ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
Newsletter
August 2016 Volume XL Issue VIII
th

Next Chapter Meeting Sunday, August 21 @ Six Bends Harley Davidson at 10:30 a.m.

Member Don Gator Meredith, Jr.

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

The only Motorcyclists Rights Organization in the State of Florida
Legislative News MSAP Instructors Community Service
ABATE: American Bikers Aimed Towards Education
We lobby and educate the Government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. 2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc., Southwest Chapter. All rights reserved. ABATE of Florida, Inc.
and the Southwest Chapter do not condone drinking while riding or driving.
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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

MISSION STATEMENT
We are a non-profit organization of
motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life.
We lobby and educate the government and the
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 and political
awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR
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.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21ST @ 10:30 a.m.
at SIX BENDS HARLEY DAVIDSON
9501 Thunder Road
Fort Myers, FL 33913

MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE,

NEW ADVERTISERS AND/OR AD
CHANGE DEADLINE:
20th of the month for editorial and Board
approval

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT
OUR GOALS
To become a powerful and viable political
force in legislative matters concerning the
motorcyclist;
To promote safe riding habits without
infringing on individual freedoms;
To motivate bikers to write letters to their
legislators before, during and after the
legislative session; and
To furnish our members with a newsletter to
keep all bikers informed in regard to upcoming
legislation.

Southwest Chapter Newsletter

Issue date: August 2016
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
PO Box 60745
Fort Myers, FL 33906
www.southwest.abateflorida.com

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and/or the
Southwest Chapter. The publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc., and the
Southwest Chapter accept no responsibility for the comments, opinions, or views contained in this newsletter.
Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to: Heidi Szolga, Southwest Chapter, P.O. Box 60745, Fort
Myers, FL 33906-6745 or email at abateswc@yahoo.com.
Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes.

ABATE of Florida, Inc./Southwest Chapter

EXECUTIVE BOARD & TRUSTEES
PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6745
www.southwest.abateflorida.com

Presidents Message:

President: Robb Rabell

thesawguide@yahoo.com / 239-458-3136
Vice President: Moe Moser
ironcitysupplyco@yahoo.com / 412-999-3397
Hello my fellow riders:

Secretary: Gwynne Hickman

Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
Treasurer: Heidi Szolga
love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
Sergeant-At-Arms: John Lupo
the_loops@msn.com / 239-850-4905
Asst. Sgt-At-Arms: Don Gator Meredith, Jr.
239-245-3147
Membership Trustee: Heidi Szolga
love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
Public Relations: Gwynne Hickman
Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
Legislative Representative: Vacant
Safety Director: Ed Lufkin
Ed@southwestchapter.com / 508-685-9220
Newsletter: Heidi Szolga
love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
Webmasters: Taylor Musburger
ABATE@musburger.net / 360-298-1921 and
Ed Lufkin, Ed@southwestchapter.com /
508-685-9220
Chapter Chaplain: Tom Provenzano
tprovenz@comcast.net

In the next few months Southwest Chapter is going to

concentrate on new memberships, our MSAP program &
of course keeping a watchful eye on our rights. We have
some events coming up that are in the works; theres an
ABATE Fall State Biker Bash in October, Southwest
Chapter is planning our 36th Anniversary Biker Games
Party for the end of September & not to forget our Henry
Rifle & Shotgun Raffle. .. look for the flyer in this
newsletter. Now I would also like to remind you that
ABATE of Florida has been presenting to hundreds our
high school students our MSAP program in the hope that
this will promote safer drivers who share the road with
Motorcycles as well as others. Butalso, that we are the
only Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) fighting
for your rights to ride as you choose, in our great State,
& we always appreciate your support.
At this months meeting we had a guest speaker who is a
candidate for the Lee County School Board, who gave us
quite a presentation of things we all need to be aware of,
that could be coming to our schools & being taught to
our children & grandkidsquite informative.
My brothers & Sisters, I forgot to mention, that there are
day passes available at the door for the Fall State Biker
Bash. So even if youre not into primitive camping or a
3 day event, you can still come out & enjoy with your
friends & chapter members the food, the music, the bike
rodeo & have a great time while supporting ABATE of
Florida. So tell your friends or better yet, just grab them
by the arm & come out for the day & have a blast.
Last, we hope that you will watch for us on the road &
watch out for our events which we will be telling you
more about soon.

Products: Vacant

We welcome you & hope youll join us & invite your

friends to support us.

Chapter Rep: Moe Moser

Chapter Rep: Carl Nelson

Ride Safe, Ride often, most of allRide as free as you

choose.
Robb

HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MOTORCYCLE

RIGHTS ORGANIZATION (MRO)

Vice Presidents Message:

Meet the Member:

Don Gator Meredith, Jr.
ABATE member for 20 years

Greetings Southwest Chapter.

Are you one of the many members we havent seen in
a while? I often wonder why people get involved in a
rights organization like ours, stay active for a few
years, then just kind of disappear. Ive heard it said by
some that theres no need to continue to be involved
since we already got the helmet law fixed. While
its true that ABATE of Florida accomplished that
lofty goal 16 years ago, its also true that our
opponents are patiently waiting for us to decline in
numbers and in influence until they can slap the
helmets on us again. If you dont think that can
happen, get on your computer and research
Louisianas mandatory helmet law. Louisiana passed
helmet modification in 1999 and the states bikers
were overjoyed. Maybe they were still celebrating and
not paying attention five years later when the safety
nazis in the state legislature repealed the modification
and made helmets mandatory again.
If youre reading this, youre likely a member of
ABATE or a former member. If youre a former
member, please re-join. Remember: politics is a
numbers game- the larger our organization, the more
power we have to influence Tallahassee. If youre a
current member who hasnt been active, please come
to our meetings and get involved. DONT LET US
BECOME THE NEXT LOUISIANA!!
Our brothers and sisters in Louisiana have continued
the fight for the right to choose. They were narrowly
defeated in the State House recently. Thats 12 years
of being forced to wear helmets. Maybe next year....

Age: 60
Employer: Disabled
Riding motorcycles for 30 years
Favorite food: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes
and gravy

Favorite movie: Green Mile

Favorite song: A Boy Named Sue
Three things youll always find in my fridge:
Eggs, Power Aid, lunch meat
Person (alive or not) Id most like to have
dinner with: Johnny Cash

If you would like to be on the cover of an upcoming

newsletter, submit your favorite picture of you and
your bike along with answers to the profile questions. A
random drawing will choose our next
cover girl (or boy). Email all information to
abateswc@yahoo.com.

Ride free, Moe

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC./SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

GENERAL MEETING
Six Bends Harley-Davidson, Fort Myers on July 17th, 2016
Sergeant at Arms - Please silence phones, Pledge of Allegiance,
Moment of Silence and an invocation by Pastor Tom.
Meeting called to order at 10:32 am.
President's Report:
Leadership report - the State Board said we have elected an
outstanding Board. There are two main reasons that ABATE
exists, one is for education and the other is for motorcycle
rights. We need to have membership drives, day rides and more
MSAP classes. Last year our chapter reached hundreds of
students through our MSAP classes.
The actual MSAP program that is given to students was given at
the State meeting for those in attendance.
The Board needs support and help - follow the three T's: time,
talent and treasury. We need to engage more people and bring
them into membership. It's not all about the money, volunteers
are needed for a variety of things.
President Robb introduces Tom Wellen, a former Southwest
Chapter member, Darrin Brooks, our State Legislative Trustee
and our guest speaker, Chris Quackenbush, candidate for Lee
County School Board District #7. The Primary election is August
30th.
Candidate Quackenbush is an opponent of Common Core
education and stated that our best years were in the 1960's and it
has gone downhill from there. She has learned for instance, that,
among other things, the Lee County School system teaches that
Russian President Gorbechov, not President Reagan, was
responsible for the fall of the Berlin Wall. AP students are
learning mis-information and we need public involvement to
emphasize the facts over what the students have been
taught. Recently enacted State Bill 864 has stopped the
introduction of damaging books. In Lee County, only 53% of
students are on grade level in Math and only 54% in English. We
have lost 23 points in the last 4 years due to common core and
FSA testing. Common core is international and is striving
to create a "one world government". Our students are testing
40% of the time, which does not leave much time for actual
learning. The FSA costs are over $2 billion per year; we need to
eliminate that, Common Core, and standardized testing and
choose our own standards here in Lee County.
There are currently 4 seats up for grabs - districts 2, 3, 6 and
7. Districts 2 and 3 are voted on in-district only and districts 6
and 7 are new and voted on at-large this year. There will be a
fundraiser for candidate Quackenbush July 28th, from 5:30 to
7:00 PM at Miceli's restaurant in Matlacha, hosted by Michael
Dreikron. Complimentary drinks and snacks will be served if
anyone is interested in attending.
Darrin Brooks thanked our chapter for the $100 donation towards
the cost of the Legislative Report.
Vice-President's Report:
'calls for action' for a later time.

The State treasury is thin. We need to sell tickets for the gun raffle
and the State party. It has been determined that the gun raffle tickets
can be sold in states other than Florida and if someone out of state
wins, it can be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer for that person to
pick up, in accordance with all applicable State laws. The drawing
for this raffle is December 10th, please try to sell tickets.
Boots informed those at the President and Vice President seminar
that the State's cost for insurance was about $20,000 for the retainer
and they lost about $12,000 because they did not recoup the money
from the chapters for events. It is believed that ABATE is blackballed from the insurance industry because of the recent claim. Our
chapter's annual Christmas ride to the Veterans Home is in jeopardy
because of the insurance situation. Boots is presently working with
3 different insurance companies to rectify this. It has been
determined that another motorcycle group can actually sponsor the
ride and ABATE can support it.
Darrin Brooks was asked if the State Secretary's minutes can be
made available to the chapters because not all information reaches
the various chapters correctly. This would eliminate any misinformation being reported to the chapters. Darrin will check with
the State board to determine if this can be done, he did not see any
reason why it could not.
Secretary's Report:
Motion to approve the minutes of June 19th made by Gator,
seconded by Heidi Szolga, all in favor, motion passed.
Treasurer's Report:
Heidi gave the Treasurer's Report with the beginning and ending
balance of our account.. Deposits were from membership dues (we
have not had a Bike Night recently) and expenses were for the
newsletter, member reimbursements and membership dues to the
State. Motion to accept by John Lupo, seconded by Gwynne
Hickman, all ayes, motion passed.
Membership Report:
There were 3 renewals, no new members. We really need to get
some new members! One person who does not have access to the
internet has been mailed his renewal notice. Heidi has purchased
membership cards with an application on the back and encouraged
all members to take some to pass out to prospective new
members. Motion to accept made by Carl Nelson, seconded by
Gator, all in favor, motion passed.
Legislative Report:
According to the Legislative Report of 7-17-16, ABATE is the only
Motorcycle Rights Organization in the State of Florida, therefore,
we are a PAC (Political Action Committee). Even though our
Lobbyist and Legislative Trustee do most of the heavy lifting, at
times we will b asked to reach out to our elected officials. This is
called a "Call for Action", when there arise, here are some pointers
on how to contact and address your respective representative:
1) Chapter membership involvement in Calls to Action are critical
and sometimes time sensitive to address. Please do not put these
for motorcycle safety and awareness and ABATE is the only MRO
in the state.
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2) When contacting by phone, leave your name, message, phone

number and the reference of your call.
3) When/if you are contacted back by the officials office, do not
disregard the importance of the representative's Legislative
Aide. Sometimes he/she can be more important than the official
because they will advise the representative as to what they thing
should be addressed.
4) Sometimes in a call for action, State Legislative Trustee
Brooks may provide a sample letter or link that members can go
to and just fill in the blanks with the appropriate information and
click to send. Or he may provide an example of a hand written
card that we can mail to our Representative. Hand written letters
are most appreciated by our elected officials, not to mention the
fact that it lets them know that you are engaged in you direct
governing process.
5) Remember to keep all your political communications
courteous and simple: Honorable Senator Jones, please
support/oppose Senate Bill XXX, or Honorable Representative
Smith, please support/oppose HB XXX.
6) Don't contact your Reps to just vent. If you want to vent and
rant on, call your chapter Legislative Trustee and vent to
him/her. (SW Chapter does not have one, so I suggest you
contact Darrin.)
7) If you have a specific interest to you and you wish to get more
information, let Trustee Broods at the State Board know about
it and he will try to find the answers or information you are
seeking.
8) Remember the basic rule of a self governing process is
"Government always goes to those who show up".
The "Share the Road" bill failed because one State Senator
intended to remove the word "motorcycle" from an
amendment. This bill was scheduled to pass, according to
Senator Benacquisto an Doc, our lobbyist, but it failed in the last
vote.
The Lobbyist and Legislative Trustee are watching new EPA
mandates on Ethanol Content in fuels.

All the information in the Legislative Report will be in the

newsletter. Motion to accept by Gator, seconded by Bob, all in
favor, motion passed.
Vice-President Moe - Old Business:
We need to sell tickets now for the State party, so we have and idea
how many people will attend.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lupo was given the packet from the State and a
patch for the back of his vest.
New Business:
An application for annual renewal for the State Motorcycle Rights
Foundation was received. Motion to renew made by Robb Rabell,
seconded by Fran Lupo, all ayes, motion passed.
Southwest Chapter is one of the oldest chapters in ABATE of FL,
our 36th anniversary is September 10th. Discussion was held
regarding an anniversary party, membership drive, fund raisers,
food, and biker games, possibly for September 17th. Pastor Tom has
transferred the slow race championship tournament to Southwest
Chapter. There were several volunteers to help with our chapter
party. Many different events and races were discussed. We will
attempt to get support from some of the other motorcycle
organizations in the area.
Good of the Order:
Nametags have been ordered for the Board members. Individual
members can request nametags if they would like to have them for
$11.00.
Best wishes to Charlie Fisher for a speedy recovery.
Thanks to Tom Wellen from Gulf Coast Chapter and Pastor Tom
and Chaplain Kathy for visiting with us today!
Motion to adjourn by Gator at 11:42 am, all ayes, motion carried.

The redistribution of the $2.50 MSAP motorcycle registration

fees to ABATE of Florida is being requested because this fee is

Membership Report:
For the month of July we didnt have any renewals or new members.
There are no Memberships that will expire at the end of August. Please talk to your friends and neighbors that
ride. Politics is all about the numbers! We have new Chapter cards that have a Membership Application on the
back. This way you always have an application with you should you need one. Or, you can fill out the membership
form on Page 20 of this Newsletter and mail it to ABATE Southwest Chapter, PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL
33906 along with cash or check for $20 annual or $600 life payable to Southwest Chapter or come to our next
Chapter Meeting on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Six Bends Harley-Davidson.
Each member should make an effort to sign up at least new one member per year we can double our membership
that way!
Safe riding everyone,
Heidi Szolga
Membership Trustee
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Father Toms Message:

Dear Fellow ABATE Members,
From the Head to the Heart!
In recalling the times we have prepared to make a purchase of a motorcycle, we cannot
recall how many times we have gathered facts, information, reviews, specifications,
recommendations, and non-recommendations, before making the commitment to make a
final decision. Once we took the heartfelt plunge, there could be no return. The distance
from all the information gathered in our heads, was only 12 inches from the decision
that had to be made in our hearts.
Many times, we have been called upon to minister emotional and spiritual care in the
hospitals, rehabilitation settings, and disasters, even within the four walls of the church.
Most people looking to us for answers, already had those answers stored in their heads.
All they had to do was to recall the answers and accept them into their hearts.
We have read in many different places, from many wise authors, The longest distance in the world is from the head to the heart
and, that many times transforming knowledge into action is a tremendous and difficult task. Sometimes its been called the
longest journey to emotional and spiritual healing.
How many times have we heard things which were seemingly forgotten? How many times have we heard something and then, recalled
it, when we heard it, again?
Do you recall, You must be born again?
How many remember a famous tennis player, Bjrn Borg. Between 1974 and 1981, he took many tennis championships and many times
after winning a particular title, the newspaper sports headlines would read, Bjrn Again! Were sure the newspaper writers enjoyed
coming up with that one, knowing that many (religious and non-religious) knew the phrase, as it was a well known part of scripture
verse, during the well publicized Jesus movement. How many have taken this quote from their heads and placed it into their hearts?
How may todays headlines be different and innocent lives saved, if those who have caused so much heartache in the world today,
would have taken that scripture in their heads and moved it into their hearts?
There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with
Jesus. Rabbi, he said, we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.
Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God. What do you mean? exclaimed
Nicodemus. How can an old man go back into his mothers womb and be born again? Jesus replied, I assure you, no one can
enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit
gives birth to spiritual life. So dont be surprised when I say, You must be born again. - John 3:1-7 (NLT)
There are so many answers and wisdom in Gods Word which have been forgotten and lost in our minds. And, beyond that, there is
even more to discover, covering everything you may be suffering through!
If you have not, can you make the decision to take the plunge and accept Him into your heart right now?
For more comfort, please pray Dear God, my Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You. I
ask forgiveness of my sins. I repent and accept this gift of repentance and want to be free in you. I confess with my mouth that your son,
Jesus is my Savior and died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him
to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus. Amen." If you have prayed this and/or wish to talk, call us at 239-2678641.
With His love, blessings and a BIG hug,
Tom and Kathy
Pastor Tom (SW ABATE Chaplain, Life Member and Estero River ABATE Life Member) and Chaplain Kathy (SW ABATE Life
Member) Foursquare Chaplains - 239-267-8641 or email: tprovenz@comcast.net
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AUGUST, 2016
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September, 2016
Sun

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An Anniversary/Birthday Party for the

Southwest Chapter is in the works. Details
coming soon!!
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Happy

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36th Birthday
Southwest
Chapter!!

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Legislative Report:
FLORIDA'S BUDGET, NEW LAWS BEGIN JULY 1
Starting Friday, clergy who don't want to marry same-sex couples will have state backing for their beliefs, high school students will have
more choice over where they play sports or study, and local governments won't be able to regulate the use of Styrofoam containers.
Those are among the 159 new laws that will go into effect in Florida on July 1.
The laws range from the latest record-setting state budget to a public records exemption for taped, mixed-martial arts bouts. Lawmakers
sent 272 bills to Gov. Rick Scott during the regular legislative session, which ended in March. Scott vetoed three and signed the rest. Of
the bills approved by Scott, a handful still require approval from local voters before coming law, 25 won't be enacted until Oct. 1, and
67 instantly went into effect after the governor signed them.
Here are highlights of the laws taking effect July 1:
BUDGET
--- HB 5001, which boosts spending on education to the highest level in state history, bankrolls more than $713.5 million worth of
education construction projects. The $82 billion fiscal plan also includes $151 million for restoration of the Everglades and an area north
of Lake Okeechobee, which lawmakers call "the Northern Everglades." The budget, which tops this year's $78.2 billion record-setting
spending plan, also steers money that would otherwise go into the state's school-funding formula into a plan to hold the line on property
taxes. The issue involves part of the school-funding formula known as "required local effort." Lawmakers have linked the property tax
money with a tax cut package that they say puts "tax relief" for the coming year at more than $550 million.
TAX CUTS
HB 7099, a $129.1 million package, exempts sales taxes on food and drinks sold by veterans' organizations and phases out, over three
years, a sales tax on asphalt used for government projects. The measure also revises how taxes are calculated on alcohol and tobacco
sales for cruise ships within Florida waters; on pear cider; and on an excise tax on aviation fuel, which is a discount for most carriers.
For many Floridians, the biggest part of the package will be a sales-tax "holiday" for back-to-school shoppers, which runs from Aug. 5
to Aug. 7.
CRIMES
SB 228, removes aggravated assault from a list of offenses that has been used to sentence people under the 10-20-Life mandatoryminimum sentencing law. SB 636, requires local law-enforcement agencies to submit sexual-assault evidence kits, known as "rape kits,"
to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement within 30 days of the beginning of their investigations, or after being notified by victims
or victims' representatives that they wish the evidence to be tested. SB 1044, sets a minimum of 70 percent of the proceeds from seized
property from an arrested individual to be used on court costs, fines and fees. SB 1294, increases the age of a child victim or witness
who may have his or her testimony videotaped or who may testify by closed circuit television from under 16 years to under18. The law
also increases the minimum term of imprisonment --- from 5 days in jail to 30 days --- for a domestic violence crime when there is
intentional bodily harm to another person.
HEALTH CARE
--- SB 12, the "no wrong door" policy, allows people who need mental-health or substance-abuse treatment to get it no matter how they
enter the systems, whether through criminal offenses or personal crises.
--- HB 221, addresses a controversial health-insurance issue known as "balance billing" that supporters say will help shield patients from
getting hit with surprise tabs after going to hospital emergency rooms.
--- HB 1411, cuts off funding to organizations affiliated with abortion clinics, such as Planned Parenthood. The measure, being
challenged in state and federal courts, requires the Agency of Health Care Administration to conduct annual inspections of abortion
clinics and review at least half the patient records. The law also requires clinics that provide first-trimester abortions to have written
patient-transfer agreements with hospitals. Clinic physicians will also be required to have admitting privileges at hospitals "within a
reasonable proximity."
FOR THE VETS
--- SB 184, makes clear that former members of the Florida National Guard are eligible for the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame. The new
law also requires landlords to make decisions within seven days about lease applications by service members, and sets up a task force to
consider an online-voting system for overseas military voters.
--- SB 222, requires publicly owned or operated airports to provide free parking to any vehicle displaying license plates for disabled
veterans.
--- HB 799, provides that active duty service members who attend state universities or colleges, career centers or charter technical career
centers may receive out-of-state fee waivers while living or stationed out of state.
--- SB 1202, provides entrance fee discounts at state parks to members of the military, honorably discharged veterans, surviving spouses
or parents of either a military member who died in combat or a first responder who died in the line of duty.
10

FIRST RESPONDERS
--- SB 7012, ensures that survivors of first responders killed in the line of duty who were members of the Florida Retirement System are
eligible for the same benefits as those enrolled in the state's traditional pension plan.
RELIGION
--- HB 43, protects churches, clergy members and church employees who object, due to their religious beliefs, to performing wedding
ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples.
EDUCATION
--- HB 229, requires school districts to review bullying and harassment policies at specified intervals.
--- SB 576, allows Florida Keys Community College in Monroe County to build a dorm with up to 400 beds.
--- HB 7029, allows parents to transfer their children --- through an "open enrollment" process --- to any public school in the state that
isn't at capacity, and gives charter schools that serve lower-income students or those with disabilities a bigger slice of construction
funding doled out by the state. The wide-ranging measure also allows private schools to join the Florida High School Athletic Association
or other organizations on a sport-by-sport basis and sends additional funds to "emerging pre-eminent" universities, possibly the
University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
--- HB 7003, is intended to provide job opportunities and financial independence for people with disabilities.
--- SB 672, includes programs that provide educational aid and higher-education opportunities to families whose children have
developmental disabilities, referred to as "unique abilities" by Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando. Gardiner, whose son Andrew
was born with Down syndrome, pushed for the measure.
--- HB 963, the "Wes Kleinert Fair Interview Act," requires law enforcement to ensure a mental health counselor or instructor is provided
during interviews involving an individual with autism.
JURY DUTY
--- HB 111, declares that certain people incapable of caring for themselves may be permanently excluded from jury service.
SALT LIFE
--- SB 158, allows people with lifetime fishing or hunting licenses or boater-safety identification cards to have a symbol added to their
driver licenses --- for a $1 charge --- that will display that lifetime status.
--- HB 427, provides a discount of about 12 percent on annual vessel-registration fees next year for boaters who show they have purchased
and registered emergency locator devices.
--- HB 703, redefines the rule that a boater must operate in a manner that doesn't endanger "any person" to limiting actions that threaten
"another person outside the vessel." The law also restricts the ability of certain law enforcement officers to stop and search boats, if the
vessels display commission safety-inspection decals.
--- SB 846, authorizes divers-down flags to have more than one white diagonal stripe or to be oriented in the same direction.
--- HB 1051, prohibits overnight anchoring in part of the Middle River in Broward County, Sunset Lake in Miami-Dade County and
three parts of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
--- SB 552, sets water-flow levels for springs and guidelines for the Central Florida Water Initiative, a multi-agency, water-supply
planning effort.
--- HB 989, "Legacy Florida," a restoration effort, sets aside up to $200 million a year for the Everglades, $50 million annually for
springs and $5 million each year for Lake Apopka.
--- HB 7007, designates Tupelo honey, commercially harvested from the Ogeechee Tupelo tree in northwest Florida, as Florida's official
honey.
--- HB 7013, a wide-ranging bill focused on fish and wildlife, increases the fine from $250 to $500 for illegally taking game while
trespassing; decreases the penalty for not filing required alligator hunting reports; and specifies that possession of any marine turtle
species or hatchling without state or federal approval is a third-degree felony.
TRANSPORTATION
--- HB 7061, increases annual seaport funding from $15 million to $25 million, extends the length of certain semitrailers allowed on
public roads, and requires a brewery to pay for a requested directional sign.
--- SB 698, allows the state Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco to issue alcoholic beverage licenses to the owners of railroad
transit stations that are used for passenger service between two or more cities.
PUBLIC RECORDS
--- HB 381, keeps private the results of the taped matches controlled by the Florida State Boxing Commission before they are publicly
aired.
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CAPITOL MEMORIALS
--- SB 716, establishes the creation of a Florida Holocaust Memorial at the Capitol.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
--- HB 1361, eliminates a required state review of new developments of regional impact if they comport with a local comprehensive
plan.
--- HB 7007, prohibits local governments from making new laws that regulate the use or sale of polystyrene, most commonly known as
Styrofoam, by grocery stores and related businesses.
DINING OUT
--- HB 633, adds temporary "food contests" and "cook-offs" hosted by a school, religious group or nonprofit civil or fraternal organization
from having to pay a licensing fee or undergo an inspection from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants.
HOME ELEVATORS
--- HB 1602, the "Maxwell Erik 'Max' Grablin Act," requires newly installed residential elevators to have a sensor that keeps the lift
from moving in the same direction if something is detected in the shaft.
FOOD STAMPS
--- HB 103, allows the use of EBT cards, formally known as food stamps, in fresh-produce markets.
VOTING
--- SB 112, replaces the term absentee ballot with the term vote-by-mail ballot."
DOWN ON THE FARM
--- HB 59, prohibits local governments from enforcing a local ordinance, regulation, rule, or policy that prohibits, restricts, regulates, or
otherwise limits an agritourism activity on land classified as agricultural land.
--- HB 1046,exempts the driver of a covered farm vehicle from commercial driver license requirements.
HOUSE RACES TO WATCH IN 2016
There is little danger that Republicans will lose their stranglehold on the Florida House of Representatives this year. The party has an
81-39 edge in the chamber even after the passage of the anti-gerrymandering "Fair Districts" amendments approved by voters in 2012,
and the redistricting that followed.
However, Democrats would like to get back to 40 seats or above in the November elections, in part because denying Republicans a twothirds majority would allow the minority party to have a little more leverage in how the chamber is run.
Both parties are watching several seats --- many of them along the Interstate 4 corridor that roughly bisects Florida and serves as the
state's political heartland --- to see if Democrats can make progress in the fall elections. And with qualifying having wrapped up last
week, those races are taking shape.
Here are some of the most prominent:
District 9
Incumbent Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, is leaving office due to term limits. The district tilts heavily towards
Democrats --- Rehwinkel Vasilinda won with almost 62 percent of the vote in 2012 and faced no GOP opponent two years ago --- but
Tallahassee attorney Jim Messer, a Republican, raised almost $109,000 through the end of May. That's still well behind former state
Rep. Loranne Ausley, D-Tallahassee, who raised almost $281,000. Ausley faces two lightly-funded challengers in the Democratic
primary.
District 47
This Orange County district is one of several along the I-4 corridor that have swung back and forth between the two parties, depending
on how the state's politics are flowing at the time. In 2012, former Rep. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, captured the district with 52.4 percent
of the vote. Two years later, with Gov. Rick Scott winning re-election amid a Republican wave, Rep. Mike Miller of Winter Park took
the seat for the GOP. Democratic candidate Beth Tuura, who has worked on the technical side of the TV industry, has amassed more
than $53,000 for the race, but attorney and fellow Democrat Henry Lim has raised more than $44,000. Clinton Curtis, a third Democrat,
has raised only a shade over $3,600. Miller, meanwhile, has garnered almost $137,000 in contributions.
District 59
Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, has represented this Hillsborough County seat for four years. He coasted to re-election in 2014, but that was
two years after narrowly defeating Democrat Gail Gottlieb by less than two percentage points. Spano has raised more than $121,000,
while Democratic challenger Rena Frazier, a Brandon attorney, has gathered more than $94,000 in contributions. But Frazier also faces
a primary against Brandon teacher Naze Sahebzamani, who has raised almost $29,000.
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District 63
Rep. Shawn Harrison, R-Tampa, won election to this swing seat in 2014 with 52.6 percent of the vote, pushing out former Rep. Mark
Danish just two years after the Democrat won the seat by one percentage point. Harrison has raised more than $155,000 so far, while
Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione --- Harrison's Democratic opponent --- has garnered almost $72,000 in contributions.
District 69
Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-Treasure Island, has represented this Pinellas County district for four years. And while she won by more than
15 percentage points in 2014, her race two years earlier was far closer. Jennifer Webb, a Gulfport Democrat who works at the University
of South Florida, trails Peters in fundraising by more than $100,000 --- though she raised almost $45,000 in less than two months in the
race.
District 72
Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, is running for the Senate and opening up a narrowly Republican district. Pilon was a maverick during his
time in the House, and won his last two elections with at least 53.9 percent of the vote. Democrats are hopeful that Edward James III,
who has worked for Google, President Barack Obama's re-election campaign and Congresswoman Gwen Graham's campaign, can pry
the seat away from the GOP after having raised almost $92,000. Republican Alex Miller, a businesswoman, has raised almost $40,000
and loaned her campaign another $50,000. Fellow Republican John Hill, a media personality, has loaned his campaign $5,000.
District 103
Perhaps one of the more intriguing questions about the House this year is whether Rep. Manny Diaz, a Hialeah Republican and influential
voice on education issues, can be knocked off in the district he's represented for four years. Diaz has raised more than $243,000, while
Democratic opponent Ivette Gonzalez Petkovich has raised about $46,000. But the Miami-Dade lawyer's attempt to defeat Diaz two
years after he won with 58.2 percent of the vote is still drawing attention.
District 112
Rep. Jose Javier Diaz, D-Miami, is leaving this seat to run for the Senate, opening up a district that he won by just two percentage points
in 2014. The best-funded of the candidates to succeed him is Democrat Nicholas Duran, the executive director of the Florida Association
of Free and Charitable Clinics, who has raised more than $81,000. Waldo Faura-Morales, a businessman, has raised less than $6,000.
On the Republican side, former Key Biscayne councilman Michael Davey has raised more than $37,000. Rosy Palomino, a business
owner, has raised less than $3,500.
District 114
Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, is leaving this seat due to term limits. Republican John Couriel, a lawyer who ran unsuccessfully against
state Sen. Gwen Margolis four years ago, has raised almost $168,000 for his campaign. Democrat Daisy Baez, a health-care executive
who drew 44 percent of the vote against Fresen in 2014, has raised almost $77,000. But she faces a primary against Alberto Santana,
who has raised less than $5,400 but has loaned his campaign $42,000.
Junes Supreme Court Decision & Motorcycle Profiling
WASHINGTON, DC As many Americans are recovering from 4th of July festivities unpacking their picnic baskets, traveling back
home after a long weekend, or putting their red, white and blue away until Labor Day. So its ironic that a week prior to the day that
millions of Americans celebrated their freedom and independence, the Supreme Court made a major ruling that affects your Fourth
Amendment rights as an American.
In late June, the Supreme Court finished out its current term by making rulings on a number of major cases. Though arguably, access to
abortions generated the most media coverage, another decision was made that didnt generate much media attention, but affects Fourth
Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures and probable cause. Specifically, the decision in the Utah v. Strieff case
could impact the issue of profiling in America.
An Anonymous Tip
In 2006 in Utah, a white male who left someones home and was walking to his car in a parking lot was stopped by law enforcement
and told to remain there. The detective wanted to know what was going on inside the house after receiving an anonymous tip. While
Strieff waited, the officer discovered that Strieff had an outstanding arrest warrant for a traffic violation. As a result, Strieff was searched
and drug paraphernalia was discovered in his pockets. Strieff was then charged with drug-related offenses. The problem with this scenario
is that Strieff was stopped without reasonable suspicion. And according to the constitution, when police illegally stop an individual on
the street without reasonable suspicion, any fruits of that stopsuch as the discovery of illegal drugsmay not be used in court, because
the stop was unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment.
However, the Supreme Court ruled 5-3 that the evidence obtained during the event in Utah could be used in court. Again, up until this
case, law enforcement had to cite a reason for stopping the person. To detain someone, you had to have reasonable suspicion that a crime
was being committed or was about to be committed. That fell aside with this decision, because the court found that if an officer illegally
13

stops an individual then discovers an arrest warranteven for an incredibly minor crime, like a traffic violationthe stop is then
legitimized, and any evidence seized can be used in court.
Connection to Motorcycle Profiling
This should raise red flags for some in the motorcycle community who have already begun to voice concerns about being at greater risk
of being stopped arbitrarily by law enforcement. The issue of profiling and motorcyclists has started to gain traction after a law in
Maryland was passed in May addressing the issue. Washington passed a similar bill in 2011. How the Supreme Courts decision will
play out has yet to be determined, but it certainly sparks questions about the Fourth Amendment going forward. You can read the
Supreme Court Decision here: http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/15pdf/14-1373_83i7.pdf
SPECIAL SESSION FAILURE UNLIKELY TO END GUN DEBATE
By JIM TURNER
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, July 5, 2016.......... After their call for a special legislative session failed, Florida Democrats say they
will continue to seek "common-sense" regulations on the sales of weapons to people on federal watch lists.
With only a single Republican joining with Democrats, initial numbers released by the Florida Department of State indicated there wasn't
enough legislative support for a requested special session to deal with gun control as a reaction to the mass shooting last month at the
Pulse nightclub in Orlando. "We'll stay focused on public safety, supporting common-sense controls on the purchase of weapons while
protecting the rights of law-abiding Floridians," state Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, said in a prepared statement late Friday.
"We had a rational response to discuss and debate in the aftermath of the mass murder of 49 people and the shooting of scores more in
our state by a terrorist. It will still be reasonable and favored by a wide majority of people when the Legislature does come into session."
Moskowitz was among the Democrats who last week pushed for the extra session, rounding up 46 Democratic lawmakers to sign a
petition that required Secretary of State Ken Detzner to survey all 160 members of the House and Senate on the request.
The focus on the session would have been to discuss a proposed prohibition on gun sales to people on federal terrorism watch lists.
Incoming House Minority Leader Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, said in a release that supporters consider it "reasonable" to fix the "loophole"
now, rather than waiting for the 2017 regular session. "The Republican governor, the Republican leadership of the Legislature and a
group of Republican lawmakers said no, they're sticking to their guns," Cruz said. Republican leaders had wasted little time announcing
they would vote against the proposed special session, which House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, said was "motivated by
partisan politics." Detzner had a Tuesday deadline to complete the survey. Holding a special session would require support from 60
percent of the members of the House and the Senate, both of which are dominated by Republicans.
As of Saturday, the votes cast by members of the Senate stood at 13 votes in support and 11 votes in opposition. All the votes against
the session came from Republicans. But Sen. Anitere Flores, a Miami Republican who faces an election challenge from Democrat Debbie
Mucarsel-Powell of Pinecrest, joined 12 Democrats in voting for the session.
In the House, 33 Democrats had voted "yes" and 54 members had cast "no" votes. Democratic House members Katie Edwards of
Plantation and Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda of Tallahassee, joined 52 Republicans in voting against the session.
This is not the first time Edwards and Rehwinkel Vasilinda have sided with Republicans in opposing a potential special session. In 2013,
Democrats fell well short of the support needed when seeking a special session on the state's "stand your ground" self-defense law. The
effort three years ago stemmed from a sit-in protest at the Capitol by a group called the Dream Defenders. The group protested against
the "stand your ground" law after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford.
The final tally in 2013 was 47 votes for the extra session and 108 against, including seven House Democrats.

14

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS

Kim Adair
Keith Baker
Bill Barber
Darrell Barnett
Denee Bartels
Karl Bartling
Karl Bartling, III
James Bogenrieder
Scott Blink
Chet Budz
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Nora Burkholder
Don Campbell
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Jonathan Conant
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Dan Curry
John DAgostino
Kim DAgostino
Biffle Davis
Lynne Davis
Mary Dicenzo-Porter
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Sonny Gartrell
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Grandpa Steward
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Jama Wyatt
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Life Members Who

Have Passed Away
Jerry Barnett
Maggie Cran
Ginny DAsti
John Kennedy
Russell May
Rev. Rea Means
Jo Ann Miller
Jim Mozeleski

To become a Life Member contact the Membership Trustee on Page 3

Southwest Chapter Products

Chapter Patch Large (Members Only) $25.00
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Chapter Flag - $25.00
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16

There are day passes available at the door for the Fall State Biker Bash. So even if you are
not into primitive camping or a three day event, you can still come out and enjoy with
your friends and chapter members the food, the music, the bike rodeo and have a
great time while supporting ABATE of Florida. So tell your friends or better
yet, just grab them by the arm and come out for the day and have a blast.
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18

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

Southwest Chapter P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906
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ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest Chapter
P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906
Southwest.abateflorida.com

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