone number for our Phone Tree? __Yes __No Are you a registered voter?: __Yes __No Accommodations: All hotel accommodations and related special requests must be made directly with the hotel.
Please choose: New Membership $20 Renew Membership $20 Lifetime Membership $150
Signature: Date:
All members receive, with their paid membership, a membership card, our bi-monthly MasterLink magazine, chapter newsletter, chapter voting privileges, personal involvement in statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride! Don’t forget to renew your membership at least one month early to avoid gaps in membership.
Please contact us for more information: [email protected].
All applications are subject to approval
FOR ABATE OFFICE USE ONLY
Membership dues paid by: Cash Check Money Order Total Paid: $
