Preparing to Be in Tallahassee

Florida 4-H held two virtual sessions to learn more about the event and how to prepare. 

1. Q+A Session

   • You can access at Recording - Ask 4-H About Day at the Capitol (ufl.zoom.us).

   • This goes through the basics of the event and helps answer questions related to registration, travel, schedule, meeting with your legislators, and other event logistics. Our goal is to give you as much information as possible to make you comfortable with registering.  

2. Prep Session

   • You can access at Recording - FL 4-H Day at the Capitol Prep Session (ufl.zoom.us).

   • This goes through the event's schedule, connecting with your legislators, telling your 4-H story, and 4-H advocacy opportunities.

Talk with your county 4-H professional to decide the best option for you and your delegation. You may be close enough to simply drive there and back home in the same day. 

For our delegations that are further away, there are options to ride a bus or stay in Tallahassee the night before.

PARKING 

• For those driving their own vehicles to Tallahassee, there is metered parking located on many streets surrounding the Capitol.

• Low cost parking is available in the Kleman Plaza Parking Garage.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

• Charter Bus Service will be arranged by the State 4-H Office for $10 per person in addition to the registration fee. 

• Both youth and adult participants need to pay the additional $10 to reserve a bus seat.

• This is a non-refundable fee unless bus route changes and prevents attendance or a bus seat is not given due to demand. In these cases, a refund will be issued to the county.

• Seating on the busses is limited.  

• Priority will be given to those individuals who are further than 3 hours away from Tallahassee and based on event registration dates.  

• Bus stops will be based on demand and structured around sticking to interstates.

• Youth members may not ride the bus alone.  They must travel with an adult in charge of them.  

• Bus assignments will be made within the weeks leading up to the event and e-mailed to members requesting a seat on the bus.  

• Please be aware this is a request and not a guarantee of availability.

• For those that utilize the 4-H Camp Cloverleaf bus stop, we will open camp between 7:00-9:00PM. No meals will be served and everyone will stay in the Auditorium/Dining Hall. Adult supervision will be provided. 

OPTIONAL LODGING

• This is not intended for those riding a bus.

• All payment, reservations, and supervision will be the responsibility of the county or individuals traveling to this event. 

• Hotel rooms are not included in the cost to attend this event.

• Book Online at https://group.hamptoninn.com/4elux1

  • Deadline to book is Sunday Jan 21

  • Rate: $169/night

  • Parking is $15 per vehicle

  • You can cancel up to 48hrs in advance (Feb 3) at no charge

• Address:

  • Hampton Inn and Suites
    824 Railroad Avenue
    Tallahassee, FL 32310

• Contact: Leandra Williams, 850-222-0039

Check your inbox for an email titled "See You in Green on Tuesday for Florida 4-H Day at the Capitol!" for the spreadsheet that has which bus you are assigned to.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR BUSES

• All youth must ride with an adult who is responsible for them.  No adult, no Ride.

• The departure time is listed on the Excel sheet.  Bus will depart promptly at the designated time.  Members should arrive early.  The bus will not wait.

• Buses have Wi-Fi, plugs, a restroom, and can play a video.  Quiet time is before and after sunrise/sunset. 

• Beverages with lids are welcome, snacks are welcome.  All trash must be cleaned up before you depart bus.

• Members may bring pillow and blankets to sleep on bus.

• Driver’s tip is already included so you do not have to worry about that.

• Each bus will have a bus captain.  They are in charge on the bus. 

INFORMATION FOR SPECIFIC BUSES

1. BUS #1

   • Bring Money for Breakfast at Busy Bee in Live Oak

   • ALL Items must be stored underneath when you exit the bus at the Capitol

     • This bus will be one of the buses used for the FAMU tour

     • Not responsible for items left on the bus for the FAMU tour

2. BUS #2

   • Bring Money for breakfast at Burger King

   • All times are central time on Excel Sheet

3. BUS #3

   • Bring Money for Breakfast (Busy Bee in Live Oak) and dinner (Busy Bee in Live Oak)

   • Camp Cloverleaf stop – members can be dropped off between 8pm and 10pm on Monday, February 5.

     • Eat before you arrive, no food will be available at Camp

     • Members will be able to relax in the Dining Hall while they wait

     • Please confirm with Courtney and Bill Tillet who will arrive early at Camp Cloverleaf.  We must hear back from you by Monday at 5pm. 

4. BUS #4

   • Bring money for Breakfast (Wendy’s) and Dinner (McDonald’s)

While there is a lot to learn while you're in Tallahassee, you can also take time before you arrive to study a few things that will help you understand how Florida government works. These include:

• Identifying your Representative, Senator, your Florida House District, and your Florida Senate District. You can find out more on how to do this on this site's Connecting with Your Legislators page.

• Researching our Governor and their Cabinet that consists of Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture, Attorney General, and Chief Financial Officer.

• Reviewing how a bill becomes Florida Law. Check out this site's Trivia Challenge page to learn more about this!

• The Florida Historic Capitol Museum also provides a lot of great educational resources. You can check those out by clicking on the following link, Florida Historic Capitol - Education.

All 4-H members, families, and friends represent Florida 4-H at all times during this event. We want all of our participants to maintain a professional appearance.

POLO ATTIRE

• Everyone registered for the event will receive a green 4-H polo. You will receive this polo from your delegation leader after they check-in at the Capitol courtyard.

• The day of the event, we ask that everyone wear the green polo with black or khaki pants/skirts. Consider wearing comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for most of the day.

CHECK THE WEATHER

• Make sure you also check the weather to make sure you have an umbrella or warm outerwear if you need it.

DON'T LET YOUR ELECTRONICS DIE

• There are plentiful amounts of picture opportunities along with the scavenger hunt to where you will want to ensure that your devices make it through the whole day. Consider packing a portable charger for your phone/camera.

FOOD

• Your registration covers lunch (vegetarian and gluten free options are available).

• You may pack additional snacks/drinks for the day.

• Vending machines are available in the lower level of the Capitol. 

• A snack bar is located on the 10th floor.

SECURITY

• When you enter buildings, there will be metal detectors. Make sure to plan for this when scheduling out your meetings. Give yourself time to get through security and up the stairs or elevator.

• DO NOT joke about security issues.

• Pocket knives, firearms, box cutters, or anything that is or might be considered a weapon will be confiscated.