Between the Lines

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 sports editor, Tony Castro, by calling him at 544-5278. 

Individual Bucs tickets go on sale

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that individual game tickets for all 10 home games will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 30. Individual game tickets start as low as $40.
To purchase tickets, fans may visit www.buccaneers.com or call (800) 745-3000.
Tickets will not be sold at the Buccaneers Ticket Office or Raymond James Stadium.

Mixed Doubles Round Robin Social

BROOKSVILLE - Nature Coast Tennis Foundation will be hosting its monthly Mixed Doubles Round Robin Social at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 31, at Delta Woods Park. Cost is $5 a player.
For questions, contact Louise Downey at 650-6268.

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 you 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 1 9727) 271-1849.

Nature Coast Twilight Triathlon set for Saturday

CRYSTAL RIVER - Over 300 athletes are expected to take part in Nature Coast Twilight Triathlon is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 24,s at the Fort Island Gulf Beach Park in Citrus County.
To register, or for additional information, contact Vicki Truett at 1-352-637-2475.

Spring Hill Dixie Softball raising funds to reach World Series

SPRING HILL - Spring Hill's Dixie Youth League needs the community's support. Hernando County will be represented by three Spring Hill Dixie Softball state champions (Angels, Ponytails and Debs) in the July 30-Aug. 4 Dixie World Series in Vancleave, Miss. and Columbia County, Ga.
Donations are needed to pay for transportation and food, and to help the players' families in any way possible.
The general public can help send these players and coaches with a donation to Spring Hill Dixie Softball, P.O. Box 6913, Spring Hill, 34611, or contact Spring Hill President Glenn Primavera at 352-442-1957.

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.

Bucs release training camp public schedule

TAMPA - Building on the success of recent public events, including the NFL Draft Party and FanFest, the Buccaneers released their Training Camp public schedule. The public calendar, which includes morning, afternoon, evening and weekend opportunities, commences on Saturday, July 31, at One Buccaneer Place and culminates with Night Practice and a fireworks show at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 7.
Training Camp will include the following features:
Field 3-only public practices, providing enhanced views for all fans, including those with special needs
More extensive photo and autograph sessions, discounted concessions and a merchandise tent
Regular appearances by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders and Captain Fear
Night Practice at RJS, including a fireworks show, plus $1 hot dogs and soft drinks
As in 2009, a ticket is required for attendance to 2010 Training Camp. Fans who wish to receive advanced complimentary tickets should register for the One Buc Club on www.buccaneers.com.
One Buc Club members will be e-mailed information on how to select tickets for the Training Camp dates and times they wish to attend. Free tickets will be available at One Buccaneer Place on the day of a Training Camp session if it is not sold out due to advance orders by One Buc Club members. Only One Buc Club members will be eligible to download and print their complimentary Training Camp tickets in advance.
Fans should continually monitor www.buccaneers.com for daily practice updates, as the schedule is subject to change. The Buccaneers website also features Training Camp guidelines, including parking information, and a site map of One Buccaneer Place that fans are encouraged to familiarize themselves with before attending a practice session.

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.            

Hernando County Special Olympics competitions

SPRING HILL - The 2010 season for Special Olympics Bowling is set at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 25 at Mariner Lanes.
For additional information, contact Glenn Young at 584-0902 or online at 50hernando@yahoo.com.

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.
The eight specialty camps are:
Bugs & More 8/2 $100 environmental - day trips
Dig N Dirt/Plants 8/9 $95 plants, ecosystems, worm tower
Science/Chemistry 8/16 $125 experiments, volcanoes, CSI uncovered
Scrapbooking 7/26 $125 creative techniques with photos & more
Registration is underway now.
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
Softball (fast-pitch) @ Anderson Snow, 8/2 $65
Pitching Clinic @ Anderson Snow, 8/2 $20
Tennis @ Hernando Park, 7/26 $90
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.

Springstead volleyball summer camps

SPRING HILL - The July Lady Eagle camps, conducted by Springstead Head Coach Darcy Hinton, will take place July 18-20 for beginners and July 25-27 for advanced players. Cost is $60 per camper.
Visit www.hcsb.k12.fl.us/shs/Athletics/Fall_Sports/Volleyball/Volleyball.html to print out the registration form and mail it into the school in order to secure a spot.
Contact Coach Hinton with any questions at dhinton001@tampabay.rr.com.

Brooksville Bulldogs seek additional players

BROOKSVILLE - The Brooksville Bulldogs are looking for travel ball baseball players, ages Under-11 and Under-12, 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 by Friday, July 2.
For more information on the camp, contact Coach Martin at martin_p@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

Adult baseball registration

BROOKSVILLE - The Pasco-Hernando Area Senior Baseball League (PHASBL) is seeking players and teams for its summer/fall 2010 season.
The league is comprised of players between the ages of 18 and 65. Games are played at Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey and other area fields.
For the fall, the league plans to field six to eight teams that will play a 15-game schedule, on Sundays, beginning Aug. 1.
The league will also host its annual Labor Day Classic, Sept. 4-6. Plans are for a double-elimination tournament for players, 18 and older. Games will be played at PHCC, as well as Frank Tack Park and Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater.
Registration is limited to eight teams. Discounts, of up to $100, are available for early registration.
To register or to get more information, contact Dave Conrad at 683-1692, or inquire at conradbaseball@bellsouth.net.

Rosebrough Memorial 5K Run set Aug. 14

BROOKSVILLE - 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.

HCRD announces meetings

BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Recreation Department announces two coaches/players meetings on Aug. 6 at the HCRD office, 205 East Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville.
The meeting for men's flag football will start at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting for men's softball at 6:30 p.m.
The leagues are looking for new teams as well as individual players. For more information, call the HCRD office at 352-754-4031.

Storm team up with Silly Bandz for promotional giveaway

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Storm and Silly Bandz have partnered to provide children with special edition Football Silly Bandz prior to kickoff as the Storm battle the Alabama Vipers on July 24 at 7:30 p.m.
A complimentary 12-pack of limited edition Football Silly Bandz will be provided to the first 1,500 kids in attendance at the game.
For more information regarding tickets, call 813-301-6600 or log on to www.tampabaystorm.com.

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.