Get Outdoors: News and Events Calendar
Article published on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 |
Eco-tour guides
DUNEDIN The Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park is now accepting candidates to serve as professional volunteer docents and eco-tour guides at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks. Training classes are available. Call 415-1784.
Fishing tournament volunteers needed
CLEARWATER Volunteers are sought for the Make a Difference Fishing Tournament for Special Kids, a non-profit fishing tournament for disabled kids. The first volunteer meeting is Thursday, Sept. 25. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for special needs kids 18 and younger. Preregistration is required; forms may be found at www.makeadifferencefishing.org or by calling 449-9820. Participants get a new fishing rod, reel, tackle box, bait, goody bag and T-shirt. Free food will also be available. Volunteer meetings are Thursday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage.
Bay Pines team fares well at Golden Age Games
SEMINOLE The following members of the Bay Pines Panthers won awards at the 22nd National Veterans Golden Age Games Aug. 20-24 in Indianapolis: Edward Aviles, table tennis, silver medal; Netha Graedel, 1-kilometer cycling, gold medal; 667-meter cycling, gold medal; swimming, 25-yard freestyle, bronze medal; swimming, 50-yard freestyle, gold medal; Martha Marie Halcomb, horseshoes, gold medal; shot put, gold medal; discus, gold medal; air rifle, bronze medal; James Skinner, 667-meter cycling, gold medal; shot put, gold medal; discus, gold medal; air rifle, silver medal. Other members of the team that didnt win medals were Diane Hoots, Thomas Wilkins, Paul Constantinoff, Chuck Chapman, Victor Gonzales and Thomas King.
SPC upsets preseason No. 1-ranked Miami Dade College
ST. PETERSBURG The St. Petersburg College volleyball team defeated preseason No. 1-ranked Miami Dade College 25-18, 16-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-12 Saturday during a tri-match in Fort Myers that also included Ave Maria University. The Titans also defeated Ave Maria 27-25, 25-14, 25-13.
In the match against Miami Dade, the Titans were led by Ingrid Mosquera with 13 kills, and by 16-year-old Jingyu Zhang with 15 kills. SPC was 4-0 entering a Suncoast Conference match Tuesday night at Manatee Community College. The team is at home next week for conference matches Tuesday and Thursday against Pasco-Hernando Community College and Hillsborough CC, respectively. All home matches are played at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, 6605 Fifth Ave. N. There is no admission charge. To keep up with all of the St. Petersburg College sports teams, visit www.spcollege.edu/athletics
Yoga classes offered
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH YogaWorks of Pinellas Inc. will offer beginning and continuing yoga classes during its Summer Too 08 session through Friday, Oct. 31, at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1615 First St. Call Deanne Shower at 596-9226.
Half-Century Softball Club tryouts
SEMINOLE The St. Pete Half-Century Softball Club is holding tryouts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. at North Shore Park, 901 North Shore Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Ages 49 to 74 are eligible for the 2008 modified fast-pitch season, a 60-game slate that starts Oct. 27. Call Al McNamee at 481-1050 or Joe Hannah at 420-8102.
Freaky Friday
SEMINOLE The city of Seminole Recreation Division is offering a Kids Night Out program called Freaky Friday on the first Friday of each month. The next party is Sept. 5 at the Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St., and the theme is a poolside party. All children will need to bring their swimsuits and towels. The program starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. All children will get a hot dog, chips and a drink. There will also be a DJ, pool games and prizes. The cost is $10 per child and all participants must have a current Seminole Recreation Card to participate. Other Freaky Fridays are scheduled Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. Call 391-8345 for details.
Turkey Trot training
LARGO A 12-week training program is planned for anybody interested in the annual 5K or 10K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The 12-week training program is open to seasoned runners and beginners. Groups meet Saturday mornings, Sept. 6 through Sept. 22. Times are 7:30 a.m., 5K; 8:30 a.m., 10K. The cost is $99 singles; $150 for two. Call 584-6919.
Honeymoon birding session
DUNEDIN The Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island will host a birding session and bird walk Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the nature center. Activities include lessons on birding basics, demonstrations, and a 90-minute guided hike. Training materials are provided. Cost is $35 per adult. Children ages 12 to 17 are invited to accompany an adult; the first child is free and each additional child is $10. Class size is limited to 20, so register online at www.islandparks.org by Sept. 20. Participants should bring binoculars, field guides, water, sun protection and bug spray.
Armchair birding at Bonner Park
LARGO An free armchair birding session is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m., at Bonner Park, 14444 143rd St. N., Largo. Call 596-8822.
Safe boating course
SEMINOLE The Seminole campus of St. Petersburg College plans a State of Florida-approved boater safety class Saturday, Sept. 27. The one-day, 8-hour course meets the requirements for certification of youthful operators of a vessel with 10-hp motors or larger. It is offered as a mandatory education class for boating violators.
The course is also a great refresher and may be used for boat insurance discount credit. The course includes an exam and a certificate of completion, which allows the boating violators to resume water activities. Topics include boat types, safety equipment, navigation rules, local charts, and waterway markings. Tuition is $35. The next class is Saturday, Nov. 8. Call 341-3184.
Horse shows
PINELLAS PARK The Bay Area Horsemans Association has scheduled a series of shows at Helen Howarth Park, 6301 94th Ave. Events will include the following show classes: English, Hunter, Over Fence, Saddle Seat, Gait, Ponies, Halter, Showmanship, Western Pleasure and Trail. Shows are scheduled on Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 22 and April 26. Points will be collected and awards will be presented in May at a banquet. Call 637-3022.
Blessed Sacrament golf tourney
SEMINOLE Blessed Sacrament School plans its annual golf tournament Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Tides Golf Club, 11832 66th Ave. N. The four-player scramble gets under way with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The entry fee is $85 a player, which includes greens fee, cart and lunch. There also will be a hole-in-one contest, a raffle and silent auction. The tournament limit is 80 players. Call Tony Manatine at 586-2892.
Inaugural SYAA golf tournament
SEMINOLE The Seminole Youth Athletic Association plans a fundraising golf tournament Saturday, Oct. 11, at The Tides Golf Club. For more information, call Bill Sines at 641-6681.
Warhawk Golf Classic
SEMINOLE The Seminole High School baseball program plans its annual golf tournament Saturday, Oct. 25, at Pasadena Yacht and Country Club. The 2008 Warhawk Golf Classic gets under way with registration at 11:30 a.m. and a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The entry fee is $125. Call Greg Olson at 515-6830 or Luigi Gallace at 641-8185 for additional information.
Ongoing announcements and events
Treasure Island exercise classes
TREASURE ISLAND The Treasure Island Recreation Department is offering three new exercise classes at the Treasure Island Community Center and City Hall Auditorium. Yoga In TI is offered Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center Garden Room at Gulf Boulevard and 106th Avenue. Call Cheri McNally at 709-1162. Restore The Core pilates classes are held Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center Garden Room and Thursdays at the City Hall Auditorium, 120 108th Ave. Call Kelly Rowles at 871-0975. Zumba classes are offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the City Hall Auditorium. Call Ana Cano at 278-4585.
Pilates studio open at Dimmitt
BELLEAIR Certified pilates instructor and personal trainer Sue Riley offers group reformer classes and one-on-one training sessions upstairs at the Dimmitt Community Center, 918 Osceola Road.
Group reformer classes are Mondays at 9 a.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pilates strengthens abdominals, stretches tight muscles and tones the whole body. Pilates is a great way to get in shape for the upcoming holidays. Free fitness evaluations and demonstrations are available by scheduling an appointment with Sue at 742-6600.
Archery for Kidz
SEMINOLE Archery for Kidz is offered at the Seminole Recreation Center. The cost of the class is $20 per four-week session and the class is continuous throughout the year. Participants ages 8 to 10 will meet from 4 to 4:45 p.m. and those 10 to 14 from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. The class is taught by a certified archery instructor with 22 years of experience. Instructions will include the proper techniques of shooting a bow, stance and target sight. Call 391-8345.
Pilates classes
TREASURE ISLAND The city of Treasure Island is offering Restore The Core exercise classes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the beach at the Treasure Island Beach Access, Gulf Boulevard and 104th Avenue. Classes will be in the Community Center Garden Room in the event of inclement weather. Restore the Core is mat pilates that targets muscles in moms of all ages. The fee is $15 a class or $60 a month plus a one time registration fee of $60. For more information, call Kelly Rowles at 360-4514.
Stroller Fit exercise classes
TREASURE ISLAND Stroller Fit exercise classes will be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Treasure Island Park, Gulf Boulevard and 106th Avenue. Stroller Fit is a stroller exercise class for moms and children that includes cardio and strength training. Class fees vary depending on attendance. Call Kelly Rowles at 360-4514.
Nia classes planned
SEMINOLE Classes in Nia are offered on Tuesday, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Seminole Recreation Center. Nia is a low-impact fitness class that incorporates the movements of the dance, martial and healing arts to create a purposeful movement. For program information, please call Kaluwa at 729-9410.
Personal training
SEMINOLE The Seminole Recreation Center is offering personal training sessions with Chip Wright, a certified personal trainer. Sessions are $50 per one-hour session. Call 391-8345.
Swimming lessons
ST. PETE BEACH - The city of St. Pete Beach offers Learn to Swim Classes for all ages through the American Red Cross. From infants six months of age to seniors, classes will teach proper technique and tips for safety in any water environment. Classes are held Monday through Thursday and run in two-week sessions of 45-minute classes. Classes are available morning and evening to fit every schedule. Two-week sessions are only $30 with a recreation or play card and $36 without. To sign up, visit or call the St. Pete Beach Family Aquatic Center at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive or call 727-363-9245.
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.
Beach yoga
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH Yoga on the Beach takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8 a.m., on the beach at 22nd Avenue. Call Tom at 365-4901.
Senior sports
SEMINOLE The Seminole Recreation Division is offering a variety of sports activities for seniors. Pickleball is Monday and Wednesday, 9 to 11 a.m.; volleyball, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m.; and badminton, Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 391-8345.
Tennis clinics
SEMINOLE Monday night is tennis night at the city of Seminole Tennis Club Park, 7283 113th St., Seminole. Students can sign up and prepay at the Recreation Center office for a monthly session or choose a Show and Go class for a one-time fee. Monthly sessions are $40 per four-week session. Show and Go classes range from $10 to $14 per session. Show and Go participants must bring their recreation membership card and pay at the courts. Please bring a racquet and wear appropriate attire. For any tennis program questions, contact Scott Hagenbuch at 698-9288 or shagenbu@tampay.rr.com. For any registration or membership questions, call the Seminole Recreation Center at 391-8345.
Mighty Mites program
SEMINOLE The Seminole Recreation Division is offering its Mighty Mites program for kids ages 4 to 6 on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mighty Mites classes concentrate on education and training in a specific sport. Participants must have a Seminole Recreation Card. The fee is $20 per four-week session. Class size is limited. Call 391-8345.
Calisthenics and Conditioning
SEMINOLE The Seminole Recreation Division is offering a new fitness program called Calisthenics & Conditioning by Core Fitness on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Recreation Center. Cost is $7 a class. The one-hour class begins with basic stretching, then moves immediately into various exercises, abdominal exercises, sprinting, sporting drills, plyometrics and other conditioning drills. The class meets in the gymnasium and remains inside for an hour. The program is for all fitness levels. Call 391-8345.
Pickleball lessons
SEMINOLE The Seminole Recreation Division offers pickleball Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Seminole Recreation Center. Pickleball is a sport much like tennis, badminton and racquetball. City recreation officials say it is especially good for seniors because the net is only 3 feet high and players use a hard whiffleball with wooden paddles. Recreation personnel teach participants how to play. Free for participants with a recreation card.
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.
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.
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 Departments 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.
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 Countys Wildest Place.” Call 453-6800, as pre-registration is required. The Center is located at 3940 Keystone Rd. For more information, visit 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.
Wednesday evening walks
TARPON SPRINGS - Take a pleasant evening stroll and learn the ways many living things are adapted to make the best use of the twilight hour on Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Many animals are most active at dawn and dusk, the time when natures day shift has ended but the night shift has yet to begin. Best for families with children ages 10 and up. Free. Registration required by calling 727-453-6800.
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Article published on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
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