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Outdoor and Recreation News and Events
Article published on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 |
Tops in table tennis
CLEARWATER – Each summer the city of Clearwater host youth camp programs for students on summer school break. One of the activities conducted is table tennis taught by the Sunrise Table Tennis Club. At the end of the camp program, a table tennis tournament is held to determine which center has the best table tennis team. This year, four teams with 10 girl/boys per team participated: Countryside, Long Center, North Greenwood and Ross Norton Recreation Centers. The winner was the Long Center. Call 669-0899.
Young golfers recognized
CLEARWATER – Participants in the North Suncoast Junior Golf Association’s Tampa Junior Golf Tournament took awards recently. Ryan Hicks, 8, won seven Tournaments in a row including the Tournament of Champions; Won Player of the Year in the 8-9 year old division NSJGA; Won Low Stroke Average; Won each tournament by 4 to 6 strokes; 4th US Kids Bellview Biltmore; 2nd US Kids Fox Hollow; 3rd US Kids Renaissance Golf Club; 2nd US Kids Avila. Robby Hicks, 12, Won 1 of 4 Tournaments in the 10-12 Boys Advanced Division; 3rd in 1 of 4 Tournaments in the 10-12 Boys Advanced Division; 3rd US Kids Fox Hollow; 3rd US Kids Avila. Rory Hicks, 7, placed 3rd US Kids Bellview Biltmore; 2nd US Kids Renaissance Golf Club. David Hicks Won 4 of 5 tournaments; 2nd in the Tournament of Champions (over 2 days – 18 holes); won Player of the Year in the 10-12 Boys Advanced Division; Won Low Stroker Average in the 10-12 Boys Advanced Division.
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.
Health and fitness fair
CLEARWATER – Clearwater will celebrate National Health and Fitness Day, Saturday, Sept. 29, with festivities at the Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, from 9 a.m. to noon. Everyone is invited. Mayor Frank Hibbard will kick off the second annual Mayor’s Move It, Move It! Challenge at 9:30 a.m. This five-week program encourages elementary school-age children to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day after school.
The grand opening of the newly renovated section of the Ream Wilson Trail, from the Long Center to N.E. Coachman Road, will be celebrated with a scavenger hunt for bicyclists and walkers. Bicycle helmets, plastic flying discs, pedometers and other goodies will be given away while supplies last. Chainwheel Drive will hold a free bicycle maintenance clinic from 9 a.m. to noon. Other free activities include basketball, volleyball, swimming, preschool programs and health assessments at the Long Center. Cardio tennis and disc golf will be played at Coachman Ridge Park, 1400 Old Coachman Road. For more information, call 793-2339, ext. 248.
Race Against Racism
LARGO – The YWCA will host the first annual Race Against Racism on Saturday, Sept. 29, at Taylor Park. Race packets will be available at 6:30 a.m. the day of the race. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run/walk will begin at 8:45. Additional sponsors include St. Petersburg Times Fund, Progress Energy, Publix Super Markets Charities, Raymond James, Tampabay.com and Color Pages. Cost in advance is $20 a person for the 5K and $10 a person for the 1-mile; add $5 the day of the race. Taylor Park is at 1100 Eighth Ave. S.W. Call 896-4629 or visit www.ywcaoftampabay.org.
Laughter yoga class
SEMINOLE – The YMCA of the Suncoast, Bardmoor Branch, 8787 Bryan Dairy Road, plans laughter yoga classes starting in October. Laughter yoga is the practice of combining techniques for laughter movements together with mild stretching and deep breathing exercise. It is based upon the principles developed by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician and founder of the Laughter Yoga Club movement. This innovative concept now has more than 5,000 Laughter Clubs worldwide. Call 394-9622.
Howling Halloween Racquetball Tourney
SEMINOLE – Registration is under way for the Howling Halloween Racquetball Tournament Oct. 1 to 31 at the Holland G. Mangum Recreation Complex in Seminole. The event is a double-elimination tournament. Matches will be the best of three games with a fee of $5 a player. All participants must be Seminole Recreation Center members. The deadline to register is Monday, Sept. 24. Call 391-8345.
Family night hike
TARPON SPRINGS - Brooker Creek Preserve is sponsoring a family night hike on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Experience Brooker Creek Preserve after dark and look and listen for creatures of the night. Discover the unique adaptations of nocturnal animals while exploring the Education Center Trail. Best for families with children age 10 and up. Free. Pre-registration is required by calling 727-453-6800.
Fall migration bird hike
TARPON SPRINGS - Search for migratory birds flying towards the tropics on Thursday, Oct. 4, 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Bring binoculars. Best for ages 10 and up. Free. Pre-registration is required by calling 727-453-6800.
Guided canoe trip
ST. PETERSBURG - Explore the south canoe trail of Weedon Island Preserve and get a rare look at the aquatic ecosystems that make west-central Florida special on Friday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to noon, at Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. Trained guides lead through mangrove stands and over seagrass and oyster beds while pointing out various flora and fauna. The cost, including tax, for this unique experience is $10 per person or $20 per canoe with a maximum of three people in each canoe. Children should be older than 6 years old and accompanied by an adult. Spaces fill quickly so call 727-453-6500 for more information and register today.
Family fun fishing day
LARGO - Family Fun Fishing Day is Saturday, Oct. 6, 8 to 11 a.m., at Taylor Park, 1100 Eight Ave. S.W., Largo. Fishing poles and bait will be provided for free, so even the most inexperienced anglers can catch the fishing fever. Bring your own pole if you have one. Coffee or juice and a donut offered for a $1 donation that supports the purchase of fishing worms. Free admission. For more information or to register, call 727-464-3347.
Kickboxing championship
SAFETY HARBOR – The Master Mehrdad Muay Thai Classic XVI, an event that will feature male and female Martial Artists from Martial Arts and Muay Thai backgrounds from around the state of Florida, is set for Saturday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Community Center. This event was founded by Master Mehrdad, a professional Martial Arts fighter and head of the syndicated Shin Do Kumate professional fighting event. Tickets are $25 for adults; $15 for children. Tickets will be available at the door at 4 p.m., but cash is the only payment accepted at the center. The community center is at 650 Ninth Ave. S. Call 823-8914.
Cyclists competition
PINELLAS PARK – Cyclists will compete for the coveted Five Points Series crown on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6-7, at Gateway Center. Mike Chiarella, vice president of FloridaVelo, a local team hosting the weekend’s activities, said more than 900 riders from all over the state, ranging from 10 to 70 years old, will participate in the event. The Florida Points Series has become the most successful racing series in the United States, both in attendance and economic growth. The 2007 season drew more than 16,000 participants and generated more than $10 million in economic growth for the state of Florida. It is estimated that Pinellas Park will realize an economic impact of more than $400,000 during the event. For more information, visit www.floridacycling.com or call Pablo Santa Cruz at 741-7250.
Keswick 5K set Oct. 20
SEMINOLE – Registration is currently under way for the annual Keswick Classic 5K Race and 2K Walk on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the school. All participants will receive a race T-shirt. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each of the various age groups. For further information, call 393-9100, ext. 606, or visit www.keswickchristian.org.
Turkey Shoot
SEMINOLE – The West Central Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America plans its third annual Sand Hill Turkey Shoot Nov. 3 at the Sand Hill Scout Reservation, 11210 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.
Competition will be in skeet and trap, rifle and archery. Fees are $125 for skeet and trap, $25 for rifle and $25 for archery. Preregistration deadline is Oct. 29. Participants must be age 11 or older. Each shooter receives ammunition, a hat and lunch. Archery participants must bring their own bows and arrows with field tips. To register online, go to www.wcfcbsa.org.
Junior tennis
BELLEAIR – Fall junior tennis classes are offered at Belleair Recreation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. To sign up, call Gail O’Connor, tennis instructor, at 804-1130.
Fall yoga
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – YogaWorks of Pinellas announces the beginning of its Fall ’07 yoga session. The 8-week fall session, which began this week, continues through Nov. 2. Classes are at the Calvary Episcopal Church, 1615 First St. Beginning and continuing class prices range from $7 to $10 a class depending on the class frequency and can be purchased by the 8-week session or on a single-class, walk-in basis with the first class offered free. Deanne Shower, a certified and registered yoga teacher, has been teaching yoga in the area since 1991. Call 595-9226 or e-mail yoga4fr@tampabay.rr.com.
Cross Bayou Little League registration
SEMINOLE – Cross Bayou Little League plans winter ball registration for baseball and softball on Saturday, Sept 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.
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.
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.
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.
Ballroom dance classes
TREASURE ISLAND – The Treasure Island Recreation Department is offering ballroom dances and instruction on Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Treasure Island Community Center, Gulf Boulevard at 106th Avenue and on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the City Hall Auditorium, 120 108th Avenue. The fee for the class is $10 for one hour of instruction; $5 for a dance session or $12 for both. Smooth and Latin ballroom dances will be offered. For additional information or to register for the class, please call instructor John Tebo of 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.
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Article published on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007
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