ABATE of Florida, Inc.

~ Southwest Chapter
Volume XLVI, Issue VII

FEBRUARY 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PresidentsMessage Events NCOM Bytes Minutes Membership Report Calendar Legislative Report

ABATEof Florida, Inc.

PO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

Southwest Chapter

southwest.abateflorida.com MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Name Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code ________________________________________________________ Email Address: Phone: ____________________________________________ _______________________________ (Include Area Code) YES NO YES NO _________ US Congress

May we use your phone number for our phone tree? Are you a registered Voter? _________ FL House Select ONE of the following: ____New/Renewal - Annual Membership Due $20.00 ____ Lifetime Membership $ 150.00

Please Lister your voting districts from your Voter Registration Card: _________ FL Senate

Name of Chapter you wish to join _________________________________________________

____ Transfer Membership to: ____________________________________________________ ____ Change of Address: ________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Sponsored by Chapter Member : _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER USE Dues Paid by Cash Copy of By Laws Membership Expiration Check Money Order Mailed Date: Membership Card _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older All members receive with their paid membership a membership card, our bi-monthly Masterlink magazine, Chapter Newsletter, Chapter voting privileges and personal involvement in Statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride
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ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. MISSION STATEMENT

WHO WE ARE 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, & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors & 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. OUR GOALS To become a powerful and viable political force in legislative matters concerning the motorcyclist. To promote the safe riding habits without infringing on individual freedoms. To motivate the bikers to write letters to their legislators before, during, and after the legislative session. To furnish our members with a newsletter to keep all bikers informed in regards to upcoming legislation. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and or the Southwest Chapter. This publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter accept no responsibility for the comments, opinions or views contained in this newsletter. Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to:

Southwest Chapter Meeting Schedule February 26th, 2012 @ 10 a.m. @ Anthonys on the Blvd
Located at

1303 Del Prado Blvd. Cape Coral, Florida 239.772.5900 southwest.abateflorida.com

PRESENTLY, MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE IS THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE EACH CHAPTER MEETING FOR BOARD APPROVAL FOR SUBMISSIONS
NEW ADVERTISERS OR AD CHANGES MUST

15TH OF EACH MONTH

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER; ISSUE DATE: FEBRUARY 2012
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter

BE SUBMITTED BY THE

Wayne Cerra (cell) 239 989.3349

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes. 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

http://southwest.abateflorida.com/

PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906

Presidents Message

Hello Brothers and Sisters, As I sit at my desk looking out at a cloudy morning sky, another month has gone by and season is in full swing. Im looking forward to the upcoming chili cook off which would have come and gone by the time your reading this. On January 24th I had the pleasure of representing our chapter and ABATE OF FLORIDA, Inc. with a Wink News interview over the stiffer penalties bill which was done at Pirate Coast Cycles. My Interview was conducted by Rachael Rafanelli who did a great job. Also with me was Doug McGill, an Estero River Chapter member whos girlfriend, Janine Becker was killed when they were hit from behind at 50 miles per hour. Senate Bill 1754 is sitting in the state Senate. If passed it would provide
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criminal penalties for a driver who causes serious bodily injury or death to a motorcyclist. The proposed bill wouldn't just add extra protection for motorcyclists, but also for other drivers, bicyclists and even pedestrians. You can help by calling your state rep and voicing your concerns. Remember, ABATE is the only MRO in this state and without us there would be no one fighting for our rights as bikers or citizens. Im looking forward to the coming months, events and rides. If you know someone who has a passion for riding why not ask them to join our Chapter. For $20.00 a year you also receive a $4,000.00 accidental death and dismemberment policy just for joining. Until we ride again, Wayne Cerra

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest Chapter

PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6748 southwest.abateflorida.com

President Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 Vice President Bob Burn Out Penn 239.573.6487 Secretary Scott R. Turner 239-633-5765 Treasurer Todd KC Burns 239.634.3080 Sergeant At Arms Bob Burn Out Bob Penn 239.573.6487 Assistant Sergeant At Arms Pat Jablonski 203.232.2695 Membership Trustee Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 PR/Communications Wayne Cerra 239.989-3349 Legislative Ken Teddybear Miller 239.693.7035 Newsletter Editor Babs Bardell 239.822-3272 Products Ken Diesel Coon 765.464-9542 Safety Coordinator Alberta Birdie Clark 239.770.0096 Safety Coordinator Earl Smokey Clark 239.770.0096 State Delegate Frank Kennedy 239.849.9065 Webmaster Taylor Musburger 239.334.1620 Advertising Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 Vendor Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 Photographer Taylor ATM Musburger 239.334.1620 Events Wayne Cerra 239.989.3349 Chapter Chaplain Tom Provenzano 239.267.8641 Road Captain Bob Burn Out Bob Penn 239.573.6487 Road Captain Vic Piorkowski 239.823.6159 Tehi@comcast.net crspenn88@yahoo.com scott@turnerteamfl.com swflabfc@aol.com crspenn88@yahoo.com CTCracker@aol.com Tehi@comcast.net tehi@comcast.net km_13219@yahoo.com babsie67@comcast.net kwcoon1@aol.com tehi@comcast.net swchief2000@yahoo.com ABATE@Musburger.net Tehi@comcast.net Tehi@comcast.net ABATE@Musburger.net Tehi@comcast.net tprovenz@comcast.net crspenn88@yahoo.com pior10@yahoo.com

HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MRO* Chapter Meetings held at Anthonys on the Boulevard 4th Sunday of Each Month except December
*MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

2011 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter All Rights Reserved Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Income Tax Purposes ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter Does Not Condone Drinking and Driving

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DEAR FELLOW ABATE MEMBERS

Thank you!
Thank you, so very much for attending the 13th Annual Lee County Church Crash and Slow Race Championship of the Universe. A special thanks to Wayne Cerra and Frankie Kennedy for making the Slow Race and the Trike Games the best ever officiated! Our ABATE brothers really came through! Just a few words from the "Crash" sermon: 1. No matter what your circumstances and no matter what people tell you about the future, God has everything under control Look at the scriptures in Matthew 14:2231 - Jesus and Peter walk on the Stormy Sea. When Peter looked at all the circumstances surrounding him, he began to sink. However, when his eyes were focused on the Lord, he was able to do what seemed impossible! 2. All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28. All things mean: the good; the bad; and the ugly. Our Lord helps us through even the toughest of times. It's such a unique and special relationship that each of us has

with our God, that once we rest in knowing and trusting in His divine care for us, that we can go through anything that is thrown our way. 3. Accept Gods peace about the future. John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. NASB 4. If we seek God first then, dont be worried about tomorrow. Matthew 6: 33-34 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,34 all these things shall be and added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 5. Why believe anyone else about the future? GOD has already told us how the world, as we know it, will end. ... We have so much excitement to actually look forward to! Not to thoughts of doom and gloom... It all begins when.... At ANY moment, we could be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air! (1 Thess. 4:17) We will partake in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Then, we'll be returning with the Lord and His angels and see the Lord defeating the anti-christ and all the enemies of Israel (Revelation 19:11-21). And, the Millennium will be set up to where we will reign with the Lord for 1,000 years (Revelation 3:21 and Matthew 19:28). How about the New Heaven and the New Earth and seeing God, face-to-face (Revelation 22:4)!!!!!!! Please pray, Dear God, my heavenly Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 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 I wish 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 your Holy Spirit to come and dwell within me, to guide my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus. Amen."
Blessings, Tom and Kathy Pastor Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member and Southwest Chapter Chaplain) and Pastor Kathy (SW ABATE Life Member - Foursquare Chaplain)- www.messiahsmessengers.org or tprovenz@comcast.net 239-267-8641
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SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS

Keith Baker Darrell Barnett Denee Bartels Scott Blink Chet Butz James Burkholder Nora Burkholder Don Campbell Frances Cazes Wayne Cerra Jonathan Conant Terry Covington Audrey Cran Maggie Cran Rick Cran Rob Cran Robert Cruz Crusan Jim Crystal Ginny DAsti Biffle Davis Mary Dicenzo-Porter Al Diagiaco Frank Disomma Cindy Doak

Randy Eck Brian Galvin Sonny Gartrell Lynnda Gray Larry Gullia Bob Hall Harry Hoover George Huttman Susan Red Huttman Dan Jackson Cindy CJ Jordan Frankie Kennedy John Kennedy Ed LaCombe Julio Lopez Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez KD Marlowe Russell May Rev.Rea Means Don Meredith Jr. Jo Ann Miller Kenneth Miller John Mitchell Jim Mozeleski Taylor Musburger Terry Padilla Bob Penn

Asuncsion Peppers Richard Peppers Victor Piorkowski Kathleen Provenzano Rev. Thomas Provenzano Bill Robinson Janet Rolfe Tabitha Rossi Roland Salsberry Jencye Schmitt Jerry Schmitt Bruce Scheiner Elsie Seif Robert Simon Kelly Smith Richard Stergulz Sandy Stergulz Grandpa Stewart Lynda Stewart Russell Sullivan Scott Turner Ruth Vorys Teresa Webster D. Payton Wells Michael Wieland Jama Wyatt Steve Wyatt

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Thank you for your support

Of Southwest Chapter of ABATE of Florida, Inc.

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS They Support US!!

CHRIS PROFFITT

thebikermap@gmail.com

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER OF ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. PG. 15

111 ~ Suite 1 Del Prado North Cape Coral ~ Florida 33909 239.574.2745 Douglas & Gina Holland, Owners

M I C H A E L P . G E N D R ON
FUNERAL DIRECTOR Cellular: 239-340-6499 Toll Free: 877-251-0088 Phone: 239-274-0088 Fax: 239-277-0028 4224 Cleveland Ave Suite 1 Fort Myers, FL 33901 135 N. Lime Ave. Sarasota, FL 34237 Phone: 941-365-1767

Email mike.gendronfuneralhome@msn.com

Gendron
FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES

20% OFF ALL SERVICES FOR ACTIVE ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. MEMBERS
WWW. GENDRONFUNERALHOME.COM

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER OF ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. PG. 17

MEETING MINUTES
Southwest Chapter Abate Meeting Minutes January 22nd 2012
Held at Anthonys on the Boulevard

President - Wayne Cerra VP- (Burnout) Bob Pen- Absent Excused Treasurer- Todd (KC) Burns- Absent Excused Secretary- Scott Turner- Absent Excused Sgt, at Arms- (Burnout) Bob Penn- Absent Excused Meeting called to order at 10:15AM with Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. PRESIDENTS REPORT: Recap of Christmas run, 150 bikes and 250 people in attendance. Thanks to all. We will be doing same venue for Christmas run next year. We are still looking for members to step up and fill empty positions. Please consider stepping up, this is your chapter, lets keep it strong. Tally ride, our voices need to be heard. Frankie is going with Pam Mix and 3 others. VICE PRESIDENTS REPORT: Wayne gave report. Chili cook off is next Sunday. Need people to make chili, 3 plaques, worst, best, second best. Bike night at Ft Myers, last month the booth was well attended, thanks to all. SECRETARYS REPORT: Wayne gave report. Motion to accept 1st Babs, 2nd Keith, motion carried. TREASURERS REPORT: Wayne gave report. Motion to accept treasures report, 1st Babs, 2nd Ken Miller, motion carried. Chapter purchased a 10x10 tent for events. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS REPORT: Diesel acting, no incidents to report, Christmas ride went well. MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Wayne Cerra acting Membership Chair reported 10 new, 2 are life (3 from Lama) and 2 renewals. 3 new members so far in January with 2 being Lama members. Please welcome Jason Stanford, Jeff Bardy, Carlos Perez, David Johnson, Zac the Maniac, John Schiller, Donna Jordan, Lynn Hitman, Caesar and Lily Valencia. Julio Lopez and Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez (Josie).

Chapter is growing and we are looking for members to step up and fill open positions LEGISLATIVE REPORT: Stiffer penalties has been filed. Abate website has other things we are tracking. Reports are in newsletter. SAFETY: Birdie absent- excused. Schools have started a new semester and new drivers education classes at Ft Myers and Cape High. Possibly presenting to a Boy Scout troop, Scott Turner. Anyone wanting to teach please start attending the classes. Looking to step MSAP and find some communities to present to. Scott Turner is President of Harney Point Kiwanis and on Council with Scout Troop 777 and will explore opportunities. PRODUCTS: We have slowed up in sales, we must move current product before ordering long sleeve tees. Our shirts are also available at Pirate Coast Cycles. We need sales before buying more products. STATE DELEGATE: Frankie Kennedy/ Wayne Cerra attended state meeting in Palm Bay hosted by Treasure Coast. Next state meeting in Tally February 10th-13th, ride on 13th. Report from delegate meeting. Lighthouse chapter new in Martin County. PR/ COMMUNICATIONS: Interview with wink news concerning stiffer penalties. Lama looking to learn MSAP through Abate. WEBSITE: Taylor- Absent Excused. Newsletter is on website. NEWSLETTER: Babs has a thankless job and gives a tremendous effort. Without her we could not do what we do. OLD BUSINESS: Bike Tickets are sold out and all in, Pam brought in the 10 from Gator. Membership list cannot be given out to public. NEW BUSINESS: Pam has pictures from the Christmas ride, there will be a website meeting. State Safety Director, Brenda Heck, has stepped down from safety due to heath issues. Good of the Order: Get your voices heard. Annually Church Crash ride after meeting. Time of Adjournment: Motioned @ 10:56am by Barbara Bardell second by Rob Cran Submitted by Scott R Turner

4120 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

239-995-0340

PO BOX 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

southwest.abateflorida.com

Southwest Chapter of ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Watch for our Bears for Bears event! Details coming soon!

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS, ADVERTISERS AND SUPPORTERS OF OUR MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION
A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT AND THANKS TO OUR LOCAL EVENT PROMOTERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR MRO

1999 Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster 5200 original miles, well kept, clean bike, 4 spark plugs, screaming eagle short pipes. More info ` John @ 239. 645.3392 Asking $5,300 obo

Our Caring Circle

will be posted each month. This month please keep in your thoughts and prayers the following members and their loved ones.

Southwest Chapter Brother John Dahlgren

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Membership Report
Welcome to all our newest members, These past few months have been great as far as new member sign ups. Id like to welcome the following new one year members to our Chapter: John Schiller, Gary Will, Jim Short, Gwynne Hickman, Donna Jordan along with Lily Arenas, Secretary & Cesar Valen-

cia, President, Ft Myers L.A.M.A. We had 2 new LIFE Members who are also members of Ft Myers L.A.M.A., Julio Lopez and Mary Ann RiveraLopez (Josie). Membership is inexpensive and comes with a $4,000.00 accidental death and dismemberment policy. Stand up for your motorcycle rights and join us.

ABATE of Florida Inc., Southwest Chapter CHAPTER MEETING Anthonys on the Blvd
Located at

February 26, 2012 10 a.m. at

1303 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, Florida
239.772.5900

Ride safe, Wayne

Anthonys serves a buffet breakfast beginning at 8 am on Sundays southwest.abateflorida.com

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE STATE WEB SITE FOR PRESS RELEASES, EVENTS AND THE RIDE ON THE CAPITAL! BRING A NEW MEMBER TO JOIN

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1st place, Best overall, Phil West. 2nd best, Most Favorable, Ken Diesel Coon. 3rd Place, Hottest, Jay Stanford. Least Favorable, Ken Teddy Bear Miller. We had 12 entries and over 100 people showed up. A BIG thank you to John Ottervanger of Pirate Coast Cycles for hosting the event.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER CHILI COOKOFF

First Place Winner, Best Overall, Phil West, pictured with John and Kim Ottervanger

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February 2012
Sun Mon Tue 1 Bike Night a Victory Lane 11 Car & Bike Show Mariner High School Page 15 Wed 2 Thu 3 Fri 4 Sat

DAY: MARINER HIGH SCHOOL CAR & BIKE SHOW EVENING: CAPE CORAL BIKE NIGHT
5 6 7 Bike Night at
THE JOINT

FEBRUARY 11TH

Bike 9 Night at Victory Lane

Board Meeting

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CHAPTER

CAPE BIKE NIGHT

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14 valentine Bike Night at

THE JOINT

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5PM - ?

LAMA

BIKE NIGHT Wing Nuts 231 Del Prado Blvd 23 24 25 United Bike Night See page 11

19 Pre-Daytona 20 Party Noon - 6p West Coast and Peace River Chapters

SEE FLYER PG 12

21 Bike Night at
THE JOINT

Bike Night at Victory Lane 29

26 27 SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING 10 AM Anthonys

28 Bike Night at
THE JOINT

Bike Night at Victory Lane

The future is literally in our hands to mold as we like. But we cannot wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow is now. - Eleanor Roosevelt
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March 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed 1 Thu 2 Fri 3 Sat

7 8 Bike Bike Night a Night a Victory Lane Victory Lane 13 14 Bike Bike Night a Night a Victory Lan Victory Lane CHAPTER 20 15

10 FORT MYERS BIKE NIGHT

11

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16

17 ST. PATTYS DAY

Board Meeting

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21 22 Bike Bike Night a Night a Victory Lane Victory Lane 27 28 29 Bike Bike Night a Night a Victory Lane Victory Lane

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25 26 SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING 10 AM Anthony

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LEGISLATIVE REPORT FEBRUARY 2012 Good Morning Freedom Fighters:

Hey Everyone, It went down to the wire but the Senate version of our Stiffer Penalties has been filed!! SB 1754 "Traffic Offenses" by Sen. Evers the synopsis is: Traffic Offenses; Providing criminal penalties for a person who commits a moving violation that causes serious bodily injury to, or causes or contributes to the death of, a pedestrian or a person operating or riding in a motor vehicle or operating or riding on a motorcycle or bicycle; requiring that the person pay a specified fine, serve a minimum period of incarceration, and attend a driver improvement course; requiring that the court revoke the persons driver license for a minimum specified period; providing that the act does not prohibit the person from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law, etc. So now we can start contacting our State Senator's and let them know that we ask for their support of this Bill. I will keep you informed about the journey of this Bill and when you need to take immediate action. But for now, you should contact your local Senator's office and tell them about SB 1754 and wish them good luck this session. Tell them when we will be up there in February and let them know that if they have any questions about motorcycle related issues they can always reach out to you. Here is a quick weekly wrap up from the highlights of happened in Tally. This is non-motorcycle news, but will let you stay current on what is going on in Tally. Senators this week tackled perhaps the most controversial issue of the legislative session, overwhelmingly approving plans to redraw boundaries for Senate and congressional districts. At the same time, Senate President Mike Haridopolos moved quickly to revive a controversial proposal that would privatize prisons across the southern half of the state. The House worked at a slower pace, maneuvering bills through committees without bothering to go to the House floor. But Speaker Dean Cannon gave the first clear indications of how the House wants to approach the budget, going along with Gov. Rick Scott's push for more education funding but rebuffing major Medicaid cuts for hospitals. "The House budget will prioritize K-12 education," Cannon wrote. "This subcommittee will receive the greatest percentage of the General Revenue allocation as well as the greatest increase in funding," Cannon said. MAPPING THE FUTURE After months of hearings, the Senate voted 34-6 to approve new political boundaries for Senate and congressional districts. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the amount of bipartisan support for the plans, with seven of the Senate's 12 Democrats joining Republicans to vote in favor. SENATE UNLOCKS PRISON PRIVATIZATION Haridopolos, Rules Chairman John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, and Budget Chairman JD Alexander, R-Lake Wales, were peeved when a Leon County circuit judge blocked a plan to privatize prison facilities in 18 counties. The judge said lawmakers improperly approved the plan

in budget fine print, instead of in a regular law. That led this week to the Senate pushing forward with a bill that would revive the plan. On Friday, Haridopolos said he will send a controversial prison-privatization plan to another committee for review following concerns by Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, for closer review of the initiative which initially was scheduled only for a hearing in Thrasher's Rules Committee. HOUSE RELEASES BUDGET ALLOCATIONS Two weeks into the 2012 session, House budget leaders followed through on promises to push forward with writing the new budget, despite sentiments in the Senate for going slow until more economic data is made available. In releasing budget allocations the determination of how much each part of the budget will include - House Speaker Dean Cannon said the chamber would honor Gov. Rick Scott's call to pump an additional $1 billion into public education. UNEMPLOYMENT Providing a backdrop for all budget negotiations, the state's economy continued to move in the right direction. The state's unemployment rate in December fell 0.1 percentage points to 9.9 percent, the first time since April 2009 that the state's jobless rate fell below double digits. INTERNET CAFS DRAW GOVERNOR'S IRE Taking his strongest stand yet, the governor this week said he believed Internet cafs were illegal or should be illegal as is inserted himself into a high profile feud. With opposing factions jockeying for position on the issue of expanded gambling in the state, Scott defended the state's lottery program but said the storefront cafs, which offer computerized slots and other sweepstakes games, are skirting the law. LOCAL TERM LIMITS MEASURE NARROWLY ADVANCES Two decades after voters said "eight is enough" for state lawmakers, a House proposal could lead to term limits for sheriffs, tax collectors and other county officials in many parts of the state. The House Community & Military Affairs Subcommittee on Wednesday narrowly approved a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 785) that would make clear voters in about 20 counties can slap term limits on local officials. The 8-7 subcommittee vote reflected deep divisions that remain about term limits, which were approved for the Legislature in 1992. "Basically, it (the proposed constitutional amendment) is about the wisdom of the people,'' sponsor John Wood, R -Winter Haven, said.It's about what type of government they want for their county.'' But other lawmakers said county officials, in effect, have term limits because they are up for election every four years. "I am just fundamentally against term limits,'' said Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando. Wood's proposal would apply to about 20 counties that operate under voterapproved charters. Those counties --- including major population centers such as Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties --- have more flexibility from state laws than other counties. BILL WOULD CLEAR SMOKE OUTSIDE CITY HALL: A Senate committee Thursday approved a bill that could lead to breaking up the huddles of smokers outside city halls and county courthouses. The bill (SB 746) would

allow cities and counties to restrict outdoor smoking on their property. Sponsor Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, said the bill is intended to help stop smoking near the entrances of government buildings. He said it would not apply to public places such as beaches. The Senate Health Regulation Committee voted unanimously to approve the bill, but Chairman Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, said he wants to make sure it wouldn't affect smoking on city-owned sidewalks. He said he is concerned about restricting smoking at sidewalk restaurants. ROAD RAGE BILL GETS TRACTION IN SENATE Motorists who meander in the left lane could be ticketed and fined under a bill that seems to come up each of the last several years. In addition the proposal, SB 244, makes it a point-slaying offense for a driver or passenger "to intentionally or unintentionally, due to a loss of emotional control, injure or kill another driver, passenger, or pedestrian, or to attempt or threaten to injure or kill another driver, passenger, or pedestrian." Sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett, R -Bradenton, the bill would levy fines of up to $500 for repeat offenders. With a resolve that would impress Sisyphus, Bennett has repeatedly offered the measure that over the years has not had the traction to become law. Last year, Bennett's attempt ran out of gas, languishing in messages as the session came to a close. HOUSE ROLLS OUT PIP BILL The House on Wednesday rolled out its version of a comprehensive bill backers say will reduce costs in the state's no-fault automobile insurance market, but it has already raised concerns from doctors and attorneys. The House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee on a 10-5 vote approved a measure (HB 119) that restricts attorney fees and funnels accident victims to hospital emergency rooms or satellite urgent care facilities associated with ERs in an effort to curb costs. The bill also requires patients to seek care with 72 hours; a provision sponsor Rep. Jim Boyd, RBradenton, said was a moving target. The senate version calls for tighter restrictions on clinics, more detailed police reports and making sure hospitals get paid are all part of a Senate proposal introduced Monday to make major revisions to the state's much maligned no-fault auto insurance market. A day before lawmakers are scheduled to convene, Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart introduced a measure (SB 1860), a highly anticipated effort to make changes to the system that provides up to $10,000 in medical coverage following an accident regardless of which driver is at fault. Increasingly expensive and riddled with fraud, the state's personal injury protection system has found itself in several crosshairs. Gov. Rick Scott, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and leaders in both chambers have singled out the issue as a priority for the upcoming session. Business groups have called on lawmakers to fix the system or scuttle it. In the House, a handful of bills have been filed. Some repeal the PIP system altogether (HB 1007) and replace it with a system of mandatory emergency coverage that would be paid by the driver at fault. Others (HB 119, HB 523 are more targeted at the fraud elements and crash reports. BLOCK DRUG FELONS FROM GETTING CASH ASSISTANCE The House Health and Human Services Access Subcommittee this morning voted 9-6 in favor of a bill that would require the Department of Children and Families to deny

cash assistance benefits and food assistance benefits to anyone who has been convicted of a felony for the possession of drugs on or after July 1, 2012. The bill has an exception for people who have gone through a drug treatment program, and would allow the appointment of someone else to receive benefits on behalf of the person's children. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Smith, RInverness, who last year sponsored a measure requiring drug tests for those seeking cash assistance. That bill passed but has been challenged in court. LOOKING OUT FOR VETERANS: Young soldiers who return from the military ought to be able to get a concealed weapons permit after carrying around weapons for the last couple years, even if they're not 21, reasons Sen. Joe Negron, the sponsor of SB 998, which will be heard Monday in Senate Military Affairs. The committee also takes up SB 922, which among other things provides that someone who claims they committed a criminal offense as a result of posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, or psychological problems stemming from service in a combat theater in the United States military may have a hearing on that issue before sentencing. The bill also creates a misdemeanor pretrial veterans treatment intervention program, and requires colleges and universities to move veterans to the head of the line when admitting students to college if they meet the requirements. (Monday, 1 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.) CASINOS PLAN GETS FIRST TEST: The Senate Regulated Industries Committee is expected to vote on a controversial bill (SB 710) that would allow up to three "destination" resort casinos in Florida. The bill also would make a number of other changes that would affect pari-mutual facilities and Internet cafes. (Monday, 3:15 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.) NEW OPEN GOVT WEBSITE: The Foundation for Government Accountability, which bills itself as a "free market think tank," will roll out FloridaOpenGov.org, an interactive web site that allows users to access details of nearly $1.4 trillion in state, county and local government spending, payroll and vendor payments. "FloridaOpenGov.org includes decades of government spending and payroll data, searchable by state agency, employee name, municipality, business name, and other indicators," the group says. "Key findings from the nearly 35 million recordsall obtained through public records requests to various government agencieswill be shared." Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater also attends, along with Republican legislators. (Monday, 10 am, Majority Office Conference Room, 323 Capitol.) TEXTING WHILE DRIVING BAN CONSIDERED: The Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee will take up a bill (SB 416) that would ban texting while driving. (Thursday, 8 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.) SQEAL ON TEENS WHO GET TICKETS, BUT TELLING BOSS TOO MUCH Lawmakers want state officials to be able to send you a note to let you know if your kids get a speeding ticket. But if you get caught going too fast, they don't really want the state telling your boss. Of course you - and your boss - can find out anytime you want if someone's had a ticket: driving records are public under state law. Just go to the Department of Highway

Safety and Motor Vehicles and give them your kid's name or an employee's name and pay the fee and you can find out whether they have a lead foot or drive while drunk. Almost any company that has employees who drive for work, from school bus drivers to package deliverers, checks on driver records. But at issue on Monday was a bill that would turn the process around in some cases, letting parents sign up to be notified electronically anytime their child violates a traffic law. The parent wouldn't have to periodically check their child's record, the DHSMV would simply let them know any time their kids have seen blue lights in the rearview. The bill (SB 854) enjoyed full support of the Senate Transportation Committee on Monday, sending the measure to the Budget Committee. But not before the Transportation Committee firmly rejected a proposed amendment that would have also allowed employers to sign up with DHSMV to get notices when their workers whether they drive for their job or not get some sort of traffic ticket. , HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS APPROVED Senior citizens and surviving spouses of military and emergency personnel would become that latest groups to benefit from additional homestead exemptions under a pair of House resolutions that passed the House Finance and Tax Committee on Tuesday. Following sometimes emotional debate, the panel approved HJR 93, which would allow widows and widowers of military personnel and emergency first responders to obtain an additional exemption on $25,000 of assessed property value for non-school related ad valorem taxes. HJR 55 would permit counties and municipalities to limit, for homestead property qualifying for the low-income senior exe ad valorem tax assessments for their respective levies to the previous years assessed value. Both bills passed unanimously. If they ultimately pass the Legislature, they'd need voter approval. NEW RED-LIGHT REPEAL BILL FILED The battle over red-light cameras for 2012 began in earnest Tuesday, when Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, filed a measure to repeal the law allowing the cameras to be used to catch those running the traffic signals. Plakon's legislation (HB 4177) is the starting gun for the latest chapter in a long-running and emotional debate over the fate of the cameras. A similar proposal by Rep. Richard Corcoran, RNew Port Richey, narrowly passed the House last year but died in the Senate. The highlight of the legislative week will be on the Senate floor where the chamber will take up redistricting on Tuesday with a vote expected on Wednesday. Also Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee is scheduled to take up a bill that would privatize several prisons in 18 counties, and a Senate Committee on Tuesday looks at a measure to ban "simulated gambling devices" which are popping up in Internet cafes. A House committee has the bill banning Internet cafes on Tuesday. The highlight in the House this week may be continued listening to universities about possibilities for higher education reform. The House Education Committee this week will hear from President John Hitt of UCF, Judy Genshaft of USF, John Delaney of UNF, Wilson Bradshaw of Florida Gulf Coast University, Judy Bense of West Florida and Gordon Michalson of New College. The week starts easy Monday state government takes

the day off for Martin Luther King Day. TUESDAY, JAN. 17, 2012 CRIMINAL JUSTICE: The House Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday considers legislation giving special treatment to certain military veterans accused of crimes (HB 117), and barring some restraints on pregnant prisoners (HB 367), among other bills. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., 404 House Office Building, The Capitol.) LIFTING FOG ON GAS PRICES: The House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 391) that would require gas-station signs to make clear if motorists have to pay different amounts when they use credit cards instead of cash. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.) SENATE IN SESSION: MAPS: The Senate is scheduled to take up its redistricting plans on the special order calendar. Democrats did not file alternatives to either the Senate plan (SJR 1176) or the congressional map (SB 1174) approved by the Senate Reapportionment Committee. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber, The Capitol) WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18, 2012 SENATE FLOOR SESSION: REDISTRICTING VOTES: The Senate is scheduled to vote on plans to redraw districts for the Senate (SJR 1176) and the state's congressional delegation (SB 1174). (Wednesday, 8 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., Senate Chamber, The Capitol.) THURSDAY, JAN. 19, 2012 SENATE TRANSPORTATION: Ads on school busses (SB 344), a program to notify parents when their teens break traffic laws (SB 854) and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles agency bill (SB 1122) are among the bills before the Senate Transportation Committee. (Thursday, 8 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.) SENATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Senate Criminal Justice considers a bill that would lower the age for a concealed weapon permit for people who were in the military and presumably were already carrying a gun when they were in. (SB 998). (Thursday, 10:15 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, The Capitol.) FRIDAY, JAN. 20, 2012 FINAL COMMITTEE STOP FOR NEW MAPS: The House Redistricting Committee takes up proposals for maps for the state House and the Florida congressional delegation. It has three options to choose from on each. (9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, The Capitol) LATVALA: GO AHEAD, PRY CELL PHONE FROM HIS HAND A day after a federal agency suggested every state should ban or limit cell phone use while driving, Florida lawmakers began reacting. Sen. Jack Latvala, a Pinellas County Republican, tells 10 News WTSP in Tampa that he wouldn't support the proposed bans that are filed with the Legislature. "You can take it out of my cold dead fingers," Latvala said of his cell phone. He said he talks and drives all the time. Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, has filed a bill that would ban texting and driving, a measure (SB 416, HB 299), sponsored in the House by Rep. Ray Pilon, RSarasota. Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, and Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, are sponsoring legislation (SB 930, HB 187) that would prohibit minors from using the cell phone in any way while driving. Detert told WTSP that the texting ban is common sense. "It's not limiting anyone's personal freedom," she said. "It's a safety issue."

NTSB URGES BAN ON CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING

The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday urged states to ban cell phone use while driving, the first such call by a federal agency. In Florida, bills that would prohibit kids under 18 from talking-while-driving are filed by a Senate Republican and a House Democrat, while another bill, carried Republicans in both chambers, would ban texting and driving. But the House Democrat sponsoring the bill to ban kids under 18 from using cell phones while driving said Tuesday he wasn't confident the NTSB recommendation would go very far to move along his proposal, which he fears will die in an unfriendly House committee. "Unfortunately for the state of Florida, all these road safety bills are bottled up in a drawer," said Rep. Irv Slosberg, DBoca Raton. Slosberg has in the past criticized the chairman of the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee, Rep. Brad Drake, R-Eucheeanna, suggesting that Drake wants to kill bills related to regulations on drivers. And Slosberg did again in an interview on Tuesday. I guess they have to go very slowly, the only thing I can do is to have patience and bring the issue up over and over and one day they'll just be tired from hearing it from me," said Slosberg, who has made road safety his main issue in the Legislature. Slosberg's daughter died in a car crash several years ago, and for many years, Slosberg was best known in the Legislature for his effort to pass a bill allowing police to pull over drivers for not wearing a seatbelt, which eventually became law. Drake didn't immediately respond to a request for comment late Tuesday. But last month during a committee meeting, under questioning from Slosberg on a texting ban, Drake said if there was support from enough members, and if it were "feasible and realistic," then he'd hear a bill in the committee. Slosberg is a co-sponsor of a bill (HB 299), along with Republican Rep. Ray Pilon of Sarasota that would ban texting and driving. The measure is assigned to Drake's subcommittee, but hasn't been put on the agenda for a hearing. Slosberg is also the House sponsor of a bill that would prohibit the use of handheld cell phones and other electronic devices not just for texting, but any use by drivers under 18 and people driving school busses, regardless of their age. That bill (HB 187) also would have to get through the Highway Safety subcommittee. The measure would also put a limit on how many passengers young drivers could have in their car. The ban on cell phone use by minors is sponsored in the Senate (SB 930) by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, while the ban on texting (SB 416) is sponsored by another Republican, Sen. Nancy Detert of Venice, and was recently approved unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee, so the issue isn't a partisan one. But restrictions on what drivers can do from seat belt and car seat laws to those restricting kids from riding in the backs of pickups have long cut along two divides in the Florida Legislature. One is between rural lawmakers, some of whom see it as an infringement on a personal liberty that is part of rural culture and personal responsibility that goes against the Libertarian streak in many rural areas, and everyone else. The other is along racial lines, with some black and Hispanic lawmakers in the past expressing concerns over new

traffic laws, which some fear could lead to additional racial profiling. The NTSB said Tuesday that distracted driving, some of it due to cell phone use, contributed to nearly 4,000 highway deaths last year, citing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. "According to the National Safety Council, drivers using cell phones look but fail to see up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment," the NTSB said in its recommendation. The agency also said that in a national survey by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 69 percent of Americans reported that they've talked on their cell while driving in the last 30 days and 24 percent said they've texted or emailed while driving recently. From the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Washington, D.C. NHTSA Proposes Motorcycle Study The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested comments on a proposed motorcycle safety study. The study they are proposing copycats one that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is currently conducting, known as the naturalistic study. The MSF study has instrumented a hundred motorcycles with computers, cameras and all sorts of meters. Those specially-equipped one hundred motorcycles are being ridden by volunteers across the country as their personal bikes. After one year, the instruments are taken off and the analysis begins. NHTSA is proposing the exact same study, only with 160 motorcycles. This proposal does come as a bit of a shock, considering the feds have been struggling to conduct another motorcycle study that tracks actual crashes. That crash causation study has been languishing since 2006 and has yet to complete data collection, analysis and final reporting. I do like the idea of the study, said Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs. Tracking volunteer riders and collecting some best practices for countermeasures is a great idea, but as with every study there will be some technical and logistical bugs to work out over the course of the study. It seems to me that it would be wise to wait on the MSF results and use them to craft a better, sturdier study. NHTSA is already predicting that out of the 160 participants in their proposed new naturalistic study, 20 will have a crash and sustain injuries so severe that they must be reported. So far there has been no mention of the cost for the new study. The feds are asking for comments on the proposal. The comment period runs through January 17, 2011. Read the proposal and learn how to submit comments here: http:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-11-16/pdf/201129361.pdf
,

Do not hesitate to contact the MRF with any questions or concerns. See you in the wind, TEDDYBEAR

Floridas Lee County Legislative Delegation

Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-74, Chairman 3501 Del Prado Blvd., Suite 305 Cape Coral, Fl. 33904-7223 Phone: (239) 344-4900 E-Mail: gary.aubuchon@myfloridahouse.gov Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-27 17595 S. Tamiami Trail Ft. Myers, Fl. 33967 Phone: (561) 753-2440 E-Mail: BENACQUISTO.LIZBETH.S27@flsenate.gov Sen. Mike Bennett, R-21, Senate President Pro-Tem 3653 Cortez Road West, Suite 90, Bradenton, Fl. 34210 Phone: (941) 727-6349 E-Mail: BENNETT.MIKE.S21@flsenate.gov Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-73 2120 Main St., Suite 208 Fort Myers, Fl. 33901-3010 Phone: (239) 533-2411 E-Mail: matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov Rep. Paige Kreegel, R-72 410 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, Fl. 33950-4832 Phone: (941) 575-5820 E-Mail: paige.kreegel@myfloridahouse.gov Sen. Garrett Richter, R-37 3299 E. Tamiami Trail, Suite 203, Naples, Fl. 34112-4961 Phone: (239) 417-6205 E-Mail: RICHTER.GARRETT.S37@flsenate.gov Rep. Ken Roberson, R-71 17825 Murdock Circle, Suite B, Port Charlotte, Fl. 33948-4090 Phone: (941) 613-0914 E-Mail: ken.roberson@myfloridahouse.gov Rep. Trudi Williams, R-75 12811 Kenwood Lane, Suite 212, Fort Myers, Fl. 33907-5648 Phone: (239) 433-6775 E-Mail: trudi.williams@myfloridahouse.gov Office of Governor Rick Scott State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 (850) 488-7146 E-Mail: www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott Office of Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St.. PL-05 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Telephone: (850) 488-4711 Facsimile: (850) 921-6114 E-Mail: www.ltgov.com/ContactUs.html Florida Senate Web site: www.flsenate.gov Office of Senate President Mike Haridopolos 404 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 Phone: (850) 487-5229 E-Mail: senate.president@flsenate.gov

Florida House of Representatives Web site:

www.myfloridahouse.gov The Honorable Dean Cannon, Speaker Florida House of Representatives 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 E-Mail: dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov

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