The 2012 red snapper season opens June 1st, for 40 days (12 if you must work M-F). That doesn't give us a lot of time to catch what is arguably the best tasting reef fish in the world.

By Corey Clark NoleSports.com editor -- GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's not like they haven't been in this spot before.

Democrat staff report -- Gary Ostrander is FSU President Eric Barron's pick to replace Kirby Kemper as vice president of research at FSU. Kemper, a physicist who has been on the faculty for more than 40 years, including nine in charge of the Office of Research, announced his retirement last fall.

By Ernie Lanford Democrat corespondent -- Here's a springtime summary of Tallahassee golf:

Democrat staff reports -- Florida State senior Maria Salinas shot an uncharacteristic 80 in the first round of the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championships on the Legends Course and is in a tie for 112th place in the individual standings with three rounds remaining in the event on Tuesday in Franklin, Tenn.

By Glen Howe Democrat correspondent -- Dear Glen,

By Jim Lamar Democrat associate editor -- They represent the best mix of athletics, academics and citizenship among the student-athlete population at each of the five public high schools in Leon County.

By St. Clair Murraine Democrat staff writer -- Coach Willie Brown's voice expressed all that he's feeling as the Florida A&M baseball team sits at home while the MEAC tournament goes on this weekend.

NoleSports.com staff report -- The Florida State football season will begin with a pair of 6 p.m. games -- against Murray State on Sept. 1 and Savannah State on Sept. 8 -- the school announced Thursday.

By Ira Schoffel Democrat sports editor -- AMELIA ISLAND — Though he said it didn't interfere with his conference's spring meetings, which concluded here Wednesday morning, ACC Commissioner John Swofford confirmed Wednesday that he has spoken with Florida State officials about the scuttlebutt regarding the Seminoles considering a move to the Big 12.

By Ira Schoffel Democrat sports editor -- The Florida State-Big 12 saga took another interesting twist Wednesday. Former Seminoles football star and former university Board of Trustees member Derrick Brooks said on national radio that the Big 12 Conference "reached out" to FSU, not the other way around. Brooks was speaking on the Tim Brando show when he made the comments. FSU and Big 12 officials have both denied any contact has taken place. Randy Spetman, FSU's director of athle...

By Jim Henry Democrat assistant sports editor -- USA Today's special report on Tuesday examining spending and revenue for NCAA Division I athletic departments did not reveal any deep, dark secrets concerning Florida State's unsettling financial predicament.

Column by Bryan Henry Democrat correspondent -- MOBILE, Ala. — When you think of the lifestyle of a professional baseball player, a couple words like slow and easy may pop into your head. I mean, how hard can it be, right? You get to sleep as late as you want, you don't have to be in the office until around 3 in the afternoon and the real work starts around 7 p.m. Not to mention our work is a game that we love to play.

By Corey Clark NoleSports.com editor -- CLEMSON, S.C. — Heading into their doubleheader against the Clemson Tigers on Monday the Florida State Seminoles needed one victory to win the division outright.

By Jim Lamar Democrat associate editor -- Taylor Rossman pitched a one-hitter to lead the Florida High softball team to a 1-0 victory over Keystone Heights in the Class 4A state semifinals.