Florida Sports Foundation

08/21/2026

The latest edition of Tales and Topics from the Panhandle to the Keys explores the northeast corner of the Sunshine State and how the St. John's River connects a variety of sports tourism.

The river connects a major metropolitan area and smaller rural communities, both drawing a variety of visitors to their area. Visit https://playinflorida.com/2026/08/17/northeast-florida/ to learn more about Florida's unusual waterway and how it connects distinctly different resources of the Florida Sports Tourism Industry.

08/19/2026

The Florida Sports Foundation is a proud partner of Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism and the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in presenting the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) World Series.

The RBI World Series is the international championship tournament of The RBI program, the MLB youth initiative designed to provide young people from under-served and diverse communities the opportunity to play baseball and softball at a competitive level.

Best of luck to all of the youth baseball and softball players who competed in the RBI World Series.

08/18/2026

The Florida Sports Foundation was represented at the Annual Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Community Conference, in Amelia Island, to discuss real issues affecting our region’s future.

Besides the national keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities and business exhibits, this conference allows attendees to make connections that will last a lifetime.

FSF staff members Tiffany Bailey and Michael Washington were members of the top Second Harvest of the Big Bend packing team to create over 3,000 Power Packs for students in Title 1 Elementary Schools. Great work by all!

Located in Tallahassee for the last 35 years, the FSF looks forward to being a partner in the region's future.

08/17/2026

Happy National Nonprofit Day!

People are often surprised to learn that the Florida Sports Foundation is a nonprofit.

We are the state's official nonprofit for sports promotion and development. We award grants to communities hosting events, run the Sunshine State Games and the Florida Senior Games, and work alongside destination partners from the Panhandle to the Keys.

That work is funded by fans. We support Florida's ten professional sports teams, and when someone buys a pro sports specialty tag, the additional fee goes directly to that team's designated youth charity and to the development of sports events in Florida communities. The program generates more than $250,000 every year.

We run on partners, volunteers, host communities, and Floridians who believe sport is worth investing in. Nonprofit work only moves when people decide it should. Today we are grateful for everyone who has joined alongside us!

Games

08/16/2026

The Florida Sports Foundation proudly supported the Florida Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Golf Tournament in Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism.

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame features over 300 members with a display of memorabilia at the Midflorida Credit Union Event Center in Port St. Lucie.

The State of Florida has a proud sports history with athletes representing many sports, on the amateur and professional levels.

08/13/2026

The Florida Sports Foundation salutes Visit Central Florida Sports Director, Mark Jackson, for his 34 years of service to the Florida Sports Tourism Industry and wishes him well in his retirement.

Over the years, the FSF has partnered with Mark and Visit Central Florida and Polk County Sports Marketing to host the Florida Senior Games and Sunshine State Games events in Polk County. We've share stories of those events on your Sports Central show. We have worked side-by-side to secure state funding for Tigertown and Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

His support of the Florida Sports Foundation and our efforts over the 35-year history of the organization is greatly appreciated. Enjoy yourself, Mark, in your retirement. We're sure you'll be enjoying the 554 lakes of Polk County, Detroit Tigers Spring Training Baseball and watching the dedicated staff you've assembled over the years carry on your legacy. The video and tributes from your peers are spot on.

As part of the celebration of the 34-year career of Visit Central F...

08/08/2026

The Florida Senior Games celebrates 2026 National Pickleball Day with the 5,921 athletes who have registered to play Pickleball in the Florida Senior Games since 2003.

May your d***s land softly in the kitchen.

08/05/2026

The 2026 Hank Aaron Invitational, held at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, in Vero Beach, received a FSF Grant through Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism.

Held annually in honor of Hank Aaron, the Hank Aaron Invitational is a premier baseball development event, serving as a youth-oriented, on-field diversity initiative that aims to promote high school-aged players with diverse backgrounds to the next levels of the game. The program features instruction from a list of former major leaguers, including Tampa native Fred McGriff (in photo below), a 19-year MLB veteran and 2023 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee.

“We do a good job of educating kids how special the Complex is and was,” Madrigal said. “This complex was a game changer in baseball and society. The instructors focus a lot on character building focusing on the character of Jackie Robinson.”

The Florida Sports Foundation grant program is made possible through the sale of 10 Florida Professional Sports team license plates.

07/29/2026

Congratulations to our destination partner, Visit Sebring, on an incredible achievement!

HGTV's Home Town Takeover Season 3, filmed in Sebring, has earned the show's first-ever Emmy nomination for Outstanding Instructional/How-To Program at the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards. This national recognition shines a well-deserved spotlight on the charm, character, and welcoming community that make Sebring such a special destination.

While you're planning your visit, don't forget to hit the links at Highlands Ridge Golf Club, one of the outstanding courses featured in the Florida Golf Guide on our website. Our guide showcases some of the best golf courses across the Sunshine State, making it the perfect resource for golfers looking to experience everything Florida has to offer.

Congratulations once again to Visit Sebring on this exciting honor! We're proud to celebrate your success and the national recognition of one of Florida's outstanding destinations.

07/28/2026

Congratulations, Jason, and to Pensacola Sports. We look forward to continued success in Northwest Florida!

Please join us in welcoming Jason Libbert as the new President and CEO of Pensacola Sports. A familiar face with more than 20 years of experience in sports management and a deep connection to our organization, Jason returns ready to lead us into an exciting new chapter. We look forward to the future and all that we will accomplish together. Welcome back, Jason!