Local Food Bank Helps Those In Need On Thanksgiving.

Article by David Lear with Florida Gazette.
Local food banks help families in need put a turkey on their dinner table for Thanksgiving today. One of the organizations helping families this holiday season is Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Greg Higgerson, Vice President of Development, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, said,"Our partner agencies began stocking up for Thanksgiving weeks in advance." Higgerson went on to say,"An average of 71,000 receive food through our distribution partners each week. Our total distribution of food for people in need will exceed 5 million pounds for the month of November." The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has been serving Central Florida for 31 years in a 100,000 square foot facility in Orlando. To learn how you can give to Second Harvest Food Bank: CLICK HERE

President Obama Pardons a Thanksgiving Turkey

President Barack Obama, National Turkey Federation Chairman Gary Cooper; and son Cole Cooper participate in the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Article by Jenna Brayton
Nov 27, 2014. Since 1947, the chairman of the National Turkey Federation has presented a turkey to the President. Each Thanksgiving, the President “pardons” that turkey, ensuring that the bird gets to spend the rest of its days living on a farm in Virginia.  Yesterday, President Obama celebrated the 67th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation by pardoning two 20-week old, 48-pound turkeys. And just like last year, the American public decided which of the two turkeys – Mac or Cheese – would become the National Thanksgiving Turkey by casting a vote for #TeamMac or #TeamCheese online. During the ceremony, the President reminded us why we Americans look forward to Thanksgiving each year: “Tomorrow is a pretty special moment when we give thanks for the people we love, and where we're mindful of the incredible blessings that we have received.”
President Obama has pardoned a turkey every year since he took office.

However, during his first turkey pardon in 2009, Malia and Sasha had to intervene on behalf of Courage, that year’s winning turkey. On that occasion, President Obama said, “Thanks to the intervention of Malia and Sasha -- because I was ready to eat this sucker – Courage will also be sparred this terrible and delicious fate.”

This year, President Obama made sure to mention that he thought the turkeys looked “pretty happy” about their avoidance of their delicious fate.


President Truman was the first president presented with a turkey at a Thanksgiving ceremony at the White House.

Troopers Remind Drivers To Drive Safe During Thanksgiving

Posted by Florida Gazette. Stock Image
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year.  More than two million Floridians are expected to travel this weekend, meaning drivers will need to take extra care on Florida’s roadways. During the long holiday weekend, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), along with reserve and auxiliary troopers, will be on the roadways to assist with the increased traffic and to help ensure safe travel, Nov. 26–30.
“The Florida Highway Patrol wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “The Patrol is committed to making Florida’s roadways safer by putting more troopers on the road during this busy travel period. Drive safely, drive sober, protect yourself and your loved ones by buckling up every time you get in a vehicle.”
During the 2013 Thanksgiving holiday period, law enforcement agencies statewide worked 4,773 crashes. Tragically, 35 motorists lost their lives and almost half of those were not wearing seatbelts.
FHP reminds drivers to obey the speed limit, although traffic congestion and weather conditions may require driving more slowly. Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving. The public is encouraged to report aggressive or impaired drivers by dialing *FHP (*347). And remember to check traffic conditions before you leave for your trip.  For more information, real time traffic conditions and additional travel information, visit: www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic.