& Annual ‘Evening at the Ballpark’ benefit on March 21 to feature Red Sox and Twins legends

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County’s annual Evening at the Ballpark Tuesday, March 21, will include opportunities to meet and mingle with baseball legends from the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins Evening at the Ballpark, which will be held at JetBlue Park, will feature fun baseball-themed activities and games, dinner on the field, an autograph and meet-and-greet session, and panel discussions with former baseball players and staff. Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven and radio sportscaster John Gordon are among those confirmed to attend

Proceeds will help Boys & Girls Clubs fulfill its mission: “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens ”

“The Red Sox and Twins have been incredible partners to local nonprofits since they moved their spring training to Southwest Florida during the early 1990s,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County “So many professional baseball players come from humble beginnings, and their stories serve as inspiration to members of Boys & Girls Clubs who are dreaming big and looking toward the future ”

Major League Baseball designated Boys & Girls Club of America as its official charitable partner in 1997

Evening at the Ballpark begins at 5:30 p m March 21 at JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Drive in Fort Myers Individual tickets are $200 each and tables for 10 are $1,500 Sponsorship opportunities also are available

For additional information, please visit b g c l e e o r g / e v e n t s / 2 0 2 3evening-at-the-ballpark or call 239-334-1886

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County

Established in 1974, Boys

FWC: Rule to improve survival of released fish

At its Feb 22 meeting, the Florida Fish a Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a rul to require the possession of a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest, including catch and release, reef fish in state waters

The FWC reported that it also requires the use of a descending device or venting tool if a fish is exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release

The rule is designed to increase the survival of released reef fish, a top priority management issue in the Gulf and south Atlantic As reef fish are reeled up from depth, they can suffer pressure-related injuries known as barotrauma. These injuries include the stomach protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly, distended intestines and inability to swim down independently If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to reef fish

Tools such as descending devices or venting tools can help released fish recover from the effects of barotrauma

Descending devices are weighted devices capable of releas- fish at a depth that is sufficient to recompress xpanded gas and help fish recover from the effects of barotrauma. Venting tools are sharp, hollow instruments that allow expanded gas to escape from an over-expanded swim bladder Learn more about barotrauma at MyFWC com/Barotrauma Barotrauma mitigation tool requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters In the Gulf waters, fishers have the choice possessing either a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use In the Atlantic waters, fishers are required to have a descending device that is readily available for use

Find current reef fish gear requirements at MyFWC.com/ReefFishGear. Anyone who plans to harvest or attempt to harvest, including catch and release, certain reef fish species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel (includes anglers over 65 years of age), must sign up for the free State Reef Fish Angler designation and renew it annually Learn more at MyFWC com/SRFS and sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida com