People come to Florida for the sunshine and wide beaches, and they are often surprised by the vast differences from town to town. From pastel-painted bungalows in the Keys to Italian-inspired downtowns and laid-back islands in the Gulf where dolphins outnumber chain restaurants, every destination in the Sunshine State has a personality all its own. […]
People come to Florida for the sunshine and wide beaches, and they are often surprised by the vast differences from town to town. From pastel-painted bungalows in the Keys to Italian-inspired downtowns and laid-back islands in the Gulf where dolphins outnumber chain restaurants, every destination in the Sunshine State has a personality all its own. To help you narrow down your options, here are 12 of Florida’s best beach towns.
The galactic core of the milky way sets over New Smyrna Beach, Florida. JMarro/Shutterstock
1. New Smyrna Beach
Best for catching a wave
Island time rules New Smyrna Beach, an adorably funky town with a deep-rooted surf scene. No high rises here, but NSB is home to 175-foot Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, the state’s tallest. Flagler Avenue, lined with indie surf shops and seafood joints, leads straight to the sand. Find the best waves in the inlet and near the jetty, but be aware that you can drive on the beach in Volusia County. For a more idyllic atmosphere – and wildlife galore, including manatees and leatherback sea turtles – bring your board to the undeveloped Canaveral National Seashore.
Vibes: A funky, small-town surf haven where no shirt, no shoes is no problem.
Best thing to do: Take surf lessons – consistently calm waves make the Space Coast one of the best places to learn in Florida.
Where to stay: The Salty Mermaid Hotel puts you steps from both the beach and Flagler Avenue. Across the causeway, Black Dolphin Inn feels exclusive, with balconies overlooking the Indian River.
Where to eat: Make brunch reservations at The Baker’s Table specifically to try the conch fritters.
Planning tip: The best swells roll in during fall (especially during hurricane season) and winter.
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The sun sets over Venice Beach. Sebastian Duce/Shutterstock
2. Venice
Best for shelling and beachcombing
Featuring pink Mediterranean Revival buildings and a downtown lined with mom-and-pop shops, Venice blends the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast with Italian charm. The real draw, though, lies beneath your feet. Area beaches include Venice Beach, certified a Blue Wave Beach by Clean Beaches Coalition; Brohard Paw Park, the county’s only dog beach; and Caspersen Beach, aka Shark Tooth Beach.
Vibes: Easygoing Gulf Coast charm with a hint of Mediterranean elegance.
Best thing to do: Hunt for fossilized shark teeth in the sand at Caspersen Beach, especially at low tide or after a storm. Stroll down past the crowds to find lots of unbroken, perfectly triangular teeth.
Where to stay: Inn at the Beach puts you directly across the street from Venice Beach and offers guests complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas.
Where to eat: Don’t be put off by the fact that Belki’s Cuban Deli is inside a gas station; the pressed Cubano sandwich is as authentic as it gets.
A ship in the harbor of St Augustine, Florida. Jon Bilous/Shutterstock
3. St Augustine
Best for getting a taste of Europe – without the jet lag
St Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, founded by Spanish settlers in 1565. Cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture and centuries-old landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos define its historic core. After wandering the narrow streets, luxuriate on wide, pristine beaches. Spend a day at St Augustine Beach, with sand volleyball, a fishing pier and splash pad. Hang ten at quiet Vilano Beach or dive into a book at secluded Crescent Beach.
Vibes: Old World Europe meets classic Florida beach vacation.
Best thing to do: Stroll pedestrian-only St. George Street. Visit the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, explore the Pirate & Treasure Museum, and try unexpected popsicle flavors at The Hyppo (my personal favorite: Datil Pepper Cheesecake, using native spicy-sweet Datil peppers).
Where to stay: Nine historic homes and a number of elaborate fountains and gardens make up The Collector Inn. You can walk almost everywhere, but the inn also offers complimentary bicycles.
Where to eat: The five-course Chef’s Pairing Menu at La Cocina is worth the spend. It’s at The Cellar Upstairs on the rooftop of San Sebastian Winery.
Planning tip: St Augustine really shines at Christmas. Book early – like, a year early – to witness the magic of 20 city blocks plus boats and even the lighthouse decked out in millions of lights.
The tropical island getaway of Islamorada. Mia2you/Shutterstock
4. Islamorada
Best for a tropical island getaway without leaving the US
This Upper Florida Keys village encompassing six keys tempts sun worshippers with crystal-clear water, palm-fringed beaches and arguably the best snorkeling and fishing in Florida. Beachgoers should hit Anne’s Beach and Founders Park Beach, two of the nicest beaches in the Keys.
Vibes: Feels like slipping away to the Bahamas – no passport required.
Best thing to do: Book a combo jet ski and snorkeling tour to experience Islamorada’s incredible coral reefs and marine life. Sportfishing enthusiasts should also book a fishing charter, either deep sea or to the shallow “flats.”
Where to stay: Amara Cay offers amenities galore, from a private beach and water taxi to paddleboard rentals, snorkeling excursions and Ocean Golf, an experience that allows you to hit biodegradable, fish food-filled golf balls into the ocean.
Where to eat: See which key lime pie reigns supreme by trying it at several places: Midway Cafe, Marker 88 and Green Turtle Inn all have borderline transformative versions. Make a quick detour at Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory in Tavernier (Key Largo), too. For research, of course.
A coastal dune lake on Grayton Beach. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock
5. Grayton Beach
Best for a laid-back 30A escape
Taking the creative free spirit of the Florida Panhandle to heart, Grayton Beach is a 1-mile stretch of bohemian paradise between Destin and Panama City Beach. It’s a tranquil base for exploring Highway 30A, surrounded by rare coastal dune lakes (they exist only in five places worldwide) and filled with unpretentious cafes and art galleries – including the Grayt Wall of Art, an outdoor gallery on a fence.
Vibes: Eclectic and artsy.
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Best thing to do: Rent kayaks in Grayton Beach State Park and paddle the glassy coastal dune lakes.
Where to stay: Beach access is a contentious topic along Highway 30A; choose a vacation rental with a deeded private beach (not just beach access). If you’re OK with jockeying for space on the public beaches, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is an adorable, affordable B&B.
Where to eat: The Red Bar’s floor-to-ceiling decor, live music and simple but ultra-fresh Gulf Coast cuisine embody the exact vibe of Grayton Beach.
Planning tip: Unfortunately, several beaches section off small public-access areas, cramming people into rectangles. Avoid this by visiting a 100% public beach – but arrive early or late (before 8am or after 4pm). Walton County Tourism created a helpful interactive beach access map; the best public accesses include Grayton Beach State Park, Topsail, Deer Lake State Park and Inlet Beach.
Fernandina Beach. Madison Y Photo/Shutterstock
6. Fernandina Beach
Best for foodies
On Amelia Island in far northeastern Florida, Fernandina Beach oozes coastal charm and Southern hospitality. Its riverside historic district is filled with Victorian-style boutiques, chef-driven restaurants and Florida’s oldest bar. Aside from the annual Shrimp Festival in early May, everything, including beaches, is typically blissfully uncrowded. Main Beach and Seaside offer classic beach experiences with concessions and sand volleyball, while Fort Clinch State Park is wild and secluded.
Vibes: A Deep South beach town reminiscent of Charleston, South Carolina.
Best thing to do: Explore Boneyard Beach, strewn with hauntingly beautiful sun-bleached driftwood. No swimming, though; due to submerged trees, it’s not safe.
Where to stay: With its wraparound porch, direct beach access and daily chef-prepared breakfast, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge embodies Fernandina Beach culture.
Where to eat: Head to T-Ray’s Burger Station, in a former gas station off the well-beaten tourist path, for juicy burgers and fluffy breakfast biscuit sandwiches.
The dunes at Pensacola Beach. Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
7. Pensacola Beach
Best for an active beach trip
If it can be done on (or in) the water or a beach, you’re sure to find it in Pensacola. Take your pick: surfing, fishing, diving, paddling, jet skiing, hiking, parasailing, snorkeling, biking, boating or simply soaking up the sun. Though often lumped in with Pensacola proper, PB has a distinct tropical vibe, with a powder-sugar shoreline and Caribbean-esque turquoise water. For an even quieter escape, head 15 minutes west to Fort Pickens’ pristine Langdon Beach, part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Vibes: An easygoing island town with big adventure energy.
Best thing to do: Catch the US Navy’s Blue Angels, famed for their aerobatic flying skills, during a public practice.
Where to stay: The Pensacola Beach Resort complements your adventures with perks like on-site beach gear rentals, easy-to-book excursions, an outdoor heated pool and a low-key beach bar.
Where to eat: Order the fried red snapper collar at Pearl & Horn in Pensacola. The complex, 38-ingredient dish incorporates Adjika, a condiment so significant to Georgian culture it’s UNESCO-designated as “Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
The City Pier on Anna Maria Island. AHPix/Shutterstock
8. Anna Maria Island
Best for a mini taste of the Bahamas
Strict building rules prevent high-rises, helping Anna Maria Island maintain its castaway charm. The barrier island stretches just 7 miles but offers a full dose of life in the tropics, with shallow, clear-as-gin turquoise water, soft sand and beach bungalows in a rainbow of colors. Explore AMI’s three laid-back towns – Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach – all linked by a free trolley. Hop between Coquina, Manatee and Bean Point beaches, all equally stunning.
Vibes: A Caribbean getaway, minus the strain on your wallet.
Best thing to do: Grab an ice cream cone from Two Scoops and catch the sunset on the pier.
Where to stay: Choose from candy-colored cottages or resort-style condos – both with private beach access – at sister properties Tradewinds Beach Resort and Tortuga Beach Resort.
Where to eat: Have lunch (or dinner or drinks) at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, a true toes-in-the-sand establishment in Holmes Beach. And whether for breakfast or a midday treat, stop into The Donut Experiment for customizable, made-in-front-of-you donuts.
Planning tip: Snag free parking in centrally-located Holmes Beach and rent bicycles (or beach gear, fishing rods, kayaks, even strollers) from AMI Beach Fun Rentals, then explore on two wheels.
The Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. MDIYer/Shutterstock
9. Delray Beach
Best for strolling from galleries to the beach without needing a car
Walkable, vibrant Delray Beach has a fantastic cultural scene. There’s a sprawling arts district, a dedicated art trail, over 40 murals throughout town and scores of unique museums. Highlights include the Morikami Japanese Gardens, Silverball Pinball Museum and Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, dedicated to Black history in Palm Beach County. Atlantic Avenue is the hub for local dining and nightlife, and it also conveniently leads straight to Delray Municipal Beach.
Vibes: A walkable, artsy beach town buzzing with culture and creativity.
Best thing to do: Catch a Twilight Tribute Series concert at Old School Square Amphitheatre on the third Thursday of every month. Tribute bands cover artists ranging from Zac Brown Band to Bon Jovi and No Doubt.
Where to stay: Crane’s Beach House feels like a posh hideaway tucked in the jungle, but it’s just one block off Atlantic Avenue and a five-minute walk to the beach.
Where to eat: Grab $3 tacos, $5 quesadillas and $6 margaritas during happy hour (4pm to 7pm and 12am to 2am daily) at El Camino.
Planning tip: When you just don’t feel like walking, take advantage of Freebee, a free, on-demand shuttle service operating downtown.
Apalachicola Bay. Fomo Photography/Shutterstock
10. St George Island
Best for getting proper R&R on the beach (with your dog)
Tucked along Florida’s spectacularly quiet “Forgotten Coast,” St George Island is the place to go when you want to do, well, nothing. The 22-mile-long barrier island is home to just one stop sign and St George Island State Park, consistently ranked one of Dr. Beach’s top US beaches – and the 2023 winner. Outside the state park, the island’s other beaches welcome dogs, along with many restaurants and vacation rentals. Stop in Apalachicola on your way, famous for oysters and candy-colored homes.
Vibes: The type of small, dreamy coastal town Nicholas Sparks would choose for a book setting.
Best thing to do: Climb 92 wooden steps and a ladder to the top of Cape St George Light, a reconstructed 19th-century lighthouse overlooking the Gulf and Apalachicola Bay.
Where to stay: Walk to everything in under five minutes from St George Inn, with vintage vibes and a huge wraparound deck. If you have a full week, rent a home in the exclusive St George Plantation.
Where to eat: Load up on fresh oysters, grouper tacos and signature Sandblaster frozen cocktails at dog-friendly Blue Parrot. Right next door, you can also rent jet skis.
Cocoa Beach Pier at sunrise. Jason Sponseller/Shutterstock
11. Cocoa Beach
Best for families
Cocoa Beach strikes an unusual balance: It’s a laid-back surf town (even nicknamed the “East Coast surf capital”), yet also has loads of family-friendly attractions. Enjoy free beach access at Lori Wilson Park, watch a rocket launch, grab soft serve on the 800-foot-long Cocoa Beach Pier, and browse Ron Jon, the world’s largest surf shop. With Orlando theme parks just an hour away and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, this makes a flexible basecamp.
Vibes: A classic surf town where rockets regularly launch and kids learn to ride their first wave.
Best thing to do: Dedicate at least half a day to the Kennedy Space Center, and in the summer, book a nighttime kayaking tour to see rare bioluminescence.
Where to stay: The Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront caters to families, with an arcade, tremendous pool deck and two private paths directly to the beach.
Where to eat: Try Caribbean fusion like the Cheesesteak Caribe on Puerto Rican Sobao bread at The Tiny Turtle.
Planning tip: Cocoa Beach hotels spike in demand around rocket launch and cruise ship schedules.
Tigertail Beach in Marco Island. Getty Images
12. Marco Island
Best for exploring the Everglades in a bougie way
Marco Island is like a tale of two cities, but in one. A plethora of mansions and exclusive resorts call it home, plus it serves as the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the US and one of the world’s biggest wetlands. Adding to its allure, Marco Island offers unspoiled beaches and excellent fishing (especially for snook, tarpon and grouper).
Vibes: A little bit Everglades, a little bit extravagance.
Best thing to do: Take a day trip to Everglades City, about 40 minutes away. Hop on an airboat tour through a mangrove jungle or cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands, inside the national park.
Where to stay: The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is a bit spendy, but worth it. On an expansive private beach, the JW has a whopping 12 restaurants, two golf courses, a wonderful spa, four pools and 10K Alley, an arcade and bowling alley with an impressive taproom.
Where to eat: Sample the extensive fresh oyster and raw bar selections at The Oyster Society. A rotating selection of about a dozen oysters changes daily, and there’s a sushi bar in the dining room. Save room for the real star: the spiced carrot cake.
WIAA State Track and Field day one results | Sports
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The WIAA State Track and Field Championships got underway at Veterans Memorial Stadium in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Early on Friday, the D2 and D3 teams got things started. The Cochrane-Fountain City Pirates […]
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
The WIAA State Track and Field Championships got underway at Veterans Memorial Stadium in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Early on Friday, the D2 and D3 teams got things started.
The Cochrane-Fountain City Pirates kicked off the day with a second place finish in the 4×800 relay. Addy Duellman, Ana Knecht, Macy Hunger and Paxtyn Duellman finished in 9:42.51.
Later in the day, Addy Duellman would race in the 3200m run. It was neck and neck going into the last lap, but Duellman would pull away winning in 10:35.96. It was a new personal record by almost 30 seconds. Westby’s Elizabeth Curtis would finish the race in third place.
Prairie du Chien’s Blake Thiry had an eventful day. He would take first in the D2 long jump at 23 feet 6 3/4 inches. Thiry would also finished with the top qualifying time in the 110m hurdles and the 300m hurdles. Thiry will race in the 110m hurdles, 300m hurdles and jump in the triple jump on day 2.
Arcadia’s Ted Teske finished in third place in the D2 long jump.
Luther’s Jack Schmeling finished in second place in the D3 high jump. Schmeling set a new personal record by multiple inches as he cleared 6 feet 8 inches. He will participate in the discus on day 2.
Cochrane-Fountain City’s Grayden Barum would finish in 4th in the high jump and Kickapoo/La Farge’s Adam Boisen would finish in 6th.
Westby’s Madelyn Vonfeldt took fifth in the D3 Pole Vault clearing 5 feet 9 inches.
Declan Gregg of Aquinas would finish in 5th place in the D2 1600m run. Gregg will race in the 3200 on day 2.
North Crawford’s Carter Emler took fourth in the D3 long jump while Aidric Egge of Kickapoo/La Farge finished in fifth and Jay Stetzer finished in sixth.
North Crawford’s Gavin Tamling took fourth in the D3 shot put and De Soto’s CJ Milliren finished in fifth.
For full results visit pttiming.com
Later in the day the Division 1 schools took to the stage.
Onalaska’s Manny Putz was the returning 1600 meter champion looking to defend his title. Going into the last lap, Putz trailed De Pere’s Grady Lenn. Lenn took a big lead, but in the final 200 meters Putz closed the gap. It was neck and neck down the stretch, but Lenn held on for the win. Putz took second in 4:02:25. Lenn finished in 4:01:79. Both runners broke the old d1 state record. Putz will compete in the 3200 meter on Saturday.
More Onalaska athletes shined in the field events. Freshman, Wylder Burch took third place in the high jump. Burch set a new personal record in the biggest event of the year.
Over at the long jump pit, Onalaska Sophomore, Gabe Mauss would jump 23 feet 10 inches on his second jump of the day. It was a huge personal record and would land him third place on the podium.
Many other runners would qualify into the finals which are set for Saturday, June 6th.
For full results visit pttiming.com
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
Elementary-aged volleyball camp planned for August at RSHS
Kyle A. Pillar – Sports Editor ROCKINGHAM — As the sport of volleyball continues to grow in interest and participation in Richmond County, so does the anticipation for Richmond Senior’s annual development camp. Head coach Ashleigh Larsen announced this week that plans for the Lady Raider volleyball program’s sixth annual summer camp are finalized. Held […]
ROCKINGHAM — As the sport of volleyball continues to grow in interest and participation in Richmond County, so does the anticipation for Richmond Senior’s annual development camp.
Head coach Ashleigh Larsen announced this week that plans for the Lady Raider volleyball program’s sixth annual summer camp are finalized.
Held the past five summers for girls in elementary and middle school, the camp is being done a little differently this year.
Set for Aug. 5 and 6, the camp is two days this year and is only open to girls who are entering first through fifth grade.
The cost per camper is $40 (plus a $3 service fee on GoFan) and each daily session will begin at 8 a.m. in Richmond’s gymnasium.
Lady Raider Volleyball Camp Registration Link
Larsen shared the camp’s mission is to “teach, educate and raise the level of volleyball skills for the campers, as well as teach the team concept. This will lead to success on the volleyball court through middle and high school.”
She also encouraged local youth to “keep active this summer by being a part of a winning tradition.”
Helping with instruction during the camp will be current and former Lady Raider players. Larsen added that the focus will be on the sport’s fundamentals with the younger group, including passing, serving and hitting drills.
Even though no camp will be held for middle school players (rising sixth to eighth graders), a skills clinic is planned for Aug. 11 at Richmond at 6 p.m.
The cost is $10 per athlete (cash only) as Larsen, assistant coach Melissa Dennis and former William Peace University volleyball player Georgia Grace Anderson will “cover skills and concepts needed for tryouts.”
There is no pre-registration for the middle school clinic.
Larsen can be contacted via email at ashleighlarsen@richmond.k12.nc.us with questions.
A multibillion-dollar settlement was approved on Friday by a federal judge, allowing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I schools to directly pay college athletes for the first time. House v. NCAA was filed by former Arizona collegiate swimmer Grant House in 2020, challenging a decades-old prohibition on schools cutting checks directly to athletes, according […]
A multibillion-dollar settlement was approved on Friday by a federal judge, allowing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I schools to directly pay college athletes for the first time.
House v. NCAA was filed by former Arizona collegiate swimmer Grant House in 2020, challenging a decades-old prohibition on schools cutting checks directly to athletes, according to the Associated Press.
This decision made by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken marked a major legal and cultural shift for college sports, ending nearly a century of strict amateurism and paving the way for schools such as the University of Houston, Texas, and Texas A&M to participate in a new revenue-sharing mode.
Under the settlement terms, schools are expected to begin issuing payments to athletes as early as July 1.
The NCAA is set to pay out nearly $2.8 billion in back damages while capping each school’s annual direct payments to athletes at $20.5 million for the 2025-26 academic year.
Why It Matters
This development fundamentally alters the landscape of college sports in the United States, affecting athlete compensation, recruitment, and competitive balance.
For decades, NCAA rules disqualified student-athletes from receiving compensation beyond scholarships, despite the enormous revenues generated by college football and basketball.
The settlement responds to growing advocacy and legal action over athletes’ rights, reinforcing that players are entitled to a share of the wealth they help create.
Experts said the model could serve as a precedent for other states and potentially drive further reforms on a national scale, especially in light of similar legislative pushes like those recently seen in Texas.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) headquarters is seen in Indianapolis around March 2018. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) headquarters is seen in Indianapolis around March 2018. getty
What To Know
The settlement in House v. NCAA concluded three federal antitrust lawsuits that alleged the NCAA unlawfully restricted college athletes’ earnings for years.
Wilken’s approval authorized schools to pay up to $20.5 million per year to athletes, with this cap set to increase annually during the 10-year agreement. In addition to new revenue-sharing, the NCAA will disburse nearly $2.8 billion in back payments to athletes who competed from 2016 onward, according to ESPN.
Shortly after the settlement, Texas advanced its own bill permitting universities to enter into direct name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals with student-athletes. The bill cleared the state Senate unanimously and awaits Governor Greg Abbott‘s signature. The measure would take effect on September 1, and Texas officials said it was needed to maintain the state’s competitive edge in recruiting and retaining top-tier athletes.
Colleges such as the University of Houston and Texas A&M announced plans to distribute the maximum allowable $20.5 million, with football and men’s basketball expected to receive the majority share of funds. Texas committed to funding all 21 sports up to the full scholarship roster limit, allocating 75 percent of funds to football and 15 percent to men’s basketball, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Schools opting into the settlement, including the Power Four conferences, must designate which student-athletes remain above roster limits by early July, with regulatory oversight shifting to the newly established College Sports Commission.
Questions remain regarding the classification of college athletes as employees, the appropriate cap on compensation, and federal involvement. NCAA and school leaders continue advocating for congressional action to clarify legal uncertainties and preserve a degree of centralized control within college sports.
What People Are Saying
NCAA President Charlie Baker wrote in an online statement on Friday: “Approving the agreement reached by the NCAA, the defendant conferences and student-athletes in the settlement opens a pathway to begin stabilizing college sports,” Charlie Baker, NCAA President wrote in an online statement Friday. “This new framework that enables schools to provide direct financial benefits to student-athletes and establishes clear and specific rules to regulate third-party NIL agreements marks a huge step forward for college sports.”
He added: “…We can now turn toward what most agree is our primary function: providing a world-class academic and athletics experience. With these changes in place, including release from future litigation on these subjects for the next decade, the foundation of college sports is stronger than at any point in years. The NCAA can increase focus on reforming clunky governance structures and, most importantly, prioritizing fair competition, academics and student-athlete well-being.”
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement issued to local news station KBTX: “The approval of the House settlement agreement represents a significant milestone for the meaningful support of our student-athletes and a pivotal step toward establishing long-term sustainability for college sports, two of the Southeastern Conference’s top priorities. As the journey to modernize collegiate sports continues, we remain focused on identifying and implementing innovative opportunities for our student-athletes across all sports while maintaining the core values that make collegiate athletics uniquely meaningful.”
What Happens Next?
Schools participating in the settlement will begin direct payments to athletes starting July 1.
Lawmakers and college sports leaders continue to push for further regulatory and legislative clarity at the federal level as implementation proceeds.
Track and field: Wildcats shine at Div. 4 state meet | Sports
The Wilmington Boys and Girls Track and Field teams competed at the Division 4 State Meet at Merrimack College on Friday (May 30, 2025) and Sunday (June 1, 2025). The boys were led by senior Ashvin Baker, who placed 6th in the 200 on Friday with a time of 22.87 and then 6th in the […]
The Wilmington Boys and Girls Track and Field teams competed at the Division 4 State Meet at Merrimack College on Friday (May 30, 2025) and Sunday (June 1, 2025).
The boys were led by senior Ashvin Baker, who placed 6th in the 200 on Friday with a time of 22.87 and then 6th in the 400 on Sunday with a time of 50.79.
On Friday for the girls, Maddie Krueger was 10th in the discus with a distance of 86 feet and Julia Heller also competed.
Lexi LeBlanc was 14th in the 200-meter dash in 26.8 seconds and Maeve White took 29th in the 400 hurdles in 1:14.38.
Charlotte Kiley ran the two mile and placed 15th in 12:12.03.
For the boys, along with Baker, three Wildcats ran the two mile. Dean Ciampa was 14th in 10:09.55, Jake Cronin placed 25th in 10:37.46 and Gavin Dong was 28th in 10:52.28.
In the triple jump, Marvins Jean took 16th with a distance of 40 feet, 3 inches and Cam Pereira was 21st with a leap of 39-7.5.
On Sunday, Abby Howie was 14th in the javelin with a distance of 88 feet, 11 inches.
Kaylin Mulik was 11th in the high jump, clearing 4 feet, 10 inches, and Kiley was 13th in the mile in 5:35.8.
Isabel Carriere was 30th in the 400 in 1:04.8.
The Wildcats had three relay teams compete.
The girls 4 x 800 relay of Leah Doucette, Josie O’Mahony, Bella Zaya and Kiley was 18th in 11:38.75.
The girls 4 x 100 relay of Kayleigh Walker, Lily McLaughlin, Avery King, Caroline Broussard was 20th in 53.67.
The girls 4 x 400 relay of Isabel Carriere, Celina Vo, Maeve White, Abby Joyce was 17th in 4:37.82.
For the boys, Pereira was 25th in the 110 hurdles in 17.17, Martin Philiossaint was 19th in the 100 in 11.42 and Jean was 26th in the long jump with a distance of 20 feet, 2.25 inches. Also long jumping was Jenks, who was 27th with a leap of 20-1.5, and Philiossaint.
Dean Ciampa competed in the mile and was 29th in 4:47.77 and two Wildcats ran the 400 as Baker was sixth and Cam Jenks was 21st in 54.18.
The boys also had three relay teams in action.
The 4 x 800 Relay team of Gavin Dong, Jake Cronin, Evan Cummings and Cooper Holleran was 13th in 8:54.42.
The 4×100 relay of Martin Philiossaint, Tyler Alfred, Ayden Bellevy and Cam Periera did not finish and the 4 x 400 relay of Cam Jenks, Dean Ciampa, Chase Heffernan and Ashvin Baker was 11th in 3:42.62.
Wilmington has six boys and six girls competing at the MSTCA Multi Championships at Regis College/Weston High School on Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10.
Park Center Boys Volleyball Advances to State with Five-Set Win
2:50 PM | Friday, June 6, 2025 The Park Center boys volleyball team outlasted Roseville Thursday, beating the Raiders in five sets to win the Section 5 championship. The Pirates won the first two sets- 25-19 and 25-15- before the Raiders rallied to win the third and fourth sets. After falling behind early in the […]
Fifteen-time state champion Kevin Murphy reinstated as Southlake Carroll boys swim coach
Kevin Murphy, who led the Southlake Carroll swimming and diving program to 15 state titles, has been reinstated as boys head coach, Carroll ISD announced. Murphy had been reassigned within the district after the Carroll girls finished second as a team at the UIL state meet in February and the boys placed 12th. Murphy was […]
Kevin Murphy, who led the Southlake Carroll swimming and diving program to 15 state titles, has been reinstated as boys head coach, Carroll ISD announced.
Murphy had been reassigned within the district after the Carroll girls finished second as a team at the UIL state meet in February and the boys placed 12th. Murphy was not fired and did not resign, and he had signed a 2025-26 teachers contract in Carroll ISD, but the school district has not said why he was reassigned.
Murphy has coached at Carroll since 2005 and was inducted into the Carroll ISD Athletic Hall of Honor in 2017, and in the past, he had overseen the boys and girls teams. He led Carroll’s boys team to 10 state titles, including nine in a row from 2011 to 2019, and guided the Carroll girls to five team state championships in 11 years from 2012 to 2022.
Under a new arrangement, Justin Pudwill will assume the role of head coach for the girls swim program. Pudwill will continue to serve as Carroll ISD’s aquatics supervisor and is the head coach for Carroll’s water polo teams.
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“We’re excited about the future of our swim program,” Carroll ISD athletic director Riley Dodge said in a statement. “Having both Coach Murphy and Coach Pudwill in leadership positions allows us to provide the best possible support for our student-athletes. Their combined expertise and passion for the sport will elevate our program even further.”
It is the second time in less than a month that Carroll has brought back a successful coach after facing public backlash. David Markley was reinstated as Southlake Carroll’s head boys basketball coach in mid-May after parents protested the district’s decision to let him go.
A Carroll ISD spokesperson had told The Dallas Morning News that Markley resigned, but the coach told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram he was let go because of his “sideline demeanor and use of profanity.” Markley was named the District 4-6A coach of the year after leading Carroll to a 23-9 record this season.
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