Nature Coast

Around the bay

By RODNEY PAGE, Times Staff Writer
Published December 22, 2007

Give someonea life jacketfor Christmas

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has attributed more than 70 deaths to boating accidents this year. Some deaths could have been avoided if the passengers had been wearing life jackets. The FLW hopes boaters will buy life jackets as Christmas gifts this year. Although most life jackets can be cumbersome, there are some that inflate and are much more comfortable. Some fit around the waist, and some fit like suspenders over clothes. The jacket inflates when a passenger hits the water. These new designs, which cost around $60, are more comfortable and will hopefully encourage boaters to wear them at all times.

Anglers prepare for bass league

Nearly 200 anglers will be at Lake Toho in Kissimmee on Jan. 12 for the first of five tournaments in the $8-million Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League. They will be fishing for nearly $45,000 in prize money, including $6,000 for the winner of the boating division. There are four tournaments from February to September in the league's Gator Division, held on various lakes throughout Florida. The top 40 anglers in the division advance to regional and national tournaments. For registration information about the Kissimmee tournament, call (270) 252-1000 or go to www.flwoutdoors.com.

Rodney Page, Times staff writer

[Last modified December 21, 2007, 20:42:58]