Promoting passenger trains as a transportation alternative in Florida since 1983.  We are citizens who advocate for Amtrak, commuter rail, intercity rail and transit for Florida's future.

The Silver Rail Blog

  • 18 Aug 2009 4:28 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    Rallies took place today in Tampa, Orlando, and Lakeland to support Florida's petition for stimulus funds to build high-speed rail from Orlando-Tampa.

    The following article, from The St Petersburg Times, provides further details on these events, organized by former Hillsborough County Commissioner Ed Turanchik, along with longtime high-speed rail advocates Paula and Doc Dockery of Lakeland.

    http://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/masstransit/high-speed-rail-supporters-kick-off-campaign-to-get-federal-funds/1028712

    --Jackson McQuigg

  • 17 Aug 2009 12:58 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    Fact vs. Fiction.

    The Midwest High Speed Rail Association, with arguments that are applicable nationwide, answers passenger rail's critics:

    http://www.midwesthsr.org/fact/index.html

    Their site is a "must read" for rail advocates anywhere!

    --Jackson McQuigg

  • 16 Aug 2009 5:59 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    Good news for West Palm Beach Tri-Rail passengers.

    From the South Florida Business Journal:

    http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2009/08/10/daily79.html

  • 10 Aug 2009 3:53 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/09/092356/na-high-speed-rail-plans-bypass-tampas-union-stati/news-metro/

    FCRP is lobbying for connectivity between Amtrak, commuter rail, and any high speed rail systems which would be constructed throughout the state.

    Tampa's new high speed rail terminal, if constructed as presently proposed, will be built just 6 blocks from Tampa Union Station.

    However, present plans include no real connection to Amtrak or any future commuter rail services which would ultimately serve Tampa Union Station.

    The same "disconnected" conditions exist at Lakeland and Orlando

    This article is from the Tampa Tribune.

    --Jackson McQuigg

  • 08 Aug 2009 8:46 PM | Jackson McQuigg (Administrator)

    FCRP Members:

    All of you are quite familiar with John and Barb Thomas. Both are longtime members and officers of the Coalition.

    Sadly, Barb's son Billy Pierson-- an accomplished country signer who regularly performed at the well-known Tootsie's Orchid Lounge locations in both Panama City Beach and Nashville-- passed away in a tragic automobile accident this past week.

    He was only 46 and leaves behind a widow.

    I hope the Coalition membership will join me in sending out sincere condolences to John and Barb and their families.

    For those who are interested, the viewing is Tuesday evening, with a funeral to be held Wednesday afternoon at:

    Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemeteries
    2403 Harrison Avenue
    Panama City, FL 32405
    (850) 763-4694
    (850) 784-9251 Fax

    More details about his services and an online guestbook can be found here:
    http://www.kentforestlawn.com/obit-service-schedule.jsp?site=0243&id=48093

    A full newspaper article about Barb's son is available at the following link: http://www.newsherald.com/news/county-76444-traffic-five.html

    Billy was a rising star in the country music business. You can listen to his songs and find out more about him at www.billypiersonmusic.com

    In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to:

    Billy Pierson Memorial Fund
    c/o Vision Bank
    P.O. Box 1848
    Panama City, FL 32402

    Please join me in reaching out to Barb and John at this very difficult time.

    Sincerely,
    Jackson

    Jackson McQuigg
    Secretary and Board Member, Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers
    President, Friends of Tampa Union Station
    E-Mail: fcrp@fcrprail.org

    Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers Website: www.fcrprail.org
    Friends of Tampa Union Station Website: www.tampaunionstation.com

  • 04 Aug 2009 9:23 PM | Deleted user
  • 04 Aug 2009 3:07 PM | Deleted user

    I would like to wish John McQuigg a speedy recovery.

    Andy Healy

     

  • 04 Aug 2009 7:55 AM | Stephen Sayles (Administrator)

    As of yesterday our dear friend John Mcquigg had to go back to the hospital due to a serious infection from an earlier procedure. Jackson is with him now looking after him and I would like all of us to keep him in our prayers for a quick recovery.

    Hang in there John!!

  Join |  Archives  |  Contact us

               Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers, P.O. Box 30154, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420  www.fcrprail.org


(c) 1983-2024 Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers   
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software