Ocala and Marion County hosted the 2009 FOWA Conference - here are some conference highlights . . .
| FOWA Life Member and Past-President Jim Wilson was presented with the Hardy Bryan Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 FOWA Writers Conference, held in Ocala, August 26-29, 2009. Other Special Awards were presented. Eric Johnson won the Bass Pro Shops’ Pass-it-On Award and Jill Zima Borski won the Frank Phillpott Conservation Award. |
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2009 FOWA Conference Fishing Tournament The 2009 FOWA Fishing Tournament was held during the 2009 Conference at Ocala. 25 anglers left the conference hotel and traveled by bus to Buck N Bass Outfitters in Salt Springs, where they met their guides for a day of fishing on Lake George and Salt Springs Run. First Place Winner Walt Jennings was presented with an original painting by Chris Armstrong, noted outdoor artist. FOWA wishes to thank Capt. Pat and Donna Needham of Buck N Bass Outfitters, Keith Gold of Gold & Associates, and Matt Dunn, Ocala/Marion County CVB for a great day on the water. |
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| First Place: Walt Jennings | Second Place: Mark King |
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Photo Contest Winners - 2009 FOWA Conference |
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First place: |
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2nd Place: Kelly Shannon Kelly |
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3rd Place; Kelly Shannon Kelly |
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Silver River Adventure Trip FOWA members ventured into the monkey-infested waters of Marion County’s Silver River on a canoe and kayak adventure. While some rode aboard Capt. Peggy Goldberg’s yacht, others paddled from the Silver River State Park to the spring head. After a picnic lunch, the tired crew visited the Silver River Museum. |
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Conference Shooting Event FOWA’s 2009 shooting event took place at the FWC Ocala Conservation Center and Youth Camp in the Ocala National Forest. Participants, armed with shotguns, pistols and rifles, took aim at clay and paper targets at this 50-year-old facility, called by many, “the greatest secret in Marion County.” |
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Skish Casting Contest SKISH sponsored this year by Daiwa Corporation. First place winner, Ralph Allen, wins a rod and reel and the SKISH Trophy. Second place winner was Bob Epstein. |
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2009 FOWA Conference Site in Ocala/Marion County
Ocala/Marion County was an excellent choice for FOWA’s 2009 Writers Conference. With first-class lodging and amenities, Ocala is conveniently located on I-75, about 75 miles north of the Tampa Bay area and 25 miles north of the northern terminus of the Florida Turnpike. Marion County is well known for its lakes, springs, spring-fed rivers, and for the quality of outdoor life that they support. Marion County is also the horse capital of the world. The county has the highest number of horses and ponies in residence in America and is represented by virtually every breed.
For visitors whose passion is fishing, there are numerous fish species here, ranging from prehistoric-appearing gars to sporty little panfish that will bite just about anything from a fly popper to a good old worm. The bass fishing in Marion County is some of the best in Florida, with trophy-size catches a common occurrence - keeping anglers coming back to tackle these waters year after year. Orange Lake, Lake Weir, Lake Rousseau, the Rodman Reservoir, the Ocklawaha River, the Silver River, the Rainbow River, and the Withlacoochee River are all well-known Marion County angling destinations.
Marion County’s parks are filled with natural places and sights to observe and with which to interact. Hiking, biking, birding, canoeing, kayaking, tubing and countless other activities can be done right here, bringing families and friends together. A slice of natural Florida unlike anyplace else, the Ocala National Forest offers 389,000 acres of unique ecological sites, trails and natural springs. Hundreds of campsites throughout the forest provide diverse camping options. There are countless opportunities for the outdoor communicator in our ‘Forest’.
Silver River State Park offers much to see, do and experience even after one has taken in its remarkable natural beauty. The Silver River Museum and Environmental Center is a captivating display of the area’s cultural and natural history. ReserveAmerica, a national camping reservation organization, recently honored Silver River State Park, ranking it among the top 20 locations in the country with educational programs. Thanks to a staff of enthusiastic park rangers, there are many interesting and educational programs held here throughout the year.
Conference attendees will also want to experience Silver Springs and the theme park located adjacent to the ‘big spring’. No matter what your age, there are plenty of rides and attractions at Silver Springs that will make you laugh, fill you with wonder, and provide a glimpse into what life was like here more than 10,000 years ago. Just as they did then, the springs pump out 550 million gallons of sparkling-clear water a day—enough to supply the entire city of New York. And surrounding the springs is a marvelous diversity of animals and nature you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Ann Sternal
Executive Director
Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau
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