Clearwater Officials Plan to Take on the World without Sight

Mayor George Cretekos might create quite a scene Wednesday walking through town wearing a blindfold, but there’s a serious purpose behind the effort.

Cretekos and other local officials are taking part in the city’s observance of White Cane Safety Day.

Set for Wednesday, the annual event is a national observance meant to raise awareness about issues facing the blind. It’s also designed to remind motorists and others to keep an eye out for blind pedestrians walking with white canes.

Clearwater takes the observance to heart. That’s why the city is staging a White Cane Safety Day Walk starting at 10:30 a.m. at Crest Lake Park. Walkers plan to meet at 201 S. Glenwood Ave. and head east on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The walk with then cross Duncan Avenue and wrap up at the Department of Motor Vehicles office where members of the Council for the Blind intend to hand out literature.

Others who plan to join Cretekos on the walk include Deputy Police Chief Donald Hall and U.S. Rep. David Jolly. Legally blind students from local schools are also expected to attend.

Photo Credit: Mayor George Cretekos will trade riding in a car for walking with a blindfold on during White Cane Safety Day observances. Photo courtesy of the city of Clearwater.