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Sarasota News Leader December 13, 2013 Page 102 Scotland and Canada arrive, even though the with organizations active in Port Charlotte, sport can be played on indoor courts through St. Petersburg, Mt. Dora and Clearwater. tough northern winters. The game is a bit like croquet. Instead of malThousands of people drive by the Sarasota lets and wooden balls, the lawn bowlers use facility every day, but very few notice it. The a ball that is hand-sized and flattened at the three lawns and clubhouse are north of the poles. It is rolled on its round side toward a Municipal Auditorium and "behind" the Van mark. Points are scored for balls stopping Wezel Performing Arts Hall's marquee on U.S. 41; the area is also the site where the old city closest to the mark. However, as in croquet, friendly balls can knock opponents' balls shuffleboard courts were located. away from the mark. Membership is made up of about 80 full-timers. Past President Jo Koegel estimates there Lawn bowling is similar but not identical to are about 1,000 active lawn bowlers in Florida, the Italian game of bocce ball. With Sarasota Bay as their backdrop, the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club members celebrate 86 years on the town's best turf. Photo by Jo Koegel