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Sports & Outdoors


Hoo: Placida Road owls, newest Englewood attraction

February 9, 2024
A nest of owls by Lemon Bay High School are Englewood’s newest tourist attraction. This “Great Horned Owl Nest” is across the street from Lemon Bay High School, in a street sign. Eva Furner, a …

State cites funding for manatees’ survival

February 9, 2024
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted funding to protect Florida’s manatees and improve water quality while visiting Blue Spring State Park. In January, Blue Spring State Park saw a reco…

Audubon seeks Florida flamingo count 

February 2, 2024
In September, Hurricane Idalia blew dozens of American flamingos into Florida and across the eastern half of the U.S. In February, a research team wants to see how many have remained in the Sun…

Briefly: Dockside oyster garden assistance

February 2, 2024
For residents who have docks or waterfront, Lemon BayWatch Team of Lemon Bay Conservancy is pursuing their goal of improving the water quality of Lemon Bay through the use of vertical oyster garde…

Common sea sponge cleans up

February 2, 2024
The old Boca Grande railroad runs along the north end of Gasparilla Island over a shallow sandbar that is a popular hangout for boaters and paddlers. It is also where I take my guests on eco-tours…

Locals volley for tennis court, debate pickleball placement

February 2, 2024
On the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 30, pickleball and tennis players gathered at the Wheeler Road tennis course to discuss the future of the space.  The lively meeting, which was organized by Ca…

Major expansion to Placida Park, ramp under way 

February 1, 2024
Charlotte County is planning a boat ramp expansion at Placida Park West, an upgrade that is much needed, according to people who regularly use the dock and ramp. “It gets very crowded,” said Ta…

Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic

January 26, 2024
Open Mixed Doubles The Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic kicked off this past weekend with Open Mixed Doubles at Boca Bay Pass Club with a crowd of tennis enthusiasts braving the chilly weather …

SW Florida Fishing: Sea trout is where the action is…

January 26, 2024
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE Speckled sea trout have been the deal in the back country this week. The unsettled weather patterns from last week has made the fishing a little tough this week but the…

Lemon Bay Open House

January 26, 2024
Lemon Bay Conservancy will host its annual open house from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. The event will be at the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve at 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd. in Engl…