THOMAS SKATES FOR OTHER SKATERS; PUNTA GORDA RESIDENT WILL SKATE TO THE EAST COAST AS A FUND-RAISER FOR AN AREA SKATEPARK.(LOCAL/STATE)

Byline: Deborah Orazi STAFF WRITER

Skating the streets of Punta Gorda every morning at 5, when it's still dark, not only takes nerve, but good protective padding, according to Ron Thomas.

"The worst things I've run into are those reflectors in the road to identify fire hydrants," he said. "Drivers in cars can see them because of their headlights, but I can't on skates. Dogs haven't been a problem. Most are scared of the noise from the skates and run the other way. Sand is scary, too."

So why is Thomas, a respected member of the community and communications director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, skating in the wee hours?

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