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Dude Perfect running it back with Squad Games Tour

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TAMPA – After a record-breaking 2025 tour, Dude Perfect is taking live entertainment to the next level with an all-new 360-degree arena layout during its Squad Games Tour.

Dude Perfect will stop at Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 for an action-packed night of competition and trick shots, complete with new, larger-than-life challenges.

The arena floor will transform into a battle zone surrounded by fans on all sides, creating an immersive live experience.  

The new format captures the energy of a live sporting event as the Dudes face off against some of their favorite athletes and creators in high-energy games and over-the-top challenges.

The interactive Fan Zone also returns on a larger scale, featuring more iconic and new trick shot challenges to give fans a chance to step in as the “sixth dude” before the show.

“Getting to bring Dude Perfect straight to the fans is one of the best parts of what we do,” co-founder Tyler Toney said. “After seeing the energy and turnout from last year’s tour, we knew we had to go bigger. Squad Games is next-level Dude Perfect, giving fans an even better view of the competition and creativity that first brought them into our world. We can’t wait to go wild with the DP Fam and hope it inspires them to take that energy home and keep playing together.”

Dude Perfect’s 2025 tour drew more than 200,000 fans, raising its stock as one of the largest sports entertainment brands in the world. 

“This next iteration of the Dude Perfect live experience is completely reimagined, bringing fans closer to the action with a better viewing experience that will be more engaging and interactive all the way around,” said Brian Reese, senior vice president of produced content and the tour’s producer. “We’re so excited to bring the Squad Games concept across the country, and to continue creating lasting memories for families as only Dude Perfect can!”

 

Want to go?

Tickets for this event went on sale Nov. 19 at Ticketmaster.com. Advanced parking passes are available at ParkWhiz.com. Visit benchmarkintlarena.com or call 813-301-2500 for more information.

MLB, NFL legends raise money for health and wellness center

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More than 20 retired MLB and NFL players participated in the annual event to benefit the AdventHealth Sebring Foundation. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

• Charity Golf 001 & 002: More than 20 retired MLB and NFL players participated in the annual event to benefit the AdventHealth Sebring Foundation. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
• Charity Golf 003: Retired MLB pitcher Thomas “Flash” Gordon thanked the event participants for supporting the community by taking part in the event. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
• Charity Golf 004: Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Wauchula and Lake Placid, welcomed the celebrity athletes, who came from across the country to participate in the event. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
• Charity Golf 005: AdventHealth Wauchula Vice President and Administrator Christen Johnson praised Thomas Gordon for his longtime commitment to helping those in the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
• Charity Golf 006: Rendering of the planned AdventHealth Wellness Center to be built in Sebring. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Retired MLB pitcher Thomas “Flash” Gordon thanked the event participants for supporting the community by taking part in the event. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

SEBRING – More than 20 retired MLB and NFL players teamed up with more than 130 business and community leaders to raise money for the AdventHealth Sebring Foundation on Nov. 7 at the Sun N Lake Golf Club.
Money raised during the fifth annual AdventHealth Sebring Foundation Thomas “Flash” Gordon Celebrity Golf Tournament will support a new 21,000-square-foot health and wellness center at AdventHealth Sebring.
Retired MLB pitcher Thomas “Flash” Gordon hosted the event. The three-time MLB All-Star won 138 games and saved 158 more during his 21-year career.
Gordon thanked all the participants for joining the event and helping give back to the community he loves.
“This means so much to us in this community,” he said. “We love each and every one of you. We support each and every one of you. And we’re grateful to have this opportunity to come together. This is about the entire community coming together to raise money for such a great cause.”
Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Wauchula and Lake Placid, welcomed the celebrity athletes, who came from across the country to participate in the event along with local leaders, business partners and community members.
“Thank you for being here and for supporting AdventHealth in the Heartland,” Dunkel said. “We are so thankful for all your support in our ongoing mission to provide exceptional whole-person care in our community, which we are honored to be part of. Every dollar raised today will be used to help even more of our friends and neighbors live healthier, happier lives.”

AdventHealth Wauchula Vice President and Administrator Christen Johnson praised Thomas Gordon for his longtime commitment to helping those in the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

AdventHealth Wauchula Vice President and Administrator Christen Johnson praised Gordon for his longtime commitment to helping those in the community.
“Thomas has been instrumental in making sure that we bring wellness to life in our Highlands and Hardee County communities,” Johnson said. “He’s given so much dedication, so much effort and so many contributions to make a difference and change lives for our patients, our families and our hospitals and we can’t be more grateful for the gift you are to us, Thomas.”
Former Baltimore Orioles star and broadcaster Ken Singleton introduced each of the celebrities before they and the golfers hit the links at the event presented by Bill Jarrett Ford of Avon Park. They included Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Boston Red Sox legend Jim Rice, nine-time MLB All-Star Gary Sheffield, World Series Champion pitcher Mike Torrez, World Series champion outfielder Mookie Wilson and more.
After the participants finished their rounds, the players took time to sign autographs, take photos, talk with event attendees and answer questions about their playing careers.

AdventHealth donates medical supplies to support student-athletes after fire

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AdventHealth Lake Wales donated several boxes of supplies to help Webber International University student-athletes Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

Members of the Webber International University football team helped unload the donated items. Photo courtesy AdventHealth

LAKE WALES – AdventHealth Lake Wales donated hundreds of essential medical supplies to Webber International University following a fire that damaged the university’s training room and destroyed critical equipment and supplies.

In addition to destroying the training room, the fire on Aug. 15 left the university’s athletic teams, including 140 football players, in need of important health and safety resources for injuries sustained during practices and games. In response, Webber’s leadership reached out for help. 

On Oct. 16, AdventHealth Lake Wales provided a wide range of urgently needed items, including wound care supplies, splints, wraps and other medical essentials. The donation ensures student-athletes can continue receiving proper care and protection as they recover and play out the remainder of their season.

“At AdventHealth, we believe in extending the healing ministry of Christ beyond hospital walls,” said Royce Brown, CEO of AdventHealth Lake Wales. “When Webber International University President Dr. Nelson Marquez asked for support, we knew we had to act. Supporting the health and safety of these student-athletes is part of our commitment to whole-person care and to being a trusted partner in our community’s well-being.”

 

Pinellas Park recognized by Florida Redevelopment Association

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Sprowls Horizon Sports Park will feature six youth baseball turf fields that can also be used for softball. The goal is to host travel team tournaments throughout the year. Rendering courtesy of Pinellas Park
The city was represented at an awards banquet by Community Development Administrator Nick Colona (left), Community Services Manager Elizabeth St. Pierre (middle), and Assistant Community Development Administrator Aaron Peterson. Photo courtesy of Pinellas Park

PINELLAS PARK – The Florida Redevelopment Association has recognized Pinellas Park for its visionary work on the Sprowls Horizon Sports Park.

Members of the Pinellas Park Community Development team accepted the Roy F. Kennedy Award from the association on Oct. 16 at the Hilton West Palm Beach Hotel. 

The award was for the Creative Project Funding and Development Partnership category. Sprowls Horizon Sports Park was a transformative project that blends recreation, sports tourism, economic development and community enrichment.

In partnership with Sports Facilities Companies, the city designed a one-of-a-kind regional sports destination featuring six youth baseball turf fields modeled after Major League Baseball Spring Training stadiums (Braves, Cardinals, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox and Yankees), a multipurpose turf field, outdoor hockey rink and playground. 

There will also be a central plaza with a merchandise stand, elevated ballpark concessions and a tiki hut for specialty beverages. 

The baseball fields will also accommodate softball and host year-round travel tournaments, competitions, and community events.

The city collaborated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the park meets stringent ecological standards and partnered with Duke Energy to address the complex’s energy infrastructure needs.

The project’s financial foundation includes $13.5 million in state funding and contributions from multiple partners, including a $100,000 donation from the Tampa Bay Lightning to build and brand the outdoor hockey rink. The overall cost of this project is $26.5 million.

“The development of Sprowls Horizon Sports Park serves as a strategic solution to address underutilization and deterioration of the City’s existing park,” said Nick Colona, administrator of Pinellas Park Community Development. “This project will act as a catalyst for economic and social enrichment in Pinellas Park, aligning community needs with state-level goals such as promoting youth engagement, improving public health and boosting regional tourism.”

Sprowls Horizon Sports Park will open in February 2026 and will be located at 4015 62nd Ave. N., Pinellas Park.

Gulf Coast Bike Trek raises nearly $120K 

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DUNEDIN – More than 125 cyclists from across the Tampa Bay area rode in the American Lung Association’s third annual Gulf Coast Bike Trek on Oct. 18 at the John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park. 

The participants have raised nearly $120,000, and counting, to support the American Lung Association’s efforts to save lives through research, education and advocacy.

The trek raises awareness for pediatric lung health. 

Here in Tampa, nearly 40,000 children have been diagnosed with asthma and many more are exposed to poor indoor air quality, respiratory illnesses and tobacco use. The Lung Association has resources and tools for parents and children on a variety of lung health-related topics at Lung.org.

“For the third year, the Tampa community has made every mile count by joining our Gulf Coast Bike Trek to raise awareness for pediatric lung health,” said Steven Riddle, executive director at the Lung Association in Florida. “Thank you to our participants, sponsors and partners who are helping fund our important work advocating for clean air in schools, homes and neighborhoods, protecting kids from the dangers of tobacco use and funding pediatric lung disease research. Every dollar makes a difference. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”

Cyclists of all experience levels, from beginners to experienced riders, took to three scenic Pinellas Trail rides through Dunedin and Tarpon Springs: the 10-mile Alpha-1 Foundation Family Ride, a 40-mile ride and the 62-mile Metric Century ride. 

Dunedin Vice Mayor Jeff Gow and Commissioners Tom Dugard, Steven Sandbergen and Robert Walker addressed riders during the opening ceremonies.

Sponsors included Raymond James, LEAD, Alpha-1 Foundation, Emerald Engineering Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.

On the web: GulfCoastBikeTrek.org

Hillsborough County seeks input on equestrian facility 

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TAMPA – Hillsborough County is asking residents for input on a proposal that would exchange the current Bakas Equestrian Center property located off Race Track Road for a new, modern equestrian facility at the nearby county-owned Northwest Equestrian Park.  

The Bakas Equestrian Center has served the community for more than two decades and is now ready for reinvestment and modernization. However, the site is limited to 9.26 usable acres and is accessible only through a residential neighborhood, which restricts program growth and public access. 

The county is exploring the development of a new, modern facility at Northwest Equestrian Park at 10711 S. Mobley Road, Odessa, which is 2.3 miles from the Bakas Equestrian Center.

Through a Request for Proposal process, the county plans to exchange the current Bakas property for the new facility. 

The county said the design will prioritize improved operational efficiency, expanded programming and enhanced public accessibility. There will be no disruption to current Bakas programs during the transition.

The county will conduct an online engagement using the Hillsborough Engagement & Education Hub to collect feedback from the public regarding plans for the park. 

The comment period for this proposal is open from Oct. 23 to 28. Visit HCFL.gov/HCEngage to participate.

The county will hold two community meetings to gather input. The first is at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Maureen B. Gauzza Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., Tampa. The second is at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the same location.

Sports Briefs (10/15/25): Tampa Bay Sun FC ties in-state rival 

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Tampa Bay Sun FC ties in-state rival 

TAMPA – In a rematch of last season’s Super League championship, the Tampa Bay Sun FC held Fort Lauderdale United FC to a 0-0 draw Oct. 4 at Suncoast Credit Union Field.

The in-state rivalry has intensified since Tampa Bay beat out Fort Lauderdale to win the inaugural 2024-25 Super League Championship. Fort Lauderdale entered the Oct. 4 match with a three-game win streak.

The Tampa Bay Sun are 0-3-3 in the first six matches of the 2025-26 season. They were scheduled to play Brooklyn FC at Maimonides Park on Oct. 11.

The team’s next home match is Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Lexington FC. The theme is Military Appreciation.

 

Wheelchair football team hosts national tourney

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team recently welcomed top wheelchair athletes from across the country to the Tampa Convention Center. 

Ten teams competed in the tournament, part of the USA Wheelchair Football League, a program of Move United. The nonprofit provides opportunities for people with disabilities to develop independence, confidence and fitness through sports.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team is part of Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports, a signature program of Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation. 

Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports promotes health, independence and personal growth through sports for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. More than 300 athletes participate each year.

 

Montague earns NEWMAC honors

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – Babson College sophomore goalkeeper JB Montague, of Lutz, was named the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week on Oct. 6.

Montague posted a 0.50 goals against average while stopping seven of eight shots for a .875 save percentage to go along with one shutout in two starts. He finished with five saves, which included stopping a first-half penalty kick in a 1-0 loss to No. 18 Tufts, and followed it up with two saves while keeping his third clean sheet of the year in a 2-0 win over Clark.

A starter in eight of Babson’s 12 games, Montague has posted a 0.93 goals against average with 34 saves and an .829 save percentage with three shutouts. He ranks third in the NEWMAC in GAA and shutouts, and second in save percentage.

 

 

Tampa Bay Sun Foundation expands youth soccer clinics

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The Tampa Bay Sun Foundation has been involved in lifting up girls sports through soccer clinics. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun Foundation

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Sun Foundation is bringing more soccer opportunities to children across Tampa Bay, thanks to new support from Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. 

The foundation estimates 1,600 children will benefit from the clinics through spring 2026.

“There’s something truly special about helping kids discover confidence through sports. That’s the kind of impact that lasts long after the final whistle,” said Rachel Jolley, program director at the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation. “More kids all over Tampa Bay will experience that magic this year, thanks to TECO’s support.”

The sponsorship will fund 19 free programs that combine soccer with character-building:

  • 10 Energize the Bay Youth Clinics open to girls and boys ages 7 to 13 at fields throughout Tampa Bay.
  • 6 Shine Soccer Clinics open to girls and boys ages 7 to 13 at Title I schools and youth-focused community organizations.
  • 3 Rise Up Soccer Club Afterschool Programs, four-week afterschool programs for girls at Title I schools, blending soccer training and life skills.

Players from Tampa Bay Sun FC will join in some of the clinics, giving kids the chance to learn from pros. The first free-to-play clinic made possible through this sponsorship is set for Oct. 15.

“We’re proud to support programs that bring young people together, encourage healthy lifestyles and open doors to new opportunities,” said Stephanie Smith, vice president of state and regional affairs at TECO. “This is about more than soccer. It’s about helping kids across Tampa Bay thrive.”

Families can learn more and sign up for future clinics by following the foundation on social media.

 

Explore Benchmark International Arena at open house

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TAMPA BAY – Vinik Sports Group, in partnership with Benchmark International, will welcome the Tampa Bay community to Benchmark International Arena for a three-day open house celebration, starting Oct. 17. 

The arena, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning and a hub for world-class entertainment, will host free events designed to connect with the community and showcase the arena’s offerings.

“Benchmark International Arena belongs to Tampa Bay,” said Steve Griggs, CEO of Vinik Sports Group. “This open house is about inviting everyone across the Bay Area to experience what makes this building and our community so special.”

Festivities begin Oct. 17 with a Tampa Bay Lightning watch party as the Bolts take on the Detroit Red Wings at 6 p.m. Fans can gather in the arena to cheer on the Bolts on Lightning Vision. Guests can also enjoy Oak View Group’s Taste of Tampa, a culinary showcase highlighting arena food partners and local flavors from OVG’s in-house culinary team.

On Oct. 18, Grammy Award-winning artist Maren Morris headlines the weekend, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the arena for a free concert at 7 p.m.  

On Oct. 19, families can lace up their skates for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to skate on the same ice as the Lightning, beginning at 9 a.m. The weekend concludes that afternoon with a community movie screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out” at 4:30 p.m.

Organizers say the family-friendly pricing on food and drink, as well as open access to the arena, demonstrates Vinik Sports Group and Benchmark International’s intent to make events accessible and enjoyable for the community.

 

Events Schedule

  • Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. – Tampa Bay Lightning watch party + Taste of Tampa
  • Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. – Maren Morris concert
  • Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. – Public skate
  • Oct. 19 at 4:30 p.m. – “Inside Out” movie screening

Free tickets for each event are available now at gofevo.com/group/openhouseweekend. Advance parking passes can be reserved through ParkWhiz.com. Visit benchmarkintlarena.com/openhouse or call 813-301-2500 for details.

 

Fight for a Cause puts focus on men’s mental health

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WESLEY CHAPEL – September recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Month, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for raising awareness around men’s mental health. 

In response, Dadz in Motion is hosting its inaugural fundraiser, Fight for a Cause, on Sept. 27, bringing together local fighters, families and the Tampa Bay community for an evening with a life-saving message.

Dadz in Motion points to statistics showing that men are less likely to seek help for depression and anxiety, yet they account for nearly four out of five suicide deaths in the U.S. 

Fight for a Cause is tackling this crisis head-on by combining the excitement of live sparring matches with meaningful access to mental health resources and community support.

“Too many men suffer in silence,” said LeAnn Flores, founder of Dadz in Motion. “This event is

about breaking the stigma, sparking conversations and showing men they are not alone. If even

one life is saved through awareness and connection, it’s a fight worth having.”

The evening will feature:

  • Sparring matches showcasing strength and resilience.
  • Community resource booths offering tools for mental health support.
  • Recognition of local mentors making a difference in men’s lives.
  • Opportunities to give back, with proceeds benefiting Dadz in Motion’s programs for

fathers and families.

Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. 

Dadz in Motion, a program of The Vecina Café Empowerment Center, uplifts men and fathers through mentorship, resources and events that encourage physical health, mental well-being, and family engagement.