Northeast Florida area Recreational Safety Rodeo today

This year's rodeo will expand on last year's event adding an escorted group motorcycle ride which will meet at Target on Roosevelt Boulevard at 10 a.m. You must already have base stickers to participate in the ride and wear the proper personal protection equipment.

The rodeo is an opportunity to gather the latest safety information related to motorcycling, ATVs, dirt bikes, boating, personal watercraft, Scuba diving, bicycling and other recreational venues.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be able see riding demonstrations from the award winning Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Motorcycle Drill Team. Riders will be able to enter their bikes in a bike show.

There will also be a car show during the event in the commissary parking lot.

Motor vehicle safety will also be a focus of the rodeo. The Florida Department of Transportation will be showcasing their No-Zone Truck, which demonstrates the actual visibility restrictions truckers experience around their vehicles. Professionals will also demonstrate how they respond to a simulated motorcycle accident and the NAS Jax Fire Department will demonstrate a vehicle extraction using the Jaws of Life.

Various dealers and vendors will present safety related products as well as bring out motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and boats for visitors to check out. These vendors have supplied a wide array of prizes that may be won by competing in one of the participation events or also door prizes. The NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department will have food and drinks available for purchase for those who work up an appetite.

Florida Licensing on Wheels will be on station to renew licenses and registrations and offer license testing for car and motorcycle permits. The proper paperwork, identification and fees are required. Go to www.hsmv.state.fl.us for information. Florida Fish and Wildlife will also be available to provide information on hunting and fishing licenses.

This event will have something to offer for almost everyone. Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia commands will be treating this as a safety standdown, so come on out, bring your families, enjoy a day of fun with a good strong emphasis on safety.