On February 8, the Friends of the Plant City Police Department held its first Pickleball Palooza. This doubles tournament took place at the Plant City Tennis Center on South Wilder Road.
For those who are not versed in pickleball, it was invented in 1965, but didn’t begin to catch on until 2021. Pickleball has become the fastest growing sport in the United States, and there are currently 34.5 million players. Florida is the most popular state for pickleball, and The Villages has 253 pickleball courts.
Pickleball is similar to tennis. In both, a ball is hit back and forth over a net, and players are permitted to hit the ball in the air or after one bounce. Both use a hard court. However, tennis courts are 78 feet long and 36 feet wide, while pickleball courts are 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. Tennis uses racquets with strings, but pickleball uses a paddle and a plastic whiffle ball. The shorter court and the paddles mean that pickleball doesn’t require the same skill level as tennis to play and have fun.
Each of the 25 teams that entered paid $100 to vie for trophies and the glory of being the first-ever winners. The foundation board members and 13 volunteers took care of the organization and details during the event—Plant City High School’s Interact Club among them.
The foundation gave each competitor a swag bag with coupons for a free Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’Onion, a free Chik-fil-A sandwich, a free Snoball from Pelican’s, $2 off and 1 BOGO from Smoothie King, a free coffee from Raining Berries, and more.
Propagation Whiskey Bar and Kitchen sponsored the event and catered food for the players. Propagation’s owner, Brandon Snyder, volunteered as tournament director.
The top finishers were:
1st Place – Justin Keel and Ethan Cribbs
2nd Place – Rich Kase and Dave Kase
3rd Place – Margaret Roundtree and Chris Roundtree
“We thank everyone who participated in the 1st Annual Pickleball Palooza that was held at the Plant City Tennis Center, and sponsored by Propagation Whiskey Bar and Kitchen,” Alfred Van Duyne, PCPD Captain, said. “Several PCPD members either participated, or were there, in support of the event. It was very heartwarming to interact with everyone there who was in support of the police department. There were some serious “pickle ballers,” and despite anyone’s skill level, everyone was friendly and willing to help anyone learn the game. The foundation already is working on new ideas to make next year’s event even better. Thank you to the Friends of PCPD and to everyone who donated. ”
“We had so many people that wanted to do it again, we set up another date on September 20,” foundation Chairman Gary Pike said. More details will be forthcoming.
Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, with the purpose and focus to serve the PCPD by raising money through tax-deductible donations and community events. The foundation’s vision is to enhance collaboration between Plant City’s residents and law enforcement by fostering a sense of security, respect, and shared responsibility. Its mission is to enhance financial support for Plant City’s law enforcement and build stronger relationships with the community.
Events like Pickleball Palooza raise money to assist in offsetting costs that are incurred by the PCPD. Providing four, much-needed, replacement bicycles for the Bike Squad, and technology that helps systems process data faster, are among things the foundation obtained for PCPD in 2024. When PCPD Chief Mills submits a request to the foundation for something not in the budget, “We will take a look at it….and we will try to raise the money for it,” Pike said. “….Everyone tells me the city takes very good care of them, but there is always more we can help with.”
“The success of our first annual Pickleball Palooza is a testament to the unwavering support and camaraderie between our police department, the foundation, and the Plant City community,” PCPD Chief Richard Mills commented. “Events like this not only raise essential funds for our officers, but also strengthen the bonds that make our city safer and more connected. We are deeply grateful to the Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation, the sponsors, and all the participants for their dedication to enhancing the well-being of our officers and fostering unity throughout or beloved city.”
On the docket for the foundation is a business update on March 13 to inform people how funds were spent. On May 15 a business after-hours event will take place at the foundation office on Collins Street. Another sort of fundraiser—a sporting clay shoot—will be held in November.