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

[Ineko Gary]

II heard about the new Vance Last month, going to one of my appointments.

They said that there will not be enough room for a person with service dog
and a wheelchair.

So question, why are we not allowed to go in those smaller vans. I think
that it’s not right. I’ve also was told how the Vance inside is going to
look the small ones. And one of the drivers that they don’t think it’ll be
enough room for a service dog and another person or a service dog in a
wheelchair. So I don’t know what’s going to happen.

I guess that leaves all of us out, but I hope not. Because this year I am
going for Guide dog number six. It’s going to be soon.


I retired Frisco, the end of February the beginning of March

And I already filled out the application for my half and the doctor have.
It’s going really fast. So I could be getting a dog soon. I’m gonna get
another. I’m going to pick for another lab.

Because where I wait for buses, there are no shades and I have to wait an
hour and it’ll be too hot for a black lab to stand there and a lot of
places where standard is no grass but only dirt and a dirt is very hot also.


And I can’t wait for my JW Jehovah’s Witness family. I’m with the DEAF
Jehovah’s Witness family. I can’t wait for them to see my new dog. And I am
now an unbaptized publisher. And before this year is out, I will be
baptized as HAW with the DEAF. And I will be the only deaf blind JW with
the deaf here in TAMPA. I’m the only deaf line on baptized publisher with
the TAMPA JW sign languag.

I hope everything will work out and get solved that we can take our service
Dogs and Guide dogs on the newer vans. I think the driver said there might
be only two of those coming out

Sending love always
Me & Frisco 🤟🤟

On Fri, Mar 27, 2026 at 7:01 PM Sherrill O'Brien via NFBF-Tampa <
nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 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
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/8810+North+Himes+Avenue+Tampa+Florida?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> Tampa Florida
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/8810+North+Himes+Avenue+Tampa+Florida?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> 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
>
>
>
> 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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