AFPL Stop 4 Recap: Sarasota Community Shines at Dill Dinkers SRQ

As we inch closer to the finals, All Florida Pro League Stop 4 brought the action to the newly opened Dill Dinkers SRQ, home of the Sarasota Manatees.

Even though the Manatees currently sit at the bottom of the standings, their hometown crowd showed up in full force and created an electric atmosphere. Alongside the pro matches, we hosted a Minor League event on August 23rd, making Sarasota the team pickleball capital of the world for a day.

The off-court fun was just as strong: the “treasure box” for best-dressed players is becoming a fan favorite, with more and more creative outfits showing up each stop. On top of that, thanks to the community, we collected a full box of school supplies to support local students as they head into the new year.

New Faces, Big Impact

The second half of the season always brings changes, and Stop 4 delivered with new subs and fresh talent making an immediate difference.

• Mario Figueiredo made his debut as a full-time player for the Jacksonville Ballers, winning 2 of his 3 men’s doubles matches.

• Andi Godwin, fresh off her championship court appearance at the PPA, joined the Sarasota Manatees and went 2-0 against a tough Lakeland Palms squad.

• The headline of the weekend was undoubtedly Stevie Petropouleas, a sub for the Fort Myers Flamingos. The fearless newcomer showed she belonged, battling league veterans without hesitation and helping the Flamingos reach the finals in her very first appearance.

  
  

Stevie stepped in after Sydnee Metzold left the league unexpectedly and, due to league rules, will not return this season or next. While Stevie can’t play in the remaining stops, she made a statement proving she’s one to watch for future seasons.

The Flamingos have since signed Kara Evans, formerly of the St. Pete Iceburgs, as their permanent roster replacement. And, in perfect pickleball drama, their next matchup is Flamingos vs. Iceburgs in the morning pool of the season finale.

Eyes on the Final Stop

The last regular-season stop is set for September 13th at Epic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Stakes couldn’t be higher:

• The #The 2 seed (and its valuable first-round playoff bye) is still up for grabs.

• Final seeding for the playoffs will be determined by the results in Fort Lauderdale.

• Only 6 of the 8 teams will advance meaning two teams’ seasons will end.

It all comes down to this.

Fantasy Pickleball Update

On a personal note, I’m having a blast with our fantasy pickleball game. I always draft with my heart, taking chances on new players I believe are about to shine — even if it means I finish near the bottom of the standings again.

But for Stop 5, we’re making a big update: you can’t draft two players from the same team. And to sweeten the deal, we’ve secured a sponsor — the winner of fantasy pickleball will take home a customized jersey from their favorite Pro League team, complete with their name on the back.

Thank You

As always, thank you to everyone who supports All Florida Pickleball and the AFPL. Growing this sport in positive ways takes all of us  and those smiles, high fives, and good vibes are what keep the momentum rolling.

Remember: you never know what someone on the other side of the net is going through. Be kind, play hard, and always tap paddles.

See you in Fort Lauderdale!