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A healthy competition afoot

Largo Vice Mayor Harriet Crozier challenges officials across the county to a walking contest.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published February 3, 2007

Local officials are challenging each other to get out and walk.

By doing so, they hope to motivate the public to do the same.

"It's a cheap way to be healthy that's good for your heart and good for your weight," said Largo Vice Mayor Harriet Crozier, who has challenged local officials to a walking competition from Feb. 12 through Feb. 16.

Leaders from Largo, Clearwater, Seminole and Pinellas County will use pedometers to keep track of how many steps they walk that week. The team with the highest average will be recognized at the Step Up Florida and Pinellas on the Move celebration on Feb. 24 at Taylor Park in Largo.

"We want to encourage people to add more steps to their daily life so they feel better," Crozier said.

Law enforcement and fire department officials are also challenging each other that week.

Largo police Chief Lester Aradi plans to use the competition as an opportunity to connect with the community. The chief, who used to have routine coffee shop sit-downs with residents, said he's since turned that task over to district lieutenants.

During the week of the challenge, Aradi is inviting people to walk a beat with him and share their concerns. Participants will receive pedometers, he said.

"It's a new opportunity to get out and talk to people and encourage them to get out, too," he said.

The free Pinellas on the Move celebration is affiliated with Florida on the Move, a statewide effort to promote exercise and healthy living. The event will feature walks around Taylor Lake with community leaders, healthy cooking tips, games, a bike rodeo, live bluegrass music, and free pedometers and T-shirts, while supplies last.

Fast Facts:

Walk a beat with Largo's police chief

Here's where to meet Lester Aradi for one-hour walks each day at noon.

- Feb. 12: Taylor Park, 1100 8th Ave. SW, near the entrance off 8th Avenue.

- Feb. 13: Near Crispers restaurant at 201 West Bay Drive.

- Feb. 14: Keystone Mobile Home Park, 620 Clearwater-Largo Road.

- Feb. 15: In front of the Regal 8 Movie Theater at Largo Mall, 10500 Ulmerton Road.

- Feb. 16: In front of Chili's Grill & Bar, 5430 East Bay Drive.

The Step Up Florida and Pinellas on the Move celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at Taylor Park, 1100 8th Ave SW. For more information, visit pinellaswellness.com.

[Last modified February 2, 2007, 20:51:53]