Racket Club of Cocoa Beach
The Racquet Club of Cocoa Beach stood out as one of the year’s top success stories. The city of Cocoa Beach a major investment approved more than $1 million to improve the facility, including resurfacing the track, updated lighting and broader infrastructure improvements. This commitment, combined with the extension of USTA Florida’s management agreement through 2035, signified a shared vision for a modernized, sustainable and community-driven public tennis center.
The project is especially meaningful given the effects of wear and tear and storms the facility has experienced in recent years. Once these upgrades are complete, the site is expected to achieve premier public facility status and enhance the player experience for years to come. Regular programming continued without interruption throughout the year, including classes, clinics and league play, keeping players engaged as the community looked ahead to the improvements. The approval of this renovation ranks as one of the most impactful developments in USTA Florida’s facility network this year.
RCCB website
Racket complex on the river
Riverside Racquet Complex delivered a dynamic and community-oriented 2025. The facility hosted the United States Tennis Association junior competition through a Green Ball Circuit event for players age ten and under, offering developmental match play in a supportive environment. Riverside also continued its tradition of innovation with a Glow in the Dark tennis eventthat brought players together for an exciting and social nighttime experience.
Programming remained strong throughout the year with adult classes, junior tracks, private lessons and consistent recreational opportunities. The blend of competitive structure and creative social tennis reflected the facility’s commitment to attracting a broad spectrum of players and building a vibrant tennis culture in Vero Beach.
RRC website
Playing Tennis Gainesville
Play Tennis Gainesville demonstrated significant community impact through both daily programming and special outreach events. In partnership with the Greater North Central Florida Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. the program organized a major youth engagement day, welcoming more than thirty children to the courts. Participants enjoyed instruction, games and an introduction to the basics of tennis, supported by a charity donation related to the event.
At Gainesville’s multiple park-based tennis locations, the program continued to offer a diverse mix of adult and junior clinics, lessons, competitive matches and social events. There remained XGLOsive tennis evenings a highlight, drawing new and returning players to an interactive blacklight tennis experience. This emphasis on accessibility and creativity has helped strengthen participation and deepen community connections throughout the year.
PTG website
City of Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center
The City of Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center ended the year with steady programming and consistent service to local players. Although there were no publicly announced facility renovations or court improvements in 2025, the center remained a reliable home for tennis in the region. Youth involvement continued with the return of the popular summer camp series for children ages 5 to 13, with full and half-day options focused on tennis instruction and court activities.
Photo courtesy: AJ Borromeo
So does the City of Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center welcomed new leadership this yearintroducing Kara Borromeo as the new tennis director and Zephyr Brokaw as events coordinator, bringing new energy and direction to the growing programming.
The facility continued to provide valuable access, instruction and community offerings that support the city’s growing sports environment. The Tennis Center remains positioned to serve as a key recreational asset as future planning evolves.
Website of the city of FWB
Strengthening the future of public tennis throughout Florida
The year also spotlighted the growing influence of USTA Florida’s Advocacy Fellowship Program, which continued to strengthen connections between facilities and emerging leaders across the state. Fellows worked directly with Tennis Management sites to collect data, understand local needs and help increase the visibility of public tennis. Their work supported key priorities such as facility advocacy, storytelling and community relationship building, giving each location a stronger platform to highlight its impact. By creating structured pathways for future leaders to engage in the operations and challenges of public services, the Fellowship Program has added another layer of meaning to USTA Florida’s long-term strategy for sustainable growth and statewide tennis development.
The achievements of these four USTA Florida-managed facilities highlight a year marked by progress, investment and meaningful community involvement. The approval of Cocoa Beach’s historic renovation paved the way for a revitalized complex. Riverside Racquet Complex continued to innovate with tournaments and social events. Play Tennis Gainesville expanded its footprint through impactful youth outreach and consistent programming. Fort Walton Beach provided reliable services and strong youth involvement.
Together, these facilities reflect USTA Florida’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible and community-oriented tennis opportunities throughout the state. As the year comes to a close, each venue is ready to build on its momentum and contribute to a bright future for public tennis in Florida.
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