While Manatee County hosted a workshop Aug. 18 at the Lakewood Ranch Library in east Manatee County to discuss three upcoming projects — baseball fields at Country Club East Park, soccer fields at Premier Park and the Cortez Marina Boat Ramp — the baseball fields were the most hotly debated project by far.
The county plans to convert the current multi-use field at Country Club East Park into three youth baseball fields. The fields will include bleachers, dugouts, backstops, perimeter fencing and expanded parking.
The estimated cost: $6.4 million.
But before any dirt is moved, two distinct sides are geared up for a growth battle — even over something as American, and as core basic work for municipalities, as youth baseball fields. Fights over projects in any part of the region, from Tampa to Naples, are relatively common; not far from the potential baseball fields, Manatee County is currently engaged in another dispute, this one over a roundabout. Taken in total, these disputes are a big reason why the phrase Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) has soared in popularity.
In the baseball fields debate, two factions of residents have emerged.
On one side, there are residents of Country Club East who want to preserve their tranquil, passive park. On the other side are parents desperate for more youth baseball fields to accommodate their children closer to home.
Field of dreams
Lindsay Champion’s 6-year-old son Luke and 10-year-old son Jack play baseball with Lakewood Ranch Little League. She has to drive from The Isles at Lakewood Ranch to Buffalo Creek Park in Palmetto, north Manatee County, for practices twice a week. It’s a 21-mile drive, often cluttered with traffic.
This photo shot by a Manatee County employee illustrates both sides of the issue. Older residents living in Country Club East want to preserve the tranquility of the neighborhood they bought into, while kids in area need more Little League facilities so they’re not waitlisted.
Courtesy image
Despite the drive, she said her boys are lucky to have spots in the league. Parents “in the know” stay up until midnight the day registration opens for a new season, she says, so their kids don’t end up on the waitlist.
The county doesn’t have enough fields to accommodate all the children who want to play youth baseball in East County. Manatee County Deputy Director Bryan Parnell says about 200 kids landed on the waitlist last spring and fall.
Country Club East resident Darrel Drury used to play youth baseball. He loves the game and is not against more fields in Lakewood Ranch — just not at Country Club East Park. He says youth baseball fields are not an amenity that will serve his neighborhood well.
Some Country Club East residents say they enjoy the passive nature of the 15-acre park. They would prefer it not be further developed. But if changes have to be made, they’d like upgrades such as a bocce ball court or a walking trail with exercise stations.
Drury says even a multi-generational park with a tee ball area would work, but not three fields he says will flood the neighborhood with lights, noise and traffic.
What especially bothers Drury about the project is that he and his neighbors weren’t asked for their input on plans for the park.
“We had no idea this was going to happen,” he says. “One gets tired of having government agencies constantly coming at you with their plans for how you’re going to live your life.”
Residents argue that the plan goes against the county’s master plan, as well.
Alan Dolhi, the president of Lakewood Ranch Little League, and Nate Carr, the vice president, say they practice at Lakewood Ranch Park without complaints from neighboring communities. They’re confident it will be the same situation at Country Club East.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
The 2021 Manatee County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan identified Country Club East Park as a “local park,” defined as a park “people can walk or bicycle to without encountering heavy traffic. It serves the population of a neighborhood or community in the radius of up to one and one-half miles.”
Parnell says the park is not exclusive to that radius. He used the example of the Cortez Marina Boat Ramp.
“We want input from everybody in the county because it’s a county amenity,” he said. “It’s serving people with boats that are out east, as well, and they’re taxpayers of Manatee County.”
County Administrator Charlie Bishop notes that the park was initially purchased in 2016 with the intent to eventually build it out with either soccer or baseball fields.
Run the bases
The Aug. 18 meeting’s intent, officials say, was to clear up any misinformation about the project, not to change course.
Residents were under the impression, for example, that the lights will stay on until 11 p.m. Molly White, Director of Sports and Leisure, says the county’s lighting is scheduled to operate until 11 p.m. across the board, however, the county does not schedule youth baseball past 9 p.m.
Alan Dolhi, president of Lakewood Ranch Little League, and Nate Carr, vice president, also attended the meeting.
Carr says the league pays for the lights, so they’re turned off when they walk off the field, which he says has been by 9 p.m.
White also notes the county is using top-of-the-line LED lighting that shines down exclusively on the field. The lights won’t project beyond 15 to 20 feet of the field’s perimeter.
As far as potential noise, Carr says the league doesn’t use a PA system.
The baseball fields at Lakewood Ranch Park illustrate how focused the LED lighting will be over the Little League fields.
Courtesy image
Some Country Club East residents remain unconvinced that the fields won’t be a disturbance. They also find the $6 million-plus price tag exorbitant.
Drury says since Manatee County is currently undergoing a financial audit, they’ll be presenting their concerns to Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia and the DOGE Task Force, as well. (Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order in February that stated, in part, that the “EO DOGE Team shall report any legislative recommendations to the Governor, the Chief Financial Officer, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives” by Sept. 30.”
Manatee county commissioners, meanwhile, still have to approve the final construction contract, which will likely happen by the end of this year or in early 2026. If approved, construction will start in early 2026 and take about a year to complete.
This article originally appeared on sister site YourObserver.com.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A group of 15 Philadelphia coaches were recognized Thursday night for completing a program designed to help them better support young athletes facing academic challenges, violence and emotional struggles.
Marcus Fulton, athletic director and football coach at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School, said the sport has long been a guiding force in his own life. “Football helped me chase the dream,” he said.
Fulton said his decades of coaching in the city have shown him the pressures many young players face.
“I’ve been coaching for 25 years in the city of Philadelphia, so I know some of things going on with our guys in terms of the academic struggles, the violence that happens. I lost a couple players before,” he said.
The coaches were honored for completing the Open Door Abuse Awareness and Prevention program, which teaches trauma-informed strategies to help athletes on and off the field.
“We’re teaching coaches how to put on a lens for trauma in order to be able to help out kids a little deeper,” said Valencia Peterson, founder of the program.
Peterson created the initiative after experiencing trauma of her own when her mother was killed at a young age. The program focuses on mentorship, violence prevention and creating safe spaces for youth.
Peterson said coaches often play a critical role in young people’s lives.
“The coach is usually a first line for kids, and it’s their only father figure, it’s their only stability. The only consistent thing they have is a team. So we’re giving the coaches the tools they need to help regulate, to help see them for who they really are,” she said.
As part of the training, coaches learned to lead with empathy, help players manage emotions, and identify signs of mental health concerns.
MidCity Tigers coach Adolph Sanna said he hopes the lessons help athletes understand “that they have an opportunity to see what another side of life is like where people are concerned about their fears, their doubts and the things that are going on with them.”
Fulton said he wants the young men he coaches to carry these lessons into adulthood “to be successful. To be good husbands, good fathers, good mentors in the city of Philadelphia.”
The Open Door Abuse Awareness and Prevention program also offers mentorship for boys and girls who do not participate in sports, aiming to help youth across Philadelphia “become the best version of themselves,” according to the organization.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Plans to build a state-of-the-art, $40 million youth sports complex in Kalamazoo County are on hold for now.
The county commission heard plans from the developer during their Thursday night meeting, who asked for variances into protected slopes and woodlands in order to build the facility and parking lot.
The property is a 20-acre site, located within the Westwood area of Kalamazoo adjacent to US-131.
Discover Kalamazoo says the sports complex is expected significantly boost the local economy, potentially generating nearly $49 million annually as well as bring more than 600 full- and part-time jobs.
Local use would be prioritized, increasing participation for underserved youth.
A student athlete from Oshtemo Township spoke of her support for the project during public comment.
“I think it would be cool to play basketball and volleyball at a place like this because there aren’t many places in our area,” she said. “It will help bring new people to our area which will help my mom’s business.”
Some residents spoke in opposition to the project, citing traffic concerns and not wanting a large structure near their homes.
The commission voted to request more information on one variance request that would clear a significant amount of trees before moving forward.
Mudsock Youth Athletics has named Tim McCoy as its 2025 Volunteer of the Year, honoring his more than 10 years of service to the Knights football program and his dedication to the organization’s mission to foster character, leadership and community through youth sports.
“Tim’s work with the Knights goes far beyond the field,” Executive Director of Mudsock Youth Athletics Scott Spillman stated. “He has built a program where young athletes not only develop their skills but also learn the importance of responsibility, teamwork and service. His leadership elevates the entire Mudsock community.”
McCoy joined the Knights as an assistant coach in 2015 and became head coach in 2021, according to a news release. Through that volunteer work, he has mentored athletes, supported fellow coaches and strengthened the program’s culture.
“Tim’s dedication sets the tone for the program,” Spillman stated. “The environment he creates encourages young people to strive for their best and fosters connections that last well beyond the season.”
McCoy was honored during the Mudsock Youth Athletics’ annual volunteer appreciation event, which celebrates individuals whose time and commitment make youth sports possible.
“Congratulations to Tim McCoy on this well-earned honor,” the news release stated. “His leadership and service continue to leave a lasting impact on young athletes and the broader Mudsock Youth Athletics community.”
For more about Mudsock Youth Athletics, visit myathletics.com.
Rochester, N.Y. — A new youth basketball team is taking the court in Rochester with talented students showcasing more than just their jump shots.
Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No.19’s new basketball team is combining the students’ physical abilities with their musical prowess.
Many of the athletes are a part of the school’s music program.
To encourage growth in both areas, the team holds special performances before their games.
Their coaches and teachers say it helps the students learn valuable skills in different fields.
“As well as being amazing athletes, they are also excellent musicians,” said Hannah Garfield, co-director of the Strings for Success Program. “So, Coach Duffy really wanted to highlight this. He wanted to show that our basketball players can do it all.”
“The students need it. So, they’re working super hard in the classroom and we tell them that basketball comes second to we want to academics and we also want to highlight their musicianship too,” said Matt Duffy, head basketball coach at School No. 19.
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The new basketball team is the first one at School No. 19 in about ten years.
TYLER, TEXAS – Season passes for the 2026 UT Tyler baseball and softball seasons are now available for purchase through Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations Jackie Reilly at jreilly@uttyler.edu, in partnership with Sideline Tix via Ticket Return.
Season passes are priced at $80 for either baseball or softball. Fans are encouraged to download the Sideline Tix app, available on the App Store and Google Play, for convenient access to tickets throughout the season.
Each season pass grants admission to all regular-season home UT Tyler baseball or softball games during the 2026 season. Postseason events hosted at the UT Tyler Ballpark are not included.
Due to limited seating at each facility, priority seating will be reserved for fans renewing season passes from the 2025 season. All remaining seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
UT Tyler baseball opens its home schedule from January 30–February 1 against Lubbock Christian, while UT Tyler softball begins home play on February 6 in the UT Tyler Classic against Hillsdale College.
For additional information or assistance with purchasing season passes, fans are asked to contact Jackie Reilly at jreilly@uttyler.edu.
The UT Tyler Ticket Page can be found HERE.
The full UT Tyler baseball schedule can be found HERE. The full UT Tyler softball schedule can be found HERE.
Lincoln Park was not going to let Marquis Clark beat them on Thursday. The Lions were extremely physical with Young’s senior star guard. Clark took a shot to the face and headed to the locker room with 2:29 left to play. The Dolphins were clinging to a one-point lead.
Clark remerged with a crisscross of bandages on his face and cotton stuffed in his nose. He ripped off the bandages before he checked back in to the game.
“I was coming back in, even with a broken nose,” Clark said. “That didn’t matter. We had to see this home.”
The Tennessee recruit toughed it out, and junior guard Ed Williams stepped up in the final minute as No. 25 Young won 65-62.
Clark, talking after the game with his nose swelling and blood seeping out of the cotton in his nostrils, said he actually enjoyed the rough 32 minutes.
“This is the type of environment I like to play in,” Clark said. “We fought. Both teams played as hard as possible until the last second of the game. We finished strong. That’s what we do.”
Lincoln Park’s tiny gym was as loud and hectic as always. Late in the game, the Lions’ cheerleaders ran to the opposite side of the court, trying to influence Young’s free throws. That’s against the rules and the cheerleaders were waved away by the officials. But they hid in the corner, chanted and the Dolphins (13-6, 3-0 Red North) missed two free throws.
Every possession on Lincoln Park’s court, with some of the crowd and the coaches standing on the playing court, is a battle.
“That was the craziest game I’ve ever been in,” Young freshman Travis Jamison II said.
Jamison drained three three-pointers in the first three minutes of the game and finished with 18 points. He was 6-for-9 from three-point range.
“I played in the JV game before the varsity game, so I had a chance to get used to how wild it is in here,” Jamison said. “When I came in, I was already warmed up and used to it. When I saw the first shot go in I knew I was going to have a good day.”
Lincoln Park’s Larry Harris (24) defends as Young’s Zaire Green (2) goes to the net.
Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
Clark finished with 12 points and Caden Crudup added 13 points and five rebounds. Williams had seven points, five rebounds and 10 assists. He scored all seven in the final two minutes.
“[Williams] carried us home,” Young coach Tyrone Slaughter said. “We’ve kinda been on him. He came in today and we had a long talk. He said he understood and today he performed. That’s the way we expect him to play all the time.”
Ahmad Lee, who limped off the floor at halftime with a sprained ankle but managed to play in the second half, led Lincoln Park (11-4, 3-1) with 16 points and senior Ashton Flowers added 15. Senior Larry Hughes, the best dunker in the city, appeared to hang on the rim, grab a rebound and slam it home late in the game. The refs waved off the powerful basket.
“That was an incredibly hostile environment,” Jamison said. “Those are the games you want to play in.”
The Dolphins have the best player in the Public League in Clark, but he’s surrounded by a very inexperienced group. The team is steadily improving.
“Historically we have always gotten better in the second half,” Slaughter said. “We played 13 games in 16 days in December and we got beat up a little and were tired. But that’s over now and I’m excited. It is always good when you have the best player, and we have the best player. We will see how it all shakes out.”
