Rec Sports
From Spring to Fall: Howard Palmetto Covers All the Bases
The Howard Palmetto Baseball & Softball Association (HPBSA) is riding high after a dynamic Spring 2025 season, where over 800 kids showcased their talents in league play. As the spring season wraps up, the spotlight turns to All-Star Weekend on May 30th, a thrilling celebration featuring T-Ball skills competitions, home run derby parties, four-team All-Star […]

The Howard Palmetto Baseball & Softball Association (HPBSA) is riding high after a dynamic Spring 2025 season, where over 800 kids showcased their talents in league play. As the spring season wraps up, the spotlight turns to All-Star Weekend on May 30th, a thrilling celebration featuring T-Ball skills competitions, home run derby parties, four-team All-Star tournaments for the Atom American-Atom National and Bantam divisions, and the unveiling of new ball fields at Chapman Park. With this excitement setting the stage, HPBSA, the largest recreational baseball league in Florida since 1962, is eager to launch its Fall 2025 season, inviting young athletes aged 4–14 to sharpen their baseball skills in vibrant South Florida.
HP T-Ball Stars: Building the Basics
The T-Ball Stars Program is back, designed to prepare 5-year-olds for the Atom American Coach Pitch division while welcoming spring 2025 veteran-4-year-olds back to the diamond. No tryouts are required, and preselected teams prioritize volunteers’ children and 5-year-olds. Practices begin in August on weekdays, with Saturday morning games running from September to December at parks in Pinecrest & Palmetto Bay. Gameplay emphasizes fundamentals, tracking outs alongside runs, and wraps up with an exciting end-of-season tournament. For more details, contact Sean at tball@howardpalmetto.com.
HP Fall Ball offers Coach Pitch and Kid Pitch divisions, each forming 4–6 drafted teams. Games are played on weekends at Chapman Fields Park in southern Coral Gables and/or Suniland 1 park in Pinecrest from September through December, complemented by monthly single-elimination tournaments. Player evaluations are ongoing, with final makeups next week, team selections by early June, drafting by mid-June, and practices starting in August. Priority is given to returning HPBSA Spring 2025 players, while those in external fall leagues are ineligible. For more details, contact Josh at info@howardpalmetto.com
For players aged 6–11 not drafted to HP Fall Ball or looking to prepare for Spring 2026, HP Sandlot offers a flexible, low-commitment option. Featuring Coach Pitch and Kid Pitch games, Sandlot operates on a weekly RSVP basis with rotating players and guest coaches. It’s perfect for multi-sport athletes or those with busy schedules. Teams play pickup-style games (complete with uniforms and umpires) against each other and the Marlins Academy from early September to mid-December at Chapman Fields Park and Suniland 1, with the added perk of joining HP Fall Ball’s monthly tournaments. A set weekly practice keeps skills sharp. For more details, contact Carolina at info@howardpalmetto.com
The revamped HP Aces program targets competitive players aged 7U–14U, with tryouts scheduled over the next 10 days. Aces teams will compete in MYBA or PBSA leagues, with top-tier HP Fall Ball players (7U–10U) eligible to join tournament-only Aces teams for events in Dade County, the Keys, or other regional locations. Aces players in external leagues like MYBA or PBSA are ineligible for HP Fall Ball but can participate in HP Sandlot for additional playtime. As with HP Fall Ball, the non-refundable HPBSA Spring 2026 league registration is included in the fall HP Aces fee. For more details, contact Phil at aces@howardpalmetto.com
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New Drug Charges For Pace Pharmacy Owners And Their Daughter : NorthEscambia.com
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has released details in the re-arrested the owners of Pace Pharmacy, along with the initial arrest of their adult daughter. Pharmacy owners Stephen Allen Burklow and Monique Hunter Burklow were arrested this week on drug possession charges, as was their daughter. FDLE previously arrested Stephen and Monique Burklow on May […]

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has released details in the re-arrested the owners of Pace Pharmacy, along with the initial arrest of their adult daughter.
Pharmacy owners Stephen Allen Burklow and Monique Hunter Burklow were arrested this week on drug possession charges, as was their daughter.
FDLE previously arrested Stephen and Monique Burklow on May 14 on racketeering and drug charges. The arrests are a result of FDLE’s ongoing pill mill investigation.
- Stephen Burklow, 54, was arrested on 10 felony counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, five felony counts of identity theft and 10 misdemeanor counts of possession of drugs without a prescription.
- Monique Burklow, 58, was arrested on one felony count of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and four misdemeanor counts of possession of drugs without a prescription.
- Laikyn Burklow, 22, was arrested on one misdemeanor count of possession of drugs without a prescription.
FDLE obtained arrest warrants for the Burklows and the trio turned themselves in to the Santa Rosa County Jail on June 23. The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) today arrested Pace Pharmacy pharmacists Stephen Allen Burklow and David Barron Winkles and pharmacy office manager Monique Burklow. The suspects are charged with conspiring to traffic prescription drugs including trafficking over 22 kilograms (48 pounds) of oxycodone, over 26 kilograms (57 pounds) of hydrocodone and just shy of one kilogram of hydromorphone. The Burklows are the owners of Pace Pharmacy LLC.
The arrests are the result of a multi-year, multi-agency investigation led by FDLE with assistance from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Financial Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
“In our communities, there is no room for criminals that greedily profit from the opioid epidemic by trafficking illicit drugs under the guise of a legitimate pharmacy,” said FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams. “I am proud of the complex and dedicated work demonstrated by FDLE’s agents, crime intelligence analysts and forensic scientists, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office investigators, and the work of all of our partners to get these thugs off our streets.”
“These arrests are a result of excellent teamwork between law enforcement agencies,” said Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson. “This sends a clear message that no one is above the law, not even those entrusted with our community’s health. The illegal distribution of controlled substances puts lives at risk and fuels addiction. We will continue to hold individuals accountable who choose to profit from this type of criminal behavior.”
Stephen Burklow, 54, of Pace, was arrested on conspiracy to traffic oxycodone, conspiracy to traffic hydrocodone, conspiracy to traffic hydromorphone, conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and five counts of identity theft.
Winkles, 69, of Pace, was arrested on conspiracy to traffic schedule II-controlled substances and conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Monique Burklow, 58, of Pace, was arrested on conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to sell controlled substances.
FDLE’s investigation began in December 2020, after learning that a local obstetrician-gynecologist, later identified as Dr. Elaine Sharp, was writing an excessive amount of controlled substance prescriptions and recommending her patients fill the prescriptions at Pace Pharmacy. During this same time, FDLE was working jointly with multiple state, local and federal agencies to investigate numerous allegations of a pill mill operation in the area.
Agents say the Burklows and Winkles accepted and dispensed illicit prescriptions (including oxycodone, hydromorphone and hydrocodone) outside the course of professional practice and not intended for medical purpose or need. Additionally, Mr. Burklow, through the Pace Pharmacy, billed multiple insurance companies, using various physicians’ National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers without their knowledge or consent to do so, for prescriptions that may or may not have been provided to patients.
Rec Sports
Bexar County grants $5M for new UTSA athletics center
The Bexar County Commissioners Court approved a $5 million investment Tuesday for the creation of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s $35 million athletics center slated to open in late 2026. Dubbed the Roadrunners NEST — Nurturing Elite Sports Talent — the 52,000 square-foot center will be located on UTSA’s main campus on Loop […]

The Bexar County Commissioners Court approved a $5 million investment Tuesday for the creation of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s $35 million athletics center slated to open in late 2026.
Dubbed the Roadrunners NEST — Nurturing Elite Sports Talent — the 52,000 square-foot center will be located on UTSA’s main campus on Loop 1604 next to the Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence, which opened in 2021.
The county’s contribution was part of a partnership between the university, the City of San Antonio and the county. The city approved a $5 million investment for the project in May.
Rec Sports
4-year-old Maryland basketball prodigy inspiring kids on and off the court
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (7News) — Four-year-old Amari “Chopo” Maybin picked up a basketball the moment he started walking, his father, Rashad Maybin, recalled. Amari is shooting for the sky, literally. The Capitol Heights native plays with lowered and average-sized rims, making 10 shots before going to the next drill. The kid prodigy is turning heads […]
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (7News) — Four-year-old Amari “Chopo” Maybin picked up a basketball the moment he started walking, his father, Rashad Maybin, recalled.
Amari is shooting for the sky, literally. The Capitol Heights native plays with lowered and average-sized rims, making 10 shots before going to the next drill.
The kid prodigy is turning heads one game at a time. His dribbling and shooting ability appear to be far advanced considering his age. But Amari’s love and interest in the game caught his dad’s eye.
“He started getting into dribbling around when he first started walking, from about nine months to one, he started playing,” Rashad said.
Rashad coaches other local AAU teams, including basketball.
“He [Amari] was always in the gym with me. He would see me with coaching, and he’d be sitting on the side. He picked up a basketball and started dribbling,” he said.
Rashad said that his son is competing in several basketball conferences, including the 8-year-old age group.
“I practice so I can get better,” Amari told 7News.
SEE ALSO | Taraji P. Henson brings mental health support to her Prince George’s County high school
Rashad said while coaching other students and growing up playing with athletes who now compete in the NBA, he has never seen anything like Amari.
“When we go to basketball games, he’s watching the game. He’s saying, ‘Oh, they traveled,'” Rashad told 7News. “I never seen it at that young, at any other age, and I have other children. They’re older, but he’s a little different when it comes to sports. It’s just he has a genuine love for it,” he said.
Amari said his favorite techniques are shooting and defense.
“We come in the morning, and he goes to school, goes to daycare, and he says, ‘Dad, are we practicing?’ He practices after school, then he has his other practices,” Rashad said.
Rashad said great athletes come out of the DMV all the time, such as Kevin Durant — with Amari’s size, his parents said he tends to get “picked on” sometimes, but nevertheless, he’s still an inspiration to dozens of kids in his community.
Maybin celebrated his birthday this past Saturday. As much as he loves basketball, he said he wants to become a firefighter. Rashad added that while professional basketball could be in the cards, his main focus for Amari is college.
“To be honest, he’s so young, and he picks up so fast, the biggest thing is just for him to continue to play, to continue to have a love for the game, and I don’t want to want him to ever lose that,” Rashad added.
Rec Sports
Youth softball | The Herald Times
The Meeker 8–10 age group softball team celebrates after securing a dramatic 6–5 walk-off win over Rifle One on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Paintbrush Park in Meeker. The team traveled to Carbondale the following day, where they narrowly lost 14–13. Meeker will return to their home field this Wednesday to host Grand Valley at […]


The Meeker 8–10 age group softball team celebrates after securing a dramatic 6–5 walk-off win over Rifle One on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Paintbrush Park in Meeker. The team traveled to Carbondale the following day, where they narrowly lost 14–13. Meeker will return to their home field this Wednesday to host Grand Valley at 6 p.m. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO

The Meeker 11–13 age group softball team faced off against a tough Rifle One opponent at Paintbrush Park in Meeker on June 17, 2025. The team showed grit and determination throughout the game as they continued their summer schedule. Up next, they’ll travel to Carbondale on Tuesday before returning home Thursday to host Glenwood, with both games set for 6 p.m.
JARED HENDERSON PHOTO
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Rec Sports
Families Invited to Youth Sports Sign-Up Fest June 28 – City of Lincoln, NE
Published on June 25, 2025 The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD), in partnership with Lincoln Community Learning Centers, invites families to the Youth Sports Sign-Up Fest on Saturday, June 28. The event will be from noon to 4 p.m. at Peter Pan Park, N. 32nd and “W” streets. This free event is designed to reduce barriers […]

Published on June 25, 2025
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD), in partnership with Lincoln Community Learning Centers, invites families to the Youth Sports Sign-Up Fest on Saturday, June 28. The event will be from noon to 4 p.m. at Peter Pan Park, N. 32nd and “W” streets. This free event is designed to reduce barriers to physical activity and promote healthier lifestyles by connecting families with affordable youth sports opportunities.
The event is a collaboration with the local nonprofit organization Everybody Gets a Chance (EGC) and its Annual Community Event. Attendees will enjoy live music, free food, sports games, a dunk tank, and additional activities. The Youth Sports Sign-Up Fest will feature local sports programs with affordable fees and/or financial aid options, as well as resources to support young athletes.
“When kids participate in sports, their physical fitness increases, mental well-being improves, and social connections strengthen,” said Rachel Redepenning, LLCHD Public Health Educator. “This leads to lower risk of chronic diseases, avoidance of substance use and building of long-term social and emotional skills.”
Malachi Hopkins, EGC Founder, said sports are essential to cultivating leadership, hard work, and compassion for young people.
“The core mission of our organization is for all kids in our community to be able to explore their passion through sports and focus on the game and not the cost of participating,” Hopkins said.
The event will feature the following opportunities:
- Connect with sports programs for youth ages 3 through 16 and all skill levels that offer affordable options, financial aid, or scholarship opportunities for youth sports
- Learn about registration deadlines, cost, and expectations for various sports leagues and recreation programs
- Participate in a fun-filled day with food, games, music and activities
- Learn more about EGC’s monthly scholarship program and how to apply.
Rec Sports
LakePoint Sports Takes Bold, Inspired Approach to NIL With Launch of LakePoint Athlete Program
Groundbreaking Initiative Pairs Top-Ranked Athletes with National Brands in Media-Driven Content Platform ATLANTA, June 25, 2025 (Newswire.com) – LakePoint Sports, the premier travel and youth sports destination in the country, is once again setting the standard for innovation in the industry with the launch of its LakePoint Athlete Program – a first-of-its-kind name, image, and […]

Groundbreaking Initiative Pairs Top-Ranked Athletes with National Brands in Media-Driven Content Platform
ATLANTA, June 25, 2025 (Newswire.com)
–
LakePoint Sports, the premier travel and youth sports destination in the country, is once again setting the standard for innovation in the industry with the launch of its LakePoint Athlete Program – a first-of-its-kind name, image, and likeness (NIL) inspired content-centric initiative that pairs elite youth athletes at the center of branded storytelling and media partnerships.
Through this creative approach, the LakePoint Athlete Program provides access to national brands through curated partnerships within LakePoint’s robust portfolio of over 60 brand partners. When paired with LakePoint’s expansive multi-media offerings, athletes gain unprecedented exposure across the country. LakePoint’s ecosystem creates a unique opportunity for young athletes to elevate their personal brands, build connections with national industry-leading brands, and share their stories through LakePoint’s professionally produced network designed to spotlight their talent at every turn.
At the heart of the LakePoint Athlete Program is a deep commitment to protecting the interests of each athlete involved. As the youth sports landscape continues to evolve with greater access to exposure and brand collaboration, LakePoint is focused on ensuring that these opportunities are delivered responsibly. From clear communication and consent around content usage to aligning athletes with brands that reflect their values, LakePoint is taking a thoughtful, athlete-first approach. The program is designed not only to elevate talent but also to educate and empower these young players and their families-ensuring that every step forward in the spotlight comes with a strong foundation of trust, integrity, and support.
In a bold move that further cements LakePoint’s reputation as the country’s leading platform for travel and youth sports innovation, LakePoint is proud to announce the first class of LakePoint Athletes:
● Geno Goralski (2026, OF)
● Austin Tamborra (2027, OF)
● Dominic Rossy (2028, C/RHP)
Each athlete is nationally ranked by Prep Baseball and recognized as a standout both on and off the field, excelling in athletic performance, academic achievement, and community impact.
“This initiative represents the next evolution of our media strategy – where athletes, brands, and content come together to create a win for everyone involved,” said Cory McCartney, LakePoint Sports Vice President of Media. “We couldn’t be more excited about the caliber of athletes we’re working with and the partnerships already in place.”
By pairing athletes with iconic baseball brands like Rawlings Sporting Goods and cutting-edge innovators like Curve Test Center, the LakePoint Athlete Program offers a unique opportunity for these partners to authentically connect with the next generation of elite players. The content created through this program puts brand stories directly into the hands – and feeds – of highly engaged sports audiences, parents, coaches, and scouts.
LakePoint’s platform acts as the bridge between athlete and brand, enabling meaningful engagement and maximum exposure. With high-quality content and a built-in distribution strategy that spans digital, social, and on-site activations, partners can leverage the credibility and visibility that comes with being associated with LakePoint and its top-tier athletes. It’s not just about product placement-it’s about building brand loyalty at the grassroots level of the sport.
The LakePoint Athlete Program kicks off with collaborations between these standout players and Rawlings Sporting Goods and Curve Test Center, two industry leaders in sports equipment and performance testing. Content will be crafted by the LakePoint media team, showcasing the athletes through compelling social and digital storytelling – elevating not only the brands but also the personal platforms of each athlete.
With an unmatched digital footprint and media production infrastructure, LakePoint Sports continues to drive the future of content and brand partnerships in youth sports. The Athlete Program is just the latest in a string of industry-leading innovations that positions LakePoint as the definitive home for high-level athletes and forward-thinking partners.
“This is bigger than just baseball,” said Greg Barckhoff, EVP, Partnerships & Marketing. “We’re building a platform that can scale across sports, creating authentic engagement between athletes, brands, and fans in a way that’s never been done at this level in the travel and youth sports space.”
Athlete Highlights
● Geno Goralski (Georgia Jackets): No. 8 ranked 2026 OF in Georgia. 6.88 60-yard dash, 98.9 mph exit velocity, 2024 Future Games selection.
“It’s really exciting to be part of something this big. I’m pumped to represent the program and make the most of it,” said Goralski.
● Austin Tamborra (6-4-3 DP Baseball): No. 3 ranked 2027 OF in Georgia, No. 44 nationally at position. 6.77 60-yard dash, 99.2 mph exit velocity, 92 mph from OF.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the first class of LakePoint Athletes,” Tamborra said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to represent a brand that supports athletes like me both on and off the field. I’m excited to grow and learn through this opportunity.”
● Dominic Rossy (Aviators): No. 4 ranked 2028 catcher in Georgia, No. 15 nationally at position. 2.00 pop time, 98.9 mph bat speed, 86 mph fastball.
“I will do the best I can to represent the LakePoint Athletes Program with the utmost respect,” said Rossy.
All content will be generated by LakePoint’s media team and shared across its powerful distribution channels, as well as by the athletes and partners themselves. This integrated approach ensures each piece of content drives brand visibility, enhances athlete profiles, and contributes to the continued growth of LakePoint’s national platform.
With plans to expand into additional sports, the LakePoint Athlete Program marks a new era for how youth athletes are positioned, supported, and celebrated in a digital-first world.
Source: LakePoint Sports
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