Brooksville's inaugural "Walk With The Mayor" is Saturday in Tom Varn Park

BROOKSVILLE — Brooksville Mayor Joe Bernardini has some good news for the folks planning to join him at Saturday's "Walk With The Mayor" event. He thinks he can make it the entire distance.

Earlier this week, there was some question whether the 57-year-old Bernardini, who recently suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee, could cover the 1.5-mile stroll through Tom Varn Park. To satisfy his curiosity, he gave it a go this week.

"I'll make it," Bernardini said, with a chuckle. "But I'm going to be slow compared to most folks."

Speed was never the point anyway for Bernardini's inaugural "Walk With The Mayor." Rather, the event is being held in support of cancer awareness, a subject that Bernardini says has deeply affected his life. Both of his parents died of cancer.

"I figured that if I'm going to do a walk it might as well be for a good cause," said Bernardini. "It needed to be something that our citizens would be happy to support."

So at 8 a.m. Saturday, Bernardini and several other city figures will lead participants down the tree-covered trail at Tom Varn Park. After the walk, people are invited to activities that include live entertainment and a raffle, plus an appearance by noted "strong woman" and cancer survivor Mary Jacobson of New York, who will attempt to pull a Brooksville Fire Department pumper truck.

Bernardini said city workers approached him about the idea of leading a walk in September. He said he would love to do it as long as the event did not require a financial commitment from the city.

Bernardini turned to city recreation specialist Tina Nichols for help in coordinating the event. Others on the committee included county employees Courtney Pearson, Karen Gidden, city manager assistant Jeannie Griffin-Moore, Robin Schneider, marketing director for Brooksville Regional Hospital, and Jean Harberts of the Hernando Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Together, the group accumulated an impressive collection of prizes that are to be given away after the walk. Among the prizes are free mammograms, donated by Summit Imaging and Advanced Imaging Concepts; a free skin cancer exam, courtesy of Dr. Oliver Reed; gift certificates from Papa Joe's, Coney Island Hot Dogs, Roosters Restaurant and others.

Bernardini said he was thankful that so many businesses showed their generosity and support for the walk, which he hopes will remain an annual event long after he leaves office.

"We need more events that bring our community together," Bernardini said.

The event, which will go on rain or shine, is free. Participants are encouraged to wear pink in commemoration of breast cancer awareness. The first 100 walkers will receive a free event T-shirt. For information, call (352) 540-3835.

Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or 848-1435.