Weather clears out schedules

Evening events on North Suncoast postponed, canceled.

By Izzy Gould
Published February 27, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Undefeated River Ridge was set to host undefeated Land O'Lakes on Tuesday night in a game already canceled once because of rain.

Just before Royal Knights coach Ernie Beck set out for the field, he got the call: a recording from the Pasco County school board let him know superintendent Heather Fiorentino had canceled athletic events for the night, citing inclement weather and power outages.

The game has been rescheduled for March 25 at 8 p.m. The Royal Knights and Gators also are scheduled to meet next week in Land O'Lakes, weather permitting.

"When we play it rains," Beck said with a laugh, referring to the rivalry game. "I called (Land O'Lakes coach) Jamie Martin's cell phone at 9:30 this morning and said, 'It must be ready to rain.' "

The weather left most events on the North Suncoast postponed or canceled. In Hernando County, principals and athletic directors agreed to cancel events, Nature Coast athletic director Travis Lamle said. "Anything that didn't start right after school was canceled," Lamle said.

The Mitchell Invitational track and field meet was rescheduled for 4 p.m. today.

Mitchell softball coach Scott Bisbe was hot when Pasco County canceled its events. His girls were set to play at Alonso in Hillsborough County where county athletic director Lanness Robinson let schools decide whether to play. The Mustangs rescheduled for March 12, setting up a tough stretch with River Ridge, Alonso and Land O'Lakes on consecutive nights.

"I was a little ticked off," Bisbe said. "I'm sure they're going to be under water in a few minutes anyway."

Times staff writer Eduardo A. Encina contributed to this report.

[Last modified February 26, 2008, 21:51:00]