Community Corner

Benefit Concert to Honor Fallen St. Pete Officers, Help Families

A local man is tying up loose ends of organizing Feb. 12 benefit.

A City of Dunedin employee is organizing a benefit for the Sgt. Tom Baitinger and Officer Jeff Yaslowitz.

Mathew Eberius, who works at the and is also a patrol volunteer with the Largo Police Department, is tying up the last-minute details of a benefit concert set for Feb 12 at .

Baitinger and Yaslowitz were killed Jan. 24 by a lone gunman hiding in the attic of a south St. Petersburg home, in what St. Petersburg Police Chief Chuck Harmon described as an "ambush." The officers both leave behind families. Yaslowitz is survived by his wife and three children, ages 5, 8 and 12. Baitinger, a 15-year veteran, is survived by his wife. The shooter was found dead in the home.

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Eberius attended the officers’ memorial service, and was so moved after listening to the dispatch recording from the day they were shot, he said that he felt compelled to do something.

So far, he has lined up a couple of acts, but he's hoping a few more will step forward to round out the lineup. Admission and parking is free, but donations will go to The Jeffrey Yazslowitz/Thomas Baitinger Memorial Fund at .

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The bands are set to perform from 3 to 9 p.m., but just after sunset, Eberius said he carved out some time for a small ceremony to honor the officers. It will include the playing of “Taps” and “Amazing Grace.”

Bands or those interested in helping can contact Eberius at mathew@tampabaylive.org or 727-488-2423. Visit www.TampaBayBluesBrothers.com or www.TampaBayLive.org for information.


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