<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle18
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:611480624;
mso-list-template-ids:1225043390;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1504052534;
mso-list-template-ids:264823644;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-start-at:2;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1865168716;
mso-list-template-ids:1501327302;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\uf0b7;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Symbol;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Time to get with the times smile just like direct deposit with pay or s.s a no one pays with checks any more. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Ineko Gary via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, September 25, 2025 7:44 PM<br><b>To:</b> NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List <nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org><br><b>Cc:</b> Ineko Gary <rubiigary@gmail.com><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Fox 13 News story and article on proposed bill to dissolve HART, August 26, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal>Oh, that\u2019s nice. But I was thinking about those who still go in person to get their medication\u2019s.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div><p class=MsoNormal>On Thu, Sep 25, 2025 at 7:37<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>\u202f</span>PM Cheryl and Ed via NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></p></div><blockquote style='border:none;border-left:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-right:0in'><div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We ge our meds delivered to our home so no more picking them up in person. No one is stuck. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div><div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor currentcolor'><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Ineko Gary via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, September 25, 2025 7:07 PM<br><b>To:</b> NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> Ineko Gary <<a href="mailto:rubiigary@gmail.com" target="_blank">rubiigary@gmail.com</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Fox 13 News story and article on proposed bill to dissolve HART, August 26, 2025</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Oh my that\u2019s a lot of money.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>If they get rid of a lot of these Hart transportation, it will put a lot of of us stuck<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Going to doctors, stores, and those of y\u2019all who meet for meetings every third or fourth Saturday stuck<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>You won\u2019t be able to go get your medicine in person won\u2019t be able to go to grocery shopping and so much more<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>They say they\u2019re doing this to help the public. But I say they are harming the public.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>I know a lot of people they can\u2019t drive because they have seizures really bad and so the doctor tells them they can\u2019t drive for safety reasons<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>I know a bunch of kids that ride Hart plus that\u2019s on a spectrum of ADHD data depend on the door-to-door service<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>And there\u2019s a lot of of us who uses the city bus and Hart plus. There\u2019s probably a few that use the express bus buses.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>So they\u2019re not making it better they\u2019re making it worse<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>I told my family my family said those who don\u2019t want to improve the Hart services. They need to have their cars taken away and let them write transportation everywhere so they will understand how transportation is important to everyone across the board.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>This really stinks that they are not making it better. They\u2019re making it worse.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>And there\u2019s a lot of of us who probably don\u2019t have loved ones who can help out on their days off of their own work. So using transportation is very very, very important.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>For example, me my hearing aid doctor is on almost the outside of Lutes on Crystal Grove Boulevard. So there\u2019s no city bus that goes there. Since there\u2019s no city bus that goes there plus don\u2019t go there.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>So I told my family if I did Uber, they\u2019re in back. It will probably cost me $500 for round-trip.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>So for me to get to my hearing aid doctors, I have to do my schedule around their schedule. So one can drop me off any other one can come back and pick me up<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>That\u2019s how we had to do it a few months ago to get my hearing retested and to get my molds made.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>And it burns me up.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>On Thu, Sep 25, 2025 at 5:49<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>\u202f</span>PM Cheryl and Ed via NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></p></div><blockquote style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;border-color:currentcolor currentcolor currentcolor rgb(204,204,204)'><div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Oh, my so how did you get to work with dbs? </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor'><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Louise Peyton via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, September 24, 2025 2:42 PM<br><b>To:</b> NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> Louise Peyton <<a href="mailto:lp2473@hotmail.com" target="_blank">lp2473@hotmail.com</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Fox 13 News story and article on proposed bill to dissolve HART, August 26, 2025</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>This absolutely disgusts me! Tampa used to be called the next great city and what have we come to regarding poor transportation and our politicians who don\u2019t utilize the bus system. Even I can\u2019t utilize Hart as I currently live three miles from the nearest bus stop. Imagine all the 1 million county residents who will be stranded!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I\u2019ve read there will be a legislative delegation meeting on Oct. 21, but would have to send the address between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. However, to sign up to speak, this must be done by Oct. 11. Will look up the details and send along.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Louise</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div><div><div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor'><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>marion.gwizdala--- via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, September 24, 2025 1:56 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> <a href="mailto:marion.gwizdala@gmail.com" target="_blank">marion.gwizdala@gmail.com</a><br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Fox 13 News story and article on proposed bill to dissolve HART, August 26, 2025</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dear All,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> Unfortunately, many have the mistaken attitude like Commissioner Wostal that public transportation only helps a few, so why should the public fund it? This belief is very short-sighted and ignorant at its base! Those of us who either cannot drive or cannot afford a vehicle use public transportation to fulfill every social and economic opportunity as others. We enhance the health of the community by utilizing public transportation to go to medical appointments and stay healthy, thus costing society less in healthcare expenses. We support the economy of the region by utilizing public transportation to go to work and spend that money we earn, thus enhancing the economy. As an example, six of us gathered at Cheddar\u2019s Scratch Kitchen in Carrolwood in July, all of us arriving and departing using public transportation. Merry and I alone spent nearly $200 that night, along with the other four of us. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The idea that public transportation only benefits a few is so ignorant it is pathetic! These elitist politicians feed their constituents lies and the lemmings believe them without challenge or data. Everyone nods in agreement as these master manipulators share their irrational, ablist attitudes and unethical immoral conduct telling them it is \u201ccommon sense\u201d when it makes absolutely none. They promise what we want to hear then act with impunity by asserting, \u201dThat\u2019s why you elected us!\u201d If you have not yet done so, everyone needs to read George Orwell\u2019s \u201c1984\u201d. It should have been entitled \u201c2025\u201d!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Marion Gwizdala</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor'><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> NFBF-Tampa <<a href="mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbf-tampa-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Sherrill O'Brien via NFBF-Tampa<br><b>Sent:</b> Monday, September 22, 2025 5:29 PM<br><b>To:</b> nfbf-tampa@nfbnets</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>.org<br><b>Cc:</b> Sherrill O'Brien <<a href="mailto:sherrill.obrien@verizon.net" target="_blank">sherrill.obrien@verizon.net</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> [NFBF-Tampa] Fox 13 News story and article on proposed bill to dissolve HART, August 26, 2025</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Greetings Tampa chapter members and friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>As promised, here\u2019s the link to the August 26 Fox News story about the proposed bill by state Rep. Michael Owens to dissolve HART and replace it with a city only transit system<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>This is on YouTube, so just skip the annoying ad!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Below the link I\u2019ve also pasted the text of a companion article.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>State Rep. Michael Owen, who plans to introduce this bill, represents District 70 which includes parts of Hillsborough and Manatee Counties. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>The YouTube link and story are below my signature.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Please do spread the word by sending out this important email. We can make a huge impact with one strong and united voice! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Sherrill O\u2019Brien, Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Tampa Bay Chapter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-U1ld6nNLo" target="_blank"><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-U1ld6nNLo</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hillsborough lawmaker pushes to dissolve HART, launch city-only transit</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>By </span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="https://fox13news.com/person/m/evyn-moon" target="_blank">Evyn Moon</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Published</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> August 26, 2025 9:24pm EDT</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="https://www.fox13news.com/tag/us/fl/hillsborough" target="_blank">Hillsborough County</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="https://www.fox13news.com/" target="_blank">FOX 13 News</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><img border=0 width=1280 height=720 style='width:13.3333in;height:7.5in' id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DC2E55.9C488B10" alt="Bill to dissolve HART, move to city-run transit"></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:.75in'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Rep. Michael Owen is drafting a bill to dissolve Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART).</span><o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><ol start=1 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The plan would create the Tampa Transit Authority, serving only Tampa city limits.</span><o:p></o:p></li></ol></ul><ul type=disc><ol start=2 type=1><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level2 lfo2'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Some officials said the move could cut off service for thousands outside the city.</span><o:p></o:p></li></ol></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>TAMPA, Fla. - <a href="https://www.fox13news.com/tag/us/fl/hillsborough" target="_blank">Hillsborough County's</a> main bus system could be facing major changes. State Rep. Michael Owen says he is working on legislation to dismantle HART and replace it with a Tampa-only transit agency.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The proposed Tampa Transit Authority would operate within city limits and could potentially be funded by a city sales tax, instead of higher property taxes for the entire county.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The other side:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Not everyone supports the idea. HART board chairman and Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera said the plan could leave more than a million residents outside Tampa without <a href="https://www.fox13news.com/tag/transportation" target="_blank">reliable transit options</a>, including seniors and people with disabilities who rely on paratransit services to get to work and the grocery store. </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>"You don't take away mass transit funding for the rest of the county," Viera said.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>What they're saying:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Owen argues the majority of HART's riders live in Tampa, so city taxpayers should shoulder the cost. He also criticized HART's recent move to explore raising property taxes. </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><img border=0 width=932 height=524 style='width:9.7083in;height:5.4583in' id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image002.jpg@01DC2E55.9C488B10"></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hillsborough Commissioner Josh Wostal agrees, saying county residents shouldn\u2019t pay for services they don\u2019t use. </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>"We can't keep saving the few to hurt the many," he said.</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>By the numbers:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>12.6 million riders used HART services last year.</span></b><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hillsborough County population: about 1.6 million.</span></b><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tampa population: roughly 400,000.</span></b><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>What's next:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Owen expects to have the bill ready by October. If passed, the transition could take two to four years and give Tampa voters a chance to approve funding for new transit projects like light rail. </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>For now, HART said it has not seen any formal proposal and is focused on serving the entire county. The City of Tampa also has no comment until a bill is officially proposed. </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Source:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> This story is based on information from Rep. Michael Owen, HART board members including Luis Viera, and Hillsborough County Commissioner Josh Wostal.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> </span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>_______________________________________________<br>NFBF-Tampa mailing list<br><a href="mailto:NFBF-Tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">NFBF-Tampa@nfbnet.org</a><br><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org</a><br>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBF-Tampa:<br><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org/rubiigary%40gmail.com" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org/rubiigary%40gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p></blockquote></div></div></div></div><p class=MsoNormal>_______________________________________________<br>NFBF-Tampa mailing list<br><a href="mailto:NFBF-Tampa@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">NFBF-Tampa@nfbnet.org</a><br><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org</a><br>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBF-Tampa:<br><a href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org/rubiigary%40gmail.com" target="_blank">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org/rubiigary%40gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p></blockquote></div></div></div></body></html>