Bay County Veterans Day Parade in Panama City
Posted: 11/12/2012 - Continuing the recognition of local men and women in uniform, Bay County's annual Veterans Day parade takes place in downtown Panama City Monday.
Many people ride motorcycles for fun, while others like to save on gas. But there's yet another group who was just born to ride.
NewsChannel 7's Nicole Morten introduces us to a local man who's sharing his passion for motorcycles by teaching the rules of the road.
Whether your driving a car or riding a motorcycle --- safety should always come first.
Riding motorcycles comes natural to John Rossi.
“Go ahead start em' up…”
A native Bostonian and an award winning motorcycle coach, he said his passion for riding began in his youth. After retiring, Rossi decided to share that passion with others and teach motorcycle safety.
“Lets everyone turn to page 19…"
"It's a 2 day course, we come here at 7 a.m.,” said Motorcycle Coach, John Rossi, “We spend a couple of hours in the classroom, then we get you on the bike, then we do the same thing on Sunday, and afterwards, the students’ take a written exam.”
Rossi said drivers not paying attention to motorcycles on the road is one of the biggest causes of accidents.
"This course teaches you how to wear brightly colored upper-torso clothing, lane positioning, adding extra lights to your bike…being seen is where it’s at. Being noticed. Being recognized. Being obvious.”
Ricky Wood, of Bonifay, recently purchased his first motorcycle and jumped at the chance to take the course.
"I've learned a lot of fundamentals on basic rider etiquette,” said Wood. “Controls of the motorcycle, general knowledge that will help me day-to-day as a beginning rider."
Rossi said he hopes his graduates are safe riders today and the lessons learned last a lifetime.
"Safety is number one here on the range, we want you go to go home with all your toes and fingers because you might need them do something else one day."
The two-day safety course costs $200. Rossi also said a new Florida law gives all licensed riders a 10 percent discount on motorcycle insurance.
For more information on Learn2Ride, visit the link listed below.
Posted: 11/12/2012 - Continuing the recognition of local men and women in uniform, Bay County's annual Veterans Day parade takes place in downtown Panama City Monday.
Updated: 07/13/2012 - Panama City - Sports camps are a favorite summer activity for thousands of kids across Northwest Florida, now drama camps are gaining popularity locally. Two dozen elementary and middle school students are busy putting the finishing touches on their presentation of "The Little Mermaid Jr."
Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - It's certainly the opportunity of a lifetime! Sixteen-year-old Bailey Reese, of Niceville, carried the Olympic torch through Bisham Abbey in England Tuesday morning.
Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - School doesn't start for another several weeks, but a Panama City Rescue Mission program that helps students in need get ready for the new year is already busy getting families signed up. New this year, "Klothes for Kids" is doing on-site registration at places like Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club. That makes it even easier for families to get the help they need.
Updated: 07/05/2012 - Panama City - Alzheimers. By age 85, 30% to 50% of adults show signs of the disease. For family caregivers, dealing with Alzheimer's effects on their loved one can be heartbreaking and stressful. That's why a local in-home senior care provider is spreading the word about a new, and free resource for families. The online training module is called "CARE: Changing Aging Through Research and Education." It helps families better understand the disease and how to cope with it, as well as offer tips on how to care for the 60% to 70% of Alzheimer's patients still living at home.