FWC discusses goliath grouper; Gulf red snapper, gray triggerfish and gag grouper

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February 9, 2017

FWC discusses goliath grouper; Gulf red snapper, gray triggerfish and gag grouper

At its February meeting in Crystal River, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed future management possibilities for goliath grouper, Gulf of Mexico red snapper, Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish, and Gulf of Mexico gag grouper. For details on these items, see below.

Goliath grouper

In a discussion on goliath grouper, FWC staff reviewed the species’ management history, biology, and stock assessments. Stakeholder input on the management of goliath grouper has varied from interest in opening a harvest to continuing with the current harvest prohibition.

FWC staff is interested in hearing more from the public on the management of this species, including the possibility of a limited harvest.

To submit your comments, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. Details about any future in-person meetings will be provided when available at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Workshops.”)

Gulf red snapper and gray triggerfish

Commissioners also approved a draft rule to set the 2017 Gulf state waters recreational red snapper season, and discussed the potential for a fall 2017 Gulf recreational gray triggerfish season.

The proposed Gulf recreational red snapper season, if approved at the April meeting in Tallahassee, would be 78 days in total and would be:

Open Saturdays and Sundays in May starting the first Saturday in May.
Continuously starting the Saturday before Memorial Day through Sunday following Independence Day.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October, plus Labor Day.

Due to the 2016 federal quota being exceeded, the Gulf recreational gray triggerfish season has been closed in state and federal waters for all of 2017. FWC staff is gathering input on a limited fall 2017 season in state waters that could provide harvest opportunities to anglers.

Gulf gag grouper

The Commission also expressed interest in making changes to the recreational gag grouper season in Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties. Staff have received stakeholder requests for a longer season in this area, which is currently open yearly from April 1 through June 30. Gulf state waters outside of that area and all Gulf federal waters are open June 1 through Dec. 31.

Comment and more

To comment on these items, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

For more information on these changes or to view the presentations given at the Commission meeting, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings” then click on the link below “Next Meeting.”

FWC approves bay scallop season changes for 2017 in St. Joe Bay; discusses other regional changes

Staff Reporter

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February 9, 2017

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FWC approves bay scallop season changes for 2017 in St. Joe Bay; discusses other regional changes

At its February meeting in Crystal River, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed the current status of bay scallops in St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County; approved regional changes to the bay scallop season dates in Gulf County and areas surrounding Gulf County; and discussed potential season dates in Dixie County and parts of Taylor County. These changes are for 2017 only and are an opportunity to explore regionally-specific bay scallop seasons.

A prolonged red tide event in late 2015 negatively impacted the scallop population in St. Joseph Bay, which led to modified local scallop regulations for 2016 that included a shortened season and reduced bag limits. FWC researchers conducted a scallop restoration project last year within St. Joseph Bay to help speed the recovery of the scallop population. These efforts have been going well and the scallop population has shown signs of improvement. Staff will conduct similar restoration efforts in 2017.

“Staff and the community should be commended for their communication, management and restoration efforts in St. Joe Bay,” said Commissioner Chuck Roberts. “They were presented with a challenging situation and came through with a plan that balanced the needs of the resource with the economic and social needs of the community.”

At the request of stakeholders, the Commission approved a July 25 through Sept. 10 recreational bay scallop season off Gulf County, including all waters in St. Joseph Bay and those west of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County through the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County.

Staff also have been looking into scallop regulations as a whole across the harvest area and proposed potential future changes in Dixie and parts of Taylor counties. The Commission directed staff to work with leadership in Dixie and Taylor counties on gaining consensus on potential season dates for 2017 and to adopt those changes in Dixie County and parts of Taylor County by executive order. A press release will be issued once a season is selected for this area.

Bag and vessel limits throughout the entire bay scallop harvest zone will be two gallons whole bay scallops in shell, or one pint of bay scallop meat per person with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or a 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.

At the December 2017 Commission meeting, staff will review public feedback on these changes and make a recommendation for future management. To submit your feedback on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

For more information on these changes, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings,” then click on the link below “Next Meeting.”

For information on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops.”

Deputy Chief Robert Weech Joins Polk County Fire Rescue

Polk County

Staff Reporter

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February 8, 2017

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Deputy Chief Robert Weech Joins Polk County Fire Rescue

BARTOW, Fla. (February 8, 2017) – Robert Weech has joined Polk County Fire Rescue as its Deputy Fire Chief of Logistics and Special Services. He is now responsible for fleet, facilities, warehouse operations and information technology.

“That’s to start,” Fire Chief Tony Stravino said of Weech’s responsibilities. “I have had the privilege of working with Chief Weech in the past. He is a consummate professional. His experiences will help us move Polk County Fire Rescue forward.”

Weech spent his firefighter career in a single-tier fire rescue system. This means every EMS or fire response, regardless of call type, receives the same level of person.

“I’m very excited to be here,” Robert Weech said. “Over the last few weeks I’ve been getting to know the county better.”

Weech began his firefighting career with the City of Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue in 1999. He worked through the ranks and became the assistant chief of administration in 2008. When the City of Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue merged operations with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue in 2011, he initially served as division chief of finance and was subsequently promoted to assistant chief of operations.

Prior to his service in fire services, Weech worked as a certified public accountant for a large international accounting firm.

Weech has an accounting degree from Florida State University and a masters degree in Organizational Development from Upper Iowa University. Weech has attended several executive development trainings, including the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer. He is also a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Weech and his wife Cathy have two daughters, Madison and Kennedy.

Louisville Slugger Warriors to compete against Senior Softball USA All-Stars

Auburndale

Staff Reporter

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February 8, 2017

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Louisville Slugger Warriors to compete against Senior Softball USA All-Stars

Free contest at Auburndale Softball Complex

AUBURNDALE – Still carrying the scars from the field of battle, veterans of numerous conflicts will join forces this Saturday for some friendly competition.

Coming to the Auburndale Softball Complex are the Louisville Slugger Warriors, a nationally recognized competitive slow pitch softball team featuring U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel who have suffered amputations and other wounds, both physical and psychological, while serving our country, mostly overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Slugger Warriors play year-round all over the country at national softball tournaments against able bodied competition, helping to highlight the fact that they have exceeded the challenges of rehabilitation and now perform at a the highest level possible.

Taking the field against the Slugger Warriors will be the best senior softball players in Senior Softball USA (SSUSA). The SSUSA All-Stars are part of the largest senior softball organization in the country, dedicated to informing and uniting the senior softball players of America and the world.

The game is Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Auburndale Softball Complex, 99 Florida Citrus Boulevard in Winter Haven.

For more information, call:

Dennis Turner

Team Advisor

Louisville Slugger

[email protected]

(314) 393-5326

Stolen Car from Lakeland Involved in Pursuit

Staff Reporter

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February 7, 2017

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Stolen Car from Lakeland Involved in Pursuit

Lakeland, Fl. (February 7, 2016) – On February 7, at 2:36 pm., the Plant City Police Department requested assistance from the Lakeland Police Department in reference to a stolen vehicle they were pursuing eastbound on I-4 toward the city limits of Lakeland.

The stolen vehicle, a 2012 Kia Forte, had been reported stolen from the The Preserve Apartments in Lakeland on February 2^nd.

At 2:45 p.m., Officer Scott Hutton observed the stolen vehicle at the Marathon Gas station, 4275 Lakeland Hills Boulevard and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield and fled northbound on Hwy 33.

At 2:47 p.m., Officer Hutton advised the stolen vehicle had wrecked in the roundabout in Polk City. A male suspect was immediately taken into custody after a brief struggle and the other occupant, a female, was later removed by additional responding officers.

Both subjects were transported to the hospital and their condition is unknown at this time. The male driver will remain in LPD custody, and upon his release be transported to the Polk County Jail. Their names are unknown at this time. Polk County Sheriff’s Office is working the accident and will release additional details at a later time.

Update: Bartow High School Lock down

Staff Reporter

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February 7, 2017

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On 02/07/2017 at about 12:50 PM, school resource officers with the Bartow Police Dept. were notified of a possibly security threat on campus. Additional support from our patrol section was immediately summoned and the Safe Schools Division of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified, in an abundance of caution. Initial reports by a High School student were that a male subject was observed carrying an unknown type firearm in a gym style bag. Based upon this information, Bartow High School was placed on lock down and officers began a coordinated deployment throughout the school, with the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

As detectives with the Bartow Police Department interviewed the 17-year old senior student, information developed that this story was a hoax. Detectives learned that the student had concocted the story and the student admitted that a firearm was never observed.

Upon learning this information and clearing the school of any threats, students were released for the day at around 2:30PM.

Based upon our investigation the reporting student was taken into custody for an involuntary mental evaluation pursuant to the Baker Act. Charges related to Disruption of a School and False Reporting of the incident are pending.

Due to the student’s age and mental health status, the department will not be releasing the child’s information at this time.

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Traffic Advisory: PCSO Traffic Unit is working a Serious Crash on Commonwealth Ave

Polk City

Staff Reporter

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February 7, 2017

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Traffic Advisory: PCSO Traffic Unit is working a Serious Crash on Commonwealth Ave

UPDATE to traffic crash in Polk City – Commonwealth and Deen Still are open to traffic at this time.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: The PCSO Traffic Unit is working a serious crash on Commonwealth Avenue (AKA SR 33) at Deen Still Road, in Polk City, involving a vehicle fire. The roadways in that area are shut down at this time. Please use an alternate route until further notice.

Bartow High School On Lockdown Heavy Police Presence in the Area

Bartow

Staff Reporter

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February 7, 2017

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Bartow High School On Lockdown Heavy Police Presence in the Area

UPDATE: 2:45 Bartow Police Officers, with help from Polk County Sheriff’s Office searched the entire school grounds for a possible weapon. No weapon was found. Students will be released in an orderly fashion, officers and deputies will be on standby until all students have safely left the school.

UPDATE 2:25 PM –

Bartow high school is currently on lockdown in reference to an unconfirmed report of a student with a concealed gun. Bartow Police are on scene and detectives are currently investigating this unconfirmed information. There has been NO information, at this point, that any students were threatened or approached by the subject directly.

Bartow Police and Polk County sheriff’s office are on campus and will remain until this event reaches a conclusion. Updates will be released as available.

Information about the status of the lockdown or updates regarding today’s release schedule will be released by the school board when available.

UPDATE 2:12 PM – It is confirmed that Bartow High School, IB, Summerlin, and The Middle School are on lockdown due to possibled weapon on campus. Search is underway and students are safely locked in their classrooms.

UPDATE: More Reports coming in that All Schools in the surrounding area are on lockdown for a search of weapons on campus. We will bring you more as it becomes available.

Original Release:

We have reports that Bartow High School may be on lockdown and there is a heavy police presence in the area. Please stay safe and we will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library host “Patrick Smith’s Florida: A Land Remembered” Show

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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February 7, 2017

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Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library host “Patrick Smith’s Florida: A Land Remembered” Show

Florida author Patrick Smith’s son, Rick, will present a unique multimedia show honoring his father and the experiences that led him to write his beloved novels. Highlighted in the show will be Smith’s popular saga of Florida pioneers, “A Land Remembered”.

Rick Smith’s show combines his own quirky brand of humor and storytelling with videos, photos, music and visual effects to bring the life of Patrick Smith into focus in a fascinating way.

Sponsored by the Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library and the Jahna Foundation “Patrick Smith’s Florida” begins at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 9, at the Polk State College – Lake Wales Arts Center’s Updike Hall, 1099 State Road 60 East, Lake Wales.

The show will follow the opening reception of a new exhibition, La Florida, featuring the works of Blair Updike and Kerry Vosler. The La Florida exhibition is in the Michael Crews Gallery; the opening reception begins at 5:00 p.m.

The family-friendly show is free and open to all and is a 2017 Lake Wales Centennial Program, celebrating 100 years of Lake Wales’ Heritage.

For information call 863-678-4004 or email [email protected].

Exploring Florida’s History through Children’s Literature: Lois Lenski’s Strawberry Girl

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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February 7, 2017

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Exploring Florida’s History through Children’s Literature: Lois Lenski’s Strawberry Girl

In 1945 children’s author, Lois Lenski, wrote the fictional account of a Polk County childhood in her Newbery award-winning book, Strawberry Girl. The book tells the story of ten-year-old, Birdie Boyer, who moved to western Polk County with her family. The Boyer’s adventures and mishaps in Florida’s harsh backwoods are described through Birdie’s eyes.

Two special March library programs will focus on this classic children’s novel.

The Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library will host “An Afternoon with Lois Lenski & Strawberry Girl”, 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 19. Anna Cotton will portray Lenski and Nicole Curtis will perform as Birdie Boyer, Strawberry Girl. Their program will include conversations and fictional shared correspondence between Miss Lenski and Strawberry Girl.

Woven into the program is a history of Florida in the mid-20^th Century for Polk County poor farmers.

The Lake Wales Public Library’s Youth Services Department will hold a Family Book Discussion focusing on “Strawberry Girl”, 5:30 p.m., March 14. Free paperback copies of “Strawberry Girl” are available to young readers and their families with participation in one or both programs. The books are available in the Lake Wales Public Library’s Children’s Library, one free copy per family. Children and their families can register for the Family Book Discussion and the Strawberry Girl program.

“Exploring Florida’s History through Children’s Literature: Lois Lenski’s Strawberry Girl” is a family-friendly program for all ages. It is free and open to all and is a 2017 Lake Wales Centennial Program, celebrating 100 years of Lake Wales’ Heritage.

The Lake Wales Library Association – Friends of the Library, sponsors both programs. For more information call 863-6748-4004 or email [email protected].

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