Making news
Grouper rules altered again
Florida officials adopted new gag grouper regulations last week that may be applauded by some anglers but could prove a headache for those charged with enforcing the state's fishery management laws.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to adopt the same July 1 through Oct. 31 gag grouper season for state waters that is in effect in federal waters, which begin 9 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
But the commission also authorized chairman Kathy Barco and executive director Nick Wiley to issue an executive order that establishes an April through June gag season in Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin counties. Those waters, which include Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass, would close July 1 through Oct. 31.
Cycling
Swap and shop
Looking for good deals on biking gear? The South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers, a.k.a., SWFBUD, will hold its first "Swap Meet" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the Taco Bus parking lot on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. The swap meet will feature bicycle stores selling closeout bike items and inventory as well as your average bikers selling bike parts, gear, clothing and equipment.
Workshops
Women only
Are you an outdoors woman looking for fellowship and adventure? Learn about Florida outdoors in a noncompetitive, hands-on environment at the FWC's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop. The three-day workshop, scheduled for March 9-11 at the Ocala Conservation Center in the Ocala National Forest, teaches basic outdoors skills such as fishing, canoeing/kayaking, photography, wilderness first-aid and how to use a map and compass.
The workshop, which costs $175, is limited to the first 100 to sign up. For information, visit www.myFWC.com/bow or call Lynne Hawk at (561) 625-5122.
Things to do
Feb. 23: Kayak fishing clinic with guide Neil Taylor, 6:30 p.m., Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure, Pinellas Park. Free clinic on using artificial lures. Information, call (727) 692-6345 or visit strikethree kayakfishing.com.
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