FLEMING ISLAND – The first of three legs of Clay County’s fundraising drive to support and encourage its Special Olympic team will be on March 27 at 10 a.m. with the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The other two are Tip-A-Cop events at the Texas Roadhouse in Orange Park and Longhorn Steakhouse on Fleming Island. All three provide funds to send athletes to the Florida State Games at the Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World.

“Last year was 100% successful,” said event coordinator Clay County Sheriff’s Office's Lt. Zachary Cox. “I think we always want participation to be bigger than the year before, and it was, which is great.

“We always try to get the community involved. I think communication, social media and getting the word out there in the community and getting them involved made a difference.”

Cox said the goal this year is to surpass last year’s record collection of $38,837.67, beating the 2024 haul by $7,66.67. The money was raised at both Tip-A-Cops, the Torch Run and other donations.

This year’s run will start later than the past because G’s Slow Cooked Barbecue will be selling lunch to runners and followers at the finish line at the Plantation Sports Complex, Cox said.

The route will traverse through Fleming Island, leaving from the Publix Super Market at Hibernia Pavilion, and go 2.3 miles along the Black Creek Bike Trail on U.S. Highway 17, Village Square Parkway, Town Center Boulevard, Old Hard Road and into the Plantation Sports Complex.

Supporters should not park at Publix, Cox said. They should part at the sports complex at 9:30 a.m., and they will be shuttled to Publix for the start and be shuttled back to the complex to see the finish.

Anyone is invited to participate, Cox said, not just law enforcement. To join the run, participants must sign a waiver and purchase a $25 Torch Run T-shirt by calling Lt. Cox at (904) 445-0521 or scanning the QR code.