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

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2043334680812321302#editor/target=post;postID=1263501094068520899

Manatee County is now history...

July 4, 2015

Please see below my coverage of Manatee County as I recorded my training in Bradenton, Florida.

MapMyRide – July 3, 2014

27 – 67 Journey Across Florida

Manatee County – Bradenton

Distance   37.35 Miles

Duration  5.19 Hours

Workouts  5

Calories  2,329 Burned

Type	#	Maps	Distance	Duration	Calories
Bike Ride	5	1	37.35 mi	5.19 h	2,329 kCal
Totals	5	1	37.35 mi	5.19 h	2,329 kCal

Workouts  3
07/03/15 SAT
You don't have any workouts on your dashboard yet.

Joseph Cofield

Naples, Florida

37 total miles

5:11:11 total time

2K total calories

5 total workouts

 

Please check out my blog for the excitement that I had in Manatee County visiting the citizens and checking out the local schools. I had a great time riding along the Robinson Trail and around the beautiful city of Bradenton.

 

Map and Facts of Florida to show my journey across Florida!

July 2, 2015

Please see below some facts about the Florida as well as a map that has the 67 counties with location marked of my "Journey Across Florida."

You can find a copy of this map in The Florida Handbook by Allen Morris. The last print of the handbook was done in 2011-2012 and this same information can be found on the "My Florida" web page.

I wish you all a Happy Fourth of July Celebration!

Did you know that what happened to the 56 brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

As we celebrate this July 4th please say a prayer for our nation and honor these "Patriots" who pledged for freedom and knew that "Freedom is Never Free" please see the note below:
 
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,
and tortured before they died.
 
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;
another had two sons captured.
 
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or
hardships of the Revolutionary War.
 
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor.
 
What kind of men were they?

If you want to know more, you can give me an email and as I journey across Florida; it will be my honor to share with you more about these patriots.

My next journey will be in Manatee County and I will drop in to see Dr. Dianna Greene and share with her the mission and goals of the 27 - 67 project.

Joseph

New Mission Statement

July 1, 2015

Starting today you notice the new mission statement on the header of the blog. Thanks to all the input from everyone we have moved another step forward.


The mission of the 27 Amendments and 67 Counties project is to promote understanding of the United States' Constitution, physical fitness, and quality education.

The 27 Amendments and 67 Counties project will involve citizens in the 67 counties to achieve three  objectives: first, to provide each 5^th grade public school student with a  personal copy of the U.S. Constitution so that they will know it.  Second, to encourage students to become physically fit as a sound body and sound mind enables one to use both effectively. Third, support educators in providing students with a sound knowledge of American History.  To accomplish the first and third objectives, the proponents  will run six miles and cycle for 21 miles in each of Florida’s 67 counties to raise funds for each local district to purchase the Constitution booklets for each 5^th grade student. To accomplish the second objective, students will be asked to dedicate fifteen minutes of each day to a physical activity.

 

My next journey across Florida will be in Manatee County. Please continue to follow the blog and share with others as well.

 

Joseph