Register by Monday for benefit bike ride

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 26, 2008

COUNTYWIDE

Monday is the deadline to register for the Joy FM Bike Ride for the Homeless, a two-day ride from Brooksville to Bradenton on Feb. 15-16. The ride will include about 60 miles each day and will have three to four breaks daily, including lunch, dinner and entertainment each day. The registration fee is $150, which includes a jersey, sag stops, lunch both days, dinner both days and transportation to the starting point. Call Pat Augustyniak at (813) 453-1804 or visit the Joy FM Web site at www.thejoyfm.com. A practice ride will be at9 a.m. today, starting at State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County. The group will ride up the trail to Brooksville and back, about 50 miles.

CHASSAHOWITZKA

Winds ground young cranes

High winds grounded 17 young whooping cranes in Gilchrist County on Friday, scrapping plans for a public viewing at the Dunnellon/Marion County Airport. Operation Migration officials said there is still a chance for a flyover today but the weather might be more favorable on Sunday. Visit www.operationmigration.org/Field_Journal.html. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge also has updated information at (352) 563-2088.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Show and auction to benefit dogs

Tickets are available for a dinner and show featuring the Legends of Doo Wop on Feb. 10 at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave. The event is a benefit for the Florida Boxer Rescue. Doors open at 4 p.m.; dinner will be served at 5, followed by the show and a silent auction. Tickets are $45 and $50. For information or tickets, call Candee at (727) 858-5627. Florida Boxer Rescue is a nonprofit organization that rescues unwanted and abandoned purebred boxers in central and western Florida and finds them safe and permanent homes. Information on the organization is available online at www.flbr.org, or call toll-free 1-888-612-5782 between8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.

Today's picks

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida to host a "Day in the Park": 1-3 p.m., Ridge Manor Park, 34030 Ridge Manor Blvd., Ridge Manor. 799-3020.

Hernando Sportsman's Club hosts Gun and Knife Show: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 S Broad St., Brooksville. $6; children 16 and younger admitted free when with an adult. Randie, 799-3605.

Slovene-American Club hosts two-day Winter Dance: 5-9 p.m. today, 2-6 p.m. Sunday, SNPJ Lodge, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. $10 for one day or $18 for two. 686-9874.

[Last modified January 25, 2008, 20:55:04]