Outdoor and Recreation News and Events
Article published on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 |
Time to 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. If a sting does occur, soak in hot soapy water and seek immediate medical attention.
Boat smart class TREASURE ISLAND – The Boca Ciega Sail & Power Squadron’s boat smart class is Saturdays, Sept. 8 and 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 130 126th Ave. The cost is $40 a person with a manual and $20 a person without a manual. Call Peter Ubillos at 538-3001.
Intercity softball league LARGO – The cities of Largo and Clearwater will have their first ever intercity softball league. The upper division coed teams can join just on Friday nights for some competitive fun play slow pitch softball against teams from Largo and Clearwater. Season begins on Friday, Sept. 14. Games will begin at 6:45 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Costs are $195 a team for residents and $260 a team for nonresidents. Games will be played at the Whitesell Softball Complex or at Eddie C. Moore Complex. Call 587-6720.
Cross Bayou Little League registration SEMINOLE – Cross Bayou Little League plans winter ball registration for baseball and softball through Sept. 29. Registration is set for Tuesdays, Sept. 11 and 25, 6 to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 20, 6 to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 5 to 18 are eligible. Original birth certificates and three proofs of residency are necessary. The league, located at 102nd Avenue and 98th Street, is also seeking volunteers. For further information, call 397-1894 or go to www.CBLL.org.
Softball clinic CLEARWATER – The city and Firehouse Subs will have the Nuveman-Mendoza Softball Clinic Series featuring two USA Softball Olympic Athletes on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for ages 10 to 18. There is a fee. The clinic will be at Fastpitch Learning Academy at 2780 Drew St. Call 791-3067.
Yoga classes ST. PETERSBURG – Haris Lender, certified yoga teacher, will be leading classes Mondays through Thursdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Sunken Gardens. Lender will teach Hatha yoga, which uses the bodily postures; breathing techniques; and meditation, with the goal of bringing a sound, healthy body and a clear, peaceful mind. Classes will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Cost is $5 each class plus the cost of admission to Sunken Gardens. Sunken Gardens is at 1825 Fourth St. N. Call 551-3100.
Little League registration MADEIRA BEACH – Registration for Gulf Beaches Little League is under way. Dates are Saturdays, Sept. 8 and 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 12, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Madeira Beach Recreation Center, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. The fee is $40 for all ages. Little league is open to boys and girls, ages 6 to 16. Six-year-olds must have one year of T-ball experience) No weekend games. Coaches, managers and umpires are needed. At least one parent or guardian must be present, with three proofs of residency, i.e.: driver’s license and voter identification, homestead exemption or lease agreement and a utility bill and an original or state certified copy of the child’s birth certificate. If your child played spring ball 2007, the above is not necessary unless your address changed after you last registered. The documents will be inspected and returned at registration. For more information, call 392-5524.
T’ai Chi classes SEMINOLE – Seminole Recreation Center's Yang style T’ai Chi classes, taught by instructor Tom Elman, uses slow, rhythmic movements to improve breathing, relax the mind and body, and gently strengthen the muscles and bones. This class emphasizes the health aspects of T’ai Chi and requires no special conditioning, clothing, or equipment. Classes meet Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. Cost is $5 a person. All participants must have a Seminole Recreation card. For more information, stop by the Recreation Center at 9100 113th St. N., or call 391-8345.
Hammers seek players SEMINOLE – The Seminole Youth Athletic Association Hammers soccer team is seeking players ages 9 to 12. Call Geoff McCarthy at 235-3434 for more information, or visit www.hammersfc.net.
Men's basketball leagues ST. PETERSBURG - The city of St. Petersburg is seeking adult teams for various basketball leagues. Competitive and recreational level teams are invited to join leagues that play at Gladden Park on Monday nights, Childs Park on Tuesday nights, and Lake Vista on Wednesday nights. Registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis and play will begin when six teams are registered. League fee is $330 plus any applicable non-resident fees. For information and to register, call Russ Stanley at 727-892-5166 or send an e-mail to Russ.Stanley@stpete.org.
Men's flag football leagues ST. PETERSBURG - the city of St. Petersburg is seeking adult teams for Wednesday and Thursday night flag football leagues. Recreational level teams are invited to join leagues that play at the Woodlawn Sports Complex. Registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis and play will begin when six teams are registered. League fee is $350 plus any applicable non-resident fees. For information and to register, call Russ Stanley at 727-892-5166 or send an e-mail to Russ.Stanley@stpete.org.
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.
Pinellas Fast Pitch Softball sign-ups PINELLAS PARK – Pinellas Fast Pitch Softball will be holding registration for the 2007 Fall Ball season on Saturdays 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.
Largo United Soccer Club registration LARGO – Largo United Soccer Club will have registration for its recreational soccer season for players ages 5 to 17. The registrations will be at 1799 Belcher Road on Sept. 8 and 15, 9 a.m. to noon; and Sept. 6 11, 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $90 for Largo residents and $100 for nonresidents. The cost includes the uniforms and a party and awards at the end of the season. Visit www.largosoccer.org or call Al Sousa at 393-5182.
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.
Seminole Chamber golf tourney SEMINOLE – Registration is under way for the 22nd annual Seminole Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament set for Thursday, Nov. 1, at Seminole Lake Country Club. The format is a four-man scramble with a 1 p.m. shotgun start, followed by a 6 p.m. awards dinner. The tournament will be preceded by an 11:30 a.m. cookout. Amenities include a ditty bag, beverage carts, door prizes and more. The entry fee is $120 a player. Major sponsorships are available for $1,200 and include eight entries in the tournament, eight entries to the awards dinner, recognition at the awards dinner, company name displayed at the entrance to the golf course and a hole sponsor sign. Also available are corporate sponsorships for $650, which include four entries in the golf tournament and four tickets to the awards dinner, recognition at the awards dinner, hole sponsorship and a commemorative souvenir. Hole sponsorships are available for $100 (three signs) and $50 (one sign). To enter or for additional information, call 392-3245.
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 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 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.
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 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 classes TREASURE ISLAND – The Treasure Island Recreation Department is offering zumba classes at the City Hall auditorium. Beginner classes will be offered on Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., and intermediate and advanced classes will be offered on Mondays, 7 to 8 p.m. Cost is $6 a class; $20 one class a month or $30 two classes a month. Call instructor Ana Cano at 278-4585. The auditorium is at 120 108th Ave. Call 547-4575, ext. 237, or visit www.mytreasureisland.org.
Treasure Island Recreation 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 offeat 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 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.
North Beaches YMCA's 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's 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.
Brooker Creek guided hikes TARPON SPRINGS – Brooker Creek Preserve provides free guided hikes on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in its 8,000+ acres. The hikes enable the general public to discover how the land has changed over time while exploring Pinellas County’s “Wildest Place.” Call 453-6800, as pre-registration is required. The Center is located at 3940 Keystone Rd. http://www.pinellascounty.org/Environment.
Weedon Island Preserve 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 of 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, Sept. 6, 2007
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