Dillon Rosenthal saw cracked pickleballs piling up in trash cans and figured there was a business hiding in the waste. Now the 22-year-old Florida Gulf Coast University graduate has recycling bins in nearly 100 facilities across 13 states — and his first recycled pickleballs are hitting the market.
High 5 Entertainment is ramping up marketing and preparing to hire staff as construction continues on its highly anticipated Estero destination. The venue will feature indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, bowling, arcade games, miniature golf, dining, event space and a membership program when it opens in early 2027.
Pelican Bay Foundation will host a Feb. 16 grand opening for the renovated racquets center at Pelican Bay Community Park in North Naples, featuring pickleball star Ben Johns, exhibition matches and community activities.
Pickleball’s boom is hitting Fort Myers real estate. PickleRage, a Miami Beach-based franchise, will open a 13-court indoor facility in a former Big Lots on McGregor Boulevard, bringing the fast-growing sport indoors by early next year.
Estero is breaking ground on High 5 this fall. The $12 million recreation hub will include pickleball, mini golf, bowling and arcade games.
