Burn scheduled today at Brooker Creek Preserve

Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 16, 2000

EAST LAKE -- A prescribed burn is scheduled for this morning in the Brooker Creek Preserve, provided weather conditions remain appropriate, county officials said Tuesday. Residents who have questions can call the county's Prescribed Burn Hotline at (727) 582-BURN (2876) for daily updates.

Highwaymen artist to talk at history museum

SAFETY HARBOR -- The Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History will host Highwaymen artist James Gibson for a lecture March 2.

Gibson is one of the earliest Highwaymen artists. He will talk about the early days in the 1950s when the Highwaymen painted scenes of the bayous and backwoods of southeast Florida and sold them for $20 to $35 out of the trunks of their cars. Gibson studied briefly under landscape artist A.E. (Beanie) Backus. He began painting lessons at age 18, then went to Tennessee State University to major in biology, where he stayed for 2 1/2 years. He returned to Florida to paint swamps and palm trees. The lecture will be at 7 p.m. in the museum gallery, with a social hour to follow. There is a $2 admission charge. The museum is at 329 S Bayshore Drive.

Boot-camp fitness comes to YMCA

CLEARWATER -- It's not a real boot camp, but the YMCA of Clearwater has acquired some military physical training specialists to help you through military-style calisthenics such as push-ups, sit-ups and running in place. Six-week sessions are from 6 to 7 a.m. or from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The next session begins Monday. Cost: $85 for Y members, $115 for non-members. To sign up or for information, call (727) 461-9622.

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