Outdoors Briefs and Events Calendar
Article published on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 |
Do the stingray shuffle
PINELLAS COUNTY – Swimmers are reminded to do the “stingray shuffle” when entering the water. Shuffling one’s feet creates a disturbance that causes stingrays to move away.
Leave turtle nests alone
GULF BEACHES – Residents and visitors are reminded that it is a federal offense to tamper with a sea turtle nest. Violators face stiff fines and possible imprisonment. To report a violation, call 1-800-DIAL-FMP.
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. The Safe Boating 2006 schedule includes: Tuesdays, July 11 through July 25 – five lessons; Saturday, Sept. 9, 8 a.m. – one lesson; Tuesdays, Oct. 10 through Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. – 13 lessons; Friday, Dec. 1, 8 a.m. – one lesson. Successful completion may increase boating pleasure and may qualify participants for a discount on boat insurance. Classes are at 299 Boca Ciega Drive. Call Al MacMillan at 585-9268 or 391-5185.
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.
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.
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.
Self-guided kayak, canoe tours at Weedon
ST. PETERSBURG - Self-guided kayak and canoe tours are available every Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Weedon Island Preserve on Riviera Bay. Paddle beautiful mangrove tunnels that lead through the tidal forests into private lagoons. The marked South Paddling Trail is easy to follow. Expect to see an amazing array of wildlife including great blue herons, great egrets, roseate spoonbills, yellow-crowned night herons, white ibis, osprey, and belted kingfishers. Watch the water for jumping mullet, stingrays, manatees, and Eastern bottlenose dolphin. Rental kayaks and canoes do not require paddling experience and are user friendly . Every weekend, kayaks and canoes are on site at the Preserve. To arrange a drop off during the week, call Sweetwater Kayaks at 570-4844. Fee: Single: $35 for up to 4 hours or $15 per hour. Double: $50 for up to 4 hours or $20 per hour.
Weedon offers kayaking for seniors on Fridays
ST. PETERSBURG - Join Sweetwater Kayaks for a program that introduces senior paddlers to the more gentle aspects of kayaking on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Roomy kayaks with large cockpit openings that are easy to get in and out of are provided. Taught by certified instructors, paddlers learn basic boat control and safety tips while on the sheltered waters of Riviera Bay in Weedon Island Preserve. Become empowered by being the captain of your own vessel and venture into the beautiful waterscape of Weedon Island Preserve. Call Sweetwater Kayaks at 570-4844 to reserve a class. Fee: $49.
Sweetwater Kayaks offers introduction to basics
ST. PETERSBURG - Sweetwater Kayaks offers introduction to kayak basics and safety on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the shallow waters of Riviera Bay in Weedon Island Preserve. Touring kayaks are provided to give paddlers an idea of what a sea kayak is like. Surprisingly stable, these seaworthy craft can take paddlers on rivers, lakes and open water. Boat control, self-rescue and rescuing fellow paddlers will be taught. The three hour class is kept small to enhance the learning experience. To reserve a class, call Sweetwater Kayaks at 570-4844. Fee: $69.
YMCA offers cool summer programs
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – The North Beaches Branch YMCA has the cure for summer doldrums. Beginning in June, the YMCA will offer ballroom dancing classes, with the first session teaching American jitterbug swing. Taught by Carol Baker, ballroom dancing classes will be at Church of the Isles in Indian Rocks Beach and at Town Hall at Indian Shores. YMCA swim classes, already in full swing, will continue through the summer months on Wednesday mornings and evenings and Saturday mornings. Also planned is Kiddie Kamp, two-week sessions for kids ages 6 months through 5 years. Kiddie Kamp will include field trips, arts and crafts, tumbling, story time and more. For complete details, call 595-5610, or stop at the YMCA office, 500 Second St.
Summer tennis camp starts in June
BELLEAIR – Summer tennis camps will be available in two sessions, sponsored by Belleair Recreation Center. The sessions for children ages 9 to 12 are weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Session I is June 12 to 16; Session II is July 17 to 21. The cost is $90 a session or $20 a day. To register, complete a form at the center, 901 Ponce de Leon Blvd. or call 588-3769, ext. 210.
Program prepares lifeguards
CLEARWATER BEACH – A Junior Lifeguard Program for ages 9 to 16, will be sponsored by the Clearwater Beach Patrol the weeks of June 12 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the main lifeguard tower on the beach. The Lifeguard Program is an annual course designed to educate young swimmers on first aid, ocean and beach safety, as well as lifesaving techniques. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge to become a lifeguard. Call 462-6963.
Program to dabble in wildlife exploration
LARGO – Dabbling Ducks to Wetland Mucks will be the topic of a day-long program for kids ages 9 to 12 on Friday, June 16, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Pinellas County Extension. Part of the Wildlife Program at Extension, it is cosponsored by St. Petersburg Audubon Society. The cost is $30 for Audubon members and $40 for nonmembers, which includes membership. Lunch and snacks are provided. To register, call 582-2673 by Monday, June 12. Extension is at 12520 Ulmerton Road.
Aquatic Center to host treasure hunt
LARGO – An Aquatic Treasure Hunt is planned for Saturday, June 24, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Highland Family Aquatic Center. Children ages 3 to 10 will hunt for hidden treasure during Splash’s Treasure Hunt. Treasure is hidden all over the pools; some float and some sink; and participants keep their found treasures. Special guest pirates will be there to entertain. The cost is $6 a family with a Largo resident rec card; $10 a family with a nonresident rec card and $15 a family without a rec card. This fee includes swimming. Lifeguards will be on duty. The center is at 400 N. Highland Ave. Call 518-3018.
Recreation Division to host Kids Triathlon
SEMINOLE – The Recreation Division will host the Second Annual Tri if you Dare Kids Triathlon on Sunday, June 25, at Holland G. Mangum Recreation Complex. Open to children ages 5 to 15 years, the event will be a run/bike/swim triathlon. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal and event T-shirt. A pool party will follow the race. Prior to June 18, registration is $20. Late registration is $30. Mandatory packet pickup for participants will be Saturday, June 24, 1 to 4 p.m., at the recreation complex. The complex is at 9100 113th St. N. Call Jim Sheets at 391-8345 or visit www.myseminole.com.
Triathlon planned at Sand Key Park
CLEARWATER – Morton Plant Mease Health Care will host a triathlon on Sunday, July 16, at Sand Key Park to benefit the Morton Plant Mease Foundation. The race will feature a 1/3-mile open water swim, 13-mile bike through Belleair and over the Sand Key and Memorial Causeway bridges and a flat and fast 3.1-mile run. Appearing at the triathlon will be Spencer Smith, three-time world champion and two-time Ironman champion. The $3,000 prize purse will be distributed to the top five elite male and female finishers. Awards will be distributed five deep in the following categories: 14 years and under; 15 to 19, 20 to upward in five-year increments to 85 years, 85 and above; Clydesdale, Athena, Novice, Skip Cline member and physically challenged. Relay teams also may participate. The event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Entry fee is $55 for individuals and $65 for relay teams. Call Philip LaHaye at 820-7791.
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Article published on Wednesday, June 14, 2006
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