Crist talks fitness, energy conservation at Disney

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published August 16, 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Gov. Charlie Crist visited the Walt Disney World Resort on Wednesday to promote two of his pet issues - energy conservation and physical fitness.

The governor started the day at the Hilton near Downtown Disney for a news conference to highlight the state's Green Lodging Program, which recognizes hotels that take significant steps to conserve energy and water.

The Hilton is the 33rd hotel to earn Green Lodging certification under the voluntary program. Another 58 are waiting for certification.

Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Sole said the hotel installed a more efficient air-conditioning system, put in low-flow water fixtures and expanded its recycling efforts.

Last month, Crist signed an order requiring state agencies to use certified green lodging hotels for conferences and meetings whenever possible.

The governor later stopped at Disney's Wide World of Sports and watched an indoor Tampa Bay Buccaneers workout, met with coach Jon Gruden and took part in a team huddle. Crist, a walk-on quarterback at Wake Forest University, then filmed a public service announcement with children from area Boys and Girls Clubs and Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks, who chairs the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness.

"This is a guy who knows how to stay in shape," Crist told the children as he pointed at Brooks. "If you listen to him, you will have a great quality of life the rest of your life. Read, study hard and stay in shape."

[Last modified August 16, 2007, 00:58:22]