“Oldsmar’s driving challenge”
By Julia Pappacoda

            Drivers of all ages met, in Oldsmar, for the first ever joint Olds Club of Florida and Anthony Telesca Foundation safe driving awareness event. The mid-June event featured a classic car show, a driving challenge meant to raise safe driving awareness, entertainment and free prizes.

            The parking lot of the landmark JR’s Grill House and Pub was the setting for the classic Oldsmobile car show, which bridged the gap from 1901 through the 1970’s. Theses memorable automobiles sat with their hoods raised as they boasted the mechanics of simpler days. Each car had been meticulously cared for, as if it were the only model produced. Trophies were awarded for the top three winners as chosen by event visitors.

            Deputy Chuck Skipper, from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office, set up a driving course and offered participants the chance to drive while feeling somewhat impaired. Drivers from teenagers on up were given the opportunity to drive a pedal cart, donated by the Suncoast Safety Council, while wearing fatal vision goggles. These goggles simulate the vision impairment of being drunk at three different levels. Lauren Tracey, an East Lake High School junior, was one of the many who took the driving challenge. “Before the car show, I knew not to drink and drive,” she said. “After the experience with the fatal vision goggles, I am determined to never drink and drive.”

            Ten lucky event visitors were randomly chosen throughout the day and given free gifts from local and national business donors. Singing sensations, The Knockouts, provided outstanding musical entertainment at JR’s. The young beauties rocked the house with standards from the Motown era. “It was fun. Watching The Knockouts perform was really neat. Motown is the kind of music where you just have to get up and move to the beat,” said Lauren. Tony Belmont, of the National Comedy Hall of Fame Museum at John’s Pass Village, emceed the event and surprised the audience with his own remarkable stylistic vocals.