[NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter Meeting Minutes January, 2026

Sat Feb 28 02:57:33 UTC 2026

Tampa Bay Chapter 

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapter Meeting Minutes

January 24, 2026

Beef O'Brady's

8810 North Himes Avenue

Tampa Florida

The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:20pM.

Everyone introduced themselves. There were 13 persons in attendance,
including   2 guests,Kenya and kris Sturgeon, former members of the Houston
Texas chapter. Christine asked everyone to give their New Year's resolution
for the chapter. 

We then said the NFB pledge together.

Secretary and Treasurer Reports

A motion was made by  Dan, seconded by Sherri, to approve the October 2025
meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed. 

Dan gave the treasurer's report. Our current balance is $5419.92.

A motion was made by Louise, seconded by Sherrill, to accept the treasurer's
report as read. The motion passed.

Louis and Ana were not able to attend the meeting, but Christine thanked
them on behalf of our chapter for their generous donation. She said she will
ask Louis to tell us about it in person.

President's Report

Christine recognized our chapter member Matt Weihmuller for an award he
received through his work teaching at the Straz Center.

She then reviewed the October White Cane walk some of our members attended,
which was coordinated by the Tampa Lighthouse at McFarland Park. She said
the park was very busy, bringing the group good publicity. She thinks we
might want to consider collaborating with the Lighthouse next year.

Christine said our Christmas party, once again held at the home of Barbara
Gaw, was a great success. She then talked about the hard work done by many
chapter members concerning the threat by state Representative Michael Owen
to introduce a bill which would eliminate service to residents of
Hillsborough County, leaving mass transit service only in the city of Tampa.
She asked Adrienne to fill in some of the details regarding the several
meetings we attended at which we spoke against this proposal and/or read our
chapter's resolution opposing it, which was passed at our State convention
last October. 

Sherri reminded us that we must continue to   keep informed and do whatever
we can to oppose this possible legislation, since it could eventually affect
all of Florida.

Christine said we continue to have problems with the chapter listserve, but
she hopes this will change as Statewide chapter secretary Jose Bohorquez
begins working on this issue. 

Chapter Elections

Christine said we will hold elections at our upcoming February meeting. This
year we will be electing the president, secretary and Board position 2.
Christine announced that she has decided not to run for president. She said
she wants to be an active member, continuing to be the fund raising chair.
Sherri commended Christine for her dedication and hard work. Dan reminded
everyone that in order to vote we must pay this year's chapter dues of $10
either via Square or Zell prior to the meeting, or with cash at the
beginning of the meeting.

Fund Raising

We suggested possible fund raising activities for this year.

Annual Pancake Breakfast

This will take place on July 25th, which is the exact anniversary of the
ADA. Sherrill  was able to reserve a date for us  on Saturday, July 18 at
the Carrollwood Publix at 10015 North Dale Mabry. Thanks to Louis's help
with translation, we will be able to hand out fliers both in English and
Spanish, about our Pancake breakfast. 

Greg mentioned that the Clearwater Lions Club will once again help with the
breakfast.

He then suggested that we once again hold an event at Home Slice, which is
next door to, and now owned by, Beef O'Brady's. All agreed this was a good
idea.

social activities suggested were Bowling at Pin Chasers, a trip back to Zoo
Tampa,  and a trip on the Cross Town Ferry.

Christine suggested former chapter member Sewar Qeinibi as a guest speaker.
She now works in the mental health field and could speak on the topic as it
relates to blindness.

Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents meeting

Adriene told us about this Zoom call, which was held in an effort to create
more communication among the chapters and to begin making plans for this
year.

Sherri, as our state secretary, mentioned that if we want to get in touch
with state President Camille Tate, we can contact Sherri and she will reach
out to Camille. She also said state Board member Kay Baker is our appointed
chapter liason.

New Business

Sherrill proposed, and following discussion, made a motion  that the chapter
raise our monthly NFB PAC Plan Contribution from five to fifteen dollars.
The motion was then seconded by Yvonne  and passed.

Our 50/50 fundraiser drawing was won by Adrienne, who received $25.

Our next meeting will be held on February 28.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:05PM.

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 <mailto: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.

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