ABATE of FL, IncLake Cnty ChapterPO Box 492Astatula, FL 34705http://lake.abateflorida.com/Volume 26 Issue #5MAY 2026American Bikers Aiming Towards EducationA Brotherhood AgainstTotalitarian EnactmentsNOTICE, NOTICE, ABATE of FL, Inc. Accepts no responsibility for the comments or opinions contained in this publication. Donations to ABATE of FL, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax purposes. This is the official publication of ABATE of FL, Inc Lake Cnty Chapter, It is published monthly & is free to Chapter members.WHY ARE WE HERE? The purpose of this Corporation shall be: A) Promote motorcycle safety through education. B) Elimination of unfair motorcycle related legislation. C) Protection of personal rights of all motorcyclists.D) Improve the image of motorcyclists to the general public. E) To provide for a Lobbyist to represent ABATE OF FL, INC & to work with Legislators in the interest& protection of all motorcyclist rights on the State & National levelsA wagyu hot dog topped with caviar, crème fraîche, and 24-karat gold flakes will be available for $100 at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix this weekend.ABATE OF FL, INC. DOES NOT CONDONE DRINKING & RIDING. DONATIONS TO ABATE OF FL, INC ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLEFOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION & FINANCIAL INFO MAY BE OBTAINEDFROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. WWW.800HELPFLA.COMABATE of FL, Inc – State Office PO Box 614 -Cantonment, FL 32533Phone: 386-943-9610President: Will “Griz” Deaver 352-516-2982https://abatefloridainc.com
ABATE of FL, Inc – Lake County Chapter PO Box 492 Astatula, FL 34705https://www.facebook.com/AbateOfFLLake CountyChapter http://lakecountyFLabate.comPresident Griz 352-516-2982 [email protected] President JOE 352-6195144 [email protected] Shortcake 352-409-6443 [email protected] Sugar Mama 904-219-4955 [email protected]@Arms Termite 352-723-8448 [email protected] OPEN [email protected] Jessie 352-227-7214 [email protected] “V” 352-516-4240 [email protected] ULI 305-898-8058 [email protected] Delegates Bubbles & Steve ----------------------PR/Comm-Billing Jessie 352-227-7214 [email protected] Director Cpt Mike 352-250-3601 [email protected] Captain Russ 352-391-7151 [email protected] Lil bit 740-507-1709 [email protected] MasterFood/BeverageBeamer BobDonna352-347-9238 [email protected] JIM 352-665-7743 [email protected]
If you have not renewed for 2026 get with Jessie 352-227-7214. $100 per year for a business size ad. When you go to our advertisers, write ABATE across your ticket let them know that we support those that support usOne Nation under “GOD” – Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ & the American G.I. One died for you soul, the other for your freedom. ~~ If you do not stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them ~~~ President & Vice PresidentAre you expired? Don’t lose your $4,000 ADA insurance, renew on time. HoganThomas MARCHFROG FEBRUARYMenkeDick FEBRUARY thank you for renewing :Heyser Steve & Cathy APRILHughes Doug WheelMarie Smith APRIL thank you for renewing :Cain Ronald MAYCollins Walt MAYBeamer Bob MAYGrossenbacher John JUNEGunn Joseph JUNE Increase in yearly membership to ABATE of FL, Inc is now $30 per year which includes a $4,000. ADD insurance policy. LIFE membership is now $450. With $300 to ABATE Inc & $150 to chapter
LAKE COUNTY ABATE CHAPTER MEETING APRIL 5, 2026. Time: 12:06Meeting called to order, followed by pledge/moment of silence, with 18 people in attendance. Steve led in prayer.PRESIDENT: William “Griz” Deaver: Leesburg Bikefest - We only have one vender. There is a sign-up sheet for security. Everything is done except for set-up; we need help with set-up & campground security. April 11th - State poker run – Run to the Sun. Russ is leaving from SR 44 & CR473 @ 10am; it will end at Veteran’s Village in Ocala. Sat is a party with bands playing & primitive camping is available. State meeting will be on Sun at 10am.VICE PRESIDENT: Joe Kremer: Still handing out flyers. Has applications for CUSMN sponsors.SECRETARY: Jane “ShortCake” Smith: Minutes from last month were posted as corrected. Motion was made by Steve & seconded by Clicket, all in favor, approved.TREASURER: Sharon “SugarMomma” Balocki: went over Feb’s report & March’s. ShortCake made a motion to approve the report & Charlie seconded it. All in favor, approvedSGT AT ARMS: Andrea “Termite” Schmitt: We need help at campground has sign-up sheets on sign in tableMEMBERSHIP: Vera has stepped up to help. This position is still open. Working on purging membership.PRODUCTS, PR, BILLING: Jessie Hunt: Absent. Charlie stepped up & we have some T-shirts out, Joyce patches & a sign-up sheet to work during Bikefest.NEWSLETTER: Vera Deaver: N/letter on FB WEBSITE: Bob “BMW Bob” Farris: Spoke about the website.LEGISLATIVE: Uli Fessler von Stargard: Gave her report. On HB429/SB 536, the gang affiliation that passed. Our hands-free did not move, lane filtering did nothing. They are trying to set rules for electric bicycles, so we are keeping an eye on that. There was discussion on electric bicycles & insurance that could also affect motorcycles.STATE REPS: Steve: Went over the nominations for State. April is the last for nominations for State. We also have nominations for our BOD today.SAFETY: “Captain” Mike Antley: Absent.ROAD CAPTAIN: Russ Sharpe: April 11th - State poker run – Run to the Sun-leaving from SR 44 & CR473 @ 10am,Information will be on FB. We will be doing a poker run from the campground on the 25th; I’m working on that now.HOSP: Jan “Lil Bit” Delancey: Absent.FOOD & BEVERAGE: Donna Smith has accepted this position.OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: Nominations: Steve elections chair. Nominations today & May-Vote in June Currently board members have accepted their positions for another year. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Leesburg Bikefest & State Party. We need everyone there. 50/50 was won by ShortCake. A motion by Clicket & seconded by Termite to adjourn the meeting at 1:47. Griz closed the meeting. These minutes have been summarized by the Secretary, Jane Smith, Ride Safe everyone. 5th General Mtg, Eagles – Okahumpka starts at noon –Sponsor monies due9th Polk Cnty ABATE’s Rodeo – leaving 7-11, Groveland @ 10:309-10th NCOM10th Mother’s Day16th Can You See Me Now ride17th TBA ---Fund raiser at JJ”s Sorrento grilling for the monthly Antique Car18th Toy Run Meetings start 20th Monthly Luncheon in Cedar KEY SHORTCAKE for a ride25th Board Mtg, all welcome –7 Minneola Moose – come early for dinner25th Happy Memorial Day
Some campground pictures
---- After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for SS. The woman behind the counter asked me for my DL to verify my age. I looked in my pockets & realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was sorry, but I would have to go home & come back later. The woman said, “Unbutton your shirt.” So, I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, “That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me,” & she processed my Social Security application. When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office. She said, “You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability too.” & then the fight started...--- A new Priest at his first mass was so nervous he could hardly speak. After mass he asked the Monsignor how he had done. The Monsignor replied, \"When I am worried about getting nervous on the pulpit, I put a glass of vodka next to the water glass. If I start to get nervous, I take a sip...\" So next Sun he took the Monsignor's advice.. At the beginning of the sermon, he got nervous & took a drink.. He proceeded to talk up a storm. Upon his return to his office after the mass, he found the following note on the door: 1) Sip the vodka, don't gulp. 2) There are 10 commandments, not 12.. 3) There are 12 disciples, not 10.... 4) Jesus was consecrated, not constipated. 5) Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not bet his ass. 6) We do not refer to Jesus Christ as the late J.C.. 7) The Father, Son, & Holy Ghost are not referred to as Daddy, Junior & the Spook. 8) David slew Goliath; he did not kick the shit out of him.. 9) When David was hit by a rock & was knocked off his donkey, don't say he was stoned off his ass. 11) When Jesus broke the bread at the last supper he said, \"Take this & eat it for this is my body..\" He did not say,\"Eat me.\" 13) The recommended grace before a meal is not: Rub-A-Dub-Dub thanks for the -- ---It was an arrest “that only happens every 99 years,” according to a FL sheriff’s dept. A suspected car thief’s run from the law ended when authorities say he pulled over to watch the solar eclipse, only to be nabbed by trailing deputies. Rosado, 22, was being pursued by the Orange Cnty Sheriff’s Auto Theft Unit when he allegedly pulled into a Kissimmee parking lot to purchase a welder’s mask to protect his eyes from the sun. Once back at his vehicle, Rosado proceeded to watch the eclipse, the sheriff’s dept said. “He never saw it coming,”. “As Rosado was standing in the parking lot next to the stolen car, with the welding helmet on & looking up at the eclipse, deputies swooped in & made an arrest,”. “That only happens every 99 years,” the deputy joked, referencing the rarity of both Rosado’s arrest & the event, which was the first such coast-to-coast spectacle since 1918. As far as whether a welder’s mask could have protected Rosado’s eyes ― NASA recommended that any welding mask should have a shade nu of 12 or higher to be effective. --- A blonde was getting sick of all the blonde jokes that she was hearing at work so one night she decided to go home & learnall of the state capitals of the USA. She comes into work the next day & proudly claims, \"us blondes are smarter than yourealize, I know all of the state capitals, test me & I'll tell you the answer\". A fellow worker says, \"ok, tell me what is the capital ofArizona?\" The blonde replies \"A\"----FOR SALE BY OWNER. Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition, £200 or best offer. No longer needed, got married, wife knows everything. Statement of the Century-Thought from the Greatest Living Scottish Thinker--Billy Connolly. \"If women are so bloody perfect at multitasking, How come they can't have a headache & sex at the same time?\" Praise the Lord\" The pastor asked if anyone in the congregation would like to express praise for an answered prayer. Suzie stood & walked to the podium. She said, \"I have some praise. 2 months ago, my husband, Frank, had a terrible bike accident & his scrotum was completely crushed. The pain was excruciating & the doc didn't know if they could help him.\" You could hear a muffled gasp from the men in the congregation as they imagined the pain that Frank must have experienced. \"Frank was unable to hold me or the children,\" she went on, \"& every move caused him terrible pain.\" We prayed as the docs performed a delicate operation, & it turned out they were able to piece together the crushed remnants of Frank's scrotum, & wrap wire around it to hold it in place with metal staples.\" Again, the men in the congregation cringed & squirmed uncomfortably as they imagined the horrible surgery performed. \"Now,\" she announced in a quivering voice, \"Thank the Lord, Frank is out of the hospital & the doctors say that with time, his scrotum should recover completely.\" All the men sighed with relief. The pastor rose & tentatively asked if anyone else had something to say. A man stood up & walked slowly to the podium. He said, \"I'm Frank.\" The entire congregation held its breath. \"I just want to tell my wife that the word is sternum.\" –
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the US, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE).Highway Bill In May? The road to a long-term highway bill has taken yet another turn & for motorcyclists, the timing may be working in our favor. At the start of 2026, many in Washington anticipated that the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee would roll out a draft bill by February or March. When that didn’t happen, attention shifted to late April, with fresh rumors that lawmakers could begin consideration before the end of April. That timeline has now slipped again. Committee staff report that a draft bill & markup are unlikely until at least May, as competing priorities continue to delay action. While that kind of uncertainty is nothing new in Congress, this delay creates a rare & important alignment for the motorcycling community. Because as Washington hits the brakes, motorcyclists are gearing up for Bikers Inside the Beltway. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month & also when the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) hosts Bikers Inside the Beltway. This event brings riders from across the country to Capitol Hill to meet directly with lawmakers & their staff. This year, that advocacy effort is aligning with the moment when Congress is expected to finally turn its attention to the highway bill.The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is hopeful that lawmakers will take up the bill during or immediately following Bikers Inside the Beltway, when the voices of riders are most present in Washington. At the same time, the MRF recognizes that movement could come just before attendees arrive in D.C., making early engagement & preparation even more important. Either way, the message is the same: timing matters. Whether the process begins just before, during, or after Bikers Inside the Beltway, motorcyclists have a critical opportunity to shape the conversation. Being engaged, informed, & ready to meet with lawmakers ensures that rider priorities are heard at a key moment in the legislative process. In a year full of shifting timelines, one thing remains certain, motorcyclists will be heard in Washington when it counts.--- BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–Trump Admin Continues to Deliver for Gun Owners with Recent Initiatives Amid a steady stream of headlines highlighting anti-gun legislative proposals in the states, ongoing litigation battles, & regulatory uncertainty, there is also good news to report on the 2nd. Recent news from the US Dept of Justice (DOJ) & the USPS provide reason for optimism. While the broader landscape of gun rights remains complex & contentious, important shifts at the federal level signal real progress is continuing. Last week, the USPS announced a proposed rule to modify its regulations to allow certain firearms to be legally shipped through the mail. This legal reassessment is in response to the recent Dept of Justice Office of Legal Counsel opinion concluding that the nearly 100-year old federal prohibition on mailing concealable” firearms is unconstitutional. The proposed rule includes important clarifications & policy changes: Revisions to Publication 52 specify clear definitions of “mailable firearms” & “nonmailable firearms” consistent with OLC’s opinion. The proposed revisions expand the scope of mailable firearms compared to the existing regulations by allowing lawful handguns to be mailed under the same terms &conditions as lawful rifles & shotguns. These conditions continue to require, among other things, that mailed firearms be unloaded. Additionally, otherwise nonmailable handguns will remain mailable between authorized persons consistent with Section 1715. The rulemaking process allows for public comments to be submitted until May 4, 2026. While the usual option of submitting comments through the government’s online portal does not apply in this case, emails will be accepted. Also, in news that our nation’s veterans have long deserved to hear, the FBI, in collaboration with the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA), have undertook coordinated action to remove from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) records of VA beneficiaries who were wrongly reported as prohibited persons solely because they were assigned a fiduciary to assist in management of their benefits. In February, the VA announced it would end this decades-old practice. NRA-ILA can now report that, according to sources within the government, updates to NICS were made on March 6. Additionally, letters have begun being mailed to the fiduciaries of affected beneficiaries providing formal notice of the steps being taken to end this longstanding injustice
.--------Vote NO on a backdoor expansion of the ethanol mandate Advocates of government-dictated ethanol are trying to circumvent House procedures to sneak an expanded ethanol mandate into the Farm Bill. The House Rules Committee should not allow this. Alex Epst The House Rules Committee decides whether to allow 2 E15 amendments onto the floor as part of the forthcoming Farm Bill. The Sorensen amendment expands gove-dictated ethanol by exempting E15 from air quality limits that currently restrain the ethanol mandate. The Fischbach amendment does the same thing & it also punishes small refiners by making it much harder for small refineries to obtain exemptions from the mandate. The House Rules Committee should block both amendments for 2 reasons: 1) Moral: The amendments entrench & expand the destructive & immoral ethanol mandate, which no one seriously supports on its merits. 2) Procedural: The amendments have nothing to do with farming policy & instead change air quality law, so they should be disqualified as “non-germane” per the Committee’s own rules.Lawmakers Approve Congressional Map FL lawmakers approved a new congressional map during the Special Session on Wednesday. The vote came a few hours after a long-awaited U.S. Supreme Court ruling narrowed a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, potentially leading to widespread redistricting. The approved map, submitted by Gov. Ron DeSantis, could provide Republicans up to four additional U.S. House seats, growing the GOP’s 20-8 edge in the state’s congressional delegation to 24-4. The House voted on the map without debate, while the Senate discussed the changes. Four GOP Senators, Jennifer Bradley (District 6), Alexis Calatayud (District 38), Erin Grall (District 29), & Ileana Garcia (District 36), joined Democrats in voting no. DeSantis posted on social media that the Supreme Court decision invalidated provisions of the Florida Constitution requiring the use of race in redistricting.----- A 15-foot gold statue of President Trump was installed at Trump National Doral Golf Club ahead of the inaugural playing of the Cadillac Championship, which starts today. The sculptor was commissioned for the project by $PATRIOT, a cryptocurrency group. (➤ Pine Meadows Conservation Area in Lake County is closed while officials hunt for an alligator that attacked a cow that had to be euthanized, & its calf, which was rescued & taken to the Lake County---Statewide: University of Florida scientists are warning Floridians to be on the lookout for kissing bugs that mate in the spring, as their bite can transmit a parasite that can lead to chronic and possibly fatal debilitating heart issues.---FWC launches “Cast for Cash” pilot program to study recreational fish releases The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is launching a new pilot research program that pays recreational anglers to help scientists collect valuable data on released reef fish. The program, called “Cast for Cash: It Pays to Fish for Science,” invites private recreational anglers in the Tampa Bay region to record fishing trips using a temporary camera system installed on their boat. In exchange for providing this data, selected anglers can earn $250 per trip for up to six trips, or as much as $1,500 during a three month research period. The project will help scientists better understand how many fish are caught and released during recreational fishing trips and evaluate whether onboard camera systems can provide accurate data for fisheries research. How the program works FWC will randomly select 16 private recreational anglers for each three-month research period between July 2026 and September 2027. Fishing trips will be recorded using a camera system FWC temporarily installs on the participant’s boat. Anglers will also communicate with FWC biologists, plan trips in advance and maintain records of released fish. Participants must meet these requirements: Hold a recreational fishing license with the State Reef Fish Angler designation Live in a household that is in possession of a boat. Launch from the Tampa Bay region (Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee or Sarasota counties). Be 18 years or older and have no resource violations. More: MyFWC.com/Cast-Cash Program/Application contact: [email protected] Jan. 1, 2027, Florida will require non-U.S. citizens to have a special designation, \"NC\" for noncitizen, displayed on driver's licenses and state IDs. House Bill 991 was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis as part of the Florida SAVE Act legislative package. The requirement applies to new, renewed, or replaced licenses and aims to strengthen voter registration verification and election security. Two federal lawsuits have been filed in Florida challenging the designation, arguing that requiring documentary proof of citizenship and marking that status on identification violates constitutional protections under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.