[NFBF-Tampa] Fwd: Tampa Bay Chapter Meeting Minutes July 2026

[Debbie Malone]

Good morning,
I am forwarding Sherrill's July minutes. She will be sending the June
minutes, and the special Zoom meeting minutes by Saturday. Thanks to all of
you.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Sherrill O'Brien <sherrill.obrien at verizon.net>
Date: Sun, Aug 16, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Subject: Tampa Bay Chapter Meeting Minutes July 2026
To: <dmalone510 at gmail.com>





-- 
*Debbie Malone*
*813-421-0731*
*VIP Online Toastmasters <https://www.viponlinetoastmasters.org/index.html>*
*National Federation of the Blind of Florida-Tampa Chapter President
<https://nfbflorida.org/chapters-divisions/tampa-bay-chapter> *

*Inclusion Education <https://www.inclusioneducation.com/>*
Amazon Author Page <https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07RVCRR5R>
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 Tampa Bay Chapter 
National Federation of the Blind of Florida
Chapter Meeting Minutes
July 25, 2026
Beef O'Brady's
8810 North Himes Avenue
Tampa Florida

The meeting was called to order by President Debby Malone at 10:38AM.
We said the NFB pledge altogether. Tom volunteered to say it at our August meeting.
Everyone introduced themselves. There were  15 persons in attendance, including family members who came to support us in our fund raiser.   There were no Zoom participants.
Secretary and Treasurer Reports
There were no minutes available for the June meeting.
Dan did not have a complete treasurer���s report at this time, but he estimates we made at least $1,170 on the Pancake Breakfast.

President���s Report
Debby announced that we will soon be losing TD Tampa Bay, at least for the time being.
State Convention:
Debby will be the delegate, and we will need to choose an alternate delegate. Debby said she is on both the Sponsorship and Resolutions committees.
 
BEAM (Blind Equality Achievement Month (October)
We then held a lengthy discussion on our plans for the month of October. We agreed to hold a busy intersection crossing and will make sure to bring the signs we still have from past crossings. We voted to hold The event from 9:00am. till 11:00am on October 15, the exact date of White Cane Awareness Day. Several intersections were proposed, but all had drawbacks. Miranda suggested a Zoom call for further planning. So a motion was made by Dan, seconded by Jorge, to table the intersection discussion and hold a Zoom meeting for all chapter members on Saturday, August 8, at 12:00PM. The motion passed. Members volunteered to contact persons and organizations to help our event run smoothly, and we will finalize all of this on our Zoom call.
 
Legislation
Debby said that concerning the ongoing Texas vs. Kennedy issue, we need to continue writing and calling the offices of the Florida governor and attorney general, strongly urging them to withdraw from the lawsuit. There are only four states remaining in the lawsuit.

Social Activities
Yvonne told us about Gracie Martial Arts Studio's self defense classes. They are willing to hold a special class for us. Members were interested and agreed we should take the class at the studio rather than at Beef O'Brady's. We will try for the third Saturday in August.
 
State Convention
Debby reminded us to look for auction items for the major state convention fundraiser. She urged all who plan to attend to volunteer to help with something.
We agreed that our chapter will pay for everyone's registration and banquet tickets, so it is important to let Dan know as soon as possible whether we plan to attend so he can pay the state affiliate.

Dan will do the icebreaker at next month's meeting.  

We did not hold a 50/50 PAC Plan/fundraiser drawing, since that was held earlier as part of the Pancake Breakfast fund raiser.

Our next meeting will be held on August 22.
A motion was made by Tom, seconded by Sherri, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 11:22pm.

Respectfully submitted
Sherrill O���Brien, Secretary
Tampa Bay Chapter
National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Phone 813-935-0474, cell 813-767-1890
email Sherrill.obrien at verizon.net

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds you back.