Law enforcement officers from over 300 Florida agencies (police departments, sheriff’s offices, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs, Air Force Police and Marine Patrol) all participate in the state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. Each year, over 5,000 officers carry the torch on a 1500-mile relay through 66 counties in Florida.
Funds are generated through contributions from individuals and businesses along the way and through sales of the popular Torch Run T-shirts and caps.
This event is held each year prior to Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games. The intrastate torch relay will start at the end of March and culminate at the Opening Ceremonies on May 17, 2013. Officers from around the state join together to bring the Flame of Hope™ into the stadium.
Collier April 12
Starting at the courthouse at US41 and Airport rd. 8 am and then proceeds 7.1 miles with stops at NPD then ending at Neapolitan rd. and US 41
Contact: Sue Gentry or Mark Milligan
Charlotte April 17
Starts at 9 am at the Publix located at US41 and Airport Rd travels 10 miles north with stops at the Charlotte Harbor Center (school) then north to Publix on Cochran
Contact: Mark Schaible
Hendry April 19
Run will start at the American Legion on HWY80 in Labelle and travel east to the Sheriff’s Office parking lot. We will start at approx. 1530 hrs.
Contact: Bruce Slade
Lee April 19
Starting at 8am at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office on 6 mile cypress rd. then north on US 41 for 10 miles ending at Hancock Bridge Parkway and US 41.
Contact: Jill Jones