LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE - Abate of Floridapolk.abateflorida.com/Newsletters/2018/July1 2018.pdf · ABATE of Florida, Inc. ... Please try to sell as many as you can, and if we sell

ABATE of Florida, Inc. – Polk County Chapter

ABATE of Florida, Inc. ● Polk County Chapter

The Iron Press DEDICATED TO FREEDOM OF THE ROAD - LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE

July 2018 Vol 35 issue 7


1

Our Mission Statement: WHO WE ARE ABATE is a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusiast from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals that share a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of Freedom. We promote motorcycle safety, training & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other motorcycle activities. We are your neighbors and friends who work, pay taxes, and get involved with our community. We serve and support our country and believe in freedom. We use all legal means to protect our rights without infringing on the rights of others.

ABATE of Florida, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of Florida as a motorcycle rights organization or a “MRO”.

ABATE of Florida, Inc. currently is the only political MRO in Florida representing the interests of its members and the motorcycling public at large.

ABATE of Florida, Inc. is dedicated to securing and protecting the rights of all motorcyclists in the state

ABATE’S Objectives are to: Keep all bikers informed on legislative actions and events that affect their safety and rights. Be a powerful political force in legislation that affects Motorcycle safety and rights. Provide a lobbyist that will represent ABATE interests at State and National levels. Promote voter registration and to motivate members to speak up for their rights. Promote safety without infringing on individual rights and freedoms. Educate the public and Motorcycle Awareness and safety Issues.

ABATE’s Accomplishments:

ABATE was the driving force behind the changes in Florida’s Helmet Law. Florida Motorcyclist, over the age of 21 and who carry at least $10,000 medical insurance coverage now enjoy the Freedom to Choose whether to wear a helmet or not.

ABATE has developed & copyrighted “The Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program” (MSAP). The program is presented to non-motorcyclists to educate them on how to safely share the road with motorcycles. It is taught in local schools & to civic organizations at no charge in the hope of reducing motorcycle accidents and deaths through education, not legislation.

ABATE had gained a positive and respected position in Tallahassee. Because of our Lobbyist and Legislative efforts, State Representatives are aware of ABATE members and our vigilant quest.

ABATE reminds travelers every day to “Look Twice Save a Life, Motorcycles are everywhere” through our billboard campaign.

Disclaimer The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Polk County Chapter or ABATE of Florida Inc. This newsletter encourages all members to submit ABATE related material, photos, events, and commentaries, etc. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Polk County Chapter of ABATE accepts no responsibility for the comments, views or opinions contained in the newsletter. Polk County Chapter reserves the right to edit or omit any article submitted for publication. All materials submitted to Polk County Chapter for use in this letter becomes property of the chapter.

Guidelines for Submissions Members are asked to submit articles, photos and other materials that would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the Meeting. All board members are encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting. Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters, profanity or nudity. Identification Statement ABATE of Florida, Inc. Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806


Position Name Email President James “Doc” Reichenbach [email protected]

Vice President Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected]

Secretary Shelly Johnston [email protected]

Treasurer Debby Handy [email protected]

Sgt. at Arms Marcus Hotelling [email protected]

PR/Communications Sally Carroll [email protected]

Webmaster Dan “Slo Mo” Henderson [email protected]

Masterlink Editor C/O State Office [email protected]

Membership Laurie Hanley [email protected]

Safety Program Victor Piorkowski [email protected]

Legislative Darrin “Scribe” Brooks [email protected]

Products Shane [email protected]

Legal Larry Crow [email protected]

Position Name Phone Email

President Mark “Zman” Zinser 863-559-9550 [email protected]

Vice President Greg Vernon 863-934-9719 [email protected]

Secretary Laneata “Lo” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected]

Treasurer Rawson (Rusty) Goff 813-426-5171 [email protected]

Sgt. at Arms Tim “Roadmap” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected]

Membership Ralph Snearly [email protected]

Safety George Swatzbaugh 410-852-6663 [email protected]

Products Ralph Snearly [email protected]

PR Aaron McCormick 863-968-3818 [email protected]

Legislative Mark “ZMan” Zinser 863-559-9550 [email protected]

Delegates Tim “Roadmap” McDermott 863-688-3161 [email protected]

Dewey Cain 863-688-0608

Newsletter Jenni Stapleton 813-707-4808 [email protected]

Webmaster Steve Ammerman 813-363-9540 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]





























Hey y’all….and Happy Fathers Day to all my ABATE brothers who are Dads. You are part of the backbone of

this great country!! First off this month, Chapter Elections were held June 17. They were very quick, as all offices

were filled without any opposition! A huge thanks to all who are willing to donate their time to make this Chapter

function, and also a thank you to all of our members not holding an office, but support the Chapter by meeting

attendance, renewal memberships, event volunteering, etc. For all you office holders, there are training seminars

in July that teach you what your office involves. See Roadmaps report for more details, (or call him). Great

chance for a group ride!! They are in Vero Beach. Next is the State ABATE gun raffle. This is an extremely

important event because it provides income for ABATE of Florida to operate with our lobbyist in Tallahassee and

other expenses. Our Chapter has a hundred tickets to get donations for. For $5.00, you have a chance to win a

Henry 30/30 rifle, or 2nd place prize, an over / under 12 gauge shotgun!! If you want tickets now, call Roadmap

and he will arrange to get them to you. We will also have them at the next several Chapter meetings. The drawing is in December.

Please try to sell as many as you can, and if we sell all of them we will get more (please see picture of ticket in this newsletter). Hey

y’all, this is POLK County….so these prizes should sell themselves!! (Sure would make a nice Christmas gift)!! And best of all….the

donations go to support motorcycle rights and causes!! That’s it for this month…..RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY….Zman.

Hey all.

Thanks for your confidence in me to serve as your VP for the 3rd year now, with that said I am personally

thanking all the chapter members for your support ...This past year it has been a really great year for this chapter

because of you. Now is the time to start to start thinking about the annual toy run. So bring your ideas to the next

meeting.

Ride safe ride free Greg, VP

Secretary

THANK YOU to today’s meeting attendees: Lo Alexander, John T. McDermott Roadmap, Gerald

Elliot, Cecil Mitchell, Al Haines, Glenda O’Steen, Jeannie Cromer, Tommy Porter, Greg Vernon, Linda

Vernon, Mike Howington, G.K. Swatzbough III, Virginia Stapleton, Rawson Goff, Aaron McCormick,

Bobby Peaden, Antonio Gonzalez Tony, Ralph Snearly, Rick Lewis, Kim Lewis, Kyra Waldron, David

Waldron, Z,

13:15 The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence were led by President Z Man. He wished

everyone a Happy Fathers’ Day, then he spoke to our election. Last month’s meeting attendees put

together a brilliant ticket. There was a nominee for each office, yet no nominee was opposed. We voted

UNANIMOUSLY to dispense with balloting and declare the slate our DULY ELECTED OFFICERS for 2018-19. Congratulations! Z

Man went on to discuss the State Gun Drawing. We will give the State some funds and we will buy 50 tickets. We already have 50.

We have until November to sell them. ALL AGREED.

VP, Greg Vernon thanked everyone for signing in.

Secretary, Lo Alexander thanked G.K. for taking last month’s Minutes which were ACCEPTED as read. UNANIMOUSLY

Treasurer, Rusty Goff gave a detailed report. We’re doing better than ever. The Rodeo did well. Thanks to everyone who helped with

that. Thanks to G.K. ‘s generous donation of food which he prepared and served. Rusty’s report was ACCEPTED UNANIMOUSLY.

Sgt. @ Arms, Tim McDermott congratulated the new officers and told them that the [somewhat required] SEMINARS will be in

VERO BEACH, Saturday, July 14 this year.

Membership, Ralph Snearly presented the new, higher numbers!

Safety Officer, Rusty Goff thanked everyone for a good year.

PR, Aaron McCormick is stepping down. Kyra Waldron [Alex’s mom] is stepping up.


Products, Greg Vernon reported the awesome results of the RODEO T shirt sales.

Newsletter, Jenni Stapleton reminded us to get our copy in on time.

Legislation, Z Man suggested we watch HOUSE BILL, HR 5855. This is a consumer protection bill seeking to protect us from

E15………Motorcycle fatalities are going down. The most common causes of death are impairment, distraction and an aging

population. Is a car a weapon? See Z Man’s article in this newsletter.

Webmaster, Steve Ammerman was absent and excused.

Delegates’ Reports, Dewey Cain was absent and excused. Tim McDermott reported that the next state meeting will be Aug. 11.

OLD BUSINESS: Sell tickets.

NEW BUSINESS: The new board would normally be seated but we forgot to.

Good of the Order: Breeze is retiring. Meet @ T bow’s June 22 @ 6:30 to ride to the party. G.K. is leading a Sarasota-Lutz ride June

30. KSU @ 8:30 in Land o’ Lakes. Many thanks to Ginny and The Boondocks’ staff for their always excellent hospitality.

Adjourn: 14:17

Sgt. of Arms

No Submission

Membership

As of last State report we have 170 members.

We received two certificates from State for April, Highest Percent of Growth and Most New Members,

well done!

Thank you to our…

New Members: John Smiley

Renewing Members: Jim Fyffe

Due in June: Rafael Febre, Veronica Febre, and Gary Ouellette

Due in July: David Cox, Kay Floyd, Charlie Lentz, Renee Meyer, Travis Morris and Jenni Stapleton

Please renew a month early to avoid expiring and losing your years of continuous membership.

Dues can be paid at our Chapter meeting or mailed to ABATE, Polk County Chapter PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806

If you have not updated your contact information recently, did not receive your renewal notice or are a new or renewing member and

haven’t received your membership card, please email me at [email protected] or call 863-206-9028.

It has been an honor to have served as Membership trustee for the last year and thank you for the opportunity to serve this next.

Thank you, Ralph Snearly

Safety

Hello Everyone. Thank you for electing me as your new Safety Officer for the chapter. I am

excited on this new journey for Abate of Polk County. I look forward to serving the

chapter. If you have any questions feel free to ask me anytime.

Thank You.

GK


Legislative

Hey y’all, here’s what’s happening in Tallahassee and beyond….please check the Newsletter for YOUR

Representative in Washington and make a quick call seeking them to SUPPORT HR 5855 REGARDING E15

fuel……Zman

POLL POINTS TO TROUBLE FOR MANY BALLOT PROPOSALS

Lloyd Dunkelberger

TALLAHASSEE --- Only four of the 13 state constitutional amendments on the November ballot have enough

voter support to be enacted, according to a poll from the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

The poll, conducted in late May and early June, showed four amendments with the necessary 60 percent of

voter support. They are:

--- Amendment 1, which would expand the homestead property-tax exemption. It was placed on the ballot by

the Legislature, with the chamber survey showing 67 percent of voters in support, 22 percent opposed and 11 percent undecided.

--- Amendment 3, which would require voter approval of gambling expansions in the state, including allowing casinos. The

amendment, which was placed on the ballot through a voter petition drive backed by Disney World and the Seminole Tribe of Florida,

was supported by 61 percent of voters, with 23 percent opposed and 15 percent undecided.

--- Amendment 7, which would require the payment of death benefits when law enforcement officers, paramedics, correctional

officers and other “first responders” are killed while performing their official duties. The measure, which came from the Constitution

Revision Commission, also would establish a governance system for the 28 state and community colleges and require a supermajority

vote by university boards of trustees and the university system’s Board of Governors when raising student fees. It has support from 80

percent of voters, with 7 percent opposed and 13 percent undecided, the poll showed.

--- Amendment 8, which would impose an eight-year term limit on school board members. It would also allow an alternative process

for approving public schools, including charter schools, rather than by local school boards. It would establish a requirement for

teaching civic literacy in public schools. The measure, which came from the Constitution Revision Commission, has support from 75

percent of voters, with 11 percent opposed and 15 percent undecided.

In a memo sent Friday to members of the Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, Mark Wilson, the organization’s president,

noted support and opposition for the 13 amendments will be impacted by media campaigns seeking to sway voter opinion.

“In other words, these numbers will change as November approaches,” Wilson wrote.

He also noted that with the large number of amendments on the Nov. 6 general-election ballot, the most since the 1998 election, “voter

fatigue is certainly a concern of ours.” But he also said the survey showed nearly nine of every 10 voters said they planned to vote on

the ballot measures.

Some ballot measures fell short of the 60 percent approval requirement but were close in the survey.

Among them was Amendment 9, which would ban offshore oil drilling and vaping in workplaces and restaurants. It was supported by

55 percent of voters, with 31 percent in opposition and 14 percent undecided.

Also, Amendment 12, which would establish a new ethics standard for public officials and impose a six-year lobbying ban on state

elected officials, state agency heads and local elected officials, had support from 55 percent of voters, with 18 percent in opposition

and 27 percent undecided.

Among the measures with the lowest voter support was Amendment 4, which would restore voting rights to ex-felons who have

served their sentences. The measure, which was the result of a petition drive, had support from 40 percent of the voters, with 17

percent opposed. However, 43 percent of the voters said they were undecided, showing there is room for supporters of the measure to

persuade voters to back it.

Only 34 percent of voters supported Amendment 5, which came from the Legislature and would require a supermajority vote by the

state House and Senate when enacting

taxes or fees. Some 36 percent of the voters were in opposition, with 30 percent undecided, the poll showed.

Another measure that would ban greyhound racing in the state had 47 percent support from the voters, with 36 percent in opposition

and 17 percent undecided. Amendment 13, which came from the Constitution Revision Commission, is being contested in court by

groups that support dog racing.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce poll was conducted by Cherry Communications between May 25 and June 2. Some 605 “likely”

voters were polled, including 249 Democrats. 237 Republicans and 119 others. The margin of error was 4 percentage points.

SPLIT RULINGS CONTINUE ON ‘STAND YOUR GROUND’ CHANGE

TALLAHASSEE --- Amid requests for the Florida Supreme Court to wade into the issue, a South Florida appeals court Wednesday

ruled against a defendant in one in a series of cases about how to carry out a controversial 2017 change to the state’s “stand your

ground” self-defense law.

The ruling by a panel of the 3rd District Court of Appeal was the third time this month that appellate courts have grappled with the

issue of the 2017 change --- with courts coming to different conclusions.


The change shifted a key burden of proof from defendants to prosecutors in “stand your ground” cases, and the issue in the appeals is

whether that change should apply retroactively to defendants whose cases were pending before the 2017 law passed.

The 3rd District Court of Appeal in the case Wednesday of defendant Justin Bailey and in a May 11 decision involving defendant

Tashara Love sided with prosecutors in finding that the change should not apply retroactively. But the 2nd District Court of Appeal, in

a May 4 ruling in a Hillsborough County case, said the change is retroactive, a decision that could help defendants arguing that they

acted in self-defense.

Love’s attorneys quickly filed a brief last week asking the Florida Supreme Court to take up the issue.

“This case presents an issue of statewide importance impacting countless criminal prosecutions: whether the 2017 amendment to the

Stand Your Ground law applies to all pending cases or only those arising after its enactment,” Love’s attorneys wrote in the brief.

The “stand your ground” law says people are justified in using deadly force and do not have a “duty to retreat” if they believe it is

necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. When the defense is successfully raised in pre-trial hearings, defendants are granted

immunity from prosecution.

Before the 2017 change, the Florida Supreme Court had ruled defendants had the burden of proof in pre-trial hearings to show they

should be shielded from prosecution. With backing from groups such as the National Rifle Association, the 2017 change shifted the

burden from defendants to prosecutors to prove whether self-defense claims are justified.

The ruling Wednesday by the 3rd District Court of Appeal, which hears issues from Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, gave few

details of the Bailey case. But it said a lower court in December 2016 rejected Bailey’s argument that he should be shielded from

prosecution because of the “stand your ground” law.

“Under the version of the statute existing on the date of the offense (and at the time of the evidentiary hearing), Bailey shouldered the

burden of proof, requiring him to establish his entitlement to statutory immunity by a preponderance of the evidence,” said

Wednesday’s ruling by appeals-court judges Kevin Emas, Thomas Logue and Norma Lindsey. “The trial court concluded in its order

that Bailey ‘failed to prove by the preponderance of the evidence that he is immune from prosecution.’ ”

As Bailey appealed the ruling, the Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott shifted the burden of proof to prosecutors. Bailey’s attorneys

argued that the change should be applied to his case. But in turning down Bailey, the panel Wednesday pointed to the May 11 ruling in

the Love case, which stemmed from a 2015 shooting during an altercation outside a Miami-Dade County nightclub.

“Following our precedent in Love, we therefore hold that the June 9, 2017 amendment does not apply to Bailey’s case, and Bailey is

not entitled to a new evidentiary hearing on that basis,” Wednesday’s ruling said.

But in the Hillsborough County case earlier in the month, a panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal said the burden-of-proof change

should apply retroactively to Tymothy Ray Martin, who was convicted of felony battery in a 2016 altercation involving his girlfriend.

Martin had sought to use the “stand your ground” law to be shielded from prosecution, but a judge denied his request in a pre-trial

hearing.

Martin appealed his conviction, and the appeal was pending when the Legislature and Scott made the change.

The 2nd District Court of Appeal and the 3rd District Court of Appeal have asked the Supreme Court to resolve the retroactivity issue

--- a move known as “certifying” a question to the Supreme Court.

FROM THE AMA

Federal legislation would require proper labeling of E15 fuel and consumer education campaign

Contact your representative today to support H.R. 5855!

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) introduced the "Consumer Protection and Fuel

Transparency Act of 2018" in the U.S. House (H.R. 5855). The American Motorcyclist Association supports this bipartisan bill. The

AMA has repeatedly warned of the dangers of E15 (15 percent ethanol by volume) for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles because

none of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States is certified by the Environmental

Protection Agency to operate on fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol. Inadvertent use of E15 in vehicles not designed for its

use can damage fuel system and engine components and void manufacturer's warranties. This legislation would require the EPA to

revise the labeling requirements for fuel pumps that dispense E15 and conduct a consumer education campaign to inform the public

about the risks of improper use of E15 and the vehicles and equipment that are prohibited from using E15. To learn more and send a

prewritten message to your representative, click http://cqrcengage.com/amacycle/app/take-action?engagementId=478753.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Motorcyclist traffic fatalities were down 5.6 percent in 2017, with 296 fewer deaths than in 2016, according

to a preliminary report issued in May by the Governors Highway Safety Administration. The report, Motorcyclist Traffic Fatalities by

State: 2017 Preliminary Data, projected that 4,990 people died in motorcycle crashes during 2017. Among the leading factors cited as

contributing to motorcycle crashes: alcohol or drug impairment, distraction and the aging riding population. The GHSA said more

states are considering ignition interlocks to reduce impaired driving. The group also is advocating for universal helmet laws. The

AMA strongly encourages helmet use but believes that adults should have the right to voluntarily decide when to wear a helmet.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - State officials, as part of the Strategic Highway Safety Plan, are surveying motorcyclists to compile a list of

possible locations for motorcycle barrier installations. The survey form is designed to collect as much information as possible about

specific locations on the State Highway System where this safer barrier technology may be considered. The information collected will

be given to the state Traffic Safety Office. Forms may be downloaded at www.dot.ca.gov/trafficops/shsp/docs/Motorcycle-Survey-

Form.docx. Forms must completed and emailed to [email protected] by July 1, with the subject line "RE: SHSP Motorcycle

Challenge Area Survey Form." Be sure to provide very specific information. The more information the state has, the better officials

can respond to your input.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS


STUTTGART, Germany - The Mobility Solutions sector of The Bosch Group has announced several technological products for

motorcycles. Bosch efforts include a sliding mitigation research project, radar-based assistance systems, adaptive cruise control, a

forward collision warning system, blind-spot detection, motorcycle stability control and motorcycle-to-car communication. Full details

on all these systems can be found at this link: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Home/News-Story/greater-safety-on-two-wheels-

bosch-innovations-for-the-motorcycles-of-the-future. TOKYO - Honda Motor Co.'s Monkey Bike is making a comeback, this time

with a larger 125cc engine. Honda announced that the Monkey will resume production after being discontinued last year. It is

expected to be on the domestic market July 12, with a price of $3,700. Honda stopped production in 2017 because of Japanese

emissions regulations. The new Monkey 125 was unveiled in the fall as a concept model during the Tokyo Motor Show.

That’s it for this month…..RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY…..Zman.

Webmaster

Hi Polk County,

Elections are over and I am once again your webmaster. As always, I will try to keep you informed. I

post on our Web page, http://polk.abateflorida.com/ as well as two Facebook pages. They are ABATE

of Florida - Polk County Chapter and POLK COUNTY MOTORCYCLE RIDERS (all caps).

Steve Ammerman

Webmaster

http://polk.abateflorida.com/


ABATE came to Florida in the mid 1970’s. At that time it was a group of individual and unaffiliated chapters. In

1979, ABATE of Florida, Inc. was formed by the individual chapters. This union was the basis for today’s

organization. Throughout the years, ABATE of Florida, Inc. has strived to be an effective political force for the

rights of motorcyclists in Florida. We have also attempted to keep up to date on all legislation on a federal level

and have tried to input our concerns to our federal officials.ABATE of Florida, Inc. has hired a professional

lobbyist to aid us in our fight for freedom of choice. Our lobbyist as also been instructed to keep a close watch on

all State or National legislation that would affect all motorcyclists.

Please note any political information in the chapter newsletter is for your educational

purposes only and is not meant as promotional materials.

All members are encouraged to submit articles, photos, and other materials that

would be of interest to their fellow members by 11:00pm on Friday following the

chapter meeting except when announced otherwise. All board members are

encouraged to submit their articles as soon as possible following the monthly meeting.

Please do not submit slanderous or accusing letters, profanity or nudity.

Calling all members we are looking for letters from YOU!!! It does not have to be about the chapter it can be about legislative issues, community activities that have happened or other vital information. Please send your submissions to either PO Box 2743 Lakeland, FL 33806 or email [email protected]



Join Us!

At our next meeting May 20, 2018 at 1:00PM

Boondocks 8515 US Hwy 98 North

Lakeland, FL


A.B.A.T.E upcoming EVENTS

Polk County Chapter

July 15 Chapter Meeting 1:00pm @ BOONDOCKS 8515 Hwy 98 North July 20 Newsletter submission deadline State

Other Chapters

OTHER EVENTS Webster’s always first Sunday Every TUES 6 - 9 PM BEEF O’BRADYS Northside Lakeland

Every WED 6 PM - ?? MOJO’s - Lakeland

Every THURS 7 PM - ?? JOHNNY G’s – Lakeland

Every Thurs 7 PM - ?? LA’s MIDWAY – Across from Winter Haven Airport

Every FRI 7 PM - ?? POUR HOUSE – Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven

First THURS, 6PM - ?? VFW on North 98


FOR SALE:

2016 3-Wheel Harley Davidson Freewheeler ~Scratch on Fender ~Price is the amount owed on it at the time of sale ~ Approximately 3200 miles ~as of 5-20-2018 price is $18000 ~has 5year appearance package ~has a 3year tire and wheel package MIKE GRAY @ 863-289-0394



Documents

LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE - Abate of Floridapolk.abateflorida.com/Newsletters/2018/July1 2018.pdf · ABATE of Florida, Inc. ... Please try to sell as many as you can, and if we sell