This past Saturday, Lucky U Cycles in Wildwood saw a remarkable outpouring of support as people from at least five counties turned out to raise money for three linemen caught in a tragic worksite accident. More than 300 people came through during the all-day event, helping raise $30,000 through auctions, raffles, live music, food and sheer community generosity.

As soon as Jeremy Coon and the crew at Lucky U Cycles learned what had happened, they responded and put together a fundraiser. Within days, musicians, businesses, volunteers and neighbors were signed on to make it happen.

The accident occurred on August 12 in Seminole, where the crew was placing a new power pole. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Justin Bryan was accidentally killed at the scene. 

His colleagues, Jeff Busch and Matt Waldrop were severely burned and rushed to the hospital. Investigators reported the pole struck a live power line when the boom equipment failed to secure it, sparking an explosion and fire. 

Matt was on-hand Saturday and says he was humbled by the outpouring.

“My thoughts for the event are of extreme gratitude,” he says. “The amount of support from our small community has been nothing short of amazing. The memory of Justin will never be forgotten and I love to see his family get the support they so deserve.”

He went on to say that while Jeff is still in the hospital, the support continues as he makes great progress in his road to recovery. 

“There’s not enough words to truly thank Jeremy, Lucky U and everyone who came together to make this event a reality,” Matt adds.

For many who gathered Saturday, the accident was more than a news story. It was a painful reminder that linemen put their lives on the line daily to keep the lights on.

“These men are fathers, brothers, friends, everyday heroes,” Jeremy says. “When tragedy struck, we knew we had to take action.”

The fundraiser carried the tone of both remembrance and resilience. Musicians Josh Williams and Braxton Bennett donated their time and filled the afternoon with music. Barbecue from Squealin’ Butts was donated, Tap Truck poured brews and the entire Lucky U staff volunteered their time. Raffle baskets, auction items and prizes poured in from dozens of businesses across the region. One of the standout items, a four-night stay at Anna Maria Island, alone raised $3,500.

By late afternoon, the parking lot was full of motorcycles, families and friends swapping stories, bidding on prizes and sharing plates of barbecue. Children darted between tables as raffle numbers were called, while neighbors embraced and wrote checks to help ease the burden for three families.

For Jeremy and his team, the event was about more than the money. It was about standing together. “We’re not just a motorcycle shop,” he says. “We’re part of a community that shows up when it matters most.”

If you couldn’t make the event, you can still donate to the Fallen Linemen Organization.*

*The Fallen Linemen Organization is a national nonprofit dedicated to honoring lineworkers who have been severely injured or lost their lives on the job. The group provides direct financial assistance to families in need, preserves the memory of fallen linemen through its memorial, and supports the broader lineworker community during times of crisis. To learn more or make a donation, visit fallenlinemen.org.