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Trevor Burgess Joins Florida Smash Ownership Group

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Neptune Flood Insurance Becomes Title Sponsor

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Florida Smash, one of the top teams in Major League Pickleball (MLP), proudly announces that Trevor Burgess, a serial entrepreneur and investor, has joined the team’s ownership group. Burgess’s company, Neptune Flood Insurance, will become an official sponsor of the Florida Smash.

Burgess’s involvement with the Florida Smash further solidifies the team’s deep roots in St. Petersburg and the Florida Smash will continue to call St. Petersburg its home.   Reuben Pressman the CEO of St Pete Athletic Club (the newly announced Pickleball complex in St Petersburg, FL) and Trevor’s business partner Jonathan Carlon have also joined the Smash ownership group.

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Florida Smash (MLP)

“Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a movement that has captured the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida and the Nation,” said Trevor Burgess. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Florida Smash and to support its growth in St Pete.”

St. Petersburg is a city where pickleball thrives, boasting one of the highest ratios of pickleball courts to citizens in the United States. This enthusiasm for the sport aligns perfectly with the Florida Smash’s mission to grow the game locally and nationally.

About Florida Smash

The Florida Smash is one of the 22 Major League Pickleball teams, dedicated to promoting the sport and engaging with communities across Florida and beyond. With a strong commitment to excellence, the Florida Smash is proud to call St. Petersburg home and to play a significant role in the growth of pickleball.   Please visit Florida Smash Website or follow the team on Instagram.

About MLP by Margaritaville  
MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league, featuring nearly 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, a unique coed format, easy to understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. Founded in 2021, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville in December 2022. For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on FacebookTwitterInstagramTikTok, and YouTube.

SOURCE Florida Smash, LLC

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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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White Castle Unveils a Bounce House (er, Castle) as Part of Its New Line of Branded Merchandise for Spring 2025

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New merch collection also includes White Castle tin lunchbox, pickleball paddle set, playing cards, T-shirts and more.

COLUMBUS, OhioApril 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — White Castle is helping customers take their legendary Crave to new heights with the launch of a brand-new line of merchandise. The crown jewel of the spring 2025 collection? An 8-foot-tall bouncy castle with a design inspired by, you guessed it, an actual White Castle! This inflatable fun house reinforces that White Castle isn’t just about satisfying Cravings — it’s about creating memorable moments, too.

“Our House of Crave merchandise team really outdid themselves for this spring 2025 collection,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. “Looking ahead to the nicer weather, there is no more epic way to celebrate than with a Castle of your own!”   The one-of-a-kind White Castle Bouncy Castle is made to order and, at 12′ x 12′ x 8′ feet, is sized for Cravers of all ages. The new spring collection of merch, which is available exclusively at White Castle’s online store, House of Crave, also includes an array of smaller, though equally exciting, items:
  • A tin lunchbox. Retro meets modern with a never-before offered classic tin lunchbox. It’s perfect for Cravers of all ages, whether used for packing lunch, storing collectibles, or just showing off an affection for White Castle’s iconic Sliders.

  • Pickleball paddle set. As the home of The Original Slider®, White Castle is well-suited to help with your slide action on the pickleball court. Pick up a pair of these paddles and slide away!

  • Playing cards. No tricks here, just a simple deck of White Castle-branded playing cards.

  • “Only Beef” T-shirt. Proclaiming “The only beef between us is this Slider,” this T-shirt is best bought in pairs.

  • Knight-time craver T-shirt. “Dost thou even crave?” asks the knight who adorns this grey T-shirt holding a tray of Sliders.

  • A “Follow Your Crave” horn. This long plastic blue horn, similar to a vuvuzela (think soccer stadium noisemaker), can be blown when the Craving hits — or at any time, for that matter.

  • Pint glass. Raise this pint glass, painted with the White Castle logo, and toast to memorable moments.

  • Bucket hat. Anyone wearing this soft, wide-brimmed bucket hat, adorned with the White Castle logo, will look super cool eating Sliders.
White Castle’s House of Crave online store features dozens more White Castle-branded items, from tote bags, tumblers and ornaments to bathrobes, ballcaps and bathing suits. New items will be released seasonally throughout the year. “We have so many customers who are passionate about White Castle, and our House of Crave merchandise reflects that enthusiasm,” Richardson said. “From eye-catching apparel to fun collectibles, our online store offers a variety of unique items that allow our devoted fans to celebrate their love for White Castle any day of the week!” About White Castle® White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates about 340 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including Time magazine’s “Most Influential Burger of All Time” (2014, The Original Slider®) and Thrillist‘s “Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger” (2019, Impossible Slider). In 2021, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies.” White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work® Certification™ for an extraordinary four consecutive years spanning 2021–2024. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS™ loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle

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College Basketball Stars with Personalized Nutrition and Hydration at 2025 Combine in Tampa, Florida

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Global Health and Wellness Leader Brings 20 Years of Expertise in Performance Nutrition to Empower Female Athletes

LOS ANGELES /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, today announced it is the Official Nutrition and Hydration Partner of the Lilly 2025 Women’s College All-Star Combine, scheduled for Friday, April 4. The inaugural event will provide basketball players with an unprecedented platform to showcase their talents and gain visibility from scouts and recruiters, opening doors to new opportunities in their careers. With over two decades of experience supporting professional athletes globally, Herbalife will bring its expertise in personalized nutrition and hydration strategies, offering athletes at the combine access to world-class resources and products.

“We are proud to bring over 20 years of experience of fueling athletes to college basketball players,” said Krissy Lines, director of sports performance, nutrition, and education at Herbalife. “Our mission is to deliver personalized nutrition and hydration strategies that empower each athlete to perform at her peak. This is a pivotal moment for these women, not just as athletes, but as leaders in sport, and we’re honored to provide the resources and expertise to help them take the court with confidence, strength, and readiness to shine.”   As the Official Nutrition and Hydration Sponsor, Herbalife will provide participants with expert-led nutrition education designed to address the unique needs of female athletes, including factors like metabolism, muscle mass, and hormonal fluctuations that impact their nutritional and hydration requirements. In addition, Herbalife’s science-backed products, including the Herbalife24 NSF Certified for Sport®* line, will be available to both participants and spectators. This product line is specifically formulated to help replenish essential nutrients lost through sweat, optimizing hydration, endurance, and recovery. “Having worked closely with Herbalife on several initiatives supporting athletes of all levels, I’ve seen first-hand how their expertise in nutrition education can make a significant difference in an athlete’s performance,” said Joe Abunassar, president of Herbalife IMPACT Basketball Center in Las Vegas and on-court instructor at the combine. “This combine is an incredible opportunity for these athletes, and with Herbalife’s support, they will be well-equipped to perform at their highest level. This is a great step for women in basketball, and I’m excited to see what these athletes can achieve.” In addition to supporting the combine as its Official Nutrition and Hydration Sponsor, Herbalife is also the Official Nutrition and Hydration Sponsor of the Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game, which will showcase 20 of the nation’s top collegiate basketball players as they compete one final time before transitioning to the next phase of their careers. “Herbalife’s expertise in nutrition and hydration will ensure that athletes are fully prepared to showcase their talents,” said Mark Starsiaksenior vice president at Intersport, the event organizers. “We are excited to provide this platform for women to take center stage in front of scouts and coaches, and we are grateful for Herbalife’s support in making this event a reality.” For over two decades, Herbalife has been dedicated to empowering female athletes around the world, currently sponsoring more than 50 women across a variety of sports. The company’s journey began with its very first sponsored athlete, a female athlete, and has continued to provide women in sports with the support they need to succeed. Herbalife provides athletes with access to nutritionists and dietitians, premium products, and other resources that are often lacking in female sports – giving them the tools they need to perform at their best. Through this continued support, Herbalife is helping to elevate women in sports and inspire the next generation of female athletes. For updates on how Herbalife is fueling athletes around the world, follow @Herbalife, @HerbalifeUSA on social media. *Certified for Sport® is a registered trademark of NSF International. About Herbalife Ltd.
Herbalife is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 95 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life. For more information, visit https://ir.herbalife.com. About Intersport
Intersport is an award-winning agency that fills the empty space between marketing campaigns and consumers—helping brands make more meaningful connections. Its industry-leading team offers expert insights in content marketing, experiential marketing, hospitality, partnership consulting and platform development. The Chicago-based agency also owns and operates events across the professional and collegiate sports landscape, including basketball, football, golf, pickleball and volleyball. Intersport has been headquartered in Chicago since its inception in 1985 and has an additional office in Detroit. Learn more at www.intersport.global and on social media (LinkedInInstagram and Facebook). SOURCE Herbalife

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Unmasking the Deception: The $300 Million Fraud Case Surrounding Arizona Athletic Grounds

Randy and Chad Miller face serious fraud charges after allegedly defrauding investors out of $300 million in their failed sports complex, revealing a cautionary tale for investors.

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A huge sports facility illuminated by the light of sunset. Created by AI

In a tale that intertwines ambition with deceit, the shocking story of Randy and Chad Miller, the father-son duo behind what was once touted as the largest sports and entertainment complex in the United States, has taken a dark turn. Opening the sprawling Bell Bank Park—which boasts an impressive 194 fields and courts—in East Mesa just three years ago, the Millers had big dreams. But now, they find themselves embroiled in a federal indictment that claims they defrauded investors out of nearly $300 million.

A Grand Vision Becomes a Nightmare

The original vision for the sports complex, which has since been rebranded as Arizona Athletic Grounds, was ambitious. Randy Miller, the mastermind behind the project, had long dreamed of creating a hub for sports and entertainment that would attract families, athletes, and fans from across the nation. After years of planning and investment, the facility finally opened its doors, seemingly fulfilling a lifelong dream.

However, dreams of grandeur have turned into a nightmare, as the Millers face serious allegations of using the facility as a front for an elaborate fraud scheme. With the company declaring bankruptcy in 2023—reporting debts of a staggering $366 million—investors and stakeholders are left reeling.

The Allegations: A Web of Fraud and Deceit

According to the federal indictment, Randy and Chad Miller allegedly enriched themselves at the expense of investors, using funds raised from municipal bonds for personal luxuries rather than for the intended purpose of constructing and operating the sports complex. The FBI claims they employed fraudulent documents and misrepresented the financial viability of the project to lure in unsuspecting investors.

From lavish purchases of luxury vehicles to alleged misappropriation of funds for personal expenses, their actions paint a picture of greed and entitlement. Not only did the Millers reportedly pay themselves significantly beyond disclosed salaries, but they also misled investors with false financial projections and forged documentation purporting to show interest from customers.

A Cautionary Tale for Investors

This case serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of investing in large-scale projects. The Millers poured their aspirations into the Arizona Athletic Grounds but masked disappointing financial realities with misleading projections and falsified documents. The initial feasibility study performed in 2016 indicated the project would generate significantly lower revenues than anticipated—a warning sign that went ignored in pursuit of ambition.

In a staggering twist, the project opened to a far cry from its projected success, generating less than $28 million in its first year compared to the nearly $96 million touted to investors. With bankruptcy filings showing that investors recouped a paltry sum of less than $2.5 million from their $284 million investment, many are left to ponder how their trust could be so easily manipulated.

Legal Ramifications and Future Implications

As the case unfolds, Randy and Chad Miller are facing severe legal consequences, including charges for wire fraud, securities fraud, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, they could spend decades in prison, a sobering reality for the once-celebrated entrepreneurs. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is also pursuing parallel action, further complicating matters for the Millers.

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This incident not only reflects the pitfalls that entrepreneurs can face but also highlights the responsibilities of investors to conduct thorough due diligence before committing funds to any venture. The tale of the Millers serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity, transparency, and community trust in business practices.

Conclusion

As this saga continues to unfold, the story of the Arizona Athletic Grounds serves as a reflection on ambition gone awry. It’s a stark reminder that behind every grand vision lies the essential need for honesty and ethical conduct. The community of East Mesa, once hopeful for a thriving sports destination, now faces the challenge of moving forward, learning from the past, and rebuilding trust in local business ventures. We can only hope that the lessons from this cautionary tale resonate not just within the realm of sports and entertainment but across all industries that forge the backbone of our economy.

Related link:

https://www.themesatribune.com/news/300m-mesa-sports-park-fraud-alleged/article_44c8a2cb-900d-42c7-a737-2e5a03c5ee88.html

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, which is specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game.

https://sleeves-spr.com/

https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/

The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCal

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