ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
Newsletter
March 2017 Volume XLI Issue III

Next Chapter Meeting Sunday, March 19th @ Six Bends Harley Davidson at 10:30 a.m.

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 does not condone drinking while riding or driving.
1
 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING:
MISSION STATEMENT

We are a non-profit organization of SUNDAY, MARCH 19TH @ 10:30 a.m.

motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life.
We lobby and educate the government and the at SIX BENDS HARLEY DAVIDSON
general public to promote motorcycling in a 9501 Thunder Road
safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist Fort Myers, FL 33913
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 MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE,
awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR NEW ADVERTISERS AND/OR AD
GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, CHANGE DEADLINE:
poker runs, campouts and other motorcycle
activities. We are your neighbors and friends
who work, pay taxes and get involved with our 20th of the month for editorial and Board
community. We serve and support our country approval
and believe in freedom. We use all legal means
to protect our rights without infringing on the
rights of others.
IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT
OUR GOALS
Southwest Chapter Newsletter
To become a powerful and viable political
force in legislative matters concerning the
Issue date: March 2017
motorcyclist;
To promote safe riding habits without PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
infringing on individual freedoms; ABATE of Florida, Inc.
To motivate bikers to write letters to their SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
legislators before, during and after the PO Box 60745
legislative session; and Fort Myers, FL 33906
To furnish our members with a newsletter to
keep all bikers informed in regard to upcoming www.southwest.abateflorida.com
legislation.

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 accepts 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.
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 Presidents Message and Report: ABATE of Florida, Inc./Southwest Chapter
EXECUTIVE BOARD & TRUSTEES
PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6745
www.southwest.abateflorida.com

President: Robb Rabell

thesawguide@yahoo.com / 239-458-3136

Vice President: Moe Moser

My Brothers & Sisters, ironcitysupplyco@yahoo.com / 412-999-3397
Cape Coral Bike Night was another big success, first I want to
thank the volunteers who helped out with our booth, Set up & Secretary: Gwynne Hickman
breakdown. Next Id like to welcome our new Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
Membersthank you for joining us in this fight against the
new Helmet Bill. In total from the Ft. Myers & Cape Coral Treasurer: Heidi Szolga
Bike Nights, we have gained over 50 new Members, this is just
outstandingwelcome to all new Members. love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
ABATEs Freedom Ride is coming up & we really need to Sergeant-At-Arms: John Lupo
support this Ride. This is the Ride that got the Helmets taken
off of our heads, show our Legislators we are watching & the_loops@msn.com / 239-850-4905
when they support us, well support them. We hope to make a
big showing at the Capitol & have the opportunity to meet & Asst. Sgt-At-Arms: Don Gator Meredith, Jr.
talk with our Legislators. Also, you dont have to be an 239-245-3147
ABATE Member to support the ride. Spread the word its
Monday April 10th. Get the info on our website.
Membership Trustee: Heidi Szolga
May is Motorcycle Safety Month & our Secretary has love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
requested a proclamation on behalf of SW Chapter from the
Lee County Commissioners, & we just got word it was drafted
& will be presented to Southwest Chapter at the County
Public Relations: Gwynne Hickman
Commissioners Meeting on May 2 nd at 9:30 A.M. Youll be Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
getting an Email with all the info & we are asking all Chapter
Members to be present. Legislative Representative: Vacant
We still have 3 more Bike nights & were continuing the 50%
discount for a 1 year membership or 2 Members for the regular Safety Director: Ed Lufkin
price of 1 Membership. So tell your friends, bring them out & Ed@southwestchapter.com / 508-685-9220
sign them up. The next one is Downtown Ft. Myers Bike
Night, on March the 11th, well be located on First
Streethope to see you there. We are calling setup &
Newsletter: Heidi Szolga
breakdown support. love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
We have become aware of an issue regarding Proof of
Required Insurance Coverage as it is stated in the existing
Webmasters: Taylor Musburger
Helmet Law. A law enforcement agency in our area refused to ABATE@musburger.net / 360-298-1921 and
accept a bikers employer provided insurance coverage, as Ed Lufkin, Ed@southwestchapter.com /
meeting the required criteria to ride without a helmet. We 508-685-9220
brought this up for discussion at our board meeting, & after
discussing several possible scenarios, Vice President Moe & I
decided to pursue clarification from two adjacent directions.
Chapter Chaplain: Tom Provenzano
As we acquire information well pass this on to all & address tprovenz@comcast.net / 239-267-8641
this issue quickly.
Our Lobbyist explained it this way; Motorcycle registrations
Products: Vacant
went from 400,000 to 1.3 million in 16 years. If we could get
this number plus their families as a Voting Block we can Chapter Rep: Moe Moser
sway voting for anything. This is why its so important to join Chapter Rep: Carl Nelson
ABATE of Florida & not just the rider but the passenger as
well. Hope to see you at Bike night.
HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MOTORCYCLE
Ride Safe & Free - Robb RIGHTS ORGANIZATION (MRO)
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 Vice Presidents Message:

Hello Freedom Fighters!

Unless youve been living under a rock you know that

HB6009 has been introduced in the FL State House. If
passed, it will require YOU to wear a helmet at all times!
If this is NOT what you want, get on the phone to your
Representative and Senator and ask them to not support
this bill. If you dont know who to call, come to the next
Chapter meeting and Ill give you the information. The
helmet issue is the reason ABATE was founded all those
years ago. Dont forget- it took 30 years of lobbying our
legislators before we finally prevailed and modified the
law in 2000. Thats been almost 17 years of freedom of
choice. Do you want to give it away? If youre one of the
folks who says oh- someone else will make the calls or
my call isnt going to make a difference then you may
end up kicking yourself in the butt when you go helmet
shopping in a few months. MAKE THE CALLS!

Ride free because of ABATE.

Moe

Membership Report:
For the month of February we had 0 renewals and 18 new
members!!!!

To become a member, simply complete the application on

Page 19 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 either the
Fort Myers or Cape Coral Bike Nights or come to our next
Chapter Meeting on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 10:30
a.m. at Six Bends Harley-Davidson. Memberships that
will expire at the end of March are Edward Barlot,
Michael Dolby, Christopher Forman, Patricia Heitz,
Gwynne Hickman, Chris Tantanella, Shelley Taylor,
Paul Taylor, Sr., and Michael Vandevender. Please see
me about your renewal.

Heidi Szolga
Southwest Chapter ABATE Membership Trustee

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 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC./SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
GENERAL MEETING
Six Bends Harley-Davidson, Fort Myers on February 19, 2017
19 Members, 2 Guests of Motorcycle Safety Awareness month for the month of May. She had
Please sign in, silence phones, Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of a telephone conversation with Matt Caldwell, FL Representative in the
Silence for veterans and active duty, welcome to our guests. Lehigh Acres area regarding HB 6009, the Helmet Law. Rep. Caldwell
Meeting called to order at 10:35 am is the Chair of the Government Accountability Committee, which is the
second committee where this bill will be heard. Rep. Caldwell is on our
Presidents Report: side and against this bill, but your Board asks you to continue to call his
Cape Coral Bike Night was a big success; thank you to all of the office so he will have a long list of constituents that oppose this bill. Its
volunteers. Between the last Ft. Myers and Cape Coral Bike Nights, all about the number, folks. His Lehigh office number is 239-694-0161
we have 52 new members! Robb discussed the Freedom Ride to and his Tallahassee number is 850-717-5079. The Executive Board also
Tallahassee April 910 and encouraged people to participate. All had an appointment to meet with Rep. Dane Eagle Feb. 2nd, but it was
bikes leave from the Super 8 parking lot and ride to the Capitol. Once re-scheduled for March 2nd.
there, we can go into the Capitol and meet with our legislators. He
also mentioned that May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness month Legislative Report from the State Meeting:
and our Public Relations trustee has requested a proclamation Heidi took copious notes and gave a lengthy report regarding the last
regarding that. Sun Sports has requested our chapter help in a 2-day State Meeting and the delegates reports, all of which will be available
event May 6th and 7th with a bike show and biker games, and we will in the upcoming Masterlink newsletter provided by State.
continue our 50% discounted memberships at the event. This will be
a family event and volunteers are needed. There are 3 more bike Legislative Report:
nights this season, we will need volunteers and the next one is March Moe reported that State is requesting pictures of our MSAP classes,
11th in Ft. Myers. On the National level, we need to support our safety booths, etc. so our lobbyist can show our legislators what ABATE
President and Congressmen. Our two new members, Jeff and Cathy has been doing. He reported on HB 6009 and read the State delegates
were introduced to the chapter. Welcome! report. He also handed out contact information for our State Senators
and Representatives, and showed a district map (so everyone would
Vice-Presidents Report: know who is their particular Legislator) and encouraged everyone to
Moe has the 33 year pin for our chapter member, Big Bird! contact them regarding HB 6009. Its all about the numbers!!!
(Congratulations, Big Bird!) Moe sent out the thank you letters to
the donors of our Christmas Veterans event. Copies of the letters will Robb encouraged everyone to take the post cards and send them to your
be given to the Secretary for the files. Thunder Road magazine did a Legislators.
one-page write up about Southwest Chapters Christmas ride and
invited the members to peruse the article. We have approximately NCOM National Coalition of Motorcycles
180 members in our chapter. The next NCOM meeting is Mothers Day 2019. ABATE was asked if
we would host this event. NCOM is a motorcycle advisory committee,
Secretarys Report: no vote was taken.
Gwynne stated she was unable to attend last months meeting and
thanked Heidi for taking the notes and preparing the minutes. A Safety Directors Report:
motion was made by Don Tupper to approve the minutes as written Ed is absent and has been excused. The MSAP (Motorcycle Safety and
for the January meeting, seconded by Carl Nelson. All in favor, no Awareness Program) instructors did classes for the Women of the Wind
nays, motion passed. at their national conference in Estero and Ida Baker High School in Cape
Coral.
Treasurers Report:
Heidi reported on the beginning and ending balances of our account. Sergeant-at-Arms:
The expenses were for the newsletters, posters and money to the State Please check your bikes for safety before riding.
Board. Deposits were from newsletter advertisements, memberships
and donations from Ft. Myers Bike Night. The report is available for Old Business:
review at the end of the meeting. Motion to accept was made by Carl Gift cards were taken to the Veterans Home. We will reestablish Bike
Nelson, seconded by Big Bird, all in favor, no nays, motion passed. Night at Victory Lane on Hancock Bridge Parkway in N. Ft. Myers.

Membership Report: New Business:

Heidi reported we have 35 new members from Cape Coral Bike
Night. For the month of January, we had 37 new members. Motion
to approve was made by John Lupo, seconded by Don Tupper. All
in favor, no nays, motion carried.
Public Relations:
Gwynne reported that she, Robb and Ed rode up to the Veterans
Home to deliver the gift cards that our chapter purchased from the
donations prior to, and at the day of, the ride. The vets were all very
happy to see us and grateful for our gifts. A proclamation has been
requested from the Board of County Commissioners in recognition
Sun Sports is putting on a new event Make Motorcycles Great Again
and has asked for our chapters support; it will be their event and we
will not need to purchase insurance. It will be a one or two day event,
one day seems to be preferred by our members. The State board has
asked if ABATE would want to host the NCOM convention in Orlando,
as stated above. As a side note, Doc is the Director of NCOM. Our
chapter will vote on this at our next meeting in March.
Motion to Adjourn:
Motion made by Carl Nelson, seconded by Heidi Szolga, all in favor,
motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:43 am.

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Father Toms Message:
Dear Fellow ABATE Members,
Are We Too Intellectual?

Most everyone will agree that we have all been given intellectual abilities and the ability to reason, to one
degree or another.

We know that during a time were getting ready to purchase some consumer goods or even a motorcycle, we
apply various and easily movable standards or flexibility to suit our needs, wants, ego, and desires. These
applications will many times go in the face of reasonable good judgment and conscience. Weve often heard
people say, Were too smart for our own good. When it comes to taking certain positions, it can lead to
pride. And, pride can lead to our downfall. Proverbs 16:19.

Many times, too much intellectual application can keep us from seeing the whole picture of any situation. An old saying, We cant see the forest
when were too close to the trees.

Intellectual pride is possibly the biggest reason why most will not come to accepting what God has done for us. PRIDE is the primary reason Satan
fell from Heaven. Many will intellectualize themselves and reject what Gods purpose is for their lives. They claim to have all the answers, when the
real answers have been put forth by our Creator.
These are just a few of the reasons weve heard over the years. You can surely come up with your own:
1. All my friends will be in Hell, I might as well be with them. Well have a party. 2. People at Church have hurt me. Or, you should see
what some of these people have done or what they are doing. I dont want to be part of them. 3. Ive done so many things wrong. Its too
late, now. 4. Id have to give up too many things. 5. What will my friends (spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, parents) think? 6. Im divorced. 7.
Each person has his own Heaven and their own Hell. 8. There are many ways to God. 9. God would never allow anyone to go to Hell. 10.
Look at all the terrible things done by people in the name of Christianity. 11. Im Jewish. 12. Ill have to clean up my act, first. 13. Im
already a Church member. Or, Im attending a Church. Im covered. 14. I am only ___ years old. I will take care of this before I face
judgment. 15. I am a good person.
Before we respond individually to each one of these reasons (as you will soon realize these reasons are nothing more than EXCUSES), there are some
things that one really needs to know where these reasons come from. Just look at these scriptures. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. - 1 Peter 5:8 (Jesus is speaking) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of
your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he
speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.- John 8:44
Responses:
1. Hell is a REAL place and nothing to joke about. Matthew describes it as a fiery furnace. John calls it the Lake of Fire, and further says
those not written in the Book of Life will end up there. 2. Church is full of people who have hurt others and have been hurt by others. Jesus
wants us to do as He would do, Forgive and Forget. Dont focus on others. FOCUS ON THE LORD. You will find kindred souls if you
are open. You will be able to grow in the Lord with support and fellowship. 3. As long as you are alive, its never too late. Confess before
Him and mean it, for He is ready, NOW. 4. Are you a slave to those things? Or, would you rather be free in Christ? 5. You may be
surprised to find out that many will respect your decision to follow Jesus. You may be in a better position to lead THEM to the Lord than
any Preacher could. There is a saying that you take nothing with you when you die (a lie of the devil). You take your soul and those you have
brought to Jesus. 6. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin. Jesus took your place on the cross for that sin. Again, confess it and be forgiven.
7. We dont think so. Heaven and Hell are real places and we will all end up in one place or the other. Check out Heaven and Hell in the
Bible. 8. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except by Me. John 14:6. 9. And whosoever was not
found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:15 Is your name in the Book of Life? 10. Admit it, they were not
acting as Jesus would have, were they? They are not REAL Christians, are they? 11. There are 333 prophecies pointing to Jesus as the
Messiah. He is the only person in history to have fulfilled those prophecies. There are many Jewish believers and messianic synagogues to
find fellowship. 12. Jesus will accept you as you are, RIGHT NOW. Isnt it better to have Jesus with you to help, rather than you being on
your own? 13. There are many Church members on their way to Hell. For many, going to church is just the right thing to do. For many,
it is a social club. Many have not truly accepted Jesus into their lives. 14. Jesus could return at any moment. There is no guarantee that you
will be alive two minutes from now. With every minute that passes by, you are one minute closer to eternity. 15. Scriptures tell us that, All
have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. All need redemption and to be justified by Christs saving blood.
Dont let the devil mislead you or keep you from the Lord!
Please pray: My dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the God of Jesus... right now I come before You as a sinner and ask forgiveness of
my sins, I repent of those sins and ask that you help me through any temptations so as not to commit them again. I believe that your Son, the
Lord Jesus Christ paid for those sins on the cross and I receive Him into my heart as Lord and Savior. I believe that Jesus died for me, He was
buried for me, He rose for me, and He is coming back for me. I open the door of my life to You. I look forward to the eternity you promise. Help
me to finish my life well, fulfilling the purpose you have for me, here on earth, in your service. In the name of Jesus... Amen.
If you have prayed this for the first time, will you please let us know? Give us a call to share your experience.
Blessings and hugs,

Pastor Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member and Southwest ABATE Chapter Chaplain) and Chaplain Kathy (SW ABATE Life Member)-
tprovenz@comcast.net 239-267-8641

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7
Legislative Report:
2018 LOOMS AS SCOTT, PUTNAM READY FOR SESSION
Neither is a declared candidate for 2018, but the next election cycle looms large for Gov. Rick Scott and Agriculture Commissioner
Adam Putnam. Scott is expected to challenge U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, while Putnam is seen as a leading candidate to replace Scott. In
appearances Tuesday before reporters and editors gathered at an Associated Press event, both Republican leaders laid out familiar
legislative agendas, while declining to speculate on their political futures. Scott and Putnam said they are focused on their current jobs.
Weve got a lot to do and there will be plenty of time to focus on 18 after the session, Putnam said. Scott talked about his proposed
$83.5 billion state budget, which includes more than $600 million in tax cuts, higher education spending and more economic incentives.
Putnam talked about his oversight role in the states agriculture industry, including dealing with the threats of citrus greening, a plant
disease ravaging the citrus industry, and the screwworm, a parasite that threatens Florida livestock and the endangered Keys deer. Yet
as formidable as both experienced candidates would be in statewide races, they face uncertainty, particularly with the election of
President Donald Trump and a new state House speaker, who are bent on shaking up the political hierarchies in Washington, D.C., and
Tallahassee. Scott was an early Trump supporter and ran a political committee that supported Trumps presidential campaign. He
attended the inauguration and remains close to the new president. Putnam was a staunch Jeb Bush supporter during the Republican
presidential primaries and came to Trumps camp more reluctantly after the New York businessman won the GOP nomination. With
Trump off to a tumultuous start, Scott and Putnam on Tuesday voiced support for his early efforts, including his controversial executive
order on immigration, with some slight criticism on how some of the initiatives have been handled. President Trump is working hard.
He is doing what he said he was going to do in the campaign, Scott said. Im glad he is focused on the safety of Americans. While
saying the left is going to accuse him (Trump) of all sorts of things, Scott said there is always a better way to roll something out.

STEUBE FILES SERIOES OF GUN MEASURES

After deciding to break up a mammoth gun-rights bill, Senate Judiciary Chairman Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, has filed a series of measures
that address individual firearms issues. As of mid-day Wednesday, Steube had filed six gun-related bills this week, including a proposal
(SB 622) that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry firearms on college and university campuses. Other
proposals include a measure (SB 618) that would allow people to carry guns in airport terminals; a measure (SB 620) that would allow
people to carry guns at legislative meetings; and a measure (SB 626) that would allow people to carry guns at local-government meetings.
Steube said last week that he would separate the parts of the broader bill. Just from feeling the tea leaves, its probably better to attack
it piece by piece. Steube said at the time.

MORGAN, LATVALA TEST WATERS IN GOVERNORS RACE

By Brandon Larrabee and Dara Kam
The News Service of Florida

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, February 2, 2017 Speculation about contenders for the 2018 campaign for governor picked up
steam Thursday, as trial attorney John Morgan continued to flirt with a bid and a powerful state senator said he might join the fray.

In a visit to Tallahassee, one almost certain to stoke talk that he will run for the states highest office, Morgan told reporters that he was
in no hurry to make up his mind. I dont think I have to do anything this year, he said. The rest of these people have got to scramble
to get money, for name ID.

8
An influential Democratic donor, campaigner for medical marijuana and seemingly ever-present television pitchman, Morgan would
add a flashy name to a race that is already attracting interest from a growing number of high-profile state politicians. In a telephone
interview late Thursday afternoon, Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala acknowledged he is considering a run for governor.
Ive been involved in Florida government and politics for a long time. I think I understand it as well or better than anybody else whos
been interested in becoming a candidate, said the Clearwater Republican, a politician veteran considered by many in the legislative
process as one of the states savviest tacticians. Latvala, who has a printing company in Largo, said he also has experience other
candidates lack, as a small business owner. Ive made a payroll. Ive paid workers compensation, he said. I think I can be a good
governor.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land OLakes, are both rumored to be interested in
running for the GOP nomination. On the Democratic side, Morgan could face former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, the daughter of
former U.S. Sen. and Gov. Bob Graham, and other candidates.

Morgan, though, appears to be banking that his outsider profile could be attractive in a day when a reality television star is leader of the
free world. And while he said hes friends with people like Graham and Corcoran, he also found subtle ways to point to the fact that he
is not a career politician. Most of these people have been thinking about running for governor since Key Club, he quipped at a meeting
of the Capital Tiger Bay Club. Ive been thinking about running since Christmas.

The visit was part of a talking tour that Morgan is on to gauge support for a run at the governors mansion in 2018. Gov. Rick Scott
cannot seek another term and could challenge U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. While he distanced himself from the politics of President
Donald Trump, Morgan also hews closely to the outlines of the businessmans upstart campaign: a wealthy political novice who is brash
and unafraid of impolitic remarks. Why do we need two terms of governors? Isnt one term enough of these guys? Morgan said at one
point. If I ran, Id only give you one term, Im sorry to say. Then Id go back to St. Barts. Up in Virginia, its a one-term deal, and it
works just fine. If you cant get it done in one year, you damn sure dont need eight.

Morgans speech was peppered with expletives rarely found in political speeches, with a scatological term beginning with s an
apparent favorite. If Morgan does make a bid for the governor, he said one of his top issues would be an increase in the minimum wage.
Morgan said that would answer some of the economic anxiety that helped propel Trump to the White House and powered U.S. Sen.

9
Bernie Sanders unsuccessful run for the Democratic presidential nomination. The real problem is that weve tried everything in the
world, but weve never tried the right thing, he said. And the right thing is to pay somebody fairly for their days work.
Morgan also appeared to have another similarity with Trump --- a willingness to say things that get his message across but might not be
strictly factual. An example came during his discussion of the minimum wage, when Morgan said he would push an amendment to the
state Constitution dealing with the issue if he didnt run for governor. I dont know if it should be $10, I dont know if it should be $11,
I dont know if it should be $12, but whatever it is, it should be tied to COLA, Morgan said, referring to cost-of-living adjustments.
Theyd make the minimum wage like $6 an hour in the 70s and let it stick forever. Thats crazy with inflation. The federal minimum
wage has increased 13 times since 1970, and did not cross the $6 threshold until 2008. Meanwhile, because of a constitutional
amendment approved by voters in 2004, Floridas minimum wage is already tied to the rate of inflation.

Regardless, constitutional amendments helped lead to Morgans newfound interest in running for statewide office. In November, voters
approved Amendment 2, a Morgan-led initiative that broadly allows for the medical use of marijuana. And while Morgan said he
wouldnt be a single-issue candidate, he believes recreational marijuana use will eventually be decriminalized in Florida, if not legalized
outright. I think it is a sin and a crime that marijuana is not decriminalized, he told reporters before his speech to the club. I dont
think anybody should go to jail for possession of marijuana. Even some would-be supporters, though, are hesitant about Morgan. Mary
Pankowski, a member of the club, asked Morgan after his speech to consider shying away from a race against Graham. I think you
could be a superb governor for the state, she said. But Id also say I almost hope what youll decide to do is to carry your message
across the state, tell people that youre for Gwen Graham, and give her some of your hard-earned money. Because, honestly, she has
been in public office and shes made an incredible difference.

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS BILLS

Both of the Vulnerable Road User Bills have been assigned to their committees.

HB 541 Vulnerable Road Users by Rep. Stone

Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee
Criminal Justice Subcommittee
Government Accountability Subcommittee

The members of the first subcommittee Transportation and

Infrastructure has the following members:
Brad Drake Chair
Clay Ingram Vice Chair
Barbara Watson Ranking Dem.
Kimberly Daniels [D]
Michael Grant [R]
Kristin Diane Jacobs [D]
Amber Mariano [R]
Ralph E. Massullo, MD [R]
Mike Miller [R]
Wengay M. Newt Newton, Sr. [D]
Bobby Payne [R]
Jackie Toledo [R]
Matt Willhite [D]
Jayer Williamson [R]
Clay Yarborough [R]

SB 432 Vulnerable Road Users By Sen. Baxley

Transportation
Criminal Justice
Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and
Civil Justice
Appropriations

The first committee Transportation consists of:

Sen. George Gainer Chair
Sen. Darryl Rouson Vice Chair
Sen. Dennis Baxley
Sen. Dorothy Hukill
Sen. Kevin Rader

Neither one of the Bills have been added to the agenda for their first committees.
10
COURT REJECTS LAWSUIT OVER LOCAL GUN ORDINANCES
By JIM SAUNDERS
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, February 3, 2017..........An appeals court Friday rejected a lawsuit filed by gun-rights groups that
challenged the city of Tallahassee over decades-old firearms ordinances that conflict with state law.

A panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, in a 25-page ruling, said the ordinances, while still on the books, are "null and void" because
of the state law and that the city has not sought to enforce them. It upheld a decision by a Leon County circuit judge who turned down
arguments by the groups Florida Carry, Inc. and The Second Amendment Foundation, Inc. that the city should be required to repeal the
ordinances and should be blocked from enforcing them. "While appellants' (the gun-rights groups') frustration with the city's inaction
and the individual appellees' (city officials') unwillingness to engage in what some might describe as a simple task of repealing void
ordinances is understandable, (state law), as it currently stands, does not prohibit the re-publication or re-printing of the void ordinances,"
said the ruling, written by appeals-court Judge Joseph Lewis and joined by judges Ross Bilbrey and Thomas Winokur. "... The fact that
appellees refused to remove the ordinances from the city's code does not constitute prohibited conduct under the statute."

In the ruling, however, the appeals court also agreed with the circuit judge's dismissal of arguments by city officials that state law
violates their constitutional rights by subjecting them to stiff penalties if they pass or enforce local firearms regulations. "Had this been
a situation where (city officials) were penalized through a fine, denied the use of public funds for their legal defense, or removed from
office by the governor, the counterclaim would certainly need to be addressed," the appeals court ruled. "However, not only was there
no violation of (state law) that has occurred in this case, but there were also no penalties imposed. As such, no bona fide, actual, present,
and practical need exists for the declaration sought by (the city officials)."

The dispute stems, in part, from a 1957 Tallahassee ordinance that said, "No person shall discharge any firearms except in areas five
acres or larger zoned for agricultural uses" and a 1984 ordinance that made it illegal to discharge guns in parks or recreational facilit ies
owned or operated by the city, according to Friday's ruling. In 1987, the Legislature approved a law that gave the state exclusive power
to regulate firearms and ammunition and declared "null and void" any local ordinances or regulations --- a legal concept known as state
"preemption." The Legislature followed up in 2011 by amending the law to allow potentially far-reaching penalties against local officials
for enacting or enforcing firearms regulations. The Tallahassee police chief advised officers on June 30, 2011, that the city ordinances
were unenforceable, according to Friday's ruling.

But later, the Tallahassee City Commission indefinitely tabled discussion of repealing the ordinances --- effectively leaving them on the
books.

TIE VOTE GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO RED LIGHT CAMERAS

By LLOYD DUNKELBERGER
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, February 7, 2017.......... The annual effort to ban red-light cameras in Florida crashed Tuesday when
the Senate Transportation Committee rejected the idea in a tie vote. "To all the lobbyists, you got me," said Sen. Frank Artiles, R-Miami,
complaining his bill (SB 178) faced opposition from a 24-member lobbying team hired by American Traffic Solutions, the dominant
red-light camera vendor in Florida.

Artiles, who was elected to the Senate in November after serving in the House, has been one of the strongest advocates for repealing a
law that allows Florida's cities and counties to install red-light cameras. His legislation, and a companion House bill (HB 6007), sought
to repeal use of the cameras by July 1, 2020.

Tuesday's vote came down to one of the Senate's smallest committees, which was further diminished by the absence of Sen. Dorothy
Hukill, a Port Orange Republican who is recovering from a cancer treatment. The key vote came from committee Chairman George
Gainer, a newly elected senator who was a longtime Bay County commissioner. Gainer, who said his community has never authorized
red-light cameras, said he opposed Artiles' bill because he believed it should be left up to the local governments to decide whether to
install the devices. "They know more about their traffic patterns," Gainer, R-Panama City, said. "They know more about their
intersections." If the cameras are "a bad deal," Gainer said local elected officials would have to face their voters.

Sen. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, joined Gainer in opposing the bill, which was filed for the legislative session that starts March 7. In
the Legislature, tie votes kill bills. Rader said his constituents were split about the use of the cameras and that his wife had advised him
to support the cameras if they "saved one life." Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, and Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, voted for
Artiles' bill, resulting in the 2-2 tie. Baxley said he originally supported the use of red-light cameras when he served in the House. But
he has since become convinced the cameras and the related fines are imposing a financial "hardship" on Floridians and are not improving
public safety. "I have buyer's remorse," Baxley said. "This did not turn out the way I intended it."

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The Transportation Committee vote effectively kills Artiles' bill. But the issue may not be over for the session. Katie Betta, a
spokeswoman for the Senate, said "procedurally there are other bills that could address the same issue." Artiles and other advocates of
the bill believed their case had been bolstered by a Dec. 31 report from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles showing
intersection crashes were up 10.41 percent when comparing data before the cameras were installed and after they were in place.

Camera supporters complained the report was flawed because it included crashes up to 250 feet from the intersections. They say the
devices have improved roadway safety. Opponents said the cameras, which lead to a $158 fine for violators, had become a new revenue
source for local governments and red-light camera companies, which earn an average of $4,250 or more per month from each camera.
The red-light cameras are expected to generate about $148 million this year, with $75 million going to the state and $73 million to local
governments.

GUN BILLS LINE UP IN LEGISLATURE

By JIM TURNER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, February 13, 2017 A measure that would reduce the penalty for people who briefly display a
firearm in public and make it a non-criminal offense has been filed in the House. The proposal (HB 799), filed Friday by Rep. Neil
Combee, R-Polk City, is identical to a bill (SB 646) filed by Senate Judiciary Chairman Greg Steube, R-Sarasota. Steube recently turned
an omnibus gun measure (SB 140) into a series of bills. Combee said his proposal would apply to people with concealed-weapons
licenses. The proposal would change what is currently a second-degree misdemeanor charge --- carrying a fine up to $500 and 60 days
in jail --- into a $25 noncriminal violation that can be paid to a county clerk of the court. The proposal also would allow members of the
state Cabinet --- the attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner --- to carry concealed weapons when
unaccompanied by full-time Florida Department of Law Enforcement security. As with the majority of other stand-alone gun-related
measures by Steube, the proposal has yet to be scheduled to appear before a House or Senate committee.

On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, Steube filed nine bills tied to gun ownership rights after telling reporters of his plan to separate the broader bill.
Just from feeling the tea leaves, its probably better to attack it piece by piece, Steube said at the time. The Florida Coalition to Prevent
Gun Violence has called Steubes flurry of bills dangerous. The sheer breadth of his call to allow citizens to arm themselves in
public, including at schools and airports, would extend legal gun carry opportunities to unprecedented levels in the state of Florida, the
coalition --- whose members include the League of Women Voters of Florida, the Florida PTA, Equality Florida and Doctors for America
--- said in a release.

Florida Carry attorney Eric Friday said Monday that the Second Amendment advocacy group supports Steubes effort, either as a single
bill or as a series of proposals. Sen. Steube is fighting to restore the right of people to defend themselves, Friday said in an email.
Among Steubes other bills is a proposal (SB 610) that could lead to businesses being held liable if they prevent concealed-carry permit
holders from bringing firearms onto their property and the permit holders get injured by other people or animals. Among the more
prominent of Steubes revised efforts is a bill that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to openly carry handguns (SB
644) and to carry firearms on college and university campuses (SB 622). Both proposals stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee last
year, but the former chairman of the committee, Republic Miguel Diaz de la Portilla of Miami, is no longer in the Legislature.

Other proposals by Steube include a measure (SB 618) that would allow people to carry guns in airport terminals; a measure (SB 620)
that would allow people to carry guns at legislative meetings; a measure (SB 626) that would allow people to carry guns at local-
government meetings; a measure (SB 640) that would allow people to carry guns at career centers; and a measure that would allow
concealed firearms licenses to temporarily surrender firearms at courthouse security. The airport terminal proposal is identical to a
measure (HB 6001) filed in November by Rep. Jake Raburn, R-Lithia.

In December, Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, introduced a House version of the campus-carry measure (HB 6005). The campus-carry
proposal faces opposition by university and college leaders, campus law-enforcement officials and faculty members. The Florida Sheriffs
Association has opposed efforts to allow open-carry in Florida. Separately, Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, on Monday filed his own
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measure (SB 908) that would allow the 1.7 million concealed weapons permit-holders in Florida to carry at the states 15 seaports. The
proposal also would delete provisions in state law that bar carrying concealed weapons at police and sheriffs stations, jails, courthouses,
polling places, colleges, professional sporting events and establishments where alcohol is sold for consumption on site. The measure
also would delete a provision that prohibits people from carrying firearms in places prohibited by federal law. Baxley also filed a pair
of measures (SB 912 and SB 910) on Monday that would ask voters in November 2018 or in an earlier special election to amend the
state Constitution to exempt law enforcement officers and qualified retired officers from having to wait three days to purchase
handguns.

COURT SIDES WITH FELON IN GUN POSSESSION CASE

A sharply divided appeals court Friday sided with a convicted felon who was arrested for carrying a gun while exercising on the grounds
of a Jacksonville middle school. A panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 ruling, said that evidence of Ricky Rand carrying
a gun should be suppressed because a police officer improperly stopped him for trespassing at the school. Friday's ruling reversed an
April 2016 decision by the appeals court that found prosecutors should be able to use the evidence. The new ruling said the middle
school allowed members of the public to use its track outside of school hours. Rand was stopped by a police officer at 2 a.m. and was
charged with trespassing and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. "Mr. Rand did not violate any law or school policy by using
the school track at night," said the majority opinion, written by Judge Timothy Osterhaus and joined by Judge Harvey Jay. "State
trespassing laws (give) substantial leeway to schools to invite people onto their campuses. And Mr. Rand did not act unlawfully by
accepting the school's invitation to use its track. In fact, the school kept the track open at night and posted signs invit ing the public
to access the track after school hours. Mr. Rand also had a legitimate reason for being there; he was walking the track." But Judge Susan
Kelsey wrote a lengthy dissent, defending the actions of the officer, identified as R.A. Jackson, in stopping Rand. "This encounter
occurred at 2:00 in the morning, on a dark part of a school campus, in a high-crime area in which Officer Jackson had previously made
numerous arrests for trespassing and burglar," Kelsey wrote. "Although the majority reasons that the 2 a.m. hour of the incident is
unimportant because there was evidence that other adults walked the track in the daytime, that reasoning dodges the issue of the
significant likelihood-of-crime difference between daytime hours and the wee-small hours of the night. Common sense and common
experience tell us that 2:00 in the morning is not a usual --- or safe --- time to be wandering around alone outside in a poorly-lit, high-
crime area."

Southwest Chapter 2016 Annual Veterans Christmas Ride Update

We recently traveled up to the Douglas T. Jacobson

Veterans Home to deliver the gift cards for each
veteran to use as they need, based on the money that
was raised during our annual Veterans Christmas
There was a write-up done on the Veterans
Ride. The Southwest Chapter President, Secretary
Christmas Ride in the February issue of Thunder
and MSAP Director were all in attendance and the
Roads Florida. If you have a chance, go to
home and its individuals were very gracious and
www.thunderroadsflorida.com to check it out. (On the
appreciative of the efforts of the Chapter, as well as
home page, scroll to the bottom and under Monthly
the generosity of the Community. We look forward to Archives, select February, 2017. Scroll down the page and
another successful ride in 2017! you will find the story).

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 March, 2017
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
RackEms
7-10pm

5 6 7 8 9 10 11
RackEms Fort Myers
7-10pm Bike Night
6-10pm
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
RackEms
7-10pm

10:30am 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Chapter RackEms
Meeting - Six 7-10pm
Bends HD

26 27 28 29 30 31
RackEms
7-10pm

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 April, 2017
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Cape Coral
Bike Night
6-10pm
State Mtg. 9 Freedom 10 11 12 13 14 15
Tallahassee Ride to the
2:00 pm Capitol
KSU 9am
10:30am Chptr16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Meeting-Six Bends

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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16
 SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS
Kim Adair Sonny Gartrell Tabitha Rossi
Keith Baker Steven Goldstein Roland Salsberry
Bill Barber Lynnda Gray Bruce Scheiner
Darrell Barnett Larry Gullin Juergen Wolfgang Schmidt
Denee Bartels Bob Hall Jencye Schmitt
Karl Bartling Hans Holberg Jerry Schmitt
Karl Bartling, III Rodney Hollingsworth Elsie Seif
James Bogenrieder Misti Hollingsworth Doug Sepanak
Scott Blink Harry Hoover Robert Simon
Chet Budz Jeff Hoover Kelly Smith
James Burkholder Jonathan Hunt Roger Smith
Nora Burkholder George Huttman Randall Spivey
Don Campbell Susan Red Huttman Richard Stergulz
Ellen Campson Dan Jackson Sandy Stergulz
Frances Cazes Cindy C.J. Jordan Grandpa Steward
Wayne Cerra Frankie Kennedy Lynda Stewart
Jonathan Conant Ed LaCombe S. Wade Stogran
Terry Covington Richard Leon Russell Sullivan
Audrey Cran Julio Lopez Heidi Szolga
Rick Cran Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez Scott Turner
Rob Cran KD Marlowe Ruth Vorys
Robert Cruz Crusan Don Meredith Jr. Teresa Webster
Jim Crystal Kenneth Miller D. Payton Wells
Dan Curry John Mitchell Michael Wieland
John DAgostino Jay Monttetit Jama Wyatt
Kim DAgostino Moe Moser Steve Wyatt
Biffle Davis Taylor Musburger
Lynne Davis Carl Nelson Life Members Who
Mary Dicenzo-Porter Steve Newton Have Passed Away
Al Diagiaco Tami Newton
Frank Disomma Terry Padilla Jerry Barnett
Cindy Doak Bob Penn Maggie Cran
Randy Eck Asuncsion Peppers Ginny DAsti
Marius Espeleta Richard Peppers John Kennedy
Jeffery Fielder Kathleen Provenzano Russell May
Harry Foster Rev. Thomas Provenzano Rev. Rea Means
Leather Foster Frank E. Rhorer Jo Ann Miller
Brian Galvin Bill Robinson Jim Mozeleski
Janet Rolfe
To become a Life Member contact the Membership Trustee on Page 4

Southwest Chapter Products

Chapter Patch Large (Members Only) $25.00

Chapter Patch Small - $7.00
Chapter Flag - $25.00

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 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.
Southwest Chapter P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

ADVERTISING RATE SCHEDULE

AND APPLICATION

6 Months 12 Months
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CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

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

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
SEE PAGE 4 FOR MEMBERSHIP TRUSTEE INFORMATION

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Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older. All members receive with their paid membership a membership
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