By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Making news
Foundation to discuss Gulf beach testing
The Florida Suncoast chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit environmental organization working to protect oceans and beaches, will present an update on water and sand testing of gulf beaches as part of "paddle-out" event at St. Pete Beach on Sunday, marking the one-year anniversary of the gulf oil spill. Activists, volunteers and state and federal representatives will hold an 8 a.m. news conference, followed by a paddle-out and a update presentation at 9 a.m. For information, call (949) 732-6413.
Banquet, auction helps fund CCA
The Florida chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association has fought many battles for recreational fishermen over the past 20 years. Without the CCA, Florida's recreational anglers wouldn't enjoy such a stellar inshore red drum fishery. Anglers can support the Tampa chapter of the CCA through its annual banquet and auction Thursday at the Tampa Airport Hilton on Lois Avenue. For tickets, call (813) 238-2220 or go to ccaflorida.org/chapters/tampa.html.
Things to do
• Snake seminar, 1 p.m. Saturday at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg. Free. Call (727) 453-6500.
• Island Earth Days, Saturday and Sunday at Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Live music, kayak races, rain barrel workshops, bungee jumping, rock wall climbing, fresh seafood, arts and crafts, environmental vendors, guided nature and beach walks and activities and crafts for kids. Cost: $8 per vehicle at park gate. Information: call (727) 738-2903 or visit www.islandearthdays.com.
• Gopher tortoise hike Sunday at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg. Call (727) 893-7326.
• St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron's safe boating seminar. 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center at Demen's Landing. Information: www.boating-stpete.org.
Rodney Page, Times staff writer