Two more counties down...Pasco and Hernando Counties

July 25, 2015

After being forced to return to Naples to take care of a major air conditioner and plumbing problems, I was so thrilled get back on road again.

My first stop was back to Pinellas County to retrieve my running shoes and other things that I left behind while racing back home to repair the air conditioner and plumbing in the kitchen.

The trip to turned out to be a great blessing because I got an opportunity to meet the customer clerk name Diana which I told you about passing her Citizenship test and voting for the first time.

I will tell you more about that in my next blog. However, I will leave you with the good news that Diana brother did an internship at Senator Marco Rubio office in Washington D.C. and I will share those pictures as well.

Another exciting thing is that observed Diana and her manager Tina receive a score of 24 out of the possible 25 on the test I placed on the blog earlier. I am thrilled that people are visiting the blog page and equally excited that people are applying and using the information being posted.

I quickly left Pinellas County and headed over to Hillsborough County to retrieve my donated thirty (30) Constitution booklets. Mr. Holt the High School Social Studies Coordinator felt that since his 7th grade students scored high on the Civic Education End of Course Exam the material they had in place were good enough. Since I could not convince him that it is never good enough until 100 percent of the students achieved success, I figured that I let him be happy and give my donation to those who would use it (I do not have enough wealth to give away my hard earned things to people who do not desire them) so we both left happy.

You will discover in my next posting how important this decision was to return to Hillsborough County. I rarely attempt to revisit a county once I leave because I feel that I have done everything possible to express how dedicated and committed that I am to getting every fifth grade student in Florida a copy of the Constitution. Those who get the message and will try harder I believe started to do so immediately after I left the area. On the other hands, I know those who did not want to hear me before are doing no more than they did before hearing me so there is no reason to return but rather move onward to those who needs to hear about the importance and positive impact having a Constitution booklet in the hands of our youth can be in making a difference.

You will not want to miss my next blog because not only will you read about the great news about the return to Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties but you will be thrilled with my visits in rural areas of Pasco and Hernando Counties.

I have always wanted to visit these counties because I wrote so much about their early school systems after Reconstruction and the activities of the Freemen Bureau in these areas. Now when I finish my journey across the 67 counties these are two areas that I will be returning to spend more time. You will see why I have so much interest once I shall my adventures with you in my travels to Pasco County and 27 miles in Hernando County that took me into the dark of the night to complete.

Unlike my GPS taking me directly to the Pasco County School District, it took very careful and detail directions from the Hernando County Policeman to get me to the Hernando County School District.
However, I found another wonderful time in yet a region of my adopted state that I had now visited for the first time.

Joseph

A Poem That Truly Motivated my Six Miles Run...

July 22, 2015

Another great thing about being a James Madison Fellow is that you get to share wonderful things about your students and life in general beside just the Constitution.

Just to destroy the myth that Fellows only talk about the Constitution; I would like to share with you a beautiful poem by a student from a great James Madison Fellow and my dear friend Mike Wilmoth, a Kansas Fellow.

Julia Peck

Some people asked me to share the poem I wrote for the night my small group did worship at church camp, so here it is!

Where is the Spirit?
Is it where I can't see?
Is it in nature
in strangers
is it inside of me?
Is it as silent as moonlight?
Does it dance like the stars?
Is it as soft as a shout as it comes from afar?
Is it as strong as an earthquake,
or loud like a fight?
Is it in the crackle of fire
or glow in its embers at night?

Where was the Spirit before it was in me?
Was it high in the heavens
or deep in the sea?
The Spirit came as God's gift from his kingdom above
we can give the gift of the Spirit to each other through love.

Julia Peck has indeed done her State of Kansas proud and I am proud to have gotten her permission to share her beautiful poem here in Florida and everywhere others are following my blog.

Julia, I have dear friends as far away as Africa following my blog so your beautiful poem is now gone international. Your poem motivated me during my six mile run yesterday and I am sure that it will keep me uplifted as I continue my journey across Florida.

I deeply appreciate both Mike and Julia for allowing me to post the poem on my blog. I wish you all the best and Kansas is blessed to have you both.

Joseph

Post Three of Three From my Journey Across Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties

July 21, 2015

Time to hit the road again today.

However, I would like to share my final post 3 of 3 from the great time in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

Before heading to Hillsborough, I met three wonderful ladies during my breakfast at the Hampton Inn; and two of ladies were from New York visiting Florida for a wedding. We had a great time sharing the Constitution. As someone pointed out there are really five figures in the picture because these people are having church and studying the Constitution.

We told Shirley were serving the "J's" for at the Inn because we had so much fun here in Pinellas County.

Please do look carefully when you are viewing the picture and you will see Joan, Shirley, Joseph, Judy, and Jesus around the table at the Inn:

One must be so careful with time in Pinellas County because you can run into so many wonderful people. Below is some wonderful people from Tallahassee who took some Constitution booklets and material so when I get to Leon County there will be some serious celebrating of the Constitution going on. If all goes well, I should be in Tallahassee on August 3, 2015 as I continue my journey across Florida. You will get to meet these three wonderful people during my travel to Leon County.

Talking about meeting people, one must visit Tampa and see the many people working at the third largest school district in Florida and the 8th largest school district in the United States. I had a great time visiting the Hillsborough School District and well as observing some of the 300 schools which were near the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. The history of this school district is filled with some great stories.

Superintendent Jeff Eakins just took over on July 1, 2015 and he is taking the School Board Members and staff on a retreat and plan out the school year. Therefore, I will return to visit with him. If you want to hear some of the wonderful things in store for the Hillsborough County Schools visit the video posted on the Hillsborough County website and you will be in for a treat.

Since I did not meet directly with the Superintendent, I took the opportunity to visit with the staff and admire Superintendent huge work place both inside and outside. Please take a look of what you find in downtown Tampa at the school district.

I had so such a great time in both Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. It now very easy to see why I needed to the entire weekend and Monday to recoup my energy to move onward. When you see this welcoming sign you are going to be in store for a great time.

"And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, but the greatest of these is charity."

I saw a wonderful poem written by a student from my great friend Mike and once I get permission from him and the student I will post the beautiful poem but it means of love and I felt great love during my journey across Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

Joseph

Post Two of Three From my Journey in Pinellas County...

July 20, 2015

As I decided to take another day of rest before heading again to Lakeland and completing my travel to the counties of Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, and Lake this week; I decided to show you another reason why being in Pinellas was so much fun.

Please check out the "Salutes" from two old soldiers who spent many field exercises in the cold weather of Germany.

My mentor and dear friend Dr. Robert Safransky (Dr. S.) met at the School District of Pinellas where he taught for many years and serviced as an administrator while finding time to open up a brand new school that impacted the lives so many young children who are now adults and doing well in life.

You never know what you will find what you enter a school district. One of the things that impressed me immediately was the Liberty Bell out front to greet a person upon entering the administration office. Being that I am representing the Liberty Institute and promoting the Constitution, I figured that they had the Liberty Bell outside to greet me coming on campus. I was told once I was inside that was not the case. The Liberty Bell has greeted many others and I was just one of the many.

A little known fact in Florida's history:

Did you know?

Lawton Chiles trekked thirty-one miles from La Belle to Clewiston, the "Sweetest Town in America."

(Walkin' Lawton, John Dos Passos Coggin, p. 106)

Joseph

Another amazing story about being an American Citizen

July 20, 2015

 

“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by those who are doing it"

                                                                                                          - Lee Pitt

An amazing thing happened to me while in Pinellas County; and I must share it with you now that I have some energy back in the body.

Lee Pitts Alive is the longest running television Talk Host Show in Southwest Florida. His words of wisdom that I heard so many years ago when I got here in Southwest Florida ring true today as it did about 15 years ago when I first heard them.

As I continue my journey across Florida, I met some wonderful people before and after my six (6) miles run as part of the 27 miles journey. One of those people was the young lady at the front desk of the Hampton Inn in Largo (Pinellas County) and when she saw my 27 - 67 shirt she wanted to share the story of how she got her citizenship and this year voted for the first time.

I was so moved by this story that it motivated me during my entire six miles and as I was running it seemed like the shortest six miles that I ever did because I was focusing on her story and remembering the time that I was in Tampa at the same Citizenship Ceremony with one of my former students and his parents as he got his citizenship.

If you never been to one of those citizenship ceremonies, I would challenge you to go and even better be part of the ceremony by taking a person with you who will be receiving the citizenship for the first time.

This section will be in three parts:

Section one the start of Diana, Customer Service Desk Clerk Hampton Inn, and her joy of coming from Colombia as a child; seeing the parent struggle, working her way through the American school system, finally being called an American Citizen. Diana's story is just another reason why the journey across Florida is so important to me. How she tells about seeing her parents after 25 years become citizens and casting her vote for the first time are things that make me realize that the American Dream is still alive today and people are taking advantage of the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

After viewing the picture of Diana, I will invite you take the test about citizenship and see how much you know about your country. The test is similar to one that Diana and others must take to prove their citizenship and earn the right to vote. We often take for grant that wonderful gift even to us under the United States Constitution.

Now let me see if you earn your citizenship by getting at least 15 of the 25 question below on this link about citizenship and how much you know about your country:

Answer 15 correctly to pass...

​Click below:​

Country Knowledge

Please have fun and watch for part two coming your way on the next blog.

Joseph

“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by those who are doing it"

                                                                                                          - Lee Pitt

Three of the largest school districts in Florida and the nation...

July 17, 2015

Today is a great day because now I am happy to report three of the largest school districts in Florida and within our nation now have been conquered on my journey across Florida.

What great visits and such positive attitude about learning and the importance

that mastery of the Constitution will be having in each of the counties.

The Counties of Broward, Pinellas, and Hillsborough are now on the list of 15 counties and counting along my journey across Florida.

Please see the list below for details of the counties visited as of July 17, 2015 as well as the projected counties next on the list on my journey:

1. Collier County               -  April 20, 2015
2. Lee County                    -  May 28, 2015
3. Charlotte County          - June 19, 2015
4. DeSoto County              - June 22, 2015
5. Highland County           - June 22, 2015
6. Hardee County              - June  23, 2015
7. Henry County                - June  24, 2015
8. Glades County               - June 24, 2015
9. Sarasota County            - June 27, 2015
10. Manatee County            - July 03, 2015
11. Polk County                     - July 07, 2015
12. Okeechobee County      - July 07, 2015
13. Broward County             - July 14, 2015
14. Pinellas County               - July 15, 2015
15. Hillsborough County      - July 16, 2015
16. Pasco County
17. Citrus County
18. Sumter County
19. Lake County

My Amazing Journey in Broward County

July 14, 2015 

"Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious

but as sacred."   - Andrew Jackson

I truly had an amazing time during my journey in Broward County. I learned that even in the summer this Broward County Public School District is very busy. My first indication was the parking problem.

Finally I saw an empty spot and the security lady giving out tickets. No long term parking but rather like being at the airport each hour cost three dollars. I quickly came to realize that feeding the parking meter would cost me an entire classroom set of Constitution booklets.

The wonderful lady at the security desk saw the problem that I would be having as this had to have been my first time at the Broward County Public School District. This is one time that I am so glad I was actually thirty (30) minutes ahead of my scheduled appointment.  

When I was told that Superintendent Robert Runcie would be unable to meet with me I clearly understood why that was case. As he was coming in the door for his office, I managed to exchange a pleasant greeting and no coming security guard let me know that I would end my communication and allow the Superintendent to enter the elevator.

It turned out to be great exchange of greeting because I got to meet everyone I needed as well as the Chief of Staff and the personal Administrative Support Manager. I obtained another signature for the book Walkin' Lawton and even more importantly met the wonderful staff and had great thirty (30) minutes communication with the Social Studies Directors.  

I was very glad to have the all day parking pass from the very nice security lady at the front desk. After being pulled away from the Superintendent, I knew how blessed I was to not only earned their professional services but an all day pass which allowed me to park and complete my 27 miles journey in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County without having to worry about my car being towed away.  

As you will see by the pictures, I was blessed to have gotten the all day pass. When I returned from my travel around town, along the U S 1 Federal Highway and scrolling along A1A1 to the beach and finally making it back to the Court House and finding my car still waiting for me instead of being towed; I was one happy person.   

Being the only car in the parking lot (after my 27 miles) and having read the sign no parking after duty or subject to towing I realized the power of that sticker the security people granted me. Thanks to the Superintendent for making sure everyone looked after me during my stay in Fort Lauderdale.

I had a ton of fun handing out Constitution booklets and talking about the Constitution both within the district and the community. The citizens of Broward really are really very nice and everyone seems to think the fifth grade students should have a copy of the Constitution booklets.

My trip went so well that I did not have the time or energy to make the 35 minutes trip to Miami-Dade. I believe a day well spent in South Florida.

Please check out some the pictures as they give a little insight in the beautiful day that I had July 13, 2015. 

 

"Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious

but as sacred."   - Andrew Jackson

Joseph

I have rested and now my journey continues...

July 13, 2015

I have learned so much on my journey across Florida so far and met so many amazing Floridians along the way.

I am going to finally get both Broward and Miami-Dade out of the way today.

My MapMyRide gave me so many problems in my trip to Polk and Okeechobee Counties that I almost gave up but learned it was not the technology but rather me not understanding the art of making sure the App worked the way it was designed.

In order to have all the functions working, one must have the wireless connection working because otherwise only the time will work on your mobile phone.

Below is part of my training and from last week which is really a shame because between my journey across Florida and my training for the upcoming two weeks I never worked harder.

Therefore, I guess this blog posting is to give credit to MapMyRide and promote their App while letting you know I am still moving along in the heat of Florida doing my 27 -67 journey across Florida.

Joseph Cofield's WEEKLY FITNESS REPORT 07/05/2015​ - ​07/11/2015

 

5 4.85 33.02 1872

Someone asked me did I really complete my journey in the heat. Well the Patriots committed their wealth, their homes, and many their lives for their belief. What a little heat during my journey across Florida for the opportunity to get the United States Constitution booklets in the hands of all our 5th grade students in Florida.

 

It is all about getting the mission accomplished!

 

Doing what is necessary to get those Constitution booklets in the hands of youth!

 

"The price of freedom is responsibility, but it is a bargain, because freedom is priceless."

---Hugh Downs

 

Joseph

I Finally Could Explain to Someone Why This 27 -67 Journey Across Florida is Important to me...and with some special pictures

July 10, 2015

Please do check out some of the wonderful pictures from Polk County...you will soon find the importance of this trip!

I am often asked why I am committed and dedicated to doing the 27 - 67 Journey Across Florida.

I immediately know the person who asked me this question never:

• Read the book Walkin' Lawton!
• Read the story of my experience as a James Madison Fellow and sharing the Summer of 2009 with some of the most amazing and professional educators I ever met in my life!
• Read the Liberty Day Institute Constitution booklet that I want in the hands of every 5th grade student in Florida!
• Taught a middle school student: who was part of the College Reach out Program (CROP), overcame English being the second language, reached superior levels of excellence in high school, college, and highly successful in his new profession. You could not have heard me tell this story because you would have known I had the honor of going to the Citizenship Ceremony in Tampa, Florida and watched this young man become an American Citizen. You would have heard me tell the story of how this young student picked a copy of the Constitution booklet off my desk and how it transformed his life and how his family is now a model of how the story of the American Dream is still alive and well.
• Heard a parent tell you how as an educator because of the caring and going beyond the call of duty have directly led to a son joining the military (Marines) who almost wanted to give up but refused after hearing how the military helped me make my life dreams become a reality...and as Paul Harvey use to say, "Now the rest of the story."

I was so touched by the parent who shared with me on July 8, 2015 how her daughter used the Constitution booklet that I gave her to focus on her Civic Education and started making all A's in class as well as being the only student to max her final Civic Exam in her class. This is a 7th grade student who is prepared to take on the advance classes in the 8th grade and who will meet the challenges of high school and college.

This student just as my middle school student many years ago took that Constitution booklet and applied it her life and those words took on a new meaning and focus in her young life.

You heard the success story of the young man who now makes more money that most teachers because who picked up the Constitution booklet from my desk and wanted to know more about the words on the printed pages. If you care to follow the young 7th grade girl success during the rest of middle school and her life journey, you will understand why this journey is important.

It does not shock me at all because I had a social studies teacher by name of Mr. Winston Dale who took the time to with a young kid by the name of Joseph L. Cofield and transformed him into a person who forever had a love for those printed words in the Constitution and it shaped my life about what being a American is all about. It also helped me to realize the honor and responsibility that I have to share this with others.

Therefore, you see just maybe others will pick up that Constitution booklet and allow it to make a difference in their lives just as the stories that you have just read. Now, you know and if you are one of those who follow my blog and my 27 - 67 journey across Florida unlike the person who never did those things that I listed in the bullet statement you will know why I am motivated to complete my journey across Florida and help get those Constitution booklets to our youth.

Joseph

Pictures of my journey in Okeechobee County

July 8, 2015

Here is an example of the treat that you will get from my next posting of my travels in Polk and Okeechobee Counties on July 7, 2015:

Joseph

Two more counties down...

July 8, 2015

I had the great honor of completing over 30 miles in Polk County and probably would have continued if the rain had not drove me inside.

The great thing about the rain coming after completion of my time in Polk County visiting at the Polk County Public Schools District in Bartow. How many of you knew that the county seat of Polk County is in Bartow instead of Lakeland?

I will be heading to Lakeland because this is the birth place of Governor Lawton Chiles and the home of the Publix Headquarters. However, I share with my supporters and followers so of the very special moments that I had running and cycling around Bartow on July 7, 2015.

The rain reminded me that I needed to get to Okeechobee County before the school district closes. I was indeed in for a surprise because Okeechobee City really is a very beautiful and nice place. The citizens are so warm and sincere which made my stay and cycling across Okeechobee County so nice.

I look forward to sharing with you the pictures and wonderful time in Okeechobee. I of course cycled along the Okeechobee Lake and experienced more than all those cattle and farm animals. If I ever want to learn how to fish I know that this is the place to come. I have not experienced this much fun in the country since I left my little home town of Edenton, North Carolina.

Please be watching for the pictures and more detail story of my time in Polk County and Okeechobee County as I completed two more legs of my 27 -67 journey across Florida.

1. Sarasota County            - June 27, 2015
2. Manatee County           - July 03, 2015
3. Polk County                     - July 7, 2015
4. Okeechobee County      - July 7, 2015
5. Hillsborough County
6. Pinellas County
7. Pasco County
8. Citrus County
9. Sumter County
10. Lake County

I have now completed 12 of the 67 counties and will complete both Dade and Broward Counties on Thursday and Friday (July 9 & 10) before heading to the Hillsborough County and continuing my journey across Florida out west.

 

Joseph

 

Another Glance of Manatee County

July 5, 2015

              The price of freedom is responsibility, but it is a bargain because freedom is priceless.
                                                                                                                     ---- Hugh Downs


I know that many people are starting to read my posts on the blog because I was asked two very important questions.

First, why the picture with DeSoto County instead of Manatee County in the last post. Secondly, I was asked to post the example of the PBS program at the elementary school.

Thus, you will now find both of the corrections. Please do information me of any errors or oversights and I will be glad to make any adjustment. When you assist me in this area it makes my job easier when I wrap this up after the completion of the 27 - 67 journey across Florida; in addition, I will know that you are really following my posting and keeping me in your prayers.

These pictures are for you now for you and the supporter of took the time to catch my mistake in my last posting:

My journey across Florida will continue on Monday, July 6, 2015 with visits in the following counties:

1. Sarasota County            - June 27, 2015
2. Manatee County           - July 03, 2015
3. Hillsborough County
4. Pinellas County
5. Pasco County
6. Citrus County
7. Sumter County
8. Lake County
9. Polk County
10. Okeechobee County

The price of freedom is responsibility, but it is a bargain because freedom is priceless.
                                                                                                                     ---- Hugh Downs

Joseph

Test for getting pictures from camera directly to blog!

July 5, 2015

As I learn more and more about social media, technology, and communication, I will attempt to add more ways that my supporters can get a feel of the excitement that I am feeling during my 27 - 67 journey across Florida.

I am now attempting to get pictures directly from my camera and mobile phone so that I can feed you some of the pictures as I am on the road.

Below is my first attempt:

 

What a wonderful time that I had in Manatee County! I entered the county and drove into Bradenton which I had passed many times in my trips to Tampa and Tallahassee. Finally, I got to run, walk, and cycle my way around this beautiful city. I ran around the city until I found a stop along the River Walk at the Hampton Inn. It was a great break from my running and turned out to be idea because I was given directions to the Robinson Preserve which turned out to be a great blessing because it was easy to find and yet another great trail that I have found in Florida.

 

During my trip to Sarasota, I was impressed with my drive on the Legacy Trail and I was equally impressed with the Robinson Preserve and the many parks that I drove in while doing my 37 miles as part of my 27 - 67 journey across Florida!

 

The temperature when I started my cycling around Manatee County was 94 degrees as I noted from the very nice information board at Martha B. King Middle School (I believe all schools should have one of these very inviting information boards in the front of the schools).

 

When I completed my journey I checked the temperature at the Palma Sola Elementary School (another beautiful information board) at 6:45 pm according to the Panther time (the mascot for the school) was 88 degrees. What a great way to end a beautiful day.

 

Upon my return to Robinson Preserve, I got an opportunity to chat with two great Floridians. I actually met some very nice citizens of Manatee County during my journey. I especially want to thank the very nice lady who lived next to the Oneco Elementary School. She directed me actually to the Manatee County Public Schools District which was something my GPS was unable to do because it guided me to the Oneco Elementary School. Which was not bad because as I toured the elementary school I noticed that it is a great example of for the Positive Behavior Support program. They had the PBS signs with clear expectations posted around the entire school which started at the entry of the office, included the playground, each classroom to include the media center and cafeteria, and equally important the bus ramp. The PBS signs were posted at a level where the students could easily read them as well as clearly printed and installed professionally. This is a school that is committed to their students and clearly is proud of the standards and procedures. The neighbor who gave me the directions was over 70 years old and one of the few people who gave clear and accurate directions. I could clearly see the relationship with the school and the neighborhood from the pride neighbor had for school system.

 

My observance would not be complete without telling you about those two great Floridians at the end of my journey in the Robinson Preserve. The nice lady who took my picture at the preserve (picture between the Palma Sola Elementary School and entering Manatee) listened to my story of why I was doing the 27 - 67 journey across Florida. She stated, "You must come see my friend who is a school official." This is moment that I have waiting for to share with school officials and parents together why this 27 -67 journey across Florida was so important. I explained the purpose was not only to do the 27 miles which represented the 27 Amendments in the United States Constitution but to share with school officials and stakeholders of education why it was important to give a copy of the Constitution to each of the 5th grade students in Florida as well help expand the knowledge of the Constitution in all our youth. I gave both a tee shirt of my the 27 - 67 Journey Across Florida and copies of my Constitution booklets to share with others. I was impressed that they took the time to listen to the entire story especially because they were in a hurry to catch the sunset and it looked to be one of those beautiful sunset.

 

I got to have a wonderful time in Manatee County, I got to get out my message, and I had a great time meeting the citizens of Manatee County and sharing the Constitution while learning a little more about what make living in Florida so special.

 

Joseph Cofield

Educator

James Madison Fellow, 2007

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