Rec Sports

Pinellas landfill redevelopment risks cause further delays

Published

4 days ago

December 17, 2025

Plans to transform a long-dormant landfill into a sprawling sports complex are on hold as questions regarding the extent of soil contamination at the site remain unanswered.

Pinellas County Commissioners approved a $250,000 budget amendment Tuesday to complete subsurface investigation and engineering work at the former Toytown landfill. The state decommissioned the 175-acre dump, at 10540 16th Street N., in 1990.

County officials believe the anomalous, wide swath of vacant land near I-275 and Roosevelt Boulevard is ideally suited to host increasingly lucrative youth sports tournaments. In March, a local company submitted conceptual plans that included 20 synthetic turf baseball and softball diamonds, 17 multipurpose fields, 24 pickleball and 12 sand volleyball courts.

Brian Lowack, CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC), explained the conundrum to commissioners at a Dec. 11 workshop. “We have a ton of data from throughout the years of what’s under that landfill, but there were existing gaps that needed to be addressed in order to put pen to paper and provide a concrete proposal,” he said.

“What we’ve seen is, because we have this data gap, and folks don’t know what’s under there, they haven’t been willing to take on that risk,” Lowack said. “We haven’t been able to get the private sector to come in at a reasonable amount, limiting that public side investment.”

The former landfill at 10540 16th St. N. in St. Petersburg is adjacent to the Gateway business district. Image: Google.

Clearwater-based Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) was the sole respondent to the county’s request for proposals in December 2024. Lowack said Pinellas would boast the most fields in the Southeast if the estimated $150 million to $200 million plan comes to fruition.

“And given that, with the proximity to the beach, we have the potential to have the best youth sports facility in the country,” he added.

County officials bought the former Toytown subdivision in 1956. St. Petersburg leased 160 acres for a landfill from 1961 until 1983.

Toytown subsequently became a designated brownfield site. Multiple redevelopment attempts failed to gain traction; those efforts were essentially paused in 2016 when plans to build an Atlanta Braves spring training complex unraveled.

Pinellas received a $15 million state grant for environmental remediation in 2023. SFC has experience completing similar projects nationwide and believes an athletic complex would generate a direct economic impact of $350 million within five years.

Lowack said the county has “maxed out” other athletic fields, and local governments around the region and country are increasing investments in youth sports facilities. SFC declined to begin formal negotiations with VSPC until it received additional site information.

“This has been talked about for a long time – it would be a tremendous project,” said County Administrator Barry Burton. “But we have to make sure we understand what we’re getting ourselves into. These firms want to shift the risk to our side.”

Officials planned to redevelop approximately 95 acres. The study will determine if there is potential to expand into other areas.

“We simply don’t know what’s under there, and what materials that consists of, and how deep that goes,” Lowack explained. “If you put just a bunch of fields, with no vertical construction, we can do that. However, it’s going to be difficult, and you likely wouldn’t receive much private sector investment.”

Commissioner Rene Flowers said a complex needs “accessory pieces,” including lodging and restaurants, to attract premier tournaments from other areas. SFC proposed an optional “eatertainment” fieldhouse with indoor putting, sports simulators and an “interactive dining experience.”

Pinellas can use the FDEP grant to pay for environmental remediation, but not subsurface investigations. Commissioners approved using $250,000 in tourist development taxes to fund the studies Tuesday evening without discussion.

Commissioner Kathleen Peters said Dec. 11 that Toytown could host an amphitheater and a sports complex. She also noted that the county could have competing projects.

“It’s my understanding that there’s going to be a significant amount of fields being brought into Clearwater in a public-private partnership that I saw the plans on a couple of weeks ago,” Peters said. “That’s incredible. And a potential minor league soccer stadium. That may produce sooner.”

Lowack said SFC is also working on the Clearwater project. “If you’re working with the same firm, then I’m not concerned,” Peters said.

VSPC, with the commission’s funding approval, will now hire SFC’s geotechnical subcontractor to complete the studies. Pinellas can begin grant-related work once the process concludes in March 2026.

Lowack expects to receive a final proposal from SFC by the end of June. The redevelopment’s design and engineering phase could begin in October.

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Rec Sports

TWRA Youth Fish Art Contest Now Open

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is encouraging youth across the state in grades K-12 to submit their original artwork of any Tennessee native fish for the national Art of Conservation: Fish Art Contest. The contest was created by the nonprofit Wildlife Forever to encourage youth to become connected to the outdoors.

The contest is free to enter, and students can submit one 2D piece and one 3D piece. All participants must enter original artwork of a Tennessee fish in a natural habitat and may not replicate another artist’s work. Photos or videos used as a source material for inspiration of the artwork are allowed. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi are not eligible for this contest.

Additionally, TWRA is adding its own specialty award this year, The Bill Dance Signature Lakes Award – in honor of the legacy of fishing legend Bill Dance and the TWRA’s work to develop premier fishing destinations across the state. To be considered for the award, students should enter artwork of largemouth or smallmouth bass or art featuring bass fishing.

All submissions must be entered through an online entry form. More information regarding rules, submission form, and requirements can be found on the Wildlife Forever Art of Conservation website. The last day for submitting artwork is Feb. 28, 2026.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

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Rec Sports

Centennial Cougars beat Champlin Park Rebels – The Rink Live

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Centennial Cougars won their game at Centennial Sports Arena against the Champlin Park Rebels on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, ending 7-4.

The Rebels took the lead in the middle of the first period, with a goal from Paul Pazandak. Derek Roehl assisted.

The Cougars tied it up 1-1 with a goal from Nick Carls halfway through the first, assisted by Joey Hemr.

Five goals were scored in the second period, and the Cougars led 4-3 going in to the third period.

The Cougars increased the lead to 5-3, only 43 seconds into the third when Cooper Daikawa netted one, assisted by Keegan Julik.

Kaden Johnson made it 6-3 with a goal three minutes later, assisted by Gavin Cunningham.

Paul Pazandak narrowed the gap to 6-4 with a goal three minutes later, assisted by Gabe Contons and Brody Girard.

Gavin Cunningham also increased the lead to 7-4 with a goal eight minutes later.

The teams will face off once again at Champlin Ice Forum on January 9th.

Coming up:

The Cougars will go up against the Forest Lake Rangers at Centennial Sports Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, while the Rebels will battle Maple Grove on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Maple Grove Community Center.

Rec Sports

Dodge County falls to Proctor/Hermantown in a ranked Class A girls hockey game

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

KASSON, Minn. (KTTC) – Two top-ten girls hockey teams in Class A squared off at Dodge County Ice Arena.

The No. 2 Dodge County Wildcats fell behind the No. 9 Proctor/Hermantown Mirage 4-0 after the second period.

Each team scored once in the third period as the Mirage finished the upset win, 5-1.

Dodge County returns to action on December 29. The Wildcats will travel to play the Academy of Holy Angels at 5:00 p.m.

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Rec Sports

A-K Valley athletes of the week: St. Joseph’s Bella Bartolovic, Springdale’s Robby Simmen

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By:

Brennan Valladares

Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 4:17 PM

9144556_web1_vnd-RobbySimmen-122125 — Springdale’s Robby Simmen is a member of the 2025-26 basketball team. (Submitted by Robby Simmen)

Bella Bartolovic

School: St. Joseph

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Bartolovic dropped a season-high 27 points against Leechburg on Tuesday. She then followed that up with 19 against Eden Christian on Thursday to lead St. Joseph to a 2-0 week. The sophomore guard leads the Spartans with six double-figure scoring games and 20.5 points per contest.

St. Joseph is 5-2 (3-0) and will prepare for a meeting with Aquinas Academy (6-0, 2-0) on Monday.

What do you believe is the potential of this team, even with it being a young one?

It is a great start, and we look to continue this streak. I believe this team has a lot of potential this season to make it far, even though we’re young.

What has been working well for you as you’ve taken a scoring leap?

I have a very supportive team and coaching staff, which allows me to play without the worry of making mistakes.

If you maintain your scoring, how will you respond when teams begin to put you at the top of the scouting report?

I will take this as a compliment. I will continue to work on improving my game and trusting my teammates.

What can you say about the contributions the team has gotten from senior Kasey Cienik and junior Jocelyn Spinelli?

Their leadership has been very important because they encourage us all to do our best and boost our confidence.

What is a must-do when you have a day off from school and basketball?

Play more basketball

What is the best basketball shoe out right now?

Sabrina’s

What are your plans for the holidays?

To spend time with family and friends

What is your favorite Christmas song?

“Jingle Bell Rock.”

You have a matchup against Aquinas Academy on Monday, a rematch of last year’s No. 2 teams in Section 1-A. What will be the keys to staying undefeated in section play against the Crusaders?

The keys to Monday will be staying composed and working as a team.

Robby Simmen

School: Springdale

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Simmen went off for a season-high 39 points to lead Springdale to a Section 1-2A win over California on Tuesday. He then scored 15 in an overtime loss to Bentworth on Friday. Simmen has reached double digits in all six games for the Dynamos (2-4, 1-2) and leads them with 20.5 points a game.

After graduating eight seniors last year, how have you and other underclassmen stepped up and filled in leadership roles?

Many of our current juniors and our senior that have been on the team last year know what it takes to be a leader from experiencing our games and practices. The past seniors and our coaches set a great example for us. We stepped up by continuing to do what makes us better as a team, which is lifting each other up as well as giving everyone the confidence they need on and off the court.

What has been the biggest improvement in your offensive game this season?

In the offseason, I work on all of my skills. I feel I improved most in my speed and strength. It gives me a lot more opportunity to be an all-around threat on offense.

In three out of five games this year, the team has had two double-digit scorers. Liam Dexter has two of those games. How have you seen him grow as a player in your three years together?

Liam has always had the skill to do what he does. We’ve played together on a youth basketball team since third grade. His ability to shoot and play in the paint makes him a difficult player to guard.

What is a must-do when you have a day off from school and basketball?

When I’m not playing basketball or in school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Who is your favorite music artist, and is it the same person for pregame?

My favorite artists are probably Zach Bryan or Drake. Drake is more for pregame, though.

What are your plans for the holidays?

Go spend time with family.

What Christmas movie is a sneaky contender for the best of all time?

“Home Alone.”

Tags: Springdale, St. Joseph

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Rec Sports

Commanders young RBs – The Athletic

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Commanders will have nearly two dozen players hit free agency in March, so these final three games are a lot like preseason games, as glorified tryouts. Chris Rodriguez Jr., a Commanders sixth-round pick in 2023, stuck around with the regime change in ’24 and has really come on this season to become the team’s de facto starter after Austin Ekeler went down with an Achilles injury. He will be a restricted free agent in March, and as Washington tries to revamp the entire roster, his play this evening could carry significant weight in deciding his future here.

Rookie Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt could play heavily into that. Bill has shown flashes of his quickness, speed and vision behind the line of scrimmage, and leads the team in both rushing yards (646) and rushing touchdowns (five) through Week 15. But his development into a complete back, who can block and catch passes out of the backfield, will be key to him becoming more of a featured back.

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