Who: Southwest Florida Water Management District staff, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)/Wheelin’ Sportsmen representatives, disabled anglers, boy scouts
What: The District and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department have partnered with the NWTF/Wheelin’ Sportsmen to organize this fishing derby, which allows disabled men, women and young adults to experience the outdoors.
When: Saturday, May 13, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The fishing derby will be held on the District’s Edward Medard Park and Reservoir, which is managed by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department.
District Contact: Paul Elliott, 800-492-7862, ext. 6153
Wheelin’ Sportsmen Contact: Mike Blanton, 352-212-9718 (cell) or 352-637-3747
Directions: From Tampa: Take S. R. 60 east, past Brandon. Turn right onto South Turkey Creek Road. The entrance is approximately 1 mile on the left. Look for the NWTF/Wheelin’ Sportsmen sign.
Wheelin’ Sportsmen Fishing Derby Fact Sheet
The District and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department are partnering with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)/Wheelin’ Sportsmen, a group dedicated to providing all people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The group organizes hunts, fishing events, recreational shooting, and other outdoor activities.
The District’s partnership with the organization allows disabled people to participate in planned events throughout the year, including a variety of game hunts and a fishing derby. A five-year agreement to hold seven events on District land per year was signed this year after a successful pilot program was completed.
As part of the partnership, the District has agreed to let the organization use the Edward Medard Park and Reservoir for a fishing derby, May 13.
The derby is free, but participants must be registered in advance. Approximately 25 anglers will be taking part. For more information about participating in future events, visit the NWTF web site www.nwtf.org.
Fishing equipment and supplies will be donated by the Bass Pro Shop for use at Wheelin’ Sportsmen events throughout Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
Boy Scouts from Plant City are volunteering to assist the fishing derby participants.
The NWTF is providing lunch for the event.