County recognized for commitment to healthy lifestyles

Historic City News has learned that St Johns County has been recognized as a 2014 “Healthy Weight Community Champion” by the Florida Surgeon General for making great progress in decreasing unhealthy weight through policies and best practices that increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

Florida Department of Health made the announcement earlier today to the jurisdictions being recognized.

“We were honored by the Surgeon General and thank him for recognizing the County’s fitness opportunities, recreational infrastructure, and policies that support an active lifestyle,” said Michael Wanchick, St Johns County Administrator. “Recognition criteria included the community’s access to hike and bike trails, sidewalks, parks, and recreational facilities.”

The Jacksonville Business Journal also named the St Johns County Board of County Commissioners as one of the Healthiest Employers in northeast Florida. The St Johns County School District was also recognized by the Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership, Florida Action for Healthy Kids, and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents as a Silver Level Florida Healthy School District.

“Many jurisdictions are making great progress in policy and environmental change,” a Florida Department of Health spokesman told Historic City News. “To celebrate these efforts, all local governments in Florida were invited to submit descriptions of their policies and programs for the 2014 recognition program.”

The policies and programs implemented by the municipalities and counties that were recognized affect approximately 9.4 million Floridians.