Sports & Leisure

Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public input on proposed Southwest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is exploring the possibility of a new conservation area across Southwest Florida and asks for the public’s input.

First Coast Cultural Center starts summer activities season

The First Coast Cultural Center is launching its summer activities season with new programs to support the nonprofit, including Summer 2023 Imagination Vacation Weekly Art Camps. The schedule starts Tuesday, May 30, and runs until Wednesday, Aug. 9 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

New yellowfin tournament to launch

There’s a new yellowfin tournament launching this year that’s been put together by some local anglers who share a passion for this fishery. The Inaugural Eastside Tuna Roundup will run from April 15 through May 31.

Friday play suspended at THE PLAYERS Championship

Due to area thunderstorms, second-round play was suspended for the day at THE PLAYERS Championship at 4:27 p.m. Friday. All venues, grandstands and concession stands are closed. Second-round play will resume at 7 a.m. Saturday. All entry gates are currently scheduled to open at 6:45 a.m.

Report horseshoe crab sightings to FWC

It’s almost spring and that means it’s peak mating season for horseshoe crabs. Help biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gather valuable information about these ancient creatures by reporting sightings on the online survey.

Expect to see more blackfin, sailfish and mahi

Spring is in the air with warm weather, warming water temps, and hot fishing all along the First Coast. This week we’ve seen some great reports from both inshore and offshore, and even the surf fishing is getting good.

Gray triggerfish and spotted seatrout are open for recreational harvest

The following species opened to recreational harvest March 1:     •    Gray triggerfish opened in Gulf state and federal waters.

FWC rule for recreational crab traps goes into effect March 1

Starting in March, recreational crab traps in Florida will be required to have rigid funnel openings no larger than 2 x 6 inches at the narrowest point or 2 x 6-inch bycatch reduction devices installed to reduce accidental trapping of diamondback terrapins, which has been a significant threat to...

FWC seeks public input at virtual workshops on protections for goliath grouper spawning aggregations

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting two virtual workshops this week to gather feedback on proposed rule making that would enact seasonal fishing closures on priority goliath grouper spawning aggregation sites in southeast Florida to reduce potential impacts of...

FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory program offers prizes

With more than 4,000 participating anglers and 36 sponsoring partners, Catch a Florida Memory is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) exciting and engaging saltwater angler recognition program.