New ziplining course opens in Oldsmar

OLDSMAR (FOX 13) - Nearly 50 people were willing to step off a 60-foot ledge on Friday. The drop is part of a new ziplining course opened in Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve in Oldsmar.

A ribbon cutting for the new five-zipline course, operated by Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, was attended by Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis, in additional to city council and community members.

Empower Adventures has two other zipline course in the Washington, D.C. and Hartford, Connecticut areas. Representatives said they were eager to expand to Tampa Bay.

"It's such a great town, and they've been so welcoming to us so far. I think they're looking to bring more people in, so that they can experience just how great Oldsmar is," said Calvin Joustre, operations manager for Empower Adventures Tampa Bay.

Instructors said soaring above trees and waterways in the park is an unforgettable experience, but it takes a bit of bravery to take the first step off the 60-foot tower connecting ziplines.

"Fight past that fear, and you can really empower yourself to take that step off and have a really great time," said Joustre.

The zipline course is one of two new attractions bringing people to the city of Oldsmar. In 2015, the city gained international attention as BMX supercross racers from around the world came to the city's new biking track, which was built to Olympic standards.

The new ziplining course is a fully guided tour that takes about two hours to complete. Participants must be at least 8-years-old. Everyone is advised to wear closed-toed shoes and shirts with sleeves.

The course is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.zipontampabay.com  or call 1-855-ZIP-ONTB for reservations.