Outdoor and Recreation News and Events
Article published on Thursday, April 12, 2007 |
Area YMCA branches to celebrate Healthy Kids Day
CLEARWATER – The YMCA of the Suncoast will join YMCAs throughout the nation in celebration of Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 14. The event will encourage kids and families to participate in wellness activities. Branch locations hosting Healthy Kids Day include the following: Clearwater – Clearwater branch, 1005 S. Highland Ave.; High Point branch, 5345 Laurel Place; Largo – Greater Ridgecrest branch, 1801 119th St. N.; Palm Harbor – Greater Palm Harbor branch, 1600 16th St.; North Pinellas branch, 4550 Village Center Drive. Call 467-9622 or visit www.ymcasuncoast.org.
Christian Center to host Family Field Day
CLEARWATER – The King of the Court Family Field Day will be on Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Countryside Christian Center, 1850 McMullen Booth Road. The event will feature three-point, free-throw and dunk contests judged by former professional basketball player and 10-year NBA veteran Matt Geiger. Also included will be a volleyball tournament with double elimination, a pie eating contest, sack races and face painting. There will be cash prizes and trophies. Food and concessions will be available. Church congregations are invited to participate in the volleyball tournament. Proceeds will help fund a missions trip to Honduras. For information, entry fees and sponsorship forms, call 799-1618 or visit www.countrysidechristiancenter.org.
Bike riding women sponsor Hospice benefit
CLEARWATER – Bay Area Chrome Divas, a local group of women linked by their love of riding motorcycles, will host the “In Memory Of Run” on Saturday, April 14. Proceeds raised by this poker run will benefit The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. The Bay Area Chrome Divas will kick off the event at Dave’s Aqua Lounge at 10820 Gandy Blvd. N., 10 a.m. The first bike will leave by 11 a.m., with the last one leaving at noon. Riders will travel to four other locations as well. The cost to riders will be $10, $5 a passenger. There will be prizes, drawings, and a good time for all who participate. Call Victoria Patica at 485-4075.
Adult science fair set for April 14
LARGO – Do you have a myth you want to bust? Does music affect plant growth? Get involved to help solve unanswered mysteries. Prove your theories, create, learn, grow and win at the city of Largo’s Adult Science Fair. The event is Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Southwest Recreation Complex. There is a $10 per entry fee. Call Lance at 518-3021 for rules and criteria.
Big Brothers Big Sisters host Baseball Bash
CLEARWATER – Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Leadership Pinellas Class of 2007 are hosting “Big for a Day” Baseball Bash on Sunday, April. 15, at Bright House Networks Field. The event provides people the opportunity to experience being a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple to a child for one day. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., “Big for a Day” volunteers will be paired up one-to-one with children who are currently on the waiting list. Call 518-8860.
Register now for summer bowling camp
LARGO – The city will have a bowling camp at Twedt’s Lanes. Bowlers will learn the basics of the game, including scoring, pin placement and strategies to become a better player. Balls and shoes will be provided. The camp will be offered during the summer months on July 2 to 6, Aug. 6 to 10 at Twedt’s Lanes at 13100 Seminole Blvd. The camp is open to ages 7 to 14 and will go from 9 to 11 a.m. Call 587-6740, ext. 5016.
Summer camp taking registrations
LARGO – The city’s Recreation, Parks and Arts Department is offering a camp to focus on wellness, physical activity, sports and nutrition. The Physicians of Fun camp is open to youths completing grades 5 to 8. Camp begins May 21 and runs through Aug. 17. A recreation card is required to enroll in camp. Registration continues until all camps are filled. Sign up for one week or for the entire summer. Call 518-3125 or 518-3016.
Soccer registration under way
SEMINOLE – Registration is under way for the SYAA spring soccer season. Minimum age is 10. The teams are coed and coached by parent volunteers. No soccer experience is necessary. Games are played Thursday nights and Saturday mornings on the football field. The season begins April 12 and ends May 12 with the league tournament. An end of the season pizza party will be held on Sunday, May 13. Registration is $50. Registration forms are available at www.syaa-soccer.com. Call 687-2201 or 560-3139.
Rec center hosts grand reopening
LARGO – The city will have the reopening of the Highland Family Aquatic Center and its newest addition, a three-story speed slide. Bring the family and enjoy the many features and slides. There will be free hot dogs. Splashes snack bar will be open. The opening will be Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 15, noon to 4 p.m. The costs are $10 for residents, $15 for nonresidents and $20 for groups up to 12 people. Call 518-3019.
Registration coming for Every Child a Swimmer
SEMINOLE – Water safety and beginner’s swimming classes, starting Monday, April 16, will be held Monday through Thursday for three weeks at the Seminole Rec Center. Classes are at either 5 or 5:30 p.m. Registration will be Wednesday, April 11, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Ages 5 to 11 are eligible.
Harvey’s 5K slated April 13
ST. PETERSBURG – Registration for the annual Harvey’s 5K Festival Run is currently under way. The race is Friday, April 13, along downtown St. Petersburg’s waterfront with the 1-mile family fun run beginning at 6 p.m. and the 5K at 6:30 from North Straub Park. Go to www.festivalofstates.com or call 321-9888.
Kingfish tourney set
CLEARWATER – The Rotary Club of Clearwater is having its 15th annual Kingfish Tournament on Saturday, April 14, at Coachman Park. There is a mandatory Captain’s meeting at 7 p.m. with a social and silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 13, at the park. All of the net proceeds will benefit many charities. Call Dr. Staci Price at 585 8644 or visit www.clearwaterrotary.org.
Registration begins for Seminole Stampede
SEMINOLE – Registration has begun for the 14th Annual Seminole Stampede Saturday, April 14, at Walsingham Park. The event features a 10k and 5k distance runs, and a 1-mile fun run. Registration fees before Friday, March 30 are $20 for the 10k and 5k, and $10 for the 1-mile run. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in the various age divisions. There also will be a pre-race party on Friday, April 13. Race chairman Harold “Doc” Kinsey is looking for volunteers and sponsors, as well as participants. Call 392-3245.
Carlouel to host fishing tourney
CLEARWATER BEACH – SunTrust Bank will present the Clearwater Flats Fishing Classic on Friday, April 20, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Carlouel Yacht Club. Carlouel Yacht Club is at 1091 Eldorado Ave. Call 461-9622 or e-mail ymcafishing@suncoastymca.org.
Hospital to sponsor tennis tournament
CLEARWATER – The inaugural Morton Plant Mease Stroke for Stroke tennis tournament will feature men’s and women’s competitive doubles and mixed doubles team tennis event. The tournament will be Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22, at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex at 1000 Edenville Ave. Tennis players must be 18 years or older to participate. Call for entry fees. Preregistration is required for the tennis tournament and for the Mighty Munchkins Kids Night. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 13. For registration questions, call 418-8074 or 543-7785.
Outreach football clinic set for April 21
LARGO – The city will hold its sixth annual Outreach Football Clinic at the Ridgecrest YMCA on Saturday, April 21, 4 to 8 p.m. Registration for the free event is from 3 to 4 p.m. at the YMCA football field. All participants will receive a T-shirt and free food. The clinic will feature area coaches and ex-professional players to conduct the drills and give testimonals for motivation. It will be a a comprehensive, instructional program for kids ages 7 and up. Position coaching for quarterbacks, running backs, linebackers, linemen and defensive backs will help participants improve their game. Call Tony Jones, Outreach Supervisor, at 587-6740 ext. 5008 or the Ridgecrest YMCA at 559-0500. The clinic is sponsored by the city of Largo and other Bay area businesses.
Parkinson’s benefit walk-a-thon set for April 21
SEMINOLE – The Tampa Bay Movers And Shakers, a Parkinson’s disease support group, plans its second annual Walk-A-Thon on April 21 at Bay Pines Veterans Memorial Park, 5600 Bay Pines Blvd. There will be a 1-mile walk, 5K run, a barbecue, raffle, prizes and live music. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The 5K race gets under way at 10 a.m. and the 1-mile walk at 10:30 a.m. A $25 donation includes T-shirt, run/walk and BBQ. Sponsorship levels are available upon request.Proceeds will go to Parkinson’s disease research. For more information e-mail pdwalk@hotmail.com or www.tampabaymoversandshakers.org or call 397-2024. Tampa Bay Movers And Shakers is affiliated with the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc.
Pinellas Village golf tourney tees off April 23
CLEARWATER – The inaugural Pinellas Village benefit golf tournament is set for April 23 at Feather Sound Country Club. Play begins with a noon shotgun start. Various sponsorships are available. For information, call 399-2500, ext. 2.
Family fishing event coming April 28
LARGO – Pinellas County Parks and Recreation Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Kiwanis Club of Seminole Breakfast, and Sweetbay Supermarket of Seminole will bring children and families together to enjoy a healthy activity in a natural setting at the Family Fun Fishing Day. The free event will be Saturday, April 28, 8 to 11 a.m., at Taylor Park, 1100 Eighth Ave. S.W. Call 464-3347.
Todd A. Hilkert Memorial Golf Tournament set for April 28
LARGO – The Todd A. Hilkert Memorial Golf Tournament will be Saturday, April 28, 8 a.m. The tournament will be at East Bay Golf Club, 702 Country Club Drive. The cost is $85 a golfer. All golf lovers are invited to come out for a fun day of golf, followed by a luncheon and awards ceremony. Call 481-8710 or 789-2737.
Benefit golf event coming to Feather Sound
CLEARWATER – A golf tournament that will benefit the American Brain Tumor Association is set for Monday, April 30, at Feather Sound Country Club. The inaugural Davis Ferguson Memorial Golf Tournament is a scramble event that tees off at 12:30 p.m. The tournament is named after a 10-year-old boy who died from a brain tumor last year. His mother, Danna Daly-Ferguson, is formerly of Seminole. Entry fee in the tournament is $150 a person. Sponsorships are also available for $1,500, $750 and $500. Call 813-598-0364.
Teams to brawl for charity
ODESSA – The Clearwater Jr. Tornadoes and Countryside Jr. Cougar football teams will have “The Backyard Brawl,” a charity golf event benefiting the teams’ programs. The money raised will be used to provide scholarships for underprivileged children and to upgrade equipment for both organizations. It will be held at The Eagles Golf Club on Saturday, June 2, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost is $75 a player or $300 a team and includes golf, three drink tickets, and a bar-b-cue dinner after the tournament in the Eagles clubhouse. Eagles Golf Club is at 16101 Nine Eagles Drive. The teams need sponsors. The deadline is May 9. Call David Collins at 492-7858 or Mike Carrol at 331-9977.
Triathlon registration open
CLEARWATER – Registration is under way for the 2007 Morton Plant Mease Triathlon. The race is July 15 at 7 a.m. at Sand Key Park at 1060 Gulf Blvd. The race features a 1/3-mile open water swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 13-mile bike ride over the Sand Key, Belleair Causeway and Memorial Causeway Bridges and a 3.1-mile run. Athletes may register via the Internet by going to www.mpmtriathlon.com or www.active.com.
Largo offers urban walking book
LARGO – The Largo Community Center's walking program allows patrons to walk the auditorium at 65 Fourth St. N.W. to prepare themselves for outdoor walks on Largo’s Urban Walking Trails, or any of the 27 trails presented in a new book entitled “Guide to the Urban Walking Trails of Largo.” Copies of this book are available for $10. Call for details on classes at 518-3131.
Ongoing announcements and events
Permit needed by boaters
PINELLAS COUNTY - An important reminder for boaters: The State of Florida law requires that anyone born after Sept. 30, 1980, must obtain a Boating Safety Education I.D. card (an operating permit), issued before piloting any boat with an engine of 10 horsepower or greater.
Boating classes to get under way
MADEIRA BEACH – Boating Safety classes are offered by Flotilla 73 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Classes are at 299 Boca Ciega Drive. Call Al MacMillan at 585-9268 or 391-5185.
Boat Smart program
CLEARWATER – A Boat Smart program for power boaters and sailors to learn basic boating skills and seamanship is offered by Clearwater Sail & Power Squadron every Monday and Wednesday at the squadron building, 1000 Cleveland St. Course material is $40 and additional students in the same family pay only $20 for an extra homework packet. To register, call 441-8775 or visit www.clearwaterpowersquadron.com.
USCG Auxiliary teaches boater safety
ST. PETERSBURG – Several Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs will be offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The program satisfies the state boater safety education requirements. The course is taught at 1300 Beach Drive S.E. Call 823-3753.
SPSPS to offer boating classes
ST. PETERSBURG – The St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron offers Boat Smart Courses. The Sailing Center is at 250 Second Ave. S. Call at 867-3088 or visit www.boating-stpete.org.
Sailing group meets on Wednesdays
GULFPORT – Sea Scout Ship is a coed Venture Scout organization for teens that builds self-confident young leaders who understand the importance of team work on the water and in everyday life. The group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at Boca Ciega Yacht Club and is for parents and teenagers age 14 and up of area families from St. Pete Beach, South Pasadena, Gulfport and St. Petersburg. The teens learn how to fix, and race boats and participate in difficult water-related games. The yacht club is the sponsor of Ship No. 915 and they make available their fleet of youth sailing boats with leadership and supervision. The club is at 4600 Tifton Ave. Call Tony Angel at 459-7900.
Water Walkers meeting Mondays and Fridays
MADEIRA BEACH – Water Walkers, a group of adults and seniors, will meet Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m., at Archibald Park to walk the beach for about 45 minutes. Call Mandy Edmunds at 392-0665 or e-mail aedmunds@ci.madeira-beach.fl.us.
Flex and strength class offered
LARGO – The city will offer a chance for patrons to enjoy the relaxing sounds of the water sprays while learning techniques that allow flexibility, strength, relaxation, and stress reduction in an outdoor environment. The classes will meet Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11 at the Highland Family Aquatic Center. Call 518-3019.
Seminole Rec offers Show and Go Tennis clinics
SEMINOLE – Show and Go Tennis with Scott Hagenbuch will be sponsored by Seminole Recreation at the Seminole Tennis Club Park on Mondays. The USTA Florida-affiliated clinics are available for ages 7 and up. The beginners session will run from 5 to 6 p.m., and the intermediate session from 6 to 7 p.m.
This walk-up tennis program will introduce the basic tennis strokes and rules of play, while the intermediate session will cover stroke analysis with corrective techniques for development of consistency. There is a $10 fee for each clinic, payable at the tennis courts, and a Seminole Recreation Card is needed to participate. The park is at 7283 113th St. N. Call 391-8345.
Water workout classes offered
PINELLAS COUNTY – Aqua Slim water workout classes are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m., at the Long Center, 1502 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater; and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15 a.m., at Bonsai Health and Fitness Center, 400 Lake Ave. N.W., Largo. Also offered are fibromyalgia and arthritis classes on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m., and Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., at Bonsai Health and Fitness Center. These exercises can improve joint flexibility, offer range of motion and strengthening exercises while providing a fun, social opportunity for men and women of all ages. Swimming is not required. Call Mickey Nault at 442-0618.
Zumba and Pilates classes at Treasure Island
TREASURE ISLAND – The Treasure Island Recreation Department offers day and evening Zumba, Pilates and Sculpting classes at the City Hall Auditorium, 120 108th Ave., and Treasure Island Community Center, Gulf Boulevard at 106th Avenue. Call the department at 547-4575, ext. 237, or visit www.mytreasureisland.org for class times, fees and locations.
Treasure Island Recreation offers dance lessons
TREASURE ISLAND – The Recreation Department will offer ballroom dance instruction and dances Mondays, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Community Center. Smooth and Latin ballroom dances will be offered. The fee is $5 a week. The community Center is at Gulf Boulevard at 106th Avenue. Call John Tebo, instructor, Dance Time Productions, at 410-0251.
Ballet with Olga offered at Treasure Island
TREASURE ISLAND – The Treasure Island Recreation Department is offering modern ballet classes on Mondays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for children and from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. for adults at the Treasure Island City Hall Auditorium, 120 108th Ave. The fee is $9 a class or $30 a month. Call instructor Olga Nikiforova at 415-2737.
Lawn Bowls Club meets at 9 a.m.
CLEARWATER – The Clearwater Lawn Bowls Club meets Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., at 1040 Calumet St. Call 442-5329.
Get moving with Zumba
CLEARWATER BEACH – Clearwater Parks and Recreation will offer Zumba fitness classes at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Zumba for Seniors on Fridays 10 to 11 a.m. Zumba is a high-energy cardio-dance class designed to be fun and easy on the body. Participants work out to a combination of Latin rhythms including meringue, salsa, calypso, samba and tango. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. The cost is $3.75 with a play pass, $5 with a Clearwater recreation card and $6.25 without. The recreation center is at 69 Bay Esplanade. Call 462-6138.
Stretch on the beach
ST. PETE BEACH – The city of St. Pete Beach Recreation Department’s Stretching on the Beach program meets Tuesdays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., at Upham Beach.
The department may add a Thursday class if there is enough interest. The class entails enhancing flexibility, toning the body and stretching to appropriate music. Participants enjoy a beautiful view and wonderful breezes. All ages and genders are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel. Cost is $2 a person. Mary-Jo Golliner instructs the class. Call 363-2146 or 224-4190.
Jazzercise classes offered
BELLEAIR – Jazzercise dance-fitness classes will be on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and on Thursdays and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., at Dimmitt Community Center. Laura Price, instructor, has moved her classes to the center. All area residents are welcome. The center is on Ponce de Leon Boulevard behind Belleair Town Hall. Call Price at 785-7408 or visit www.getfitfl.com.
Learn Choi Kwang Do at Dimmitt Community Center
BELLEAIR – Choi Kwang Do is a noncompetitive martial arts program that focuses on practical self-defense, personal development, health, fitness and safety. Choi Kwang Do is fun, easy to learn and retains the values practiced in martial arts such as self-confidence, respect, humility and honesty. Choi Kwang Do classes will be offered Wednesdays through Saturdays at the new Dimmitt Community Center. Evening youth classes will be at 6 followed by adults classes at 7. Saturday morning youth classes will be at 10 followed by adult classes at 11. Youth classes are for ages 7-13 and adult classes are for 14 and older. Call the Belleair Recreation Department at 588-3769.
North Beaches YMCA to offer armchair exercises
INDIAN SHORES – The North Beaches YMCA will offer armchair exercise classes at Indian Shores Town Hall. The seated exercise class will be a combination of breathing, stretching, light weight training and aerobic work. The focus will be on improving strength, flexibility, range of motion and cardiovascular fitness. Music from the 1940s and 1950s will help to keep the class fun. The town hall is at 19305 Gulf Blvd. Call 595-5610.
YMCA offers pilates, yoga
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – The North Beaches YMCA is offering pilates and yoga to help those who’ve set goals to get in shape. Classes are in the mornings and evenings at Calvary Episcopal Church and Church of the Isles in Indian Rocks Beach, and at Indian Shores Town Hall. In addition to exercise punch cards, the YMCA offers memberships that allow participation in all of local classes, as well as access to both Bardmoor and Clearwater fitness facilities. Mom and Tot Yoga with Marzana Bard is offered on Friday mornings. For complete details on the YMCA programs, and to receive two guest passes and a free T-shirt, call 595-5610 or stop at the YMCA office, 500 Second St.
Fun classes to teach about nature
LARGO – Outdoor Explorers, hands-on nature activities, will be offered the second Saturday of each month, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the George C. McGough Nature Park. The program, sponsored by Largo Recreation Parks & Arts Department, is designed for children in grades first to fifth. The cost is $3 with a resident recreation card; $3.75 with a nonresident card and $6.75 without a card. The park is at 11901 146th St. N. Call 518-3047.
Walking Club counts the miles
ST. PETE BEACH – The Walking Club meets on Fridays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the St. Pete Beach Recreation Center. The group takes scenic walks around the county and has brunches. Meet new friends and walk together for the best of health. All ages and genders are welcome. The number of miles walked will be recorded, and at the end of the walking club season awards will be given to everyone. The cost is $4 a month. Transportation is provided by the Recreation Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive. Call Mary-Jo at 363-2146 or 224-4190.
Weedon Island Preserve plans guided hikes
ST. PETERSBURG – Weedon Island Preserve offers free guided hikes on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The volunteer-led guided hikes offer the general public a chance to examine the best of our cultural and environmental attributes. Call 453-6500, as pre-registration is required. The Center is located at 1800 Weedon Drive N.E.
Kayak tour highlights Clam Bayou Nature Park
GULFPORT – Kayak Nature Adventures offers 2-hour guided kayak tours Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7:15 a.m., from the kayak landing at Clam Bayou Nature Park. The nature park and estuary provides several environments – from the upland natural vegetation, marsh and mangrove forests, to the deeper waters of Boca Ciega Bay. These areas provide habitat and food to a variety of species such as fiddler crabs, clams, wading birds, small animals, dolphins and manatees. Some restoration projects for Clam Bayou have been completed in Gulfport and St. Petersburg and more are planned for the future. Reservations are required. Cost is $20 a person and does not include rental. Clam Bayou Nature Park is south of 29th Avenue South on Miriam Street. Call 418-9728 or visit www.kayaknature.com.
|
Article published on Thursday, April 12, 2007
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
