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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></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'>Tampa Bay Chapter <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Chapter Meeting Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>April 25, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Beef O'Brady's<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>8810 North Himes Avenue<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tampa Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was called to order by President Debby Malone at 12:05pM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Adriane said our NFB pledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>There were 14 persons in attendance, three of whom participated via Zoom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>We welcomed guest Jorge Lugo. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Through our icebreaker, the topic of which Debby is assigning to a particular member at each meeting, we introduce ourselves and get to know one another better. Often these topics have to do with some aspect of living with blindness. Today's topic was to give one or two words that mean independence to us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Secretary and Treasurer Reports<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Barbara, seconded by Louise, to approve the March meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dan gave the treasurer’s report. Our current balance is $5,537.03.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A motion was made by Sherrill, seconded by Shanti, to accept the treasurer’s report as read. The motion passed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President’s Report<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Debby said she believes we have now fixed the chapter email issue, so our communication should be much improved. She mentioned that there are two NFB portals for membership information, one strictly giving info, the other where you are able to change your contact info. Debby will send out the link for this. We are still working on the Google Voice exclusive phone number for Debby as it relates to the chapter presidency. She mentioned that she and Yvonne gave a presentation at the Lighthouse about the NFB and our chapter. As a result of their visit, Jorge Lugo made the decision to attend our meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Publicity<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Debby asked for ideas about publicizing our chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tom: have an information booth at various events, including festivals<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Adriane: print and hand out business cards with the Google Voice phone number and a QR code; Sherrill suggested putting Braille on them. Debby will look into this since she knows someone who sells brailled business cards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Greg: car shows<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dan: Access On, NFB podcast hosted by Jonathan Mosen where you can have your chapter mentioned<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Legislation:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Local:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>make sure to call the Supervisor of Elections Office to get information about what steps need to be taken for registering or reregistering to vote<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>State:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Contact the Florida office of the Governor or Attorney General to demand that the state withdraw from the Texas vs. Kennedy lawsuit which could strip away protections of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Social Activities<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Yvonne spoke about audio described events at the Straz in May and June. She said the Florida Orchestra gives away tickets through the library. Contact Yvonne for details.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Adriane is continuing to work with Parks and Rec to bring awareness of the importance of including accessible activities for blind people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Fund Raising<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>pancake Breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Debby hopes we will have a good turnout of members at our Carrollwood Publix event on july 18 prior to our Pancake Breakfast on July 25. publicity and education are the goals for this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> We will hand out fliers which will be written in both English and Spanish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Important breakfast checklist:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Debby will check with owner TJ about the price of the breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>will Josh or the chef at Beef O'Brady's do the cooking<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Barbara will be in charge of the mimosas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Will Christine ask Starbucks for coffee donation again this year<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>will Luis and Ana pick up the coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> get donations for and work on baskets to be raffled<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>State and National Conventions<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Debby explained a bit about NFB conventions for those not familiar with them. She said State Wide Chapter member Jose Bohorquez won the state convention theme contest with his submission of "Defending our rights, defining our future."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Yvonne will look into the ride service Hitch as another alternative for transportation to Jacksonville for the convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Debby asked what we thought our chapter should cover for those attending state convention. After discussion, we did not decide on a definite amount, but thought that it would be good if the chapter would pay for our members' registration and banquet tickets. Debby said the state has formed a committee which is providing sponsorships for those in need of financial assistance, especially for those attending their first convention. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Debby will look into ordering new chapter T-shirts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sherrill made a motion, seconded by Yvonne, that we accept Jorge Lugo as a Tampa Bay Chapter member. The motion passed unanimously.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>At the May meeting, Sherrill will say the NFB pledge and Tom will do the icebreaker.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Our 50/50 fundraiser drawing was won by Greg Farley, who received $40.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Our next meeting will be held on May 23.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was adjourned at 1:45PM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Respectfully submitted<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Sherrill O’Brien, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tampa Bay Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Phone 813-935-0474, cell 813-767-1890<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>email <a href="mailto:Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net">Sherrill.obrien@verizon.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>