Mayor's Corner: City of Bradenton

Earlier this month, I joined local, state, and federal leaders at City Hall to recognize Christine Olson and 20 years of To Inform Families First, known as TIFF.

After losing her daughter, Tiffiany, in a crash in 2005 and waiting more than six hours to be notified, Christine set out to spare other families that same experience. Her determination led to Florida’s voluntary emergency contact information program, giving law enforcement a way to reach loved ones more quickly.

What began with one Bradenton mother’s efforts has reached millions of people and served as a model for other states. The next step is expanding that reach nationwide through Congressman Vern Buchanan’s proposed To Inform Families First Act, which is awaiting congressional approval.

I have supported Christine’s work since my time on City Council, and it was an honor to celebrate this milestone with her. You can help carry her mission forward by registering your emergency contacts, keeping that information up to date, and encouraging loved ones to do the same. Anyone with a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card can designate up to two people at flhsmv.gov/eci.