Between the Lines

Suncoast Showdown returns to Wiregrass

BROOKSVILLE - This year's second annual Suncoast Showdown Baseball Tournament will take place Oct. 14-17 at Wesley Chapel-Wiregrass Ranch High School.
Hernando High School will be participating and Springstead will also be defending their 2009 title.

Spring Hill Dixie Softball fall registration

SPRING HILL - Spring Hill Dixie Softball will hold registration for its fall season at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in the coming weeks.
League officials will accept sign-ups under the pavilion at the park from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 1, and 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Signups are available for children ages 5-18.

Cost is $70 per child or $55 for those in the age 8 and under groups. The fee covers uniforms (shirts and socks), insurance and trophies. A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration.

To register contact Ami Lamp at (352) 428-4169 or league director Glenn Primavera at (352) 442-1957, or visit shdixiesoftball.com.

Adult rowing classes begin in Tampa

TAMPA - The Stewards Foundation, Inc. will hold adult rowing classes beginning Sept. 7 at The Stewards Boat House, located at 1007 North Blvd., within Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa.

The class will consist of 10 lessons during a four-week period, which will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Scheduled dates are: Sept. 7, 9, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 30 and Oct. 1.

The Stewards classes are designed to give everyone a taste of rowing. Except having the ability to swim, no other previous athletic experience is needed. Anyone over the age of 12 is welcome to participate (parents must accompany anyone under 18).

"Rowing is a lifetime sport. It is low impact, fun and can be highly competitive," says Tom Feaster, a member of the Board of Directors of U.S. Rowing, the sport's national governing board.

Feaster, who holds a Masters degree in Education, will serve as the head coach for the program. Coach Feaster is a former high school, college and Masters champion.

During these lessons, novices will learn how to handle a boat and oars, experience the parts of the stroke on a rowing machine, and then get out on the water. The fee for the entire program is $300 and is to be paid to The Stewards Foundation, Inc. prior to the first lesson. The Stewards is a 501(c)3 charitable corporation.

Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited so email or call today.

To register, contact Stewards Coach Denny Antram at 813-205-4013 or dadivot@aol.com.

Tennis social on Sept. 11

SPRING HILL - The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Nature Coast Tennis Foundation (NCTF) are sponsoring a 9/11 tennis social from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Delta Woods Park.

The foundation offers several programs for all ages.

This event is free to the community, there will be free food, prizes and round robin tennis matches.
For additional information contact Louise Downey at 352-650-6268.

Late registration for First Hernando Youth Soccer Club

BROOKSVILLE - First Hernando Youth Soccer Club will be holding a late registration for all age groups from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex. Prospective players can go to www.firsthernandosoccer.com and pre-register using the gotsoccer link. Bring the registration form printed from page 4.

For additional information, contact Dawn Healy at 352-688-7752.

Smitty's Golf Outing benefits HPH Hospice

SAN ANTONIO - Golfers young and old get ready to tee it up for HPH Hospice. The second annual 18-hole Smitty's Golf Outing benefiting HPH Hospice is set for Saturday Oct. 16 at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, 11500 Old Tampa Bay Drive, San Antonio.

Last year, 144 golfers participated in the event. Players are welcome to help benefit one of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus County's most worthy causes.

HPH Hospice is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that was initially incorporated in 1984, and provides care, comfort and support to individuals and family members affected by a life-limiting illness.

Registration is $40 per golfer ($20 for Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club members) and covers green's fee, riding cart, contest prizes, Fajita Bar lunch and other prizes.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

To register, contact Tournament Director Mike Fox at 352-588-3132 or Handicap Chairman Ron Williams at 352-588-3185 for a registration form. Prospective players may also pick up a registration form at the pro shop at Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club or send an e-mail to donmounts@gmail .com and request a form.

Rick Hartley Memorial Softball Tourney set Aug. 28-29

SPRING HILL - Hernando County Parks and Recreation is hosting the one-pitch, double-elimination Rick Hartley Memorial Softball Tournament on Aug. 28-29 at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex and Veterans Memorial Park.

The cost is $115 per team plus two balls (softballs must .44 core). Raffles, awards and team shirts will be available.

Teams will be divided into two divisions: C/D and A/B.

To register, contact Harry Johnson at HCRD at 754-4031.

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.

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.

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. 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill hosts charity golf event

SPRING HILL - The Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill is hosting this year's Children's Charity Golf Invitational at Southern Hills Plantation Club on Wednesday, Sept. 29.

To register, visit our web site @ www.springhillkiwanis.org.

Grand Opening benefits Children's Advocacy Centers

SPRING HILL - Extreme Fitness, 4212 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, Fla., 34606, will be holding their grand opening celebration from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. The grand opening serves as a fund raising event for The Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers. The goal is to raise $5,000 for the charity.

Activities planned for the day include:

- Life South Blood Donor Clinic with a free protein shake and t-shirt for all who donate from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

- Team Challenges: Teams of 10 people will pull a fire truck then push it back. Other contests include chin up dead hangs, push up contest and a "How Much Can You Push Contest" sponsors will pay two cents for each pound contestants can push on the leg press from 2-5 p.m.

- Special incentive pricing for club memberships will also be available. Free gift duffel bag with T-shirt and a week's worth of supplements are included with membership signing.

- Silent Auction: Tables will be setup inside for Silent Auction items generously donated by our Partners in Success. Money raised will be directly donated to The Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers.

For further information, contact loosethedonut.com.

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 at 352-585-7325.