TAMPA, Fla. — An Alabama man who made headlines traveling the country to voluntarily mow lawns is coming to Tampa.
Rodney Smith Jr., who was named as one of CNN's five inspiring people for 2018, first made headlines during his "50 States 50 Lawns" trip. Smith visited every state in the country to mow lawns for free to help the elderly, the disabled, single moms and veterans. He's coming back to Florida to do it again in Tampa, and he'll even take on kids who want to have a bubble mower race.
I'm headed to Florida today to mow lawns . Look at the picture to see which cities . If you know anyone elderly, disabled, a single mom or veteran whose lawn I can mow for free let me know. I'm there till Sunday . Coming to a lawn near you pic.twitter.com/XEwETtTlX8
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) January 2, 2019
Smith is also stopping in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami.
Headed to FL to mow free lawns for the elderly, disabled, single moms & veterans . See my previous tweet to see what cities . I have bubble mowers with me if any kid is brave to race me. (256)-631-0346 if you have a lawn for me or if a kid wants a bubble mower. pic.twitter.com/1ohb6cADGA
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) January 2, 2019
In addition to mowing laws for free, Smith also dressed up for Christmas and surprised homeless people in cities he visited.
"I met 50 + incredible people during this tour who happen to be homeless," Smith wrote on Twitter. "One thing that stuck with me that one of them said was “ Homelessness is a situation not a disease”. It can happen to anyone. Before judging, get to know them and hear their story."
Smith also runs "Raising Men Lawn Care Service," which aims to get younger generations involved in helping others and giving back to their community. As part of that aim, Smith created the "50 Yard Challenge."
"To Kids Worldwide: We challenge you to cut 50 lawns FREE for the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and the veterans in your town," the challenge reads. "If you accept this challenge, all you need to do is send us a photo of you holding a sign saying “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge”, and in return, we’ll send you your white RMLCS shirt along with shades & ear protection to get you started. For every 10 lawns cut, you will get a new color shirt."
Smith will be in Tampa Friday, Jan. 4 according to his Twitter.
