Outdoor and Recreation News and Events
Article published on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007 |
Walk-a-thon
CLEARWATER – Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home is hosting the Celebration of Life Walk-A-Thon to celebrate the life of Jerry Talatinian, a local resident who died in May from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The walk will raise money for the ALS Association Florida Chapter’s research and patient centered programs for those battling this life-threatening disease. The walk is set for Sunday, Aug. 5. Registration and donation begins at 8 a.m. and opening ceremonies will start at 9 a.m.
The walk kicks off at 9:40 a.m., with refreshments and entertainment immediately following. The 2.5 mile Walk-A-Thon will be held in Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park at 2853 Sunset Point Road. Individual participants are asked to contribute at least $25, and companies with several employees interested in walking to represent their company, are asked to donate at least $150 for their group. Children 12 and under are invited to participate for free. Call 796-1992.
SYAA meeting, elections
SEMINOLE – Seminole Youth Athletic Association plans a general membership meeting and elections Sunday, Aug. 5, 2 p.m., at the concession stand. Any family associated with football, soccer, or baseball is encouraged to attend. There are presently five board positions available for a two-year term. For more election information, call Steve Kemp at 391-8679. SYAA is strictly a volunteer organization that depends on donations from the community to maintain the facility. Persons interested in making a donation to SYAA should contact Bob DeKorte at 397-3928. SYAA is at 12100 90th Ave. N.
Fencing classes
LARGO – The city will offer a class teaching the art of fencing in a safe and fun atmosphere. Students will progress through levels of development in areas such as footwork, blade skills, attack and defense basics. Protective gear and equipment will be provided. Classes meet on Mondays, 7 to 9 p.m. at Southwest Complex and will start again from Aug. 6 to 27. The cost is $30 for residents and $37.50 for nonresidents. The complex is at 13120 Vonn Road.
Call 518-3125.
Basketball leagues
LARGO – Play in summer basketball leagues will continue through Sept. 22 on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon, at Pathways Community Church, 801 Seminole Blvd. Parents must register children in the gym before they can play. Both players and parents will be held to the highest standard of conduct. Cost is $10 for those without a Pathways jersey; free for those who have one. Call 397-4707.
Tidal wave
LARGO – The city’s Athletic and Aquatics divisions are teaming up to provide a weekly social night for teens and pre-teens, middle and high school students at the Highland Family Aquatic Center at 400 Highland Ave.
Every Tuesday through Aug. 14, between 7 to 9 p.m., youths can swim, dance, socialize, enjoy water volleyball or basketball or simply enjoy all the slides and sprays. The cost is $3 a person. Youths can enjoy their favorite tunes and participate in weekly giveaways and special drawings. There is also the 214 foot circular tower slide and a new speed slide, as well as other fun activities. Individuals must be a minimum of 48 inches tall to enjoy the fast thrill of the tower slide. Drinks and snacks are not allowed in the facility, but there are a few small food items available. Call 518-3019.
Highland pool discount pool
LARGO – The city’s aquatics division will help residents cool down at the Highland Family Aquatic Center. Discount swims are on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9, and Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. Costs are $10 for residents, $15 for nonresidents and $20 with no card. The fee covers up to 12 people with one recreation card. On certain evenings local businesses will be distributing free merchandise or certificates to attendees. The center is at 400 Highland Ave. Call 518-3018.
Soccer registration
CLEARWATER – Soccer registrations are being accepted at Skycrest Baptist Church. KidZone Soccer is part of Skycrest’s growing children’s recreation program. Kids, ages K-4 through sixth grade, are eligible to play in the league which includes coed teams for K-4 and K-5 youngsters and separate boys and girls leagues for first- through sixth-graders. The cost is $60 a player. The fee includes a soccer jersey, a pair of soccer socks and an end-of-the-season trophy. Shorts are optional and can be purchased for an additional $12. Final registration deadline is Sunday, Aug. 5. Practice will begin the third week of August and the first of eight games will begin on Saturday, Sept. 1. Players must attend evaluations in the church gym on Saturday, Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to noon. Skycrest is at 125 N. Belcher Road. Call 799-8467.
Softball players needed
ST. PETERSBURG – The Kids & Kubs 3/4 Century Softball Club is seeking players, men or women at least 74 years old, for tryouts. The regular season is November through March. The home field is North Shore Park, at Eighth Avenue. During the past season the club contributed more than $2,000 to charities. Call 893-7108.
Volkssport Club walk
SEMINOLE – The Suncoast Sandpipers Volkssport Club will host a walk with 5K and 10K options on Saturday, Aug. 4, beginning at HERS Exercise and Weight Loss, 12985 Park Blvd. The walk will go to Boca Ciega Millennium Park and back to HERS. Walkers can start any time between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Fee is $2 for adults; children under 12 are free. Participants will receive written directions, with water and candy available at checkpoints. Call Alice Lawrence at 595-2173 or e-mail pipers@tampabay.rr.com.
Weight lifting class
LARGO – The city’s recreation department has created a new adult and senior weight lifting class. The class is offered throughout August on Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. The four-week class is offered at Southwest Complex at 13120 Vonn Road by Amber Robinson, personal trainer. Attendees are asked to preregister by the Tuesdays before each class. Costs are $30 for residents and $37.50 for non-residents. Call 518-3126.
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 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.
Prep football starts soon
SEMINOLE – High school football teams begin practice Aug. 6. Jamboree games are Aug. 24, first regular games Aug. 31.
Santos soccer sign-ups
SEMINOLE – The Seminole Youth Athletic Association-Santos soccer program will be accepting registration for the 2007-08 season in August. Registration is Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the SYAA fieldhouse, 12100 90th Ave. N. Registration fees are: U6 - one time per family fee, $95 or $25 per player; U8 to U19, one time per family fee, $100 or $25 per player. New players will need to provide a birth certificate. Registration forms may be obtained at www.syaa-soccer.com.
Pinellas Fast Pitch Softball sign-ups
PINELLAS PARK – Pinellas Fast Pitch Softball will be holding registration for the 2007 Fall Ball season Saturdays, Aug. 4 through Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Pinellas Park youth fields, 4100 66th Ave. N. Registration fee is $60 a player with a $10 late fee after Aug. 25. Copy of birth certificate required. Fall Ball is instructional softball in a noncompetitive environment for girls ages 4 to 16. Players from throughout Pinellas County are eligible to participate. The 2007 Fall Ball season begins Monday, Sept. 10 and continues through November. For more information call 507-1509 or visit www.pinellasfastpitch.org.
Madeira Beach youth soccer sign-ups
MADEIRA BEACH – Madeira Beach Youth Soccer plans registration for children ages 5 to 12 at the Madeira Beach Recreation Center, 200 Rex Place. The cost is $70 for residents of Madeira Beach and $85 for nonresidents (includes shirts, shorts, and socks.) The registration dates will be Saturdays Aug. 18, 25 and Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to noon, as well as Aug. 22, 6 to 8 p.m. Coaches and sponsors are needed. Call Colin Shaw at 392-0665.
OYSA registration
SEMINOLE – The Osceola Youth Soccer Association plans its annual fall registration for players in August. Dates are Aug. 11, 18 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Aug. 23 and 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Osceola High School cafeteria. Cost is $100 for tots and $110 for U8 and older. For more information, visit www.oysasoccer.org or call 638-6706.
Windlass New Members Coffee
DUNEDIN – The Windlass New Members Coffee will take place on Thursday, Aug. 23, 9:30 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church. This first meeting of the year will offer a sign-up opportunity for new members. The Windlasses, a women’s sailing and racing club, only accept new members in August and September. New members must be able to swim and should know basic sailing techniques. Information on beginners local sailing classes will be available. All new members begin in the pram fleet, so boat ownership is not necessary. An orientation program will include pram rigging, racing rules and an understanding of the club. The club meets Thursdays during the school year for racing at the Dunedin Marina, monthly cruises and interclub races with other Florida West Coast women’s sailing clubs. Annual membership dues are $45 with an initiation fee of $40. The First Presbyterian Church is at 455 Scotland St. Call 449-8210.
Golf Classic benefit
BELLEAIR – The fifth annual United Veterans Golf Classic is set for Saturday, Sept. 15, 1 p.m., at Belleview Biltmore Golf Club. The event benefits the Bay Pines VA Voluntary Services Advisory Committee. Proceeds will be used to enhance the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System volunteer recognition and awards program. The entry fee is $80 a player and includes greens fee, gift bag and awards dinner. For further information, call Bob Cannon at 327-8716 or 398-6661, ext. 4766.
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.
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Article published on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007
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