[NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter Meeting Minutes February 2026

[Sherrill O'Brien]

Greetings to all,

 

Here are last month's meeting minutes. I hope to see lots of you tomorrow at
Beefs!

 

Warm regards

Sherrill

 

Tampa Bay Chapter 

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapter Meeting Minutes

February 28, 2026

Beef O'Brady's

8810 North Himes Avenue

Tampa Florida

The meeting was called to order by President Christine Copley at 12:27pM. We
said the NFB pledge together.

Everyone introduced themselves. There were  a total of thirteen persons in
attendance, including two participating via the Zoom platform.

Secretary and Treasurer Reports

A motion was made by  Barbara, seconded by Sherri, to approve the  January
meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed. 

 

Dan gave the treasurer's report. Our current balance is $5,478.84.

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

 

President's Report

Christine said our chapter elections will be for the positions of president,
secretary and Board position 2. She reminded us that she would not be
seeking the office of president but plans to continue as an active chapter
member.

Christine said she is excited to announce the details of our national
convention, to be held from July 3 - 8 in Austin, Texas atthe the JW
Marriott Austin. She said  she hopes we can hold some fund raising events to
enable members to attend.

 

Legislation

Debby Malone, chair of our legislative committee, said she participated in a
state legislative Board meeting where the threatening of parental rights
was discussed. She asked us to keep an eye on our emails for legislative
updates and action needed in this important area of our work.

 

State Convention

Sherri Brun, secretary of our NFBL state affiliate, reported on our next
state convention which will be held in October in Jacksonville at the
Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk. The Jacksonville and Tallahassee
chapters will cohost the convention.

Sherri also mentioned that DBS director Carlton Doyle has retired. Deputy
Director Trina Davis has stepped in to fill this position. Louise said at
this time we don't know whether her position is temporary or permanent.

 

Social Activities

Yvonne mentioned the following possible outings: bowling at Pin Chasers,
matinees at the Straz in May, June or August, Tampa history museum with
lunch at the Colombia, and Zoo Tampa which she will try to arrange for early
April.

 

HART news

Adriane announced that HART plus is acquiring a fleet of SUV's to help deal
with increasing ridership demands, and that HART officials are saying that
those accompanied by service animals will not be permitted to ride in these
vehicles. We plan to investigate this matter.

 

Our 50/50 fundraiser drawing was won by Sherri Brun, who received $40.

 

Elections:

The following members were elected by acclamation:

Debby Malone, President

Sherrill O'Brien, Secretary

Thomas Dukeman, Board Position 2

Christine congratulated those newly elected officers and Board member.
Sherri thanked Christine on behalf of the chapter for her dedication and
hard work.

 

Our next meeting will be held on March 28.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:45PM.

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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