2016 Healthy Weight Community Champion award presentation set for March 8 

SARASOTA COUNTY — For the third consecutive year, Sarasota County has been recognized by the Florida Department of Health as a Healthy Weight Community Champion. Sarasota County was one of 80 communities throughout the state to achieve this distinction this year — an increase from the 65 communities recognized in 2015.

A formal presentation of the 2016 Healthy Weight Community Champion Award will be led by DOH-Sarasota Health Officer Chuck Henry along with leaders from the following Sarasota County departments: UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability; Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Public Utilities as well as Sarasota County Schools during the Sarasota County Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at
9 a.m. at the Robert L. Anderson County Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice.

"We are honored to be named a Healthiest Weight Community Champion," said County Administrator Tom Harmer. "This recognition illustrates our team's continuing efforts to educate the people of Sarasota County on healthy living."

A list of all the 80 Champion Communities and best practices is at HealthiestWeightFlorida.com/recognition.

Between August and December 2015, county and local governments were invited to submit best-practice policies they have implemented in their jurisdictions over the year. City and county governments submitted evidence-based policies to increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

The Community Champions program is part of Florida Department of Health's Healthiest Weight Florida initiative. Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida's children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living.

For information about DOH-Sarasota, go to www.sarasotahealth.org or call 941-861-2900.

 Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities.
View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA/Pages/default.aspx

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MEDIA NOTES:
DOH-Sarasota Media Contact:
Dianne Shipley, 941-861-2852; cell 941-302-1058;
DOHSarasotaNews@FLHealth.gov
Website: http://www.sarasotahealth.org/

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