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Registration has begun for a season of changes
By RICK GERSHMAN Big changes are afoot everywhere in the sports world. Steve Spurrier has resigned at the University of Florida. Dennis Green has been ousted from the Minnesota Vikings. There's always speculation about Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy. Even Little League is not immune. All of the local leagues are holding spring registration this week and next. Tryouts generally begin the following weekend, with regular-season play beginning Feb. 23. Here's what else you need to know: KEYSTONE/CITRUS PARK SPLIT: After sharing the Citrus Park fields for several seasons, each league gets its own digs this year. Citrus Park stays put on Gunn Highway north of Citrus Park Town Center, while Keystone sets up shop at its new home, the Ed Radice Complex on S Mobley Road, about 2 miles west of Gunn Highway in Keystone. Some field-sharing likely will continue, but not at the Citrus Park fields. League officials said the Citrus Park softball program probably will play some of its regular-season intraleague games at the Ed Radice fields to alleviate crowding. That will allow for more convenient start and end times, and longer games. Also, the two leagues will continue to play some interleague softball games during the regular season, Citrus Park officials said. The baseball programs, however, have completely separated. SIGN ON AND SIGN UP: Citrus Park Little League also is offering online registration this year. Registrants still will have to submit identity and residency information at one of the in-person registration periods (see below), but parents can get the process started at www.citrusparksoftball.com. (Note: Though the URL uses the word softball, this site is for all Little League matters, including baseball and T-ball.) NEW BORDERS IN LUTZ: Lutz Little League eligibility boundaries have changed this year. They are: North -- County Line Road from Suncoast Parkway to Interstate 75 and I-275 junction; West -- Suncoast Parkway from County Line to Van Dyke Road; South -- Van Dyke from Suncoast Parkway to Simmons Road, then south to Crenshaw Lake Road, east to Florida Avenue, south to Bearss Avenue, east to I-275, south to Fletcher Avenue, then east to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard; East -- Bruce B. Downs from Fletcher north to Bearss, west to Livingston Avenue, north to I-275, north to County Line. Registration detailsKEYSTONE: 1-4 p.m. today and Jan. 13; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and Jan. 16. Cost is $85 for children 7 and younger, $100 for older children. Eligible ages are 5 to 16. Players must be 5 by July 31. One parent or legal guardian must be present with a birth certificate, health insurance and physician information, and two forms that prove residency (driver's license, phone bill, utility bill). Call 814-0233 for information. CITRUS PARK: 1-4 p.m. today and Jan. 13; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Registration is held in the boardroom above the concession stand. Ages 5 to 16 are eligible for T-ball, softball and baseball. One parent or legal guardian must be present with a recent utility bill and the child's birth certificate. For information, visit www.citrusparksoftball.com or call 920-3250. LUTZ: Oscar Cooler Complex, 770 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, 6-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Baseball is open to ages 4 to 18, and fast-pitch softball for ages 7 to 15. Cost is $60 for 4-year-olds, $85 for all other ages. A late fee of $25 applies after Saturday. Required for registration are a birth certificate and proof of residency, which means at least three of the following: driver's license, voter registration, property tax record or utility bills. For additional information, call 949-7757.
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