Torch Run in Tallahassee, FL.

Here we are in beautiful Tallahassee, FL. The Americans with Disabilities Torch Run was started at about 10 AM on July 17, 2000. Over seventy persons with disabilities (PWD's) were there to carry the torch 10-Miles through the city. Volkswagen and American Association of People with Disabilities are sponsoring this effort on the National Level.

On the state and local level, the following sponsors provided so much to make this torch run an overwhelming success. Able Trust Mailing, ADA Working Group Printing of the Brochure, Big Bend Transit Accessible Van, Carl Bengston/ Carben Data Web Site, Host City of Tallahassee Audio and Technical Assistance Services ,Coca Cola Bottling Company 178 Bottles of Dasani Water, Florida Commission on Community Service Graphics Design and Communication Support Services ,Home Depot Relay Supplies, Jennifer Killingsworth Web Development Services, Publix Supermarkets Food Certificates, Refreshment Services of Pepsi Pepsi and Cups, Ron Sach's Communications Marketing and Promotion ,Stubbs' Music School Panhandle Jazz Ensemble Tallahassee, Amateur Radio Society Six Ham Operators and Communications Support for the Relay ,Tallahassee Society of Advertising Executives Tent and Public Address System for FSU Ceremony, WTAL Radio Printing and Advertisement, Zephyrhills Water Company 96 Bottles of water and 6 water Coolers. Wow, this was a great run. With out these sponsors we would have never had such a great event. More information can be found at: http://www.floridaspiritofada.org/ Some good photos are at: http://webyakuza.com/ada I marched my part of the relay about 10:45 AM. Boy was it hot, the temperature had risen to around 98 by this time and would hit an area high of 102. We were blessed with a wind out of the west most of the day. This helped cool us off as we marched through the city with a grand escort. The Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriffs Office handled traffic control. These guys are real pros. None of the torch relay team was ever in danger of the traffic. We had Leon County EMS standing by with services and they were gladly bored with their job. None of the team needed any of their services.

This event was staged to bring to light the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Then President George Bush signed this into law and his son, Jeb Bush, our Governor here in Florida, made a statement on video. Governor Jeb Bush was in South America and was not in attendance. Lt. Governor Frank Brogan stepped in and did the honors. It was a great day, with Governor Jeb Bush announcing the Web Task Force Initiative. As Florida residents know, this State has the best set of ADA Laws in the nation. Florida has always led the nation in help for its disabled citizens. Now the Florida has a new set of Rules for the Internet. All the websites of State will be WIA-AAA compliant. This is a great move by our State. Federal Guidelines for accessibility are not as stringent as Florida's new rules. Thank you Governor Jeb Bush.

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