Sports: Out and About: Outdoors briefs

Sports

Special report

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Hubble space telescope discoveries have enriched our understanding of the cosmos. In this special report, you will see facts about the Hubble space telescope, discoveries it has made and what the last mission's goals are.
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Video report

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Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
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Multimedia report

Rays fan guide to the Trop
Here are some insider tips to Tropicana Field and area information.
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Out and About: Outdoors briefs

Count all those Different Birds in the Bush

By Rodney Page, Times staff writer
Published December 21, 2007

The St. Petersburg Audubon Society will host a New Year's Day Birding Open at Fort De Soto Park from 6 a.m. to noon. The Birding Open is a series counting competition, with each person or team participating on the honor code. The team or person with the most species identified from the toll bridges of Tierra Verde south to the park will win trophies. The awards ceremony will take place at the East Beach Picnic Pavilion. Participants are asked to make a $20 donation to Audubon of Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries Program and bring their own lunch. For information, call (727) 398-4124.

Never too earlyto think regatta

The Davis Island Yacht Club Commodore's Cup will be held Jan. 5 and 6 in Hillsborough Bay. Racing begins at 10:30 a.m. on the first day and 10 a.m. on the final day. For registration information or for directions on where to watch, call (813) 251-1158.

Before you cast, take this class

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to learn how to fish, you might want to check out an eight-week saltwater fishing class offered by Rick Frazier beginning Jan. 9. All aspects of inshore and offshore fishing will be covered in the class, which costs $50. For information, call (727) 510-4376.

GIFT IDEA

Newer life jackets more comfortable

So far this year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has attributed more than 70 deaths to boating accidents. Some could have been avoided if the passengers had been wearing life jackets. So the FWC is hoping boaters will buy life jackets as holiday gifts this year. While most life jackets can be cumbersome, there are new jackets on the market that inflate and are much more comfortable. Some fit around the waist, while others fit like suspenders over clothes. They inflate when a passenger hits the water. These new designs, which cost around $60, are more comfortable to wear and will hopefully encourage boaters to wear them whenever they are on the water.