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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 Members & Supporters,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> As independent blind residents of the Tampa Bay region, the most important issue we face is the availability of a sound, effective, reliable public transit system. Such a transit system allows us to fully, freely, and independently access all our region has to offer and fulfill all the responsibilities of our lives, such as employment, medical appointments, social service appointments, shopping, and recreation. As you know, voters in Hillsborough County approved a $.01 sales tax of which 45% would help improve the services of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART). Commissioner Stacy White filed law suits challenging the constitutionality of this referendum. The judge has made his ruling and we owe it to ourselves and the blind community to know what that ruling is and how it will ultimately effect our lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> During our meeting this Saturday, representatives from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will share more about this ruling and what we, as a consumer organization of the blind, can do from here. We will also have the opportunity to participate in a survey to help the long-range planning of public transportation in the Tampa Bay area. We have a very strong voice on this issue and need to make that voice heard, so plan on attending this crucial meeting!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHAT: Tampa Bay Chapter, National Federation of the Blind of Florida Monthly Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHERE: O’Brien’s Irish Pub<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> 701 West Lumsden Road<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Brandon, Florida<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> (On the corner of Lumsden Road & Kings Avenue)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHEN: Saturday, July 27, 2019<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TIME: 12:00 Noon - 2:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> (Doors open at 11:00 a.m. for social time!)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We look forward to seeing you there!<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></div></body></html>