Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and the Seminole Tribe of Florida will, once again, present the South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo on Saturday, May 5 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The free event, spotlighting local and out-of-state competitors revving up their engines to maneuver various courses while practicing safe driving tactics, will benefit C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), an organization dedicated to helping children and families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, and other charities.
New this year will be a Public Safety Expo coordinated by Broward Crime Stoppers. This will be the largest showcase of custom, antique and state-of-the-art crime prevention vehicles, plus safety demonstrations and displays from over 20 area law enforcement agencies, including the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole Police Department, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and other Federal and regional agencies. These local crime-fighters will showcase their state-of-the-art crime prevention vehicles, safety demonstrations, educational displays, children’s activities, trained horses and more.
“A fantastic family event for the local community and participating law enforcement officers, the rodeo allows us to raise funds for a great cause,” said Don Solinger, president of the South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo. “A committee of motorcycle officers has designed a course that is not only difficult, but fun. This year’s event, once again, will challenge the participants to uphold safety standards while performing tricky tasks.”
Approximately 150 riders will compete from over 20 agencies throughout Florida and the East Coast. This year’s participants will include motorcycle units from the Seminole, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Boca Raton and Miami-Dade Police Departments as well as Broward, Miami/Dade and Palm Beach Sheriffs Offices. Out-of-area teams from as far away as Canada, Jacksonville and Sarasota are also expected at this year’s event.
In addition to monies raised for C.O.P.S., the motorcycle rodeo will benefit other charities including Tamarac Police Explorers, Broward Children’s Center, Cody’s Angels and Embrace Life Children’s Foundation through a public silent auction and raffle. One of the prize highlights is a 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Motorcycle with trailer donated by Bruce Rossmeyer Harley-Davidson. Raffle tickets can be purchased during the rodeo for $1 per ticket (or 25 for $20).
A variety of food, sponsor and trade booths, a Kids Zone and a multitude of family-friendly activities will be available for the general public to enjoy while watching the law enforcement officers compete.
The South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo is made up of a committee of over 85 law enforcement officers from South Florida. The Board of Directors includes President – Officer Don Solinger, Fort Lauderdale Police Department; Vice-President – Deputy Gary Harris, Broward Sheriff’s Office; Secretary – Deputy Michael Pianelli, Broward Sheriff’s Office; Treasurer – Deputy Don Logan, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Director – Officer Chris Swinson, Coral Springs Police Department.
The South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo is sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Supporting sponsors include Harley-Davidson, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram/Subaru of North Broward, Anidjar & Levine, P.A., The Aero Toy Store, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Geico Local Office, Amerigas, Gold Coast Beverages, Pepsi Beverages Company, the Life Family of Publications – Boca/Delray Life, Parkland/Coral Springs Life and Coconut Creek Life, the Cahalin Family Foundation, the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward, Big 105.9 FM, Liguori’s Fired Up!, Papa John’s Pizza, Laser Technology, Star & Shield Insurance, Miami Subs Grill and Coventry Health Care.
For more information about the South East Police Motorcycle Rodeo and Public Safety Expo, please call 954-288-7201.