NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

March 2, 1998

CONTACT: Greenacres Leisure Services (561) 642-2181

FAMILY FUN FISHING DAY COMES TO OKEEHEELEE PARK

WEST PALM BEACH--A Family Fun Fishing Day will be held at Alligator Pavilion in Okeeheelee Park from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21 under the sponsorship of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the City of Greenacres Leisure Services Department.

FWC wildlife officers and fishery biologists will provide basic fishing instruction for participants. Rods-and-reels along with bait will be available on loan for those who don't bring their own equipment. Further information on this free public event may be obtained by calling: (561) 642-2181.

"This is going to be a great family day featuring fishing tips, raffles, children's games, a live alligator presentation, free hotdogs and soda," said FWC Lt. John Reed. "This event is open to young and old, male and female, everybody with an interest in learning about fishing."

Lake Okeehelee is managed by the FWC in cooperation with county recreational departments. FWC fishery biologists developed a comprehensive fishery management plan to make these urban lakes attractive to area residents who might not have the time or resources to fish the Everglades or Lake Okeechobee.

The lakes are enhanced by periodic stockings of channel catfish, supplemental feeding by automated, solar-powered fish feeders, placement of underwater structures to serve as fish attractors, and installation of aerators which allows for maximum growth of the lake's resident fish population.

The money for the urban program is derived from an excise tax on the sale of tackle, motorboat fuel, trolling motors, and other sport fish equipment. Federal Sport Fish Restoration funds pay $84,175 each yearor 75 percent of the program budget. The state pays the remaining 25 percent.

The majority of the money is invested in fishery enhancement efforts at urban lakes in south Florida. These include the Okeeheelee Fish Management Area in West Palm Beach, the Caloosa Fish Management Area in Boynton Beach, the Plantation Heritage Fish Management Area in Plantation, and the Tropical Park Fish Management Area in Miami.