Statewide fitness program to visit county.

If you enjoy bicycling, in-line skating, jogging, basketball, or even scuba diving, then here is something for you to do on Tuesday.

Hernando County is participating in Step Up Florida! - a statewide program involving physical activities this month.

Some groups and individuals will take the "fitness flag'' along the Suncoast Trail from the Pasco County line to Citrus County as the flag travels across the state.

Beginning the first leg, Springstead High School's JROTC will carry the flag north from the county line to Anderson Snow Park for the opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m Tuesday, said Hernando County coordinator Karen Gidden.

Other groups, including Hernando County Fire Rescue, Parrott Middle and Powell Middle school students, the Sheriff's Office and the Nature Coast Bicycle Club, will take turns carrying the flag on the Suncoast Trail to Citrus County. Dr. Joseph J. Chiaro, deputy state health officer for Children's Medical Services, also will be on the Suncoast Trail, Gidden said.

But anyone can get involved with Step Up Florida! Those who are interested can do so by registering at Anderson Snow Park beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Some schools, including Pine Grove and Moton elementaries, will participate at the park while others, such as Spring Hill Christian Academy, will have activities on campus, Gidden said.

Clubs, organizations and churches are being encouraged to participate in Tuesday's activities.

Health conscious activities are planned for the Hernando County YMCA and Gold's Gym, while Little League baseball teams will be going to the batting cages, Gidden said.

Participants who converge on Anderson Snow Park are asked to wear good walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

"Physical awareness is important to encourage in youth as well as adults,'' Gidden said.

No preparation is needed for the event, but for anyone interested in beginning a regular walking routine, pedometers are being issued at the Hernando County Public libraries. Pedometers can be checked out with a library card for two months at a time.

GET INVOLVED

For information or to volunteer for Step Up Florida!, call Karen Gidden at 540-6849.

Source Citation
Vovan, Brittany. "Statewide fitness program to visit county." St. Petersburg Times [St. Petersburg, FL] 21 Feb. 2005: 1. Popular Magazines. Web. 14 Dec. 2009. .

Gale Document Number:CJ128987081