With Leon High School and Chiles now open to the public, we can proudly declare victory.

This has been a long campaign, and while I initiated the effort to ensure these facilities are open as the law intends, it has become a true team effort. Along the way, I gained allies, friends, and co-champions who turned this into a shared mission.

Champions & Board Members
Lt. Commander Stan Linton – Champion, avid runner, and DAWG.
Bobby Nahoom – Champion, realtor, and fellow DAWG.
Judy Alexander – Board member, passionate runner, and all-around amazing.
Anonymous board members – You know who you are. Your quiet strength was vital.

Leon County Schools Leaders
Chairwoman Laurie Cox – A runner who even met her husband on the track during off-hours. She never gave up and was instrumental in pushing our cause to the Superintendent and the LCS board.
Principal Joe Burgess – Who, on his own initiative, offered Chiles for community use.
Superintendent Rocky Hanna & Dr. Benny Bolden – Their jobs are not easy, but they ultimately did the right thing. Hopefully, they will continue to move toward broader access.

Petition Signers & Supporters
To everyone who signed—thank you. This is your win, too. But our fight isn’t finished. The board behind this petition has voted to launch the next effort: opening FSU and FAMU tracks to the public as they once were. It isn’t fair for Leon County Schools alone to bear the weight of providing public park space during off-hours. We’ll need your support again:  Reopen FSU and FAMU Track

Media & Political Allies
Preston Scott (iHeartRadio)
Brianna Shaw (WCTV)
Rep. Allison Tant – When she stepped in, momentum surged.
Closing Thanks

Finally, to the many others not named here but who played a role in this victory: you made a difference. This community effort proved what persistence and partnership can accomplish. Now, let’s keep going.