Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/87353
Sarasota News Leader October 12, 2012 The consortium, which was pushed for (http://sarasotanewsleader.com/florida-as- sociation-of-counties-oil-spill-bp) "softly" by the Florida Association of Counties during a commission meeting last month, will come up with protocols for which projects should be prioritized and how distribution will work. The group also "offers itself as a resource to the individual members," Wreford said, "and that's more of an available resource, not man- datory." "It seems obvious that we need to be a part of this," said Commissioner Nora Patterson, who has served as a point person on the project. She attended a September Florida Association of Counties workshop on the RESTORE Act. Supporters of the Obama/Biden pres- idential ticket are expected to turn out in the thousands for a rally and walk across Sarasota's John Ringling Bridge on Saturday, Oct. 20, organizers say. A coalition of support groups is organizing the walk. During a similar event created in 2008 by Janet Guttridge and Women for Obama, only 2,000 supporters were anticipated, but an estimat- ed 8,000 to 10,000 people showed up, a news release says. "People kept saying, 'You have to do another Bridge Walk!' We decided just to move ahead and make it happen," says the news release issued by 2012 Bridge Walk co-chairwomen Joy Sica Naylor and Marilyn Harwell. All Obama/Biden supporters are welcome, in- cluding families and well-behaved dogs, the news release says. Page 46 Commissioner Jon Thaxton agreed, joking, "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." The commission unanimously approved the motion to join the consortium, and Commis- sioner Carolyn Mason nominated Patterson to serve as the county's delegate to the group, with Wreford named as a staff alternate. That motion also carried unanimously. "I'm obviously honored that the board has that faith in me," Patterson said, adding that a Tal- lahassee consortium meeting is already on the calendar. OBAMA BRIDGE WALK PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, OCT. 20 Attendees should gather at the intersection of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) and Ringling Bou- levard on the Sarasota bayfront no later than noon, organizers say, adding, "Dress appropri- ately and bring only positive signs and water." Carpooling, walking and riding bikes are rec- ommended to reach the site because parking will be at a premium. A bayfront rally will be held at noon, prior to the Ringling Bridge Walk, which will begin at 1 p.m. A car caravan has been arranged for those who find the walk too challenging, the release adds. For more information visit the group's Face- book page, The-Ringling-Bridgewalk-for- Obama-2012, or email gab2long@gmail.com or jdv.devries8@gmail.com.