Calendar of Events
Click on any number of checkboxes to only show the events from those sections.
Adventure Clothing
March 19th
FL Suncoast Hiking & Backpacking Group
The Florida Suncoast Hiking & Backpacking Group meets at Bill Jackson’s on the third Monday of the month. Programs and speakers are geared toward the outdoor enthusiast. Bill Jackson’s will again be doing the cooking. You can come right from work or come early to look around the store. We will meet at 6:00 and start at 6:30.
Click here for more information
Backpacking
March 14th
Andrew Skurka, National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year”
Andrew Skurka is best known for his 4,700-mile 6-month Alaska-Yukon Expedition, his 6,875-mile 7-month Great Western Loop, and his 7,775-mile 11-month Sea-to-Sea Route. He has been named an “Adventurer of the Year” by the National Geographic Society and by Outside, and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker. He is the author of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail, which was released by National Geographic Books in February.
On March 14th at 7 pm, Skurka will give an adventure-themed slideshow, “Circling Alaska and Yukon: A 4,700-mile 6-month journey by foot, skis and packraft through Big Wilderness.” This entertaining and thoughtful presentation features stunning imagery, emotional videos and some of Skurka’s best stories.
Admission to the event is free.
Skurka will be available before and after the presentations to sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase.
March 15th
Andrew Skurka, National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year”
Andrew Skurka is best known for his 4,700-mile 6-month Alaska-Yukon Expedition, his 6,875-mile 7-month Great Western Loop, and his 7,775-mile 11-month Sea-to-Sea Route. He has been named an “Adventurer of the Year” by the National Geographic Society and by Outside, and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker. He is the author of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail, which was released by National Geographic Books in February.
On March 15th at 7 pm, Skurka will host an instructional clinic, “Ultimate Hiking Gear and Skills,” in which he will explain and demonstrate how to making the hiking component of a backpacking trip more fun, instead of it being an arduous activity between campsites. He focuses not just on lightweight equipment, but on skills that keep a backpacker safe and comfortable with a minimum of possessions.
Admission to the event is free.
Skurka will be available before and after the presentations to sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase.
March 19th
FL Suncoast Hiking & Backpacking Group
The Florida Suncoast Hiking & Backpacking Group meets at Bill Jackson’s on the third Monday of the month. Programs and speakers are geared toward the outdoor enthusiast. Bill Jackson’s will again be doing the cooking. You can come right from work or come early to look around the store. We will meet at 6:00 and start at 6:30.
Camping
March 14th
Andrew Skurka, National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year”
Andrew Skurka is best known for his 4,700-mile 6-month Alaska-Yukon Expedition, his 6,875-mile 7-month Great Western Loop, and his 7,775-mile 11-month Sea-to-Sea Route. He has been named an “Adventurer of the Year” by the National Geographic Society and by Outside, and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker. He is the author of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail, which was released by National Geographic Books in February.
On March 14th at 7 pm, Skurka will give an adventure-themed slideshow, “Circling Alaska and Yukon: A 4,700-mile 6-month journey by foot, skis and packraft through Big Wilderness.” This entertaining and thoughtful presentation features stunning imagery, emotional videos and some of Skurka’s best stories.
Admission to the event is free.
Skurka will be available before and after the presentations to sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase.
March 15th
Andrew Skurka, National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year”
Andrew Skurka is best known for his 4,700-mile 6-month Alaska-Yukon Expedition, his 6,875-mile 7-month Great Western Loop, and his 7,775-mile 11-month Sea-to-Sea Route. He has been named an “Adventurer of the Year” by the National Geographic Society and by Outside, and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker. He is the author of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail, which was released by National Geographic Books in February.
On March 15th at 7 pm, Skurka will host an instructional clinic, “Ultimate Hiking Gear and Skills,” in which he will explain and demonstrate how to making the hiking component of a backpacking trip more fun, instead of it being an arduous activity between campsites. He focuses not just on lightweight equipment, but on skills that keep a backpacker safe and comfortable with a minimum of possessions.
Admission to the event is free.
Skurka will be available before and after the presentations to sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase.
March 19th
FL Suncoast Hiking & Backpacking Group
The Florida Suncoast Hiking & Backpacking Group meets at Bill Jackson’s on the third Monday of the month. Programs and speakers are geared toward the outdoor enthusiast. Bill Jackson’s will again be doing the cooking. You can come right from work or come early to look around the store. We will meet at 6:00 and start at 6:30.
March 21st
Get Outdoors! with the Adventurous Woman
The Adventurous Woman is the only Tampa Bay area club just for ladies who love outdoor adventure! Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, Hikes, and more for women of all skill levels. We encourage you to attend a meeting to meet the members and see what we are about. We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, beginning at
Fishing
February 23rd
Kayak Fishing Skool with Neil Taylor
Neil Taylor of Strike Three Fishing, is the speaker and host of “Kayak Fishing Skool”. Neil will be speaking about “Getting Better with Lures”. Everyone is welcome, and feel free to bring along a friend. The seminar is from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
February 25th
Fly Casting Class
Open to all ages! Saturday morning at 10:00 am.
Please call for reservations.
March 1st
Fly Tying Workshop
Meet at 7pm in the Fishing Shop for the Fly Tying workshop.
Call 727-576-4169 for details.
March 3rd
Fly Casting Class
Open to all ages! Saturday morning at 10:00 am.
Please call for reservations.
March 15th
Fly Tying Workshop
Meet at 7pm in the Fishing Shop for the Fly Tying workshop.
Call 727-576-4169 for details.
March 20th
BACK Fishing Club
Bay Area Canoe & Kayak Fishing Club invites you to join them as they meet to exchange information about kayak and canoe fishing in the Bay Area. Meeting starts at 6:30 pm.
March 21st
Get Outdoors! with the Adventurous Woman
The Adventurous Woman is the only Tampa Bay area club just for ladies who love outdoor adventure! Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, Hikes, and more for women of all skill levels. We encourage you to attend a meeting to meet the members and see what we are about. We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, beginning at
Gun Shop
February 25th
Concealed Weapons Course for the Novice
Bill Jackson’s Firearm Safety Course is designed for the novice shooter over 21 to help you become familiar with the basics of handgun safety, handling and to gain confidence in your shooting, as well as meeting the requirements for your concealed weapons permit. The course is taught by one or more of Bill Jackson’s 5 NRA Certified Instructors and, upon completion, you will receive a NRA certificate recognized by the State of Florida to apply for the Concealed Weapons Permit. Please call for reservations.
Time: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Course Fee – $125.00
March 3rd
Concealed Weapons Course for the Novice
Bill Jackson’s Firearm Safety Course is designed for the novice shooter over 21 to help you become familiar with the basics of handgun safety, handling and to gain confidence in your shooting, as well as meeting the requirements for your concealed weapons permit. The course is taught by one or more of Bill Jackson’s 5 NRA Certified Instructors and, upon completion, you will receive a NRA certificate recognized by the State of Florida to apply for the Concealed Weapons Permit. Please call for reservations.
Time: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Course Fee – $125.00
March 6th
Handgun Caliber Familiarization Shoot
Fire five (5) rounds each of 380, 9mm, 38 Special Airweight, 38 Special Heavier Frame, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP
FEE $45.00 Includes: Use of Handguns, Range Use and Ammo
Space Limited… Reservations required! Call 727-576-4169
March 10th
Concealed Weapons Course for the Novice
Bill Jackson’s Firearm Safety Course is designed for the novice shooter over 21 to help you become familiar with the basics of handgun safety, handling and to gain confidence in your shooting, as well as meeting the requirements for your concealed weapons permit. The course is taught by one or more of Bill Jackson’s 5 NRA Certified Instructors and, upon completion, you will receive a NRA certificate recognized by the State of Florida to apply for the Concealed Weapons Permit.
Please call for reservations.
Time: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Course Fee – $125.00
March 17th
Concealed Weapons Course for the Experienced
Bill Jackson’s Concealed Weapons Course is an accelerated course for those that are over 21 and already experienced with handguns and shooting. We will discuss gun safety and handling, fundamentals of shooting, procedures for applying for your concealed permit, common weapons violations and transportation. Included with the 3 hour course is range time with a NRA Certified Instructor on Bill Jackson’s indoor range and a certificate of completion for the Concealed Weapons Permit application. Each student will supply their own gun and 25 rounds of ammunition. Please call for reservations.
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Course Fee – $75.00
March 17th
Handgun Caliber Familiarization Shoot
Fire five (5) rounds each of 380, 9mm, 38 Special Airweight, 38 Special Heavier Frame, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP
FEE $45.00 Includes: Use of Handguns, Range Use and Ammo
Space Limited…Reservations required! Call 727-576-4169
March 20th
Handgun Caliber Familiarization Shoot
Fire five (5) rounds each of 380, 9mm, 38 Special Airweight, 38 Special Heavier Frame, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP
FEE $45.00 Includes: Use of Handguns, Range Use and Ammo
Space Limited…Reservations required! Call 727-576-4169
April 7th
Concealed Weapons Course for the Experienced
Bill Jackson’s Concealed Weapons Course is an accelerated course for those that are over 21 and already experienced with handguns and shooting. We will discuss gun safety and handling, fundamentals of shooting, procedures for applying for your concealed permit, common weapons violations and transportation. Included with the 3 hour course is range time with a NRA Certified Instructor on Bill Jackson’s indoor range and a certificate of completion for the Concealed Weapons Permit application. Each student will supply their own gun and 25 rounds of ammunition. Please call for reservations.
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Course Fee – $75.00
April 7th
Handgun Caliber Familiarization Shoot
Fire five (5) rounds each of 380, 9mm, 38 Special Airweight, 38 Special Heavier Frame, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP
FEE $45.00 Includes: Use of Handguns, Range Use and Ammo
Space Limited… Reservations required! Call 727-576-4169
Kayaking
February 23rd
Kayak Fishing Skool with Neil Taylor
Neil Taylor of Strike Three Fishing, is the speaker and host of “Kayak Fishing Skool”. Neil will be speaking about “Getting Better with Lures”. Everyone is welcome, and feel free to bring along a friend. The seminar is from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.
March 12th
Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers
Join the TBSK at there monthly meeting which features information on kayaking and related topics by speakers from across the area. They meet from 7 – 8:30 pm on the second Monday of the month.
March 17th
Sunset and Sangria
Come to Darry’s house on scenic Lake Seminole and paddle around the lake to the beauty of a Florida sunset. This is one paddle you don’t want to miss and afterwards it’s ice cold Sangria and dogs on the barbie! Don’t forget your night lights.
Meet at 6:30 pm Launch at 7:00 pm
Fee: Rental + Guide = $48pp-polymer/$68pp-composite Own boat + Guide = $20pp
Location: Lake Seminole
March 20th
BACK Fishing Club
Bay Area Canoe & Kayak Fishing Club invites you to join them as they meet to exchange information about kayak and canoe fishing in the Bay Area. Meeting starts at 6:30 pm.
March 21st
Get Outdoors! with the Adventurous Woman
The Adventurous Woman is the only Tampa Bay area club just for ladies who love outdoor adventure! Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, Hikes, and more for women of all skill levels. We encourage you to attend a meeting to meet the members and see what we are about. We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, beginning at
March 31th
Weeki Wachee River Adventure
Enjoy the charm and scenery of this beautiful river. We’ll head up stream from Roger’s Park and stop part way to have lunch. After we eat we will continue to the head springs. The trip back down stream is always fun. Don’t forget to pack a lunch.
Meet at 8:00 AM Launch at 8:30 AM
Fee: Rental + Guide = $48pp-polymer/$68pp-composite Own boat + Guide = $20pp
Location: Roger’s Park There is a $5.00 parking fee.
April 14th
Escape from Ft. De Soto Triathlon Kayak Support
Meet and Safety Meeting at 6:00 am, Launch at 6:15 am from North Beach Shelter #10
Help support the swim portion of the annual Escape from Ft. De Soto Triathlon. T-shirts for volunteers. Race starts at 7:00 am. Experienced paddlers only, please. No fee for boat rental.
April 22nd
Lido Key Paddle
A barrier island west of Sarasota is our destination for these beautiful clear waters and shallow lagoons. Come play with us as we explore this county’s blueway system. Please pack a lunch or feel free to share peanut butter sandwiches with us.
Meet at 8:00 am Launch at 8:30 am
Fee: Rental + Guide = $48pp-polymer/$68pp-composite Own boat + Guide = $18pp
Location: South Lido Nature Center
April 29th
St. Anthony’s Triathlon Kayak Support
Meet at 5:15 am, Launch at 5:30 am from the Coffee Pot Park boat ramp, Safety Meeting at 600am on the North Shore Beach.
Support the swim portion of this annual triathlon near the Pier in St. Pete. Help the athletes and the community and have FUN! T-shirts for volunteers. Race starts at 6:50 am. Experienced paddlers only, please. (30 kayakers needed) No fee for boat rentals.
Metal Detecting
February 27th
Suncoast Research & Recovery Club
“Dedicated to Preserving Florida’s History”
The SRARC meets the forth Monday of the month at 7 pm for those interested in or finding out about the hobby of metal detecting.
Paddleboards
March 3rd
Free Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic
Paddleboarding is the fastest growing water sport and is taking Florida by storm. Join us Saturday afternoon at 1:00 for a free stand up paddleboard class. Feel free to call us for additional information.
March 17th
Free Stand Up Paddleboard Clinic
Paddleboarding is the fastest growing water sport and is taking Florida by storm. Join us Saturday afternoon at 1:00 for a free stand up paddleboard class. Feel free to call us for additional information.
Scuba Diving
February 21st & 23rd
Nitrox Class
Nitrox Class Tuesday, February 21st and Thursday, February 23rd 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. $125.00 plus $49.95 for books.
Feburary 15, 2012
Scuba Diver Class – Saturdays
This is where it all begins!
Class: February – 25 March – 3, 10, 17, 24 Noon – 5p
Dives: March – 18, 25
March 01, 2012
Try The Newest Underwater Scooter Free!
The world’s lightest, fastest and most compact Seajet is here and you can try it out for free!
February 28th and March 1st
Nitrox Class
Nitrox Class Tuesday, February 28th and Thursday, March 1st 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. $125.00 plus $49.95 for books.
February 20th-March 4th
HSA Dive Buddy Course
The Handicapped Scuba Association’s Dive Buddy Course allows able-bodied divers the opportunity to expand their underwater world to include sharing it with disabled divers. HSA Dive Buddies receive a wealth of training and knowledge (nearly as much information and skill training as an instructor) so that they will know how to safely and effectively assist divers with disabilities.
Course Cost: $275. This includes the classroom and pool sessions, all training dive fees (except as noted below), your HSA Dive Buddy Manual as well as HSA Certification and Registration fees.
Classroom and Pool Sessions: February 20th, 22nd, 27th and 29th (Monday & Wednesday) 6:00-9:00pm
Training Dives: Sunday, February 25th ($5 Park entry fee) and Sunday, March 4th
March 5, 2012
Scuba Diver Class M/W
This is where it all begins!
Class: March – 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
Dives: March – 25 April – 1
March 13th and 15th
Nitrox Class
Nitrox Class Tuesday, March 13th and Thursday, March 15th from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. $125.00 plus $49.95 for books.
March 6th and 8th
Nitrox Class
Nitrox Class Tuesday, March 6th and Thursday, March 8th from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. $125.00 plus $49.95 for books.
March 20th and 22nd
Nitrox Class
Nitrox Class Tuesday, March 20th and Thursday, March 22nd from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. $125.00 plus $49.95 for books.
March 27th and 29th
Nitrox Class
Nitrox Class Tuesday, March 27th and Thursday, March 29th from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. $125.00 plus $49.95 for books.
April 3, 2012
Scuba Diver Class – T/Th
This is where it all begins!
Class: April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
Dives: April 21, 28
April 14, 2012
Try Diverite Gear Free!
Dive Rite is the pioneering creator of technical SCUBA diving equipment for advanced, wreck and cave diving.
April 16, 2012
Divemaster
Become a dive leader! Organize and conduct dives with safety and professionalism but bring your ‘A’ game!
Classroom/Pool: April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 May 2, 7, 9, 14, 16
Dives: May 6, 13, 20
April 20-22, 2012
Dive The Beautiful Florida Keys
Join Bill Jackson’s for a 3 day 2 night adventure to Plantation Key
May 5th
Dive With The Sharks At The Florida Aquarium!
Imagine kneeling on an underwater sand bar while nine foot sharks, a giant sea turtle, barracuda, moray eels, a goliath grouper, and thousands of tropical fish swim literally inches away from you.
Snow Boarding
February 25th – March 3rd
Ski or Ride in Telluride
Join Darry Jackson and Michael Schenker in their favorite ski town…Telluride, Colorado. This resort is the best of all worlds with 23 percent beginner terrain, 36 percent intermediate and some of the best black diamonds in the nation. Enjoy 3845 vertical feet of skiing served by lifts. Telluride is consistently rated a top ten ski resort.
Snow Skiing
February 25th – March 3rd
Ski or Ride in Telluride
Join Darry Jackson and Michael Schenker in their favorite ski town…Telluride, Colorado. This resort is the best of all worlds with 23 percent beginner terrain, 36 percent intermediate and some of the best black diamonds in the nation. Enjoy 3845 vertical feet of skiing served by lifts. Telluride is consistently rated a top ten ski resort.
Triathlon
April 14th
Escape from Ft. De Soto Triathlon Kayak Support
Meet and Safety Meeting at 6:00 am, Launch at 6:15 am from North Beach Shelter #10
Help support the swim portion of the annual Escape from Ft. De Soto Triathlon. T-shirts for volunteers. Race starts at 7:00 am. Experienced paddlers only, please. No fee for boat rental.
April 29th
St. Anthony’s Triathlon Kayak Support
Meet at 5:15 am, Launch at 5:30 am from the Coffee Pot Park boat ramp, Safety Meeting at 600am on the North Shore Beach.
Support the swim portion of this annual triathlon near the Pier in St. Pete. Help the athletes and the community and have FUN! T-shirts for volunteers. Race starts at 6:50 am. Experienced paddlers only, please. (30 kayakers needed) No fee for boat rentals.