TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness was established on Monday as Gov. Charlie Crist signed Executive Order 07-52.

Crist traveled to Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami to promote the council’s goals and to announce the launch of the Healthy Floridians Web site.

Crist was joined in Jacksonville and across the state by several professional athletes who will serve as members of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.

Crist toured the CSX Wellness Center, accompanied by former Olympian Shannon Miller.

In Tampa, he visited the George M. Steinbrenner Boys & Girls Club and was joined by Derrick Brooks, who will serve as chairman of the council.

In Miami, Crist visited the Hank Klein Boys & Girls Club with Jennifer Capriati. Rocco Baldelli, Ken Griffey Jr., Shaquille O’Neal and Corey Simon will also serve on the council.

“I am so grateful to the professional athletes who are becoming involved with this important council,” said Crist. “They are really setting an example for the people of Florida, especially the children we are encouraging to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.”

According to a release from the governor's press office, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness is expected to develop a state plan of action to increase Floridians’ level of physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutritional practices.

The goal is to reduce the number of Floridians who suffer from chronic diseases resulting from obesity within the next ten years.

The council will review the implementation of daily physical education courses for elementary school students and the feasibility of providing similar physical education courses for middle and high school students by the year 2012. Members will evaluate the nutritional value of school lunches, availability of certified physical education teachers and the possibility of school districts maintaining independent fitness advisory panels.

“Florida has the unique potential to become a national leader in health and physical fitness due to our beautiful climate and abundance of award-winning beaches, state parks, and greenways and trials,” said Crist. “By utilizing these natural resources and developing partnerships among government, business, community organizations, and private citizens, we can accomplish the goal of improved physical fitness and health for all Floridians.”