Around the bay

By RODNEY PAGE, Times Staff Writer
Published September 8, 2007

Volunteer for cleanups

Hernando County needs volunteers for various coastal cleanups Sept. 22. Opportunities are available on the west and east sides of the county. On the west side, the cleanup will be from 8 to 11 a.m. at Linda Pederson Park (6400 Shoal Line Blvd. in Hernando Beach). On the east side, the cleanup will be from 8 to 11 a.m. at Ridge Manor Community Park (34030 Ridge Manor Blvd). It is recommended that volunteers wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants, sturdy shoes, insect repellent and sunscreen. Both cleanups are run by the Audubon Society. To volunteer, call (727) 808-4339. A volunteer workday will be at Cypress Lake Preserve in Ridge Manor. The cleanup runs from 8 a.m. to noon. To volunteer, call (352) 754-4027.

Bay scallop season closes Tuesday

A reminder that this is the last weekend to enjoy bay scallop season, which closes Tuesday and does not open again until July 1. Most scallops can be found from Homosassa northward on the grass flats. The limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops or 1 pint of meat per diver.

Bass tournament to be Sept. 15-16

The final tournament of the $8.8-million Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Gator Division, will be Sept. 15-16 at Harris Chain-of-Lakes in Tavares. About 200 boaters and anglers will compete for $67,500, including $9,000 to the winner. The two-day tournament will start with the full field competing Saturday and continue with the top 20 percent of the field competing Sunday. Winners will be determined by the heaviest two-day catch. There will be on-site registration for the tournament from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Leesburg Wal-Mart (2501 N. Citrus Blvd.). The cost is $300 per boat and $150 for each co-angler. Anglers may register at www.flwoutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.

[Last modified September 7, 2007, 20:14:14]