Latest columns from Tom Becnel

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  A country bumpkin recalls his first glimpse of Florida

• A few tips to avoid your fat pants
• Softball diamonds are forever
• Recent cold weather kicks off camping season at Myakka State Park
• Autumn recreation reminders include the Beer Run and Cycle Fest

Play! blog

Features headlines

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  Home economics upgraded for wannabe culinary experts 15 hrs ago
  
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  Episcopal church faces split 15 hrs ago
  
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  A boost, and a fresh start in America 5 hrs ago
  
• Parents Torn Over Fate of Frozen Embryos 11 hrs ago
  
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  Episcopal Split as Conservatives Form New Group 11 hrs ago
  
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  Volunteers help library do business 15 hrs ago
  
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  Get set for season's sights and sounds 15 hrs ago
  
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  You are getting funny ... 15 hrs ago
  
• Arts briefs 15 hrs ago
  
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  It knows when you smile 15 hrs ago
  

More columns from Tom Becnel

• Re-opened Beach Plaza welcomes bathers to Nokomis 10/18/2008
  
• Ski-A-Rees bring 'Boat-O' trademark to Sarasota Bay on Sunday 10/11/2008
  
• Fall breeze cools towering view at Preserve 10/4/2008
  
• Phosphorescence makes swimming at night magical 9/27/2008
  
• Dodgeball teams dip, duck and dive in Sarasota 9/20/2008
  
• Dude, Venice resident is a five-time wake surfing champion 9/13/2008
  
• Paddler trades the high peak of Table Rock for a peaceful ride on the river 9/6/2008
  
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  Skate Park calls roll for Sk8skool opener 8/30/2008
  
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  Ageless trainer Czechs out YMCA festival 8/23/2008
  
• Hillsborough park springs into summer 8/16/2008
  
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  Elder throws his hat in for disc championships 8/9/2008
  
• For jellyfish sting, is it first aid or a last resort? 8/2/2008
  
• Don't tell anyone, but the beach is cool at night 7/26/2008
  
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  Solo kayaker paddles Okeechobee Waterway 7/19/2008
  
• One way to deal with the rain is to embrace it 7/12/2008
  
• Life's a beach for Grand Prix fans 7/5/2008
  
• Charlotte's Freedom Swim welcomes floaters 6/28/2008
  
• This trail is a straight shot to bliss 6/21/2008
  
• Police, firemen race into Sarasota 6/14/2008
  
• An evening in a kayak is perfection 6/7/2008
  
• Running families share Tuesday beach tradition 5/31/2008
  
• Coming Sunday: Mud, fun and run 5/24/2008
  
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  Disc golf tournaments for next two weekends 5/17/2008
  
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  Runner's health condition doesn't slow her 5/10/2008
  
• Cell phones invade the great outdoors, comforting some, annoying others 4/26/2008
  
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  Enjoying the ultimate sport 4/19/2008
  
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  Venice seniors take a swing at a game called Pickleball 4/12/2008
  
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  Lau enjoys life in the fast lane 4/5/2008