Delores L. Walker, Free Press Reporter

Robin Pearson, Community Health Nursing Supervisor at Lafayette Health Department is putting the finishing touches on the plans for the county’s participation in Step Up, Florida.



Mr. Emmett Howell, 81, and a retired military man, is the Grand Marshal for Lafayette County. His duties will begin Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. when Gilchrist County participants, who will arrive on the Lafayette County side of the Suwannee River (Hatch Bend Boat Ramp) via canoes, will pass the “Spirit Flag” to him. After a short Opening Ceremony Howell will embark on the first steps of Lafayette County’s contribution in Step Up, Florida.



According to Pearson, Howell is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when you practice healthy exercise in your life. She said Howell walks one mile in the a.m. and one mile in the p.m. to maintain his health after a 1995 heart attack that resulted in a quadruple bypass.



Howell said the doctor told him “If you want to stay alive, you better walk.” Taking him at his word Howell is still walking every day (weather permitting). In fact, Howell’s family gets involved, walking with him when he comes for a visit.



The good news is…Howell’s last report from his doctor’s visit shows he has a healthy heart.



So when Howell takes those first steps on Lafayette County soil Feb. 25, it will just be added to the many, many steps that he has charted everyday since 1995 to maintain good health. Howell will be joined by members of the LHS JV Baseball team that will carry the Spirit Flag to the 4th District Community Center where the event will began at 7 a.m. on Feb. 26.



Those wishing to participate can sign up at the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office or the Public Health Department. In the event you have not pre-registered you can still do so at the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 26 at 7 a.m.



As the hike through the county progresses there will be walkers, joggers, and bikers. The school district has pledged their support that will include the band, students, teachers and school staff. Also, to be included are the local law enforcement officers that will personally provide an escort throughout the day, local EMS, the 4-H Club and leaders and community pastors that will offer prayer for safety during the day-long event. “We just encourage everyone to participate making this a memorable community event,” Pearson said.



She said Representative Dwight Stansel and local officials at the courthouse have been asked to be a part of this historic event.



Pearson commented that everyone in the community has gone beyond every expectation in their cooperation to assure that Lafayette County is represented well in this timely event that will be given local and state-wide media coverage.



Lafayette County participants will hand the Spirit Flag over to Taylor County at the county line at about 3:40 p.m. on the 26th.



The Spirit Flag began it’s journey in Key Largo on Feb. 2 and has made it’s way up the state with every possible means of healthy non-competitive physical activity transporting it from one Florida county to another. The end of it’s journey will occur March 2 at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.



Pearson said this has proven to be one of the most outstanding community efforts that she has ever participated in. “I personally want to thank each of the businesses and clubs that have given so generously of their time and money to make this come together and to provide the participants with incentive gifts, and refreshments at each of the break areas along the route,” she said.



For more information on this upcoming event you may call 386/294-1321.