Outdoors and Recreation Briefs and Events Calendar
Article published on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006 |
World Rivers Day Fest set for Sept. 30
TARPON SPRINGS - Brooker Creek Preserve will celebrate the second International World Rivers Day Fest on Saturday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover the area waterways and learn practical ideas about keeping waterways clean. The day also will incude the grand opening of the preserve's new trail system. The preserve has more than four miles of natural trails, with boardwalks connecting to the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. Brooker Creek Preserve is at 3940 Keystone Road. Cor information, call 453-6800 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/events.
Basketball league registration open
SEMINOLE – The city’s Men’s Basketball League is currently registering teams for the upcoming season. play will begin Wednesday, Oct. 4, and end Dec. 6, with games at 6, 7 and 8 p.m., at the Holland G. Mangum Recreation Complex Athletic Fields. Teams will play 10 games (one each week) with one week of playoffs. The league will consist of six teams with each participating in a season-ending tournament. The fee is $375 a team. All teams must be registered by a Seminole Recreation Center member. If a roster consists of 50 percent recreation center members, $50 will be refunded back to the team captain. The deadline to register is Saturday, Sept. 23. The fields are at 9100 113th St. N.
Library program features live animals
CLEARWATER – Moccasin Lake Nature Park Programmer, Rachel Franklin, will show live animals and lead hands-on activities the first Monday of each month at the East Library. No registration is necessary for the following programs: Oct. 2, 3 p.m. – Insects and Arachnids; Nov. 6, 3 p.m. – Toads and Frogs; Dec. 4, 3 p.m. – Reptiles. Franklin has lived in Florida for 28 years and has a great love and passion for Florida’s ecosystems and their inhabitants. She has worked at Moccasin Lake Nature Park for more than five years. The park is at 2251 Drew St. Call Aileen Howard at 669-1280.
Training begins for annual Turkey Trot
LARGO – Training for the annual Turkey Trot continues until Nov. 18. The first Saturday training will take place in the park at Southwest Recreation Center. Weekly trainings will take place at various parks in the Seminole/Largo area, and a 10-week training schedule will be provided. Pamela Paul will help others train for the annual Turkey Trot. The group encourages support and camaraderie. The cost is $75. Call 584-6919.
Ultimate Frisbee League begins play on Oct. 6
SEMINOLE – The Seminole Ultimate Frisbee League play will begin Friday, Oct. 6, and end Dec. 8, with games at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m., at Holland G. Mangum Recreation Complex. This will be a co-ed, four-team league, consisting of 12 player rosters, ages 16 and older. The fee is $125 a team and all teams must be registered by a Seminole Recreation Center member. The deadline to register is Saturday, Sept. 23. The complex is at 9100 113th St. N.
Ongoing announcements and events
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.
Swimmers advised 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, see a beach guard if available for a hot pack treatment, or soak in hot soapy water and seek immediate medical attention.
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, 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.
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 Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006
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