Monday, February 18, 2013
Want to try paddleboarding? Here are tips to get you started off on the right foot!
Paddleboarding is one of the more popular watersports today. It's fun and a great way to get fit, too. If you're looking to hit the waves on a paddleboard, Prescott Metcalf, a paddleboard instructor with the Suncoast Surf Shop in Treasure Island, offers these tips: Want to give paddleboarding a try? Check out one of these Hillsborough County shops: Solstice Sports 408 North Howard Avenue Tampa, FL 33606 (800) 320-9463, Ext. 701 Urban Kai 305 North Willow Avenue Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 598-1634 Dick's Sporting Goods - Brandon 901 Brandon Town Center Mall Brandon, FL 33511 Dick's Sporting Goods - Tampa 8100 Citrus Park Town Center Tampa, FL 33625
Saturday, February 16, 2013
We want to know what you think, Tampa Bay!
With Super Bowl championships occupying the top three slots in most-watched telecasts in U.S. history, it seems football is as popular as ever. Yet the sport is at the epicenter of a national debate on the long-term effects of concussions and whether tackling is safe for youngsters. President Barack Obama recently threw his two cents in, saying if he had a son he would think twice before letting him get on the gridiron. And Boston University researchers last year released a comprehensive study showing there is a link between permanent brain injury and repeated blows to the head, according to the Boston Globe. Of concern to some is the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in some older athletes. Often referred to as simply CTE, …
Monday, February 11, 2013
It’s another storied achievement for the powerhouse Brandon High School wrestling team under legendary coach Russ Cozart. The team this weekend took home the 2013 FHSAA Class 3A-Region 2 title.
It's another milestone in the storied life of the powerhouse Brandon High School wrestling team, as legendary head coach Russ Cozart sends his squad to state competition in Lakeland after winning yet another region title. The 2013 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state competition is scheduled for Feb. 15-16 at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland. En route to that competition, the Eagles scored a 294-point victory Feb. 9 at the Class 3A-Region 2 tournament at Osceola Kissimmee. ______________ Were you at the tournament? Share your thoughts in the comment box below and post your photographs with the link above. ______________ "Hosting the toughest region in the state, Osceola wrestlers knew they'd get a good test of what was …
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The Florida Python Challenge ends Feb. 10. At this point, more than 800 registered hunters have caught 50 snakes.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported Feb. 5 that 50 pythons have been nabbed by hunters so far during the monthlong Florida Python Challenge. The challenge ends Feb. 10. The pythons are being processed and logged by the University of Florida. “The 2013 Python Challenge is an unprecedented effort to focus public interest, support and direct involvement to help deal with Burmese pythons,” said FWC chairman Kenneth Wright. “The FWC is pleased that so many people are joining this earnest effort to limit the impact of this invasive species on Florida’s diverse native wildlife. Floridians and people from all across the United States truly care about the Florida Everglades, and they are clearly eager to help us better …
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center is offering soccer clinics with professional Brazilian soccer player Edmar "Dismas" Amaral.
Children of all ages will learn the basics of soccer during a series of clinics at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center, 405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon. According to blogger Lori Bukaweski, associate executive director of BSAC, Brazilian soccer player Edmar "Dismas" Amaral will coach the Strikers Pride Soccer Academy, focusing on technique, goal keeping, striking and team building. To find out more, read Bukaweski's blog. If you have special interest, opinion or expertise, we invite you to blog on Brandon Patch. Just click here to start blogging.
Shaolin-Do Kung Fu and Tai Chi will host its Winter Olympics Saturday, Feb. 9.
Shaolin-Do Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 413 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, is inviting residents to learn more about these martial arts forms when it hosts its 2013 Shaolin-Do Winter Olympics Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. This is a great chance to learn some skills and possibly earn a medal. There is no charge for visitors and their families. Read more about this event in the event posting on Brandon Patch. Got an event of your own? Post word of it for free in the Brandon Patch events calendar. ______________ Brandon Patch is an interactive community site, and we want you to get involved. Post a comment at the bottom of any story. Upload your photos to our Pics & Clips gallery. Post an Announcement to share your news, or add an Event to our …
Monday, February 4, 2013
Clydesdales, babies, hotbots and more. Patch readers, cast your vote for the best Super Bowl XLVII television commercial.
The big game is over, the final score recorded and now the voting is under way for the best of the best in this year's slate of Super Bowl XLVII television commercials. We ask Brandon Patch readers to cast their votes, in the 2013 Super Bowl poll below. Here's links to learn more, as well as links to watch the commercials again: ______________ What did you think about this year's slate of Super Bowl television commercials? Did they live up to the hype? How did they compare to prior years' lineups? Were they enough to lure to the game people who don't even follow football, let alone like it? Let us know in the comment box below. ______________
Friday, February 1, 2013
Government and business leaders are in talks with team officials about a potential move.
Despite winning consistently and investing more than $20 million into Tropicana Field stadium, Rays executives say the games continue to lag behind in attendance. "We've been winning consistently, but attendance has been trending downward," said Michael Kalt, the team's senior vice president of development and business affairs in a presentation before the Hillsbrough County Commission last week. "We've gone from 26th overall [in attendance] down to last in 2012, with an average of slightly over 19,000 people coming to games and that's with the extraordinary roll we've had on the field." Kalt was joined by other upper echelon members of the Rays organization, including the team's principal owner Stuart Sternberg and team president Matt …
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation has joined forces with the Orlando Magic basketball team.
Applications are being accepted for the Junior Magic Basketball Leagues, for boys and girls ages 7-17 a chance to improve their skills while rewarding them with special perks for all their hard work. The program runs from Feb. 11 - April 12, and registration will be held from Jan. 14-18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at county rec centers listed below. The $25 program cost includes a certificate of achievement, free ticket to a Magic home game, live games to improve skills, a reversible Junior Magic jersey and weekly practices. To register, stop by one of the rec centers below: Northdale Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Pine Dr. in Tampa, 813-264-8956 Roy Haynes Park, 1902 S. Village Ave. in Tampa, 813-903-3480 Keystone Park, 17928 Gunn Highway in …
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Gardening, chair-exercises, and balloon volleyball are a few of the exercise options available for seniors.
The New Year is a time when many people start thinking about getting fit and exercising and it’s no different for seniors. As seniors age, remaining active becomes increasingly important. Senior living communities and caregivers should consider looking beyond traditional physical therapy options to keep seniors engaged and active. Seniors are most receptive to physical therapy when caregivers and their therapists develop individualized plans that fit both their lifestyle and interests. Research shows that it is difficult to motivate seniors to begin to exercise if it hasn’t previously been a priority. Integrating modified, low-impact activities, like yoga, into seniors’ exercise plans increases the likelihood that they will …
Chuck R
6:50 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
Your child can start playing tackle football at age 5, but most play flag first. When these very young kids run into each other, it's not much of an impact to be honest. I'm not saying they never give each other a good hit because it happens occasionally. I never thought of it as dangerous, though. One important note; if the helmet is making the hit, the kid is doing it wrong, and the coach will … more ›