Plant City’s First Pickleball Palooza: The Friends of the Plant City Police Department hosted its first Pickleball Palooza on February 8 at the Plant City Tennis Center on South Wilder Road. The doubles tournament featured 25 teams, each paying a $100 entry fee, with proceeds benefiting the police department.
Community Comes Together for a Cause
Foundation board members and 13 volunteers, including Plant City High School’s Interact Club, ensured smooth operations throughout the event.
Players received swag bags filled with offers from local businesses, including Outback Steakhouse, Chik-fil-A, Pelican’s Snoballs, Smoothie King, and Raining Berries.
Propagation Whiskey Bar and Kitchen, the event’s sponsor, catered meals for players, while its owner, Brandon Snyder, served as the tournament director.
Tournament Winners and Highlights
The top finishers of the inaugural Pickleball Palooza were:
1st Place – Justin Keel and Ethan Cribbs
2nd Place – Rich Kase and Dave Kase
3rd Place – Margaret Roundtree and Chris Roundtree
PCPD Captain Alfred Van Duyne expressed gratitude for the event, stating,
“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)
He added that the foundation is already planning improvements for next year’s tournament.
“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.” – (Alfred Van Duyne)
More Pickleball Events on the Horizon
Due to the event’s popularity, foundation Chairman Gary Pike announced another tournament scheduled for September 20, with further details to be released soon.
“We had so many people that wanted to do it again, we set up another date on September 20.” – (Gary Pike)
The Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the PCPD through fundraising and community engagement.
Events like Pickleball Palooza help finance important department needs, such as new bicycles for the Bike Squad and upgraded technology for faster data processing.
“We will take a look at it….and we will try to raise the money for it, ….Everyone tells me the city takes very good care of them, but there is always more we can help with.” – (Gary Pike)
Strengthening Community Ties
PCPD Chief Richard Mills emphasized the event’s impact, stating,
“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.” – (Richard Mills)
“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.” – (Richard Mills)
The foundation has several upcoming events, including a business update on March 13, a business after-hours gathering on May 15 at the foundation office on Collins Street, and a sporting clay shoot fundraiser in November.
News in Brief: Plant City’s First Pickleball Palooza
The Friends of the Plant City Police Department hosted its first Pickleball Palooza on February 8, raising funds for PCPD. The pickleball tournament featured 25 teams, with Justin Keel and Ethan Cribbs winning first place. Due to its success, a second event is planned for September 20. Proceeds benefit police resources.
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