WELL DONE CITY OF PALMETTO
Last weekend showed the City of Palmetto has the ability to raise the bar to make the Desoto Seafood Festival even better than it has been over since its inception.
Sunday my day started at Evie’s Tavern & Grill where numerous motorcyclists signed up and participated in the 10th Annual Blue Knight’s Poker Run. The proceeds from the run benefited the ‘Boys’ at the Manatee Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch (Rye Road).
I would like to thank the Sarasota Chapter of the Blue Knight’s (XVIII) for what they did and do for surrounding counties, as well as nationally. For those who don’t know who the ‘Knight’s’ are, they are a Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Members are mostly retired law enforcement officers from all over the United States.
When I arrived at the final check point which was the Palmetto VFW Post (2488) I saw the rest of my story, the Desoto Seafood Festival.
Once the riders were in, I meandered throughout the Seafood Festival running into members of the Desoto Crew, Law Enforcement and the general public.
I had one question for those to whom I spoke and the question was this “How does this compare to the years in Bradenton?”
The answers were almost like they had read each other’s minds. “Keep it in Palmetto there is more room and still room to expand. Palmetto Police Department personnel were outstanding and the grounds were kept clean from debris by city employees.
For many years I attended the Bradenton festival and I found the Palmetto venue to be heads above the previous years.
Sunday I saw Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston enjoying himself at the festival speaking to friends.
With a few very minor tweaks this could be a great opportunity for the City of Palmetto and Manatee County.
While I perused the food vendors I went back to something I knew was good. I stopped by the Popi’s Place tent and spoke with Popi for about 15 minutes about family and friends. I had a plate of their food and I have to tell you it doesn’t get any better than what I had.
I would like to congratulate Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, the City Council, Palmetto Police Department and all of the city employees who made this last weekend such a success for the city.
Bike Events
April 12th (Saturday) – 8th Annual NAM Knight’s Westside Pig Roast – (302 Noonan Branch Rd, Apollo Beach) – Noon – 5PM – For more information call 813-650-3078. Event benefits Haley House & Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation.
April 13th (Sunday) – 16th Annual US Military Vets MC Bunny Run – Registration begins at 11:30AM – Location: 3616 West Gandy Blvd. Tampa (Elk’s Lodge 708) – Remember to bring a new toy – This ride benefits St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa. For more information contact David Allison 813-228-8654.
Should you have any comments and/or suggestions please email me at PGRTerry@gmail.com. Have a great weekend and remember; “It’s not about the war, it’s about the warriors.”
God Bless America and all those who serve to protect us.
Terry Longpre