BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE

Three options for guiding preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve released three proposed management options and is seeking public comment. 1247375100

FISHING

Red snapper closure is a possibility

NOAA Fisheries Service is proposing to close recreational and commercial fishing for red snapper off Atlantic shores near Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas for 180 days this fall. 1247375119

HIGH SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK

Eutsey captures 400 race in Italy

Miami Southridge High sprinter Ebony Eutsey scored the biggest victory of her career Friday. Eutsey ran a time of 52.88 seconds to win the 400-meter race at the sixth annual World Youth Championships in Sudtirol, Italy.

SPOTLIGHT | ON PARTICIPANT SPORTS

Schillmoller wins triathlon

Elise Schillmoller of Miami won the women's division of the Ameriprise Financial Independence Day Triathlon at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek.

Upcoming outdoors events

Dove hunters can sign up for special-opportunity hunts at five premium dove fields through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Dove Club program. Hunters can obtain work sheets at MyFWC.com/hunting under ''limited entry hunts,'' then submit applications online at www.wildlife license.com or at any county tax collector's office or authorized license agent. Permits will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis until Sept. 9.

South Florida fishing report

Henry Caimotto from the Snook Nook in Jensen Beach reported a large cobia bite taking place offshore in 15 to 20 feet of water, with a lot of small kingfish in the same area. The best action is taking place next to the baitfish schools. Snook fishing is outstanding along the beaches and ocean inlets, and Caimotto is urging anglers to remove the barbs from their hooks to make releasing these spawning snook easier.

Curse leads to fishing shutout

The curse of the outdoors writer is growing stronger. So much so that I'm beginning to feel like one of those hapless anti-heroes in a Stephen King novel.

Outdoors notebook | A look at upcoming events

Everglades National Park will hold a public workshop Thursday on a proposed land swap with Florida Power & Light involving a portion of the East Everglades addition lands intended for ecosystem enhancement. The meeting is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at John D. Campbell Agricultural Center, 18710 SW 288 St., Homestead. The deadline for public comment is July 29. For more information, visit parkplanning.nps.gov. Select ''Everglades NP'' from the drop-down box, then ``Acquisition of Florida Power...

FISHING

Law to protect grouper series could help and hurt

A federal law has been approved to protect a variety of grouper species, but some say it will hurt Keys commercial fishing.

Outdoors events

Dove hunters may sign up for special opportunity hunts at five premium dove fields through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Dove Club program. Hunters may obtain worksheets at MyFWC.com/hunting under ''limited entry hunts,'' then submit their applications online at wildlifelicense.com or at any county tax collector's office or authorized license agent. Permits will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis through Sept. 9.

Old drug-smuggling ship now diving `Miracle'

The first thing you notice as you dive down to South Florida's newest artificial reef is the huge bronze angel statue on the deck of the 167-foot long ship.

Fishing report

BEST BET Captain Dean Panos of Double D Charters out of Keystone Marina has been fishing out of Bimini. In addition to catching a lot of yellowfin tunas, a large blue marlin ate a 20-pound tuna off one of his lines. Captain Jimbo Thomas on the Thomas Flyer out of Bayside Marina reported good kingfish action off of Government Cut in 120 feet of water, plus a lot of bonito and a few sailfish. Dolphins have been scarce.

SHARK FISHING

Tighter management measures for sharks sought

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is being urged to have tighter management rules to ensure a healthy shark population.

Rafting trip not for faint of heart

CLAYTON, Ga. -- A popular T-shirt sold in local souvenir shops pokes fun at the storied and scenic Chattooga River that separates northeast Georgia from South Carolina.

Outdoor pursuits abound in Northeast Georgia

CLAYTON, Ga. -- When an outdoors writer goes on vacation, you might think he or she would like to take a break from fishing, hunting, paddling, camping or hiking. Maybe go to a spa, visit an art museum or take in a live musical.

FISHING REPORT

BEST BET Captain Chris Johnson on the charter boat SeaSquared out of the 7 Mile Marina in Marathon reported great catches of yellowtail and mangrove snappers, almoco jacks and cero mackerel on the reefs and patches, plus mutton snapper up to 12 pounds in 160 feet of water. Offshore from 600 feet out to 35 miles, dolphins were thick under birds.

This would be a very bad weekend to get drunk on the water in South...

This would be a very bad weekend to get drunk on the water in South Florida. The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will launch Operation: Dry Water to take intoxicated boaters off the water Friday through Sunday. Penalties for boating under the influence can include fines, jail and loss of boating and even driving privileges. More information: www.operationdrywater.org.

Outdoors notebook

A new executive director, changes in grouper-snapper regulations and sweeping measures to protect freshwater turtles were highlights of last week's Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting in Crystal River.

INNOVATIVE IDEAS

Ways to make kayaking, snook fishing much easier for all

Novel solutions are available to help kayakers transport their craft and anglers gain an edge while fishing for snook.