Other races Armstrong will participate in throughout the world include: Ironman 70.3 Panama, Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas, Ironman 70.3 Hawaii and Ironman France. Armstrong is racing with the goal of qualifying for the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, on Oct. 13, 2012, and will be competing as a member of Team LIVESTRONG, which is adding these Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races to its endurance events series designed to raise funds for people affected by cancer. “I am grateful to Ironman for partnering with LIVESTRONG to raise funds and awareness for people affected by cancer,” said Armstrong. “In my career as an athlete and as a cancer advocate, I’ve learned that progress demands partnership, but it’s not without a struggle. And that’s what Team LIVESTRONG is about – it’s about purpose; it’s about challenge and it’s about empowering survivors to fight like hell. There’s progress to be made with cancer and we invite anyone up for the challenge to join Team LIVESTRONG.

“At 13 years old, Lance got his start in triathlon by racing in the IronKids Series,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer of World Triathlon Corporation. “At 16 years old, he went pro and was considered a star in our sport. At only 18, he was racing against the best triathletes in the world: Mark Allen, Dave Scott and Scott Molina. We are happy to have him return to our sport. Lance is a fierce competitor and his involvement with Ironman and Ironman 70.3 is good for triathlon.”

“Lance’s involvement at perhaps the toughest one-day event in all of sport sheds light on what surviving cancer can mean to millions around the world,” said Scott Tinley, two-time Ironman World Champion and Ironman Hall of Fame Inductee. “I remember Lance as a determined kid who channeled that competitive spirit into an amazing career as a cyclist, survivor and advocate for survivors of a horrible disease. A partnership between LIVESTRONG and Ironman will further improve the lives of people affected by cancer. People need to realize that Lance’s foundation represents the use of sport to improve our world. There are only positive things that can come from having Lance join the Ironman family.”

“It is exciting to see Lance Armstrong, one of the greatest-ever endurance athletes, coming back to race triathlons in 2012,” said Craig Alexander, three-time Ironman World Champion and two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

“Lance is an exceptional athlete; he’s the type of person who wants to excel and be the best at whatever he puts his mind to,” said Chris Lieto, multiple Ironman and Ironman 70.3 champion. “I’m excited to see how his participation in our sport will draw attention to what it takes to be a triathlete and how challenging it can be. It will definitely bring triathlon more into the mainstream and I know pro athletes, including myself, will look forward to racing with him at future events.”

Additional information about Lance Armstrong’s participation in Ironman 70.3 Florida can be found at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

The dog days of summer are in full swing. Tough fishing is an understatement for trying to describe the South Winter Haven chain. As a matter of fact it’s tougher than I have ever seen it before. It’s hard enough just trying to get around, much less catch a fish. Most canals can barely be navigated, some cannot. Use extreme caution when idling through the canals as some of them have lots of submerged objects that can damage props or entire lower units. Also sand, mud, and other debris can be sucked up and damage water pumps and over heat engines, so remember to trim up and take your time.
 Very low and hot water have the bass in a lethargic state for the moment. They have become mostly nocturnal, preferring to feed at night when conditions are more favorable. As most of us have daytime jobs, busy schedules, and families, night fishing just isn’t a option. We have to go when we can. For those that can fish the night shift, some great action awaits you. As for the rest of us, all is not lost. Get out early as there is still a good morning bite. After that you will have to work hard for mid-day bites. Start out early with topwaters, spinnerbaits, rattlebaits, and jerkbaits around some type of submerged grass. Use shad imitating colors in clear water lakes and chartreuse/shad colors in greener water. Try fishing 5 – 10 ft in green water and 8 – 15 ft in clear water. Keep in mind fish are feeding early, so don’t waste too much time in an area where you’re not getting bites, keep moving. After that patience and good electronics are a must.
 Find some type of cover such as submerged grass or brushpiles on or near offshore structure. These areas will hold fish as long as there is food present. Look for signs of baitfish, both on your electronics and on the surface of the water. Birds diving under water and garfish hanging around in a particular area are both great signs. Try bouncing shad or chartreuse deep diving crankbaits off submerged cover to trigger reaction strikes or slow way down with Texas/Carolina rigged soft plastics to tease fish into biting. Junebug, redbug, blueberry, and watermelon are all good color choices. Sometimes when you get one fish to bite, the competition instinct of bass takes over and the whole school can become active for a few minutes. After you catch one, get right back in there before the area and bass have time to settle back down.
Kissimmee Chain

Ever heard the saying “early bird gets the worm”? Well that saying definitely applies to the Kissimmee Chain during the heat of summer. There’s been a great early bite then around 9′oclock, especially if it’s sunny, the switch flips into the off position. As the dredging continues in the river between Kissimmee and Hatchineah the silt is being washed into Lake Kissimmee making the water muddier there. In the rest of the chain, rains have the creeks flowing a little which always clears up the water somewhat. Toho and Cypress have plenty of hydrilla which filters and clears the water up as well. The water level in all of the lakes is on the rise, but still below normal pool.
 Bass are biting a variety of lures in the morning. Spinnerbaits, topwaters, swimbaits, jerkbaits, and swimming jigs will all produce early along outside Kissimmee grass edges or over submerged hydrilla beds. Flipping outside grass, reed, or pad edges with 1/2 – 1 oz Texas rigged craws, creature baits, and other soft plastics along with 3/8 – 3/4 oz jigs are good early as well. Stay on the move, you don’t have long before it gets much tougher. Finding areas with bait is the key. Look for signs of bluegill and shiners feeding on blind mosquitoes along grasslines. Areas with high concentrations of egrets are a good sign of shad schools being present. Cormorants and Anhingas diving in open water is always a great indication of the presence of some type of bait fish.  
 As the day progresses either fish in thicker cover or move to deeper offshore structure/cover. Bass will move far beneath thick, matted, cover or to deeper haunts to escape the heat. Just as during a cold front, the fish will be lethargic and inactive, so don’t expect non-stop action. Flip further back into the thickest grass, reeds, pads, or mats you can find with 1 – 1 1/2 oz Texas rigged craws or creature baits. Be ready as most bites will occur on the initial drop. Try ripping a rattlebait or slow-rolling spinnerbaits and bladed jigs through submerged hydrilla from 4 – 8 ft. Also deep diving crankbaits bounced off submerged brushpiles will produce some reaction strikes as well. Shad or bream imitating colors are usually best. For less aggressive fish, try a Texas/Carolina rigged worm or other soft plastic. Junebug. black/blue, and watermelon are always good colors. Don’t forget to check mouths of rivers and creeks for schoolers after rains.

Central Florida is where you’ll find beautiful lakes, great bass fishing and Monte Goodman. Monte has made a career of doing what he enjoys and does best as a professional bass guide and successful tournament angler. Guiding and fishing competitively for the past 15 years has given him the experience, skill and knowledge it takes to be a great fisherman. Monte is also a vocal advocate of Florida’s habitat and conservation efforts, supports and practices “catch and release” himself and encourages others to do the same. A member of tournament trails such as FLW, FOMNTT, BFL, and B.A.S.S just to name a few. Credited with well over a hundred local tournament wins, was back to back Angler of the Year in the largest B.A.S.S. affiliated club in the world, and has won numerous Big Bass honors. Monte’s ability to adapt, his versatility and lengthy resume has earned him a reputation anyone would be proud of.

September 3 – at Virginia Wise 6 p.m.

September 10 – vs. Shorter College 1:30 p.m.

September 24 – at Souther Oregon 1 p.m.

October 1 – at Azusa Pacific University 6 p.m.

October 8 – vs. Menlo College 1 p.m.

October 15 – vs. Edward Waters College 5 p.m.

October 22 – at Huntingdon College 1 p.m.

October 29 – at Ave Maria 4 p.m.

November 5 – vs. Southern Virginia 3 p.m.

November 12 – vs. Newport News Apprentice 1 p.m.

 World Amateur Baseball Association – International Championships – Baseball
Dates: 7/22 – 7/24
Venue: Lake Myrtle Complex-Auburndale & Winter Haven- Chain of Lakes Complex
-This event will bring in 35 teams from across the southeastern U.S. to Polk County over the three-day tournament.
-For more information please visit www.wababaseball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

 Florida Half Century 50’s Tournament – Slow Pitch Softball
Dates:  7/23 – 7/24
Venue:  Southwest/Westside Complex, Loyce Harpe Park – Lakeland
-This FHC tournament will bring over 50 senior softball teams from across Florida to Polk County.
-For more information, please visit www.fhcsoftball.org

Both the Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Winter Haven Loggerheads have games this week on Monday the 18^th, Tuesday the 19^th and Wednesday the 20^th starting at 7:00pm.

 Independent Softball Association – Youth World Warm Up – Youth Fast Pitch Softball
Dates: 7/15 – 7/17
Venue: Diamondplex- Winter Haven; Bartow 555 Complex – Bartow
-This event will bring in over 600 participants and over 250 spectators to Polk County.
-For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

 Florida Five Star – Five Stars NIT – Basketball
Dates: 7/15 – 7/17
Venue: Polk State College
-This event will bring in over 475 participants and over 200 spectators to Polk County.
-For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com

 US Chung Do Kwan Associations – 2011 USCDKA National Tournament – Tae Kwon Do
Dates: 7/15 – 7/16
Venue: Haines City-Lake Eva Convention Center
-This event will bring in over 160 participants to Polk County.
-For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com or www.uscdka.com/tournaments

Winter Haven Loggerheads
Dates: 7/15 – 7/16
Venue: Chain O’ Lakes facility
-First pitch is at 7:00pm.

 Bad Cat Wrestling – Pride Wrestling Camp – Wrestling
Dates: 6/14 – 6/18
Venue: The Lakeland Center & Hyatt Place
-This event will bring in over 250 participants
-For more information please visit www.flapride.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

 *Sunshine State Games – Polk County Festival – Multiple Sports
Dates: 6/17 – 6/19
Venue: All over Polk County, Including the Lakeland Center, Polk State College Wellness Center, and Simpson Community Park.
-This multi-sport festival offers competition in seven sports and will bring in 1500 participants over the weekend to Polk County.  Sports offered include fencing, judo, karate, wrestling, table tennis, weightlifting, and tae kwon do.
-For more information please visit www.centralfloridasports.com or www.flasports.com.

 Central Florida’s Street Rod Association – Father’s Day Rod Run – Auto
Dates: 6/17 – 6/19 
Venue: Quality Inn – Davenport
-This event will bring in over 100 participants and over 50 spectators to Polk County.
-For more information please visit www.centralfloridacruisers.ning.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

 World Amateur Baseball Association – Florida Cup – Baseball
Dates: 6/18 – 6/19
Venue: Chain of Lakes Ball Park– Winter Haven
-This event will bring in over 30 10U-18U baseball teams from across Florida.
-For more information please visit www.wababaseball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Friday, June 10 vs. Daytona Cubs @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.):
Victor Martinez Kids Backpack Giveaway
The Flying Tigers will be giving away Victor Martinez backpacks to the first 750 paid kids ages 14 and younger.

Chick-fil-A Night
Look for special promotions, contests and giveaways throughout the game from Chick-fil-A.

Scout Night
Special group ticket and food packages for Boy and Cub Scouts and their families.

Saturday, June 11 vs. Brevard County Manatees (Brewers) @ 4:00 p.m. (Gates open at 2:30 p.m.):
The Ledger Customer Appreciation Day
The first 2,000 fans will receive a free grocery tote compliments of The Ledger Media Group. The first 100 new Ledger subscribers will be given Ledger Media Group t-shirts.  Fans can register to win great prizes including travel trips, gift baskets, gift cards and more throughout the game.  A fan will also have a chance to win a Fiat if a Flying Tigers player hits a grand slam in the seventh inning.  The Flying Tigers will be wearing special tropical jerseys during the game and fans are encouraged to dress for the occasion as well wearing flip-flops and tropical shirts.

Sunset Celebration Sponsored by The Ledger Media Group and Budweiser
Following the game the Flying Tigers will be turning the berm into a Key West themed party.  There will be live island-themed music by Captain Josh as well as street performers, frisbee dogs, a pig roast and much more.  There will be drink and food specials on the berm all night.  Polk County’s Parrot Head Club, Pirates on the Ridge, will be helping to get the party started.

 Fireworks Extravaganza at dark (weather permitting).

 Post-Game Party at Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill
The fun keeps going at Natalie’s following the fireworks show.  Natalie’s is located at 3120 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland.

The Tigers will also be hosting games Sunday-Tuesday, as well.

Sunday, June 12 vs. Brevard County Manatees (Brewers)  @ 1:00 p.m. (Gates open at Noon):
Sunday is Kids Day.  All kids 14 and under will receive free admission to the game.  All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae compliments of Dairy Queen – North Lakeland.

For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

Wednesday, June 1 vs. Ft. Myers Miracle (Twins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
All-You-Can-Eat Night
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Outback Steakhouse – North Lakeland. Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Outback from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or while supplies last.

Emergency Preparedness Night
Members of Polk County’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) will be at the game distributing ready materials and will be available to answer any questions from fans.  There will be PSA audio and video messages, trivia questions, games and contests throughout the game to educate fans.  The Red Cross, National Weather Service, United Way as well as a blood mobile are expected to participate.  There will also be information regarding hurricane preparedness as the beginning of June also marks the beginning of hurricane season.  
WFLA News Channel 8 weekend anchor and Polk County reporter Jennifer Leigh will also throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch.  The Sleepy Hill Middle School Chorus will sing the National Anthem; the Civil Air Patrol Cadets will present the colors, and the Sleepy Hill Middle School Drum Line will perform throughout the game.

Thursday, June 2 vs. Ft. Myers Miracle (Twins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
2^nd Annual Flying Tigers Wing Ding (5:30 -7:00 p.m.)
Area Polk County restaurants will be competing for the Flying Tigers Wing Ding Champion.  Competitors will be judged by best overall wing and the people’s choice award which will be judged by the fans.  Winners will receive trophies and prizes from the Flying Tigers.  Restaurants scheduled to participate include Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill, Hooters, Buffalo Wild Wings, Gators at Dockside, Tiger Town Cafe, Smokey Bones, Beef O’ Brady’s and Mojo’s.  Entrance to the Wing Ding is $5 (ticket to the game is required) and includes wings, live music and beer samples from Budweiser.  Part of the proceeds benefit Camp Fire USA.

Thirsty Thursday
Fans can enjoy $1 beer and soda every Thursday home game.  Beer sales begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at the conclusion of the 7^th inning.

Friday, June 3 vs. Ft. Myers Miracle (Twins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Flying Tigers Youth Cap Giveaway
The Flying Tigers will be giving baseball caps to the first 300 paid kids ages 14 and younger.

Saturday, June 4 vs. Tampa Yankees @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
Fireworks Extravaganza following the game (weather permitting).

Bright House Customer Appreciation Night
Bright House Networks customers receive free tickets for their entire household.  Customers can bring their Bright House statement to the game for free tickets.  There will be special prize giveaways throughout the game.

The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.  For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

Wednesday, May 18 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill
Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, pizza, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or while supplies last. 

Thursday, May 19 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
Thirsty Thursday
Fans can enjoy $1 beer and soda every Thursday home game.  Beer sales begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at the conclusion of the 7th inning.

Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
The Flying Tigers will be hosting the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours from 5:30-7:30 p.m. sponsored by Lakeland Electric. 
There will be great food, drinks and live music along the 1st base concourse.  For more information please contact the Lakeland Chamber at (863) 688-8551.

Friday, May 20 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Camo T-Shirt Giveaway Sponsored by Team Hammer
The Flying Tigers will be giving away camo t-shirts to the first 350 paid adults ages 15 and older sponsored by Team Hammer.

Royal Rangers Night
Special group ticket packages for Royal Rangers and their families.

Saturday, May 21 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) @ 6:00 p.m. (Gates open at 4:30 p.m.)
Armed Forces Day Celebration
The Flying Tigers will be honoring current and former members of the military for their service to the country. The Polk County Veterans’ Council, along with more than 40 other organizations, will conduct a Salute to Veterans and a Welcome Home to those in our community recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Activities will begin at 3:00 PM.
Veterans also will receive FREE admission.  Military personnel from the Polk County area who have recently returned from deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored at the game.  In addition, an enlistment ceremony will induct local recruits into the military.

Fireworks Extravaganza following the game (weather permitting).

Hope Hospice “Night of Hope” Night

Sunday, May 22 vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates) @ 1:00 p.m. (Gates open at Noon)
Sunday is Kids Day. 
All kids 14 and under will receive free admission to the game.  Kids can play catch on the field beginning at noon (weather permitting).  Kids can also run the bases just like the Flying Tigers following the game (weather permitting).  All fans will receive a voucher for a free sundae compliments of Dairy Queen.

Monday, May 23 vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Monday is $1 hot dog night.
  Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs all night.  Also, check The Ledger for a special two-for-one ticket offer compliments of the Ledger Media Group.

Tuesday, May 24 vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Baseball Wingo Sponsored by Hooters
Fans can play Baseball Bingo during the game for a chance to wings from Hooters and prizes from the Flying Tigers.

Silver Sluggers
Flying Tigers Silver Sluggers Tuesday presented by Humana.  Silver Sluggers members will receive free admission to the game as well as a complimentary soda.  For more
information on the Silver Sluggers program please contact the Flying Tigers at (863) 686-8075 or visit LakelandFlyingTigers.com.

KRAFT Singles Tuesday Tickets
KRAFT Singles Tuesday Tickets.  Fans receive a special buy one, get one free ticket offer by bringing a KRAFT Singles package wrapper to the ticket office.

Wednesday, May 25 vs. Bradenton Marauders (Pirates) @ 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)
Wednesday is All-You-Can-Eat Night sponsored by Oktoberfest German Cafe.
Tickets are just $10 and includes admission to the game and all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages,
pizza, cracker jacks, popcorn, pretzels and chips as well as food from Oktoberfest from 6:00-9:00 p.m. or while supplies last. 
The Flying Tigers are a Class A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.  For more information please visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) State Cup Finals and U19 Preliminaries – Soccer
Dates: 5/21 – 5/22
Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Park – Auburndale
-This FYSA event will host 60 youth soccer teams and bring in over 2,000 spectators to Polk County.
-For more information please check out www.centralfloridasports.com or www.fysa.com

Independent Softball Association – Bartow Summer Slam – Youth Fast Pitch Softball
Dates: 5/21– 5/22
Venue: Bartow 555 Complex – Bartow
-This event will bring in over 700 participants and over 300 spectators to Polk County.
-For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com

Independent Softball Association – Adult Memorial – Slow Pitch Softball
Dates: 5/21 – 5-22
Venue: Loyce Harpe Park – Lakeland
-This event will bring in over 100 participants and over 170 spectators to Polk County.
-For more information please visit www.isasoftball.com or www.centralfloridasports.com