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Vol. 24 #4 April 2018
Publishers: DJCEO & Tampa Bay Tammy
Tampa • St. Petersburg • Clearwater • Largo • Tarpon Springs . Brandon • Bradenton • Sarasota • Lakeland Plant City
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Happy Mother’s Day
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You Heard It From Me
By Daryl Johnson
Dr. Joan Holmes, Dr. Derrick Brooks & Michael Strahan For more than 30 years Dr. Joan Holmes has been educating people across the country. But of course, she got it honestly. Her father, also an educator, administrator and coach at the high school level, Joan literally followed in her father’s footsteps and became an educator, administrator and coach, but at the collegiate level. Because she did synchronized swimming as a youngster, Joan was hired to teach synchronized swimming at Spelman College and from there began to teach volleyball where success was just the norm for her. From Spelman College to Kennesaw College, Joan followed the money and took a faculty position. Eager for more, she went back to school at Ball State in Muncie Indiana to get her doctorate and at 38 years old her
friends started calling her Doctor Holmes. She married NFL great, Melvin Holmes, (OT) of the Pittsburgh Steelers and from that union are two beautiful and productive children. Their son is Director of Scouting for the Los Angeles Rams and their daughter is Director of Engineering with FAA in Alexandria VA. After the NFL, they moved to Tampa, bought a couple of Burger Kings and an opportunity at USF opened up for Joan to become a coordinator and soon after, Asst. Dean of Graduate Schools. Her responsibility included all diversity, recruitment and enrollment for the graduate school. For 23 years, she ran the graduate school with a tight fist. Her stern approach helped to seal a new deal at
Hillsborough College as Special Assistant to the Dean. She served two deans, Dean Stevenson, the first female dean of the school and then Dean Atwater, the first African American male to head the school. Dr. Atwatter gave her full reigns to run the Black Brown College Bound program (BBCB) and with so many other things that she did well, she turned a local program into a national spotlight. Black Brown College Bound has brought the best of the best to speak; Steve Harvey, John Legend and this year’s speaker, Michael Strahan. Michael Strahan, retired from the NFL at the top of his game with over 90 sacks and a host of other mentionables but he, like Joan, continues to break new ground. From sportscasting, to daytime television, he is
now the consummate professional in broadcasting. His speech to the young men of BBCB was inspiring and uplifting. To me the big hit at the BBCB conference however was All Pro Linebacker and retired Buccaneer, Derrick Brooks (#55). His evening session with the young men touched on his focus for school and why it is important to stay with the program. Derrick Brooks is now Dr. Brooks. He too, continued to educate himself for life after football and that was his message to the kids. With the success of BBCB, Dr Holmes has officially retired from Hillsborough Community College. Her new focus is her grand babies. When you live life well, it shows up later as it has done for these three, professionals in their own right.
Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was honored as the Southern Province Chapter of the Year Saturday at the 68th Southern Province Council Meeting in Mobile, Ala. In addition, the chapter was also named Reclamation Chapter of the Year for the second year in a row. Both awards were given in the large chapter category. The chapter was recognized for its efforts in the Tampa Bay community including the MLK Day of Service Disaster Preparedness seminar, its work with its Kappa League mentoring program and partnership with the Links mentoring program among other projects. “The brothers put in a herculean effort and it paid off,” said Tampa Alumni Polemarch Robert W. Irvin. “I am extremely proud of the hard work the brothers have put in and
couldn’t be prouder of Tampa Alumni Chapter.” The honors come at a special time for the chapter as it prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversa-
ry. Tampa Alumni will have a week-full of activities in June for the event. The chapter will also host the 69th Southern Province Council Meeting in Tampa in 2019. Before that, however, Irvin said there is more work to be done. “We continue to strive to be an impactful part of our community,” Irvin said. “We will continue to work harder to do so.” In addition to these two prestigious chapter awards, two local individuals were also given special awards from Southern Province Polemarch Bertram K. Orum. Cedric McCray and David Christian were given the Polemarch Award for their contributions to the province and the fraternity.
N-Touch News is the good news publication. Serving the Bay Area Since 1996 Page 5
Black Media Collaborates With Black Political Structure In Central Florida Imagine,a dis-empowered populace, a disappointed people, who despite their ability, were disabled and debilitated from advancing in an already rigged and rigid system which supported the preservation of the status quo over the stable questions of legitimacy of the papers authored by the authors who did little to preserve the rights of said people. Dr. Wade Nobles defined racism as, “the ability to define someone’s reality and to have them accept the definition of that reality.” Such was and remains the standard operating procedures of mainstream media which functions as a mental, social and verbal assault against Black survival, Black sustenance and Black self- determination. Determined men and women sought and fought to change this obstacle into an opportunity. The derivations of Black owned media can in particular be traced to ancient Kemet and Nubia, with the various inscriptions on the walls of Luxor, Thebes and the Valley of the Kings. Moreover, during the nonstop onslaught of plantation theology exacted on Black life within the United States, the Caribbean and the Continent, Black men and women stood strong, though they wanted us to sit. We sang hymns of freedom, though they wanted us silent and we created our own media when they wanted to desecrate our very image. On the plantation, Black owned media such as Frederick Douglas’ North Star Newspaper, the journals of Ida B. Wells, the pre-eminent predecessors of Robert Abbot, founder of the Chicago Defender, George Padmore, its most prominent journalist, William Monroe Trotter’s the Boston Guardian and Marcus Gar-
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vey’s Negro World newspaper. Of this proud tradition, the Florida Association of Black Owned Media, abbreviated FABOM, was born. As Florida’s oldest and largest African-American media organization, its’ most influential Black media outlets reaching over four million Floridians each week. The core mission of the organization is to tell the story of Black life and display its positivity, its intricacies and to create a dialogue, so says its President and Founder, Bobby Henry. Henry, Publisher of the West Side Gazette, circulates his publication out of Ft. Lauderdale and aspires to produce fair content and coverage for all. “Black people are murdered daily and there’s little coverage. Though our hearts are with those who were affected by the tragedy in Ft. Lauderdale and their families, all tragedies should matter.” Henry said. Through the organization, Henry has crafted an itinerary which will consist of town hall meetings, designed to create not only dialogue, but action. “Most importantly, we want to let our community know we are here.
We are their voice, they are ours.” Henry said. While “majority” newspapers are struggling with dwindling subscriptions and readership, Black newspapers have a steady stream of readers who rely on their publications for information important to them. It’s common knowledge that Black newspapers are read by four to six individuals before thrown away. African- Americans make up 19 percent of Florida’s population. FABOM has been the eyes, ears and voice of Black Floridians in a myriad of manners. The organization has convened forums with Florida gubernatorial, legislative, US Senate and Cabinet officers to get answers on issues of major importance to the community. The outfit plans to issue a report card on candidates and elected officials. “The organization hopes to bring about change.” Jim Madison said. Madison is Vice President of FABOM and also serves as Publisher of the Florida Sun Newspaper. These facts, this history and that tradition is what brought Black newspaper publishers from across the sunshine state to the City Beautiful
on Thursday, March 22. Publishers corresponded with local politician, Commissioner Samuel B. Ings at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church who hosted the organization’s visit. As Commissioner of Orlando’s District 6, Ings remains outspoken of the issues in his District, which covers a portion of the Parramore community of Orlando. “We have to address the gentrification occurring, where Black history in specific is being erased. We also have to take action on the fact that Black people have a mistrust of law enforcement, which is warranted.” Ings will collaborate with the organization further in producing the town halls, but also community giveaways and other educational materials to the community. “The community also has a responsibility to be engaged with Black owned media, for Black owned media has the pulse.” Said Ings. “As members of the Black Press our organization understands the importance of the need to have Black owned media. Our collective voices hold much power and we must conduct ourselves as such.” Stated Kevin T. Collins, The Orlando Times newspaper. “The community needs to sport our Black media with more than articles and pictures, we are businesses that need revenue. Without financial support many of the champions of justice for Blacks will have to close, taking away a powerful voice within the Black community.” “We need the Black Press even more today with the rampant displays of racism. Our stories must be told in the proper context. Keep up the great work Black press.” Williams said. In this critical election year, FABOM is committed to keeping African-American news consumers informed and educated. “Our job is to be ready for this election year. We want the elected officials and others to know that we will insist that our constituents are not ignored or discriminated against. We know that black lives matter, and we want to make sure our quality of life is the best it can be,” said FABOM President Bobby Henry, N-Touch News
Dear Girlfriend, One of my closest friends won the Texas Lottery. We always talked about what we would do if we won. I would tell her that I would pay for this or that and she would say some of the same things. It was always cool to talk to her because she was funny, fun and positive and was never judgmental. Girlfriend we were very close. We raised our children together. I wiped her children’s butts, picked them up from day-care and football practice, shopped for prom dresses and even gave her son my old car when he was in high school. Let me tell you, now that she has won a few million dollars, I haven’t heard from her. It’s been three months since she won and not even a peep. Girlfriend, my feelings are hurt because while we were always talked about winning, I didn’t really think it would happen. I am just out done and I find myself practicing what I am going to say to her if and when I see her again. Am I being petty or unrealistic. I need to know, what should I say and how should I handle it? Signed, Lottoless and Friendless Dear Lottoless & Friendless The phone works both ways. Why haven’t you called her and congratulated her? If you wanted to talk and had time to talk... you should have called. She probably thinks you are jealous because you haven’t called. She may be saying, “I haven’t had a peep from her” (you). Everyone has their own issues going on, so when you think of the people you love, you should pick up the phone. That’s what you used to do.... right? Bottom line, You should’ve called her by now. Her life has changed dramatically, yours have not. Stop waiting on people to call you. If she is too busy, she will tell you and call you back. That’s how you were before the big win so why are YOU acting brand new now. You can bet your bottom dollar she is getting plenty of calls. I am pretty sure she is very busy talking to everyone else who is calling, congratulating and telling her what they need. But since you know she has money now you didn’t call. I often heard “money changes people,” but people with money say that the people they know changes toward them. Did you change? Her life has changed tremendously but yours has not, so why haven’t you done what you always did... call her. First and foremost no-one owes you anything, you should do things out of the goodness of your heart without expectations. Now common sense should tell you she is quite busy trying to get her self together and secured. When you have money like that people come at you from every direction and you must secure your home, family and finances. Let’s just get this straight, they are still your friends, they just aren’t speaking to anyone right now. Don’t take it personal. They have millions of dollars and they have a lot of decisions to make. Try to imagine what your thought process would be had you won millions of dollars. It will take every bit of six months just to ensure you have control of the flow of your money and how not to run through it, but, to be able to have generational wealth. Friendless, just like you are feeling slighted, think about the others that feel the same way as you do. Don’t you know everybody has got their hand stuck out right now. Surely she has to take care of her immediate family first. I believe you just should be patient as they sort through what their new lives will be like with ALL THAT MONEY! I am not going to say you are being petty but you are being presumptuous. Your feelings should not be hurt because she hasn’t reached out to you. You already know your position because you two have already talked about it. You two have discussed what you would do if you won the lottery. Unless you have said some things that would negate your position as a friend because there is always someone willing to take negative statements back to hurt relationships. I am sure that when you talked about the lottery one of those things said is ain’t nobody hearing from me for a minute. She and her husband are probably looking at all the friends that they want to help and trying to determine how they are going to do it without offending others. So be patient and be a true friend and give her an opportunity to be who she has always been to you and who you have always been to her. You asked how to handle this. It’s simple! Do what real friends do. Call your friend and be friendly. Congratulate her, listen to her new found concerns and if you need something, let her know. What not to do is throw back in her face all you have done for her and her children and she will not remind you of all she has already done for you. Give her time and keep her in prayer. True friends are friends for life.
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Reigniting Dr. King’s Dream in D.C. By: Emani Curry-Jester, Intern for Dash Coordinating & Marketing, LLC
On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the early age of 39 years old. Despite his life being cut short far too soon, he left a lasting impact on communities of color across the world, encouraging inclusiveness. Fifty years later, Dr. King’s dream is a reality and his fight for equality continues to burn in the hearts of those who came together for the 04/04/2018 National Initiative to Observe the 50th Anniversary of Dr. King’s Assassination. This movement attracted over 300 people and Intentionally took place in one of the most dangerous and impoverished neighborhoods in southeast Washington, D.C. at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and Malcolm X Ave. During this observance youth, activists, faith leaders, entertainers and political influencers all shared a mutual message that, “One bullet did not stop the movement.” Adrian Martinca, Founder and President of Technology for the Future, emphasized that, “the future of our society is in the hands of our children.” He expressed the importance of ensuring our youth are equipped with the necessary technologies and resources to become successful. He also illustrated not only the importance of fulfilling Dr. King’s dream, but also the importance of living out one’s own dream. Upon taking the stage, award-winning DJ and WKYS 93.9 FM radio personality, QuickSilva expressed that he was, “glad to know
we are living Dr. King’s dream,” because his children are able to play with those of other races in an integrated society. However, he urged leaders in attendance to, “make sure we do this same type of work 365 days a year...because there’s always somebody who needs our help.” He ended with a challenge to participates, “to go above and beyond not to get a pat on the back, but because it matters in real life.” Student leaders from Howard University’s Student Association, NAACP chapter and Standup. Howard also had the opportunity to share their perspectives. They emphasized the ways younger generations can use social media to connect with others and raise awareness about the issues that really matter. Sophomore, Mikayla Moore exclaimed, “we can’t diminish the power of stirring up conversation and dialogue with people we don’t know on a global scale”. Senior Jaclyn Grant also expressed the need to always be truthful in our words and actions, regardless of how unpopular it may seem. She went on to add that, “we have the ability, we have the power, we have the intellectual being to do more. I need us to do that in this space and in this time”. Relatives and co-victims of gun violence shared their personal stories and reminded those in attendance that Dr. King was also a victim of gun violence. This proved that there is still work to be done to reform Gun Safety, Safe Passage and Human Rights laws.
If it’s not in Page 8
Zion Kelly, the twin brother of a gun violence victim stated, “a senseless robbery took my brother’s life.” Zion continued to add that his brother’s death was not in vain, and that he’s now doing the work to make sure our communities are safer and that everyone receives equal treatment. At 6:05pm EST, the National Initiative observed a 39-second moment of silence while the event visionary, Tom Brown, struck a bell 39 times to represent the 39 years of Dr. King’s life. Participants were encouraged to “go live” on their social media to bring global awareness to the historic moment using #04042018. This event served as an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, restore faith in our communities, redirect our focus to revitalizing what is now a “fractured” nation and reigniting Dr. King’s dream. One bullet did not stop the movement and it will not stop the progress to come.
N-Touch News...it’s not happening!
ASALH Presents Black Girls Rock The Tampa Bay Branch of The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in partnership with the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Library, is hosting its First Annual Black Girls Rock event on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Library,1505 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. It is FREE and open to the public and all hearts that dare to be moved.. This event will honor the lives of amazing African American women warriors in our community who have overcome insurmountable obstacles and yet still stand strong. Come and be inspired by the voices of the black girls and women who have made an indelible impact on our world, communities and families! The featured speaker is Attorney LaKisha M. Kinsey-Sallis, a partner with the law firm of Johnson Jackson LLC. Attorney Kinsey-Sallis specializes in management labor and employment law as well as education law. LaKisha is a volunteer with the Junior League of Tampa, serves as a Board member of
The Spring of Tampa Bay and the National Legal Advisor to Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and is a member of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Tampa Class of 2018. The Mistress of Ceremony is the radiant radio personality, Tampa Bay Tammy, co-owner of N-Touch News. Other featured guests include: Liturgical Dancer & Founder of Divine Inspirations, Min. Layesha Walton and others. ASALH is the 102-year-old nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who initiated Negro History Week the fore-runner of Black History Month. Its mission is to promote research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life. This event is cosponsored by UMOJA Inc. (A 501c3 Organization); Fred Hearns Tours, LLC L’Diva Couture Boutique; Kingdom Pest Control; Perry Sullivan III Design Consultant and Kidz N Play Childcare Center. Please call 813 273-3652 or 813 597-4959 for more information.
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Go Ahead and Get your Laugh on! Class work
Teacher: “Anyone who thinks he’s stupid may stand up!” *Nobody stands up* Teacher: “Im sure there are some stupid students over here!!” *Little Johnny stands up* Teacher: “Ohh, Johnny you think you’re stupid?” Little Johnny: “No... i just feel bad that you’re standing alone...”
Anonymity
Boy: The principal is so dumb! Girl: Do you know who I am? Boy: No... Girl: I am the principal’s daughter! Boy: Do you know who I am? Girl: No... Boy: Good! *walks away*
Classwork
Me: should I get into trouble for something I didn’t do? Teacher: No Me: Good, because I didn’t do my homework.
Social Studies
Teacher: “Kids, what does the chicken give you?” Student: “Meat!” Teacher: “Very good! Now what does the pig give you?” Student: “Bacon!” Teacher: “Great! And what does the fat cow give you?” Student: “Homework!”
Marriage
Wife: “How would you describe me?” Husband: “ABCDEFGHIJK.” Wife: “What does that mean?” Husband: “Adorable, beautiful, cute, delightful, elegant, fashionable, gorgeous, and hot.” Wife: “Aw, thank you, but what about IJK?” Husband: “I’m just kidding!
Funny or Ironic
It’s funny how the colors red, white and blue represent freedom until they are flashing behind your car. KID : Dad, what do condoms do? DAD : Son, they prevent questions just like that one.
How Were People Born?
A child asked his mother, “How were people born?” So his mother said, “Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on.” The child then went to his father, asked her the same question and he told him, “We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now.” The child ran back to his mother and said, “You lied to me!” His mother replied, “No, your dad was talking about his side of the family.”
Ugly
You know you’re ugly when you get handed the camera every time they make a group photo.
Cultural Differneces
“You da bomb!” “No, you da bomb!” In America thats a compliment. In the Middle East it’s an argument.
Bad Doctor
Where exactly are you taking me, doctor?” “To the morgue.” “What? But I’m not dead yet!” “And we’re not there yet.”
Married With Children
My wife and I have reached a decision that we do not want children. If anybody does, please just send me your contact details and we can drop them off tomorrow.
Marrying An Older Man
An 87-year-old man chats with his doctor: “So, I’m getting married again next week, doc!” “Oh, that’s wonderful! And how old is the bride?” “She’s 19.” “That’s fantastic – but I have to warn you, too much action in the bed can be deadly!” “Ah well, if she dies, I’ll just have to remarry.”
Oh Bob...
Bob goes to see his friend Pete. He finds Pete in his barn dancing naked around his John Deere. “What are you doing!” asks Bob. Pete stops dancing & says, “My wife has been ignoring me lately so I talked to my psychiatrist and he said I needed to do something sexy to a tractor.”
Surprise Dinner
At work, I ate 3 plates of beans (which I know I shouldn’t). When I got home, my wife seemed excited to see me and exclaimed delightedly, “Darling I got you a surprise for dinner tonight, baby.” She then blindfolded me and led me to my chair at the table. I sat down and just as she was about to remove my blindfold, the house phone rang. She made me promise not to touch the blindfold until she came back, then went to answer the call. I felt the beans really starting to kick in and the pressure was becoming unbearable, so while my wife was out of the room I seized the opportunity. I shifted my weight to one leg and let one off. It was not only loud, but it smelled like a fertilizer truck running over a skunk in front of a garbage dump! I took a napkin from my my and fanned the air around me. Then, while on the other leg, I ripped off three more. The stink was worse than cooked cabbage. Keeping my ears carefully tuned to the conversation in the other room, I went on releasing atomic bombs like this for another few minutes. Eventually the telephone farewells signaled the end of my time, so I quickly fanned the air a few more times with the napkin, and folded my hands back on it feeling very relieved and so much better. My face must have looked extremely bored and nonchalant when my wife returned, apologizing for taking so long. She asked me if I had peaked through the blindfold, and I told her I hadn’t. At this point, she removed the blindfold, and twelve dinner guests seated around the table, with their hands to their noses, yelled, “Happy Birthday!”
The Perfect Man
A man walks out to the street and catches a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says, “Perfect timing. You’re just like Frank.” Passenger: “Who?” Cabbie: “Frank Feldman. He’s a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time.” Passenger: “There are always a few clouds over everybody.” Cabbie: “Not Frank Feldman. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand-Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy.” Passenger: “Sounds like he was really something special.” Cabbie: “There’s more. He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody’s birthday. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank Feldman could do everything right.” Passenger: “Wow, what a guy!” Cabbie: ‘He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made a mistake, and he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good. He would never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too. He was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman.” Passenger: “How did you meet him?” Cabbie: “I never actually met Frank. He died and I married his wife. Thanks Lucy White for submitting!
Keep on Laughing .....Laughter Heals! Page 15
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God May Not call the Qualified...but He Qualifies the Called Page 16
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N-Touch News, Entertaining & Enlightening The Bay Area Since 1996
Chronicles of a Sun Goddess Hello, My Loves! Many of us have experienced flying with passengers and their pets or even with our own pets. While I do not own neither cat or dog, I know many who do and would not dare travel without them. Recently, it was reported that a dog died in the overhead bin on a United Airlines flight, while en route from Houston to New York. Furthermore, according to an NPR news article, a flight attendant on board forced the owner to put her dog in the overhead compartment. Although United Airlines has offered an apology for this event, it was nonetheless a tragic incident for the family and...the dog. With that being said, I took the liberty to research TSA guidelines for passengers traveling with pets. Additionally, I’ve included pet travel regulations for American and Southwest Airlines. Here are a few things you need to know: TSA Pet Travel Regulations: 1. Although small pets are allowed through the checkpoint, TSA advises all passengers to check with the airline regarding their pet travel policy. 2. Animal carriers will go through a visual and/or physical inspection. 3. Dog and Cat breed are determined by the Airline, so please check. 4. All pets should be brought to the security checkpoint in a hand-held carrier and removed prior to the screening process. 5. Pets should be carried through the screening process. Additionally, pets can walk through this process if the owner has them on a leash. 6. Know the temperament of your pet. 7. Passengers should acclimate their pet to the traveling process by familiarizing it with the travel carrier. This should be done a few days prior to departure.
For more information regarding TSA guidelines for traveling with pets, visit their website at: www.tsa.gov or their blog page at: www.tsa.gov/blog. Information for persons traveling with service animals can be obtained by calling: 866.289.9673. Again, the goal here is to check with your airline carrier for specific allowances regarding pet and service animal travel. Below are pet travel guidelines for the following airlines. American Airlines~www.aa.com: • Service animals travel free of charge on domestic flights. • If the animal is for emotional or psychiatric support, there must be medical documentation and the airline must be notified within 48 hours prior to travel • Service animals must have an approved carrier, but can be held by the passenger in their lap while in-flight. • Regular or non-service pets can be added to the reservation at any time • The in-cabin pet fee is “$125.00 each way. Passengers pay $200 each way for a checked pet. These fees are paid in person • Pets must stay in an approved pet carrier and it must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Visit American Airlines website or call: 800.433.7300 for additional information. Southwest Airlines~www.southwest.com: • All in-cabin pets must be in an approved pet carrier • No pets allowed in the cargo area • Passengers traveling with small pets (dogs & cats only) on domestic flights, must pay $95.00 each way. That’s all for now folks! Until next time, Happy Travels
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