Sunshine Network to spotlight Gators

By GREG AUMAN, STEVE LEE and JAMAL THALJI

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 17, 2001

The Baisleys and Weatherfords will be the subject of a short feature to be aired on the Sunshine Network's Florida High School Activities Association High School Xtra show.

The show, which focuses on prep sports around the state, stopped by Land O'Lakes last week to interview the pairs of brothers who have helped the Gators to a county-best 16-2 record and first place in the Sunshine Athletic Conference and Class 5A, District 9.

Brian and Jeff Baisley and Sam and Drew Weatherford were interviewed for the show, according to coach Dave Puhalski. The feature will air at 5:30 and 11 p.m. Jan. 25 on the Sunshine Network.

Jeff Baisley is the reigning SAC Player of the Year, and his brother is one of the best inside players and defenders in the county.

Sam Weatherford is the Gators' center, and his brother, Drew, a freshman who started at quarterback for the varsity football team this past season, is a top reserve.

5K race to inaugurate Suncoast Parkway

Commuters interested in getting an early look at the Suncoast Parkway can preview the new toll road the day before it opens at the Suncoast Parkway 5K and mile runs Feb. 3.

"Be the first -- and last -- to run on the Suncoast Parkway!" reads the headline on flyers distributed in Brooksville. The race will run south on the Parkway from where it intersects with State Road 52, about 4 miles west of U.S. 41.

"Like most races, the heaviest registration is the day of the race, so it's still early," race organizer Joe Fernandez said. "If things go as we project them, I expect 300 to 400 people running in the race."

The race will kick off a grand opening ceremony for the parkway, which will connect central Hernando, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Once traffic is opened Feb. 4, the road will be limited to cars, with bicyclists and inline skaters diverted to a 39-mile trail that runs beside it.

"This is the one and only race," said Joanne Hurley, public information officer for the Suncoast Parkway. "We'll have all kinds of vendors and displays right there on the parkway."

A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. with a parade to follow.

Proceeds will benefit the Gold Shield Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps the families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Registration is $14 for the 5K and $10 for the mile run until Jan. 27 and $20 and $15, respectively, on the day of the race.

The 5K is scheduled for 8:30 a.m, with the mile run to follow at 9. Registration begins at 7.

Runners can register online at activeusa.com. For information, call (813) 874-7223.

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