We are once again pleased to support Barricade Go Topless Day® on Saturday May 18th, 2024. The 17th annual event is a worldwide tradition for the Jeep® community to celebrate the start of Spring by taking off their Jeep® tops.
Last year 560 events took place worldwide – events ranged from 4×4 and trail cleanups to Jeep® parades to show and shines. Over the years tens of thousands of Jeepers have participated in the various Barricade Go Topless Day® celebrations, collectively raising over $687,000 for charity.
The Jeep Clubs across Southwest Florida, including Caloosa Jeepers, Prodigy Offroad, CORE, Alpha, and Trail Marco attended the 58th Annual Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBelle, Fl. As part of our attendance at the festival, organizers asked us to block one of the streets to restrict vehicle access. Those Jeeps that were show ready (including the lone muddy one) entered the show and shine. Trophies were awarded for first, second and third place along with a peoples’ choice award.
1st Place and Peoples Choice
Todd King (Swamp Thing)
2nd Place
Tommy Stearns (Squirrel)
3rd Place
Scott Akers
The weather was beautiful for the event that included a parade, the awarding of a parade queen along with all other offerings of a fair and festival.
A Group of our Jeepers loaded up and left SWFL and headed to Tavares, Fl for the Annual New Years. After the 3 hour drive they set up camp on the farm, set up camp for the weeknd and prepared the annual night ride.
Saturday started off early with coffee, breakfast and an early repair from the night ride. After the repair and breakfast the Calossa team headed to the trails to take advantage of the early hours with fewer jeeps. First stop has turned into an trip down roller coaster where you will encounter short BUT steep climbs, some roll and traction requirements.
From there the group ventured to the back of the park to enjoy another annual favorite trail Blue Rhino.
Caloosa Jeepers, a dedicated community of Jeep enthusiasts in Southwest Florida, came together once again this year to honor and remember veterans by participating in the Wreaths Across America event. Held on December 16, 2023, at a local cemetery, this annual event aims to place wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers during the holiday season.
Members of Caloosa Jeepers, along with their families and friends, gathered early in the morning to help distribute and lay wreaths on the gravesites. Despite the chilly weather, spirits were high as participants paid their respects to those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
“Participating in Wreaths Across America is a deeply meaningful experience for all of us,” said a spokesperson for Caloosa Jeepers. “It’s a way for us to show our gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who have served in the military.”
The event also provided an opportunity for members of Caloosa Jeepers to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season and to teach younger generations about the importance of honoring veterans.
“We want to instill in our children the values of respect, gratitude, and service,” said one member. “Events like these help us do just that.”
Caloosa Jeepers has been participating in Wreaths Across America for several years and plans to continue this tradition for years to come. Their commitment to honoring veterans and giving back to the community is a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and service that defines the Jeep community. As the wreaths were placed on the gravesites, a moment of silence was observed, followed by a salute to the fallen. It was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served, and a fitting tribute to their memory.
Caloosa Jeepers looks forward to continuing their participation in Wreaths Across America and other community service initiatives, as they strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Wreaths Across AmericaWreaths Across AmericaWreaths Across America
On May 20, 2023, Caloosa Jeepers, a vibrant community of Jeep enthusiasts, hosted their annual Go Topless Day charity event, raising an impressive $8000.00 for three deserving charities: Cancer Alliance Network, X22 Adventures, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Caloosa Jeepers Go Topless Day 2023 Event Booth at Lazy Springs
The event, held at Lazy Springs Offroad Park in Lee County, Florida, drew Jeep enthusiasts from all over, showcasing a dazzling array of Jeeps with their tops down in solidarity and support. The day was filled with excitement and camaraderie, as participants enjoyed music, food, and a variety of activities.
One of the highlights of the event was the charity raffle, featuring a range of prizes donated by local businesses and sponsors. Attendees enthusiastically purchased tickets, knowing that their contributions would go directly to supporting the selected charities.
Caloosa Jeepers Board of Directors Present Check to Make A Wish
Caloosa Jeepers Go Topless Day 2023 at Lazy Springs
Caloosa Jeepers Go Topless Day 2023 at Lazy Springs
Caloosa Jeepers Go Topless Day 2023 at Lazy Springs
Caloosa Jeepers Go Topless Day 2023 at Lazy Springs
Caloosa Jeepers Go Topless Day 2023 at Lazy Springs
Caloosa Jeepers Go Topless Day 2023 at Lazy Springs
Caloosa Jeepers Go Topless Day 2023 at Lazy Springs
“We are thrilled with the turnout and the amount we were able to raise for these incredible organizations,” said Bobbie-Jo Buckler, Treasurer for Caloosa Jeepers. “It’s amazing to see the Jeep community come together like this to make a positive impact.”
For the members of Caloosa Jeepers, the event was about more than just showcasing their beloved vehicles. It was about coming together as a family and giving back to the community.
“The best part of being a part of Caloosa Jeepers is the extended family it provides to us,” said Caloosa Jeepers member Joel Lounds. “Events like these allow us to not only enjoy our passion for Jeeps but also make a difference in the lives of others.”
The success of the 2023 Go Topless Day charity event is a testament to the generosity and spirit of the Jeep community. Caloosa Jeepers looks forward to continuing their tradition of giving back and making a difference in the years to come.
There are many kits out there and many advanced items in them as well as many that are purely marketing ploys. Know how to use what you have and have the proper equipment for what you are trained to do. If you choose to make your own basic kit, here are some essential items to include:
Use something clean and that will keep items dry as container/carrier
Bottled water
Pen / pencil notepad
Emergency phone #, poison control, doctor, pharmacy, pertinent health info that may be important ie. allergies…medical conditions
Blanket
Pillow
Flashlight
Scissors / Trauma Shears
Tweezers
Alcohol preps
Latex / Non-Latex Gloves
2 in-4 in Gauze pads
Gauze rolls
Fabric bandaging
Adhesive bandaging / assorted sizes
Medical tape 1 in and 2-4 in
Elastic bandage (Ace)
Ice pack / warm packs
Pillow case / towel
Hand sanitizer
Pocket mask for CPR / Respritory arrest, if trained
