Between the Lines

Fox Chapel sets football meeting

SPRING HILL - Fox Chapel Middle School will be holding football meeting from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16. Parents and players, grades 6-8, are urged to attend the meeting.

Athletic paperwork will be passed out at that time. Additional paperwork will be located in the front office. 

Conditioning will begin at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17.

For additional information, contact Head Coach Benny Martinez or Athletic Director Tom Dye at 797-7025. 

Spring Hill Sharks seek players

SPRING HILL - The Spring Hill Sharks, a new travel baseball team is seeking players for his 12-Under Amateur Athletic Union team.

To tryout, or for additional information, contact Eddie Lauer at 352-585-7325.

Lightning to hold Bolt Brigade auditions

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 as official audition dates for this year's Bolt Brigade. Both audition sessions begin at 5:30 p.m. and will take place at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Interested candidates need only to attend one of the sessions. The Sept. 2 session will include an on-ice audition for all applicants wishing to showcase their skating ability, with those attending responsible for providing their own skates.

The Bolt Brigade is the Lightning's "spirit squad" comprised of energetic and outgoing individuals who collectively use their unique talents, personalities and performance skills to positively interact with fans and help create a great Lightning fan experience.

They serve as Lightning ambassadors at home games, through various promotions, and at many Tampa Bay area community events. Typical candidates for the Bolt Brigade include, but are not limited to: actors, performers, hosts, athletes, cheer squad members, street team promoters and in-field marketers.

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Additionally, candidates should bring photo identification, their registration form and a resume. During the audition, prospective candidates will be asked to perform a talent, participate in the team's game day activities and take part in a short interview. Friends and family members are also welcome to attend as spectators. Candidates are encouraged to register for the Bolt Brigade auditions online at tampabaylightning.com.

Responsibilities of the Bolt Brigade include engaging guests during pre-game activities on the St. Pete Times Forum Plaza, preparing and maintaining game day props and giveaway items, and performing and executing in-game entertainment such as period-break promotions, intermission contests and post-game festivities as directed. Bolt Brigade members will also be asked to perform and serve similar duties at Lightning events and promotional activities throughout the Bay Area community and at select non-hockey events at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Candidates should be comfortable with performing extemporaneously in front of a large audience.

Knowledge of hockey and basic ice skating skills are preferred, but not essential. Candidates should also demonstrate an outgoing personality and the ability to interact with the public in a "live" environment. Potential Bolt Brigade team members must also be available to work all scheduled Lightning home games.

Interested candidates should contact Kelli Yeloushan at 1-813-301-6574 or kyeloushan@sptimesforum.com. Candidates are also encouraged to visit tampabaylightning.com.

Weeki Wachee High School to hold cross country, volleyball meetings

WEEKI WACHEE - Weeki Wachee High School's boys cross country team will be having an organizational meeting at 5 p.m. in the school gymnasium, Monday, Aug. 16 at 5pm. Participants need to bring the following: a recent physical; copy of insurance card (front and back); copy of a birth certificate.

Also, parent consent forms will be provided. Coach Mark Sims will be present to answer any questions.
Additionally, the Weeki Wachee volleyball team will be having an informational meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 in the school gymnasium. Participants need to have an up to date physical, copy of an insurance card and a copy of the birth certificate.

Practice begins Monday, Aug. 16.

For additional information, contact WWHS Athletic Director Mark Lee at the school at 797-7029.

Additionally, at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16 at the Weeki Wachee High School gymnasium, there will be a mandatory meeting for anyone interested in playing golf for the Hornets.

Please bring your latest physical, copy of your insurance card and birth certificate to the meeting.

For more information, contact Coach Lee at 797-7029.

Putts and pizza at Toscana

WEEKI WACHEE - Toscana Crossing Golf Club at The Heather, 7406 St. Andrews Blvd., is hosting a "Putts and Pizza" golf outing on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Golf begins with a shotgun start at 10 a.m., with a pizza buffet to follow.

A cash bar will be available for your beverage purchases.

The price for golf is $10 to ride and $6 to walk and the buffet is $7.

To sign up or for additional information, contact Barbara Phillips at 352-596-5344.

Charity Golf Scramble on Sept. 18

SPRING HILL - The Spring Hill Golf Club will hold a Golf Scramble Tournament at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18 with proceeds going to assist with the medical expenses of Hernando County Deputy Sgt. Frank Loreto and sending students to Boys State Florida in Tallahassee.

Cost is $35 per player. The field is limited 120 players. Registration deadline is Sept. 10.

Applications are available at the American Legion Post 186.

The tourney offers awards, prizes, raffles, a Longest Drive Contest and Closest to the Pin Contest. A dinner and awards ceremony follows at the American Legion Post 186.

For additional information, contact Elizabeth Corbin at 352-797-0099.

The "American Dream Tour" Extended

BROOKSVILLE - Florida wrestling legend the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes has announced plans to extend his month-long series of shows dubbed "The American Dream Tour."

By popular demand the tour will now make a special stop in Brooksville on Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Brooksville Armory, 16836 Spring Hill Dr., Brooksville, FL. Rhodes will meet and greet fans during a special autograph session from 6:30-8 p.m. in conjunction with Florida Championship Wrestling.

Rhodes became a household name during the 1970s and 1980s competing for the original Florida Championship Wrestling. Rhodes moved to the NWA/WCW, where he captured multiple World Titles before eventually joining Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment (formerly WWF). Rhodes was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

"If it wasn't for the fans all throughout the state of Florida, there would be no American Dream" said Rhodes. "Initially we said the tour would only take place during the month of July but having the chance to come to Brooksville and personally say thank you to those fine folks was too good to pass up."

Rhodes will be available prior to the show to meet and sign autographs for fans in attendance. Free Dusty Rhodes bobble heads will also be available to Gold Circle Ticket Holders. Tickets are $12 for kids and $15 for adults, Gold Circle Reserved are $25 and are available at Buddy's Home Furnishings locations in Brooksville and Inverness.

Tickets are also available at www.FCWWrestling.com .

Hernando Sumter Umpires Assn. sets clinics
 
SPRING HILL - Hernando Sumter Umpires Association, the largest baseball/softball umpires association in the west central Florida area has been chosen by Wesley Chapel Dixie Baseball (WCAA) to officiate its league's Dixie baseball games. HSUA had picked up their Dixie Girls Softball games earlier this year and had also been asked to umpire their Dixie 9-10 all-stars baseball games in June.

"This is a very large organization and we are very proud to be WCAA choice to officiate their baseball games", said HSUA President Jerry Theilen "HSUA takes pride in providing our customers with knowledgeable, dependable officials who can manage contests fairly and without bias in a professional manner and I believe we showed WCAA that during their all-stars games."

Picking up Wesley Chapel Dixie Baseball now brings the total to eight organizations that HSUA works with. HSUA is currently officiating three of the five HYL organizations (Ridge Manor, Brooksville Dixie Baseball and Spring Hill Dixie Girls Softball), South Sumter Girls Softball, Wesley Chapel Dixie Girls Softball, Wesley Chapel Dixie Baseball, Pasco/Hernando Senior Baseball League, and the Nature Coast Men's Baseball League.

Because of this announcement there is a desperate need for more well trained baseball and softball umpires in Hernando, Pasco and Sumter counties. HSUA is holding its first Fall Umpire Clinics at noon on Sunday, Aug. 15th and Aug. 22 at Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill.

"Our clinics are specifically designed to train anyone who has a basic game knowledge and no prior experience" and Theilen went on to say "Each aspect of the game is thoroughly explained and demonstrated."

Each clinic student will be taught and tested on the rules of the game. There is a $20 fee for this clinic which covers testing, a copy of the MLB rule book and the numerous other handouts.

For more information on these clinics contact Theilen at 352-593-6998 or visit the HSUA web-site at hernandosumterumpire.com and visit the Hernando Sumter Umpires Facebook page.

First Hernando Soccer signups set

SPRING HILL - The First Hernando Youth Soccer Club will be holding registration for the 2010-11 season from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 14 at the VFW Post 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Dr., Spring Hill.

Cost for children 6-Under is $115, U-8 and U-10 children are $125, U-12 kids are $135 and U-14 kids are $145.

Parent or Legal Guardian must pre-register online
1. If you are a returning FHYSC player you will be receiving emails with your Got Soccer login and password to pre-register. Please pre-register to speed up the registration process.

2. If you have played soccer in Florida, but not with FHYSC, print registration documents from www.firsthernandosoccer.com and bring them completed to avoid waiting in line.

If you have never played soccer in Florida use the link at www.firsthernandosoccer.com to create a Got Soccer account and pre-register.

3. New players must upload a state certified birth certificate to their "Got Soccer" account after having pre-registered. No hospital birth certificates.

4. All players must pay registration fees in full at the registration location listed above on Aug. 14.
For additional information, contact Dawn Healy at 352-688-7752 or www.firsthernandosoccer.com.

HYL sets fall baseball signups

BROOKSVILLE - Hernando Youth League has set up registration times for its upcoming fall baseball season from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 14, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28 at Ernie Wever Youth Park.
Players must register in person. Parents must supply a photocopy of their child's birth certificate.

The fall baseball fee is $45 for the first child and $40 each additional child.

For additional information, contact HYL's Tiffany Taylor at 279-6414 or visit online at www.hylbaseball.com

Challenger K-8 sports physicals

SPRING HILL - Challenger K-8 will hold its physical day at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20 in the Navigators' gymnasium. Cost is $20.
Parents are asked to park by middle school pickups and enter the gym.

Senior Baseball League seeks players

SPRING HILL - The Pasco-Hernando Area Senior Baseball League (PHASBL) is seeking players and teams for its fall season. The league is comprised of players between the ages of 18-65. Games are played at Pasco Hernando Community College in New Port Richey.

For the fall, the league plans to field eight teams that will play 10-game schedules, on Sundays, beginning Sept. 12.

To register or to get additional information, contact Dave Conrad at 683-1692, or online at conradbaseball@bellsouth.net.

Spring Hill Dixie Baseball sign-ups

SPRING HILL - Spring Hill Dixie fall baseball registration will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16 and Wednesday, Aug. 18, and from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21 the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill.

Parents must supply a copy of birth certificate.

Cost is $60 for the first child and $55 for additional siblings. Cost includes practice and approximately 15-game schedule, insurance and trophy.

Parents are asked to bring children to registration for uniform sizing. New participants need to bring Xerox copy of birth certificate. Registration is open to children who will be 5 by April 30, 2011 through players not will not turn 15 by Nov. 23, 2010. 

For more information, contact league secretary Helen Keith at 797-4934 or e-mail at greyhoundgrandma@yahoo.com

Do you live and breathe sports?

BROOKSVILLE - If you love sports - all kinds of athletics - perhaps you would like to write about local games for Hernando Today.

We are always looking for aspiring sports writers. You won't make a lot of money, but you'll attend games free and write a report on the game for publication.

Being a sports correspondent enables you to talk with the coaches and players.

If you're not a journalist, we'll help you tell your story so readers will understand the game.

We will give you tips on exciting sports writing style and story formatting.

Necessary tools?

Aspiring writers need a computer (preferably a laptop), a cell phone, dependable transportation and a willingness to learn.

If you are interested, talk with the sports editor, Tony Castro, by calling him at 544-5278. 

Shoreline fishing license free to residents
 
TALLAHASEE - The shoreline fishing license for Florida residents to catch saltwater fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore cost $9 last year, but this year, it's free.

The Florida Legislature repealed the shoreline license fee during the past session. However, legislators retained the license requirement to prevent a more costly federal registration fee from taking effect in Florida.

Resident anglers who obtain the shoreline license over the phone or Internet still will have to pay a convenience fee to the vendor. The convenience fee is $2.31 for Internet sales at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com or $3.33 for phone sales at 888-FISH FLORIDA (888-347-4356).

The Florida Legislature, during the 2009 session, increased permit fees effective July 1. The cost of a turkey permit went up from $5 to $10 for Florida residents and from $100 to $125 for nonresidents. In addition, Florida waterfowl permits increased from $3 to $5.

The cost of two saltwater fishing permits also went up on July 1. The snook permit increased from $2 to $10, and lobster permits increased from $2 to $5.

There also is a new deer permit that will be required whenever hunting deer in Florida, beginning during the upcoming 2010-11 hunting season. The permit costs $5.

Those with a sportsman's license, gold sportsman's license, 64 or older sportsman's license, military gold sportsman's license, lifetime hunting license or lifetime sportsman's license will not need to purchase the new deer permit because it has already been included in each of these licenses, even if they were purchased before July 1.

The deer permit, however, is not included with a hunting license, combination hunting/freshwater fishing license, combination hunting/freshwater/saltwater license or a five-year hunting license.

Anyone hunting deer with any of those licenses must also buy the $5 deer permit to hunt deer legally.
All permits and related licenses are available for purchase online at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com, at county tax collectors' offices, many retail outlets that sell fishing and hunting supplies, or by calling toll-free 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356).

There are some exemptions for license requirements. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/License.            

Nature Coast Tennis Foundation hosts doubles tourney

BROOKSVILLE - The Nature Coast Tennis Foundation will be hosting its first Adult Doubles Tennis Tournament on Sept. 25-26 at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill.

The tournament will include women's, men's and mixed doubles. Entry fee is $25 for the first event and $40 for both events. Format features winning 2-of-3 sets in the double-elimination action.

Entry forms and additional information can be found at www.nctf.usta.com. Entry fee lunch includes lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A and awards for the winners.

For addition information, contact Karen Lund at the Nature Coast Tennis Foundation at 352-585-3733.

HCRD partners with County Extension to offer summer camps

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the University of Florida Hernando County Extension Service to provide summer specialty camps.

Programs are offered to children, ages 8-14. Camps have limited enrollment. Individual camps are located at either the Community Activity Center (CAC) or the County Extension office. Both are located in Brooksville.

Science/Chemistry 8/16 $125 experiments, volcanoes, CSI uncovered.

A complete listing of the programs may be found online at www.hernandocounty.us/recreation/. A registration form is also available.

Registration forms may be faxed, emailed or brought in to the HCRD office located at 205 E. Ft. Dade Ave., Brooksville.

For additional information contact the HCRD office at 352-754-4031.

Fax numbers are 352-754-4415 or 352-754-4098. The email is recreation@hernandocounty.us.

HCRD offers summer sports camps

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department is offering summer sports camps for children, ages 8-14. Camps have limited enrollment.

The summer programs include:

Bowling @ Mariner Lanes, 8/14 $135

A complete listing of the programs may be found online at www.hernandocounty.us/recreation/. A registration form is also available.

Registration forms may be faxed, emailed or brought in to the HCRD office located at 205 E. Ft. Dade Ave., Brooksville.

For additional information contact the HCRD office at 352-754-4031.

Fax numbers are 352-754-4415 or 352-754-4098. The email is recreation@hernandocounty.us.

Brooksville Bulldogs seek additional players

BROOKSVILLE - The Brooksville Bulldogs are looking for travel ball baseball players, ages Under-12 and Under-13, for the upcoming season.

For registration information, contact Bruce Price at 813-714-1054 or online at bruce67price@hotmail.com.

Miami Heat and Orlando Magic face off in preseason basketball game

TAMPA - The St. Pete Times Forum will host a National Basketball Association (NBA) preseason game between the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22. The intra-state matchup will mark both the Heat and Magic's third time playing at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Tickets for this event have already gone on sale. To order tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets are $10 (general admission), $15, $20, $35, $50, $175 for floor seats (limited amount) and $250 for courtside seats (limited amount).

For additional information, contact the Forum at 813-301-2500 or visit www.sptimesforum.com. Advanced parking passes are available at www.ticketmaster.com and the box office.

Hernando High volleyball camp

BROOKSVILLE - The Leopard Pride Volleyball Camp will take place Aug. 16-18, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day at the Hernando High gym.

This camp is available for girls entering sixth, seventh and eighth grade at a cost of $50. All forms and money should be turned into Coach Martin.

For more information on the camp, contact Coach Martin at martin_p@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

Rosebrough Memorial 5K Run set Aug. 14

LECANTO - The fifth annual Teresa Rosebrough 5K Run/1-Mile walk is set for 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Black Diamond Ranch, off Hwy. 491 - 1 mile north of Hwy. 486 in Lecanto.

Medals will be awarded for the top three placers and T-Shirts are guaranteed to those who pre-register.

Rosebrough founded this race while she was fighting her own battle with ovarian cancer, which sadly ended in 2008. This event is now put on in her honor and legacy, to continue to raise funds to fight this disease.

Proceeds from this event will be used to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Institute at Georgia Tech University and the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida to fund research, to support public awareness, and help people recognize early signs and symptoms of this silent, but deadly, disease.

To register or for additional information, contact Citrus Road Runners at 352-637-2475 or go online to www.citrusroadrunners.org.

Brooksville Raid seeks U-16 female players

BROOKSVILLE - The Brooksville Raid competitive soccer team is seeking a couple of players for its Under-16 girls soccer team. Any player between the ages of 15-16 should contact Head Coach Charles Allen at 352-442-5825.

Red Mule Labor Day 5K

BROOKSVILLE - The Red Mule Runners will be hosting the 29th annual Labor Day 5K, which will be held at McKethan Lake Park, at 8 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 28. McKethan Lake Park is located approximately six miles north of downtown Brooksville on the west side of U.S. 41.

Runners can pre-register by visiting online at www.redmulerunners.com and printing an application, or may register online at www.active.com by the link provided.

Awards are three deep in all age categories, and include the top five in all the teenage categories. T-shirts will be guaranteed to all pre-registered runners.

Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m.

For additional information, contact Chuck Boldt at 688-6484 or 727-271-1849.

Are you a shutterbug?

BROOKSVILLE - If you love sports - all kinds of local athletics - perhaps you would like to digitally photograph games for Hernando Today.

As the county leader in local coverage, we are always looking for aspiring sports photographers.
If you're interested in becoming a sports photo correspondent, drop off your resume with a portfolio of your finest sports (action) photos to Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville.

Sports Editor Tony Castro will get in contact with you after reviewing your resume and portfolio.

CHS volleyball, cross country practice nears

BROOKSVILLE - The Central High boys and girls cross country teams will begin their official practices on Monday, Aug. 16.

Any athlete wishing to compete must have a current physical documented on the FHSAA form and proof of insurance.

Any questions may be directed to CHS Athletic Director Jeff Spivey at 797-7020.

Lake Lindsey gets makeover

LAKELAND - Lake Lindsey in northeast Hernando County is getting a needed makeover designed to help the aging body of water recoup its reputation as a destination for local pan fish anglers. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Hernando County and the Hernando County Waterways Task Force are partnering in an effort to improve fish habitat and recreational opportunities in the 137-acre lake near Chinsegut Hill.

Mechanical harvesting of four acres of floating tussock (islands of thick floating vegetation and mud) and 15 acres of spatterdock (lily pad) roots started July 26, and is scheduled to be completed within 30 days. The public boat ramp on Lake Village Lane will be closed from July 26 through the end of the project. The cost of the project is $49,000.

Changes to the hydrology in the surrounding area and a prolonged drought allowed Lake Lindsey to become overgrown with purple fanwort, a submersed aquatic plant, which reduced the lake's recreational value.

Grass carp stocked in 2007 controlled the purple fanwort, but large areas of spatterdock and floating tussock replaced fanwort as the biggest aquatic plant problem in the lake.

For more information on enhanced public fishing opportunities, visit the FWC's freshwater fishing sites and fishing forecast Web page via MyFWC.com/RECREATION or call your nearest FWC regional office.

HCRD offers tennis classes

BROOKSVILLE - Tennis lessons, sponsored by the Hernando County Recreation Department, are being offered for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels at two locations: Delta Woods Park, 3400 Deltona Blvd., in Spring Hill, and Hernando Park, 205 E. Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville.

Classes run Monday-Friday (evening hours). Group lessons are $10 per hour and private lessons are $30 per hour.

To register, contact HCRD at 754-4031 or visit www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec.

Billiards Tournament benefits United Way

SPRING HILL - United Parcel Service (UPS) is excited to support United Way of Hernando County by hosting a Billiards Tournament on Friday, Aug. 13 at Capone's Billiard Lounge, 10463 County Line Rd. Registration begins at 7:30 p.m. Entry fee is $17 per person.

There will be food, drinks, and door prizes.

Fifteen dollars of your fee will be donated to United Way of Hernando County. Come out and have a fun evening of competition while helping our community.

For additional information, contact Scott Astringer at 352-799-7550 or email sastringer@ups.com