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Ashley Roberts Tampa Bay

Why Pickleball is so Popular in Florida

Ashley Roberts of Tampa Bay

Pickleball as a sport, has gained traction as one of the fastest-growing activities in Florida and is played by both the young and old. It is also referred to as “tennis for seniors” due to its high social acceptance and low level of physical exertion. But what is causing this boom in popularity? Ashley Roberts of Tampa Bay discusses below why Pickleball is so popular in Florida.

Pickleball is growing in popularity because it is an easy sport to learn and play, even for people who have never played a game like tennis before. The rules are simple, the equipment is inexpensive, and it can be played on a smaller court than tennis at any age or skill level. Additionally, it’s a great way to socialize while staying active and having fun with others in the community.

The History of Pickleball

For many, the game of pickleball may be a foreign concept. It is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The history of the sport dates back to 1965 when it was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington by three dads looking for something to occupy their children during the summer months.

Today, it is still a popular game among kids and adults alike that can be played in both community-based and competitive leagues. It is typically played as doubles on a court with the same dimensions as a badminton court or 20 feet by 44 feet, using paddles similar to those used for ping pong, and a whiffle ball.

Surging in Popularity

Despite its relatively short history, pickleball has quickly gained momentum as one of the fastest-growing sports in Florida and across the nation. The popularity is attributed to a number of factors, including:

  • Easy Logistics: Unlike many other competitive sports that require expensive equipment or a large space for play, all you need to play pickleball is a court, some paddles, and a ball! This makes it easy to find a court and organize pick-up games or leagues in your area. There are also portable nets that make playing simple in places like an empty parking lot.
Ashley Roberts of Tampa Bay
  • Social benefits: Like many sports, Pickleball is also a great way to socialize and meet new people, which can be especially important for older adults who are looking to stay active and connect with their communities. Many areas offer Pickleball clubs and teams!
  • Affordability: The equipment needed costs a fraction of what you would pay for tennis or other competitive sports.

Final Thoughts

As Floridians continue to search for ways to get active and stay healthy, it is likely that pickleball will continue to grow in popularity. From professional athletes to weekend warriors, pickleball offers a fun and competitive way to get active and stay healthy and it’s easy to see why it has become one of the most popular sports in Florida.

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Ashley Roberts Tampa Bay

Lawn Care Tips for The Tampa Bay Climate 

Ashley Roberts of Tampa Bay Florida

In the sunny heat of Tampa, Florida, a lawn should ride the balance between having curb appeal and being climate friendly. Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to make the most of a yard in Tampa. 

Choosing the right type of turf to lay across a lawn, specifically ones adapted to the warm, wet climate, will help the landscape thrive in this climate. Obeying local watering restrictions is a must, as is mowing to the correct height. 

If you are looking for tips on how to keep your lawn in top shape, Ashley Roberts of Tampa Bay Florida explores a few Tampa lawn care secrets in the article below. 

Choose The Right Grass 

Picking native plants is one of the best choices for laying out a lawn and garden that will flourish in Tampa’s sunny weather. Specifically, spreading out turf that can thrive in this climate will set a foundation for the rest of the yard. 

Bahia, Centipede, and St. Augustine are the most popular grass types for Tampa Bay lawns. These warm-season grasses hold up well against the mix of humidity and heat that a nine-month summer can deliver. 

St. Augustine grass is the most popularly used lawn grass in Florida. It has a green or blue-green tone and is perfectly dense. St. Augustine grass is ideal for these types of soils and climates. 

Plant Native Flora 

Adorning a yard with plants that are native to the area not only means they’ll be able to adapt to the climate. It is also an ecologically sound idea. Native flora attracts native fauna – specifically crucial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and songbirds. 

Here are some of the best native plants for a Tampa Bay, Florida yard: 

  • Bald cypress
  • Bidens alba 
  • Sabal palm 
  • Swamp lilies 
  • Sea grapes 
  • White stoppers 
  • Shiny leaf wild coffee
  • Sea-oxeye daisies 
  • Seaside heliotrope 
  • Seaside goldenrod 
  • Butterfly milkweed 

All of these plants are lovely to look at and will fill a lawn with color and life. Not only that, but they are hearty and usually low maintenance. 

Ashley Roberts of Tampa Bay Florida

Water Mindfully 

The most common grasses for Tampa’s climate will all get by without excessive watering. As many areas in Florida have strict watering rules, local restrictions should be recognized and followed. 

Tampa (and Hillsborough County) specifically delegates that homeowners cannot water their lawns outside of 12:01 am and 8 am. Watering resumes from 6:00 pm to 11:59pm. 

Any one zone of a property can only be watered once a day. That means that a homeowner cannot water their front lawn at 5 am, and then again at 9 am. 

Tampa also mandates a two day a week watering schedule. 

Mow Carefully 

When tending to a lawn in Tampa, mowing grass below the recommended height welcomes weeds and pests into the landscape. For the three most common types of grass found in this climate, the recommended lengths are as follows: 

  • St. Augustine: 3 ½ – 4 inches 
  • Bahia: 3-4 inches 
  • Centipede: 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches 

Not only will these grasses look their best when kept slightly longer, but they will have the best chance at living well in a Florida climate. 

Conclusion 

Studying up on the native plants of Tampa Bay, FL’s climate will go a long way in fostering a vibrant, healthy lawn. Pair that knowledge with that of local watering regulations, and Florida lawn care will become a breeze.