New Racquet Center With 32 Pickleball Courts Opening This Week In Cape Coral

Before moving to Florida I had never even heard of pickleball and now it seems down here there's no bigger sport and this week in Cape Coral a new racquet center will be opening with 32 pickleball courts.

My entire childhood and even into high school and college, I always played sports. I wasn't necessarily good at all of them, but if there was a season with a sport to be played I did it. Everything from gymnastics to softball to volleyball. I even tried basketball, but coming in at a height of 5'3'' that didn't work out for me too well. Whether it was competitive or a rec league, I always enjoyed playing something.

After watching the summer Olympics, I was inspired. I started looking into tennis lessons and then I thought maybe pickleball would be a good route to go, as it seems to be the biggest sport down here in Southwest Florida. And now, there will be a new place to play starting tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be a big day in Cape Coral as a brand new racquet center will be opening. The Lake Kennedy Racquet Center will feature 32 pickleball courts and 12 tennis courts. Not only will the grand opening be tomorrow, August 28, but that is also the first day of the United Pickleball State Championship Series.

Joe Petrella is the Parks and Recreation Director and said in a press release: “The Lake Kennedy Racquet Center represents a new era for racquet sports in Cape Coral and the State of Florida. Our team is committed to providing an unparalleled experience for both seasoned players and newcomers alike, and we look forward to becoming a cornerstone of this community.”

For the grand opening of the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, there will be a limited time discount of 50% on all annual memberships for the first year that start at $250 for an individual (pre-discount), $350 for a household couple, $500 for a household family and $100 for Juniors. Semi-annual and monthly memberships are also available. For those living outside of Cape Coral, there is also a $100 initiation fee for annual memberships.

And if you're like me and have never played pickleball, there will be lessons, clinics and camps for all levels, plus racquet and paddle rentals and a pro shop with equipment and clothing.

For more info and to register for a membership, click here

We are approaching the most active part of hurricane season, end of August into September. Even though the season has been underway since June 1st, it's time to once again assess your preparedness. To help out, these hurricane supplies are tax free again in Florida.

This weekend kicks off the second of two Disaster Preparedness sales tax holidays passed by state lawmakers. The idea is to give Floridians a break when stocking up on some basic supplies. The list of items included is extensive and may include things you don't typically think about when it comes to hurricane supplies.

I love that lawmakers not only consider things you might need for your personal safety during and immediately following a storm like flashlights and tarps. In addition, they consider things you might need if you are forced to evacuate with a beloved pet.

Keep in mind there are limits on spending in each category. If you are wanting to really stock up, you might need to be a little strategic. Shop a couple of times during the tax-free holiday. It runs through September 6th.

If you have questions about what is exempt or if for some reason a store did not honor a tax-free purchase, click here to get more info.

In the meantime, here are a few items to stock up on beginning Saturday, August 24th. Make your list and get your disaster kit ready. Officials are predicting the 2024 season is going to be an active and strong.

We've already seen lots of wind, rain and flooding this season. Being prepared is more than just stocking up on supplies. Click here for a comprehensive Southwest Florida Hurricane Guide. It's important to think in advance about some of things listed here.

When power goes out, batteries are essential for flashlights, radios and more. The sales tax is waved on AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6- volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, with a sales price of $50 or less. It's a good time to grab a power pack or power bank at $60 or less.

Generators can be life savers, literally, in the days and weeks following a major storm. They help preserve food if the power goes out, help supply oxygen and other vital services. The sales tax is waved on generators costing up to $3000. Over that, you'll need to pay.

Tarps and similar waterproof sheeting is included. The price cap for these items is $100. In addition, sales tax is waved on items typically sold with tarps such as ground anchor or tie-down kits costing $100 or less.

Radios were crucial for communication and information following Hurricane Ian. Tax is waved on portable radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios. This does not mean you get to buy a new sound system tax free. Limits are $50 or less.

This covers lighting as far as flashlights, lanterns and candles. These light sources can be powered by solar, by battery or gas and must be $40 and under to qualify.

One of the things we learned from Hurricane Ian is the need for a few basic supplies such as bleach and laundry detergents. Also included in this section are items such as paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, soap, disinfectant, sanitizer, and sunscreen.

This includes coolers that are $60 and under as well as those reusable ice packs that come in at $20 or less. Experts advise keeping them on hand and full of ice when a storm is approaching.

This includes items you might need when evacuating with a pet. The list includes such thing as portable kennels or pet carries ($100 or less), pet beds ($40 or less), pet medications ($100 or less). In addition, you'll be able to purchase items such as leashes, collars, waste disposal bags, food and more, all with price caps.

This list includes items such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors all costing $70 or less. House fires a are common after the power gets reconnected.