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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Tampa Bay chapter Family & Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Though many of us were together in Boca Raton for the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, it unfortunately fell on the same day as our chapter meeting and I missed the gathering that would have been held at O’Brien’s in Brandon. When the family has gathered together so consistently for more than thirty years, we miss the comraderie of our chapter family. I look forward to seeing all y’all at Beef O’Brady’s on June 23! I would like to make the motion that we invite all our NFB of Florida members to join us at our may 2020 chapter meeting which will be held on May 23<sup>rd</sup>, 2020! Indeed, this is the plan to celebrate our 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary in Tampa! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>I realize this message is a pretty short notice; however we have been a little busy over the past weekend! (smile) There are two important meetings in the next two working days of vital importance to the blind community of Hillsborough County. The first is the final day of the motion for summary judgement hearing (MSJ) challenging the validity of the sales tax referendum voters passed in November, 45% of which is slated for improvements to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit. Should this referendum be judged as valid, HART would be able to add 150% to their current budget, all of which must be used for direct service improvements. That means 150% more public transportation in Hillsborough County! Friday’s hearing will be the last three attorneys – there have been six already we have heard from – before the parties rest. Be assured that, no matter which parties prevail, we will be heading to Tallahassee for a Supreme Court hearing! Please join us, if you can, but know we will have several members there to support this referendum and will report back to you on the progress of this case! You can join us at<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>800 Twiggs Street<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Courtroom 501<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Court begins at 9:30<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you would like to join us at Crystal Bay Café for breakfast, plan to arrive by 8:30 – 8:45. We will leave for the Courtroom at 9:15.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> On Monday, June 3, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit board of directors will meet in the HART Board room, 1201 E. 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue, Third Floor at 9:00 a.m. Due to the recent incident, I have been told that a very large, over-flow gallery is expected. I am planning to arrive very early to be the first in the door to get a seat in the gallery. You may wish to do the same and plan to arrive by 8:15 – 8:30! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I would also like to congratulate our chapter president, Miranda Kilby, for her re-election to the Vice Presidency of the National Federation of the Blind of florida and extend the same “Kudos!” to President Denise Valkema, Secretary Sylvia Young, and Board Members Jorge Hernandez and Camille Tate. Our affiliate board affirms the validity of the motto, “We are stronger together when we work together!” Our recent convention demonstrated the evidence of the practice of that fundamental truth by the resulting success of our 49<sup>th</sup> annual convention. Let’s go build the Federation!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fraternally yours,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marion Gwizdala<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>