NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

August 6, 1998

CONTACT: Mike Hulon (407) 846-5300

NEW LAKE TOHO FISHING PIER TO BE DEDICATED AUGUST 19

Want to go fishing but don't have a boat? No problem. A new fishing pier in Brinson Park on Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee will give anglers - young and old - a great opportunity to cast a line and reel in a big one!

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites everyone to an opening dedication at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, August 19, to explain the pier's special features, and recognize the people and agencies responsible for making it possible. Ed Moyer, FWC's director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries; Chuck Dunnick, chairman Osceola Board of County Commissioners; and a representative from the city of Kissimmee will be on hand to make the first casts to officially open the pier to the public.

This is no ordinary fishing pier. It's user friendly, handicapped-accessible, and thanks to a $5,000 contribution from the Fish America Foundation, will likely attract as many fish as anglers.

"The Fish America Foundation money allowed us to construct two fish attractors and install three 300-pound capacity fish feeders with enough fish food to last a year," said Mike Hulon, FWC fisheries biologist in charge of the project. "We think this will really enhance fishing off the pier."

In fact, Hulon says, numerous schooling bass have been seen near the pier during the middle of the day feeding on schooling shad.

The pier's $83,000 price tag was jointly paid for by the FWC, the city of Kissimmee and Osceola County through the Kissimmee/St. Cloud Tourist and Development Center, the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Program and Fish America Foundation.

Plans for the pier began about a year ago. The site was selected based on several factors including good, deep water and excellent parking. After all the funding was approved, construction began in May and was officially completed on August 4.

Hulon says this is a great example of how different agencies can work together to produce something many people can benefit from.

"It feels great when a plan comes together," said Hulon. "Cooperation, assistance and funding from all of the different entities made this 1,950 square foot aluminum fishing pier a reality. All that's left to do now is to thank everyone, buy a fishing license and Go Fishing!"

* * * If you go:
What: Brinson Park Fishing Pier ribbon cutting ceremony and official first cast.
Where: Brinson Park, corner of Neptune Road and Lakeshore Boulevard in Kissimmee. For an interactive map click here.
When: Wednesday, August 19th at 10 a.m.
Who's Invited: Everyone! Bring along some fishing tackle and give it a try!
Check out these tips if you want some help getting ready to go fishing.