By: Jasen Mata

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Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Northeast Florida, and players are finding more ways to get on the court both indoors and outdoors. The fast-growing sport has amassed a large following and for many players which court they play on matters.  

Outdoor courts remain a popular option, especially in Floridian communities where players gather regularly to compete and stay active. However, summer heat and inconsistent weather conditions can make outdoor courts unreliable.  

One local player said outdoor courts can become especially difficult during the hotter months, which is one reason some players are starting to move indoors. 

Indoor courts offer a different playing environment, where players do not have to deal with as much heat, wind, or weather-related interruptions. That consistency, some say, can make the game feel like a totally new one. 

“I’m an advocate for indoor courts,” one local player, Tristan Pelletier said while comparing the two experiences. 

As more players look for indoor options, facilities across Northeast Florida are beginning to meet the demand. Places like Holey Ballz in St. Augustine, along with other indoor courts in the area, give players the opportunity to stay on the court year-round.  

Darcy Miller, the manager at Holey Ballz said, “Consistent indoor conditions can also help players improve because they are able to focus more on the game itself rather than outside factors.” 

Even with the rise of indoor options, outdoor courts continue to play an irreplaceable role in the sport’s growth. Together, both settings help make pickleball more accessible to new and experienced players alike. 

Whether played under the Florida sun or inside a controlled environment, pickleball’s momentum across Northeast Florida continues to build. As more players pick up paddles, the sport shows no signs of slowing down. 

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By: Jessica Lee

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Ton Mao opened Doughfee Donuts and Coffee in the summer of 2023 with a mission rooted in his personal experience. Inspired by his son, who is on the autism spectrum, Mao set out to create a space that is both accessible and welcoming to families, individuals with sensory sensitivities, and others who may benefit from a more inclusive environment. 

The café, known for its reasonably priced donuts, coffee, and savory items, has quickly developed a reputation as a community-oriented business. Its atmosphere emphasizes comfort and flexibility, with an approach that accommodates a wide range of needs and backgrounds. 

Kingston, Mao’s son, has played a visible role in shaping the café’s identity. According to Mao, the idea for Doughfee originated one evening when Kingston was playing with Play-Doh and began forming small donut shapes. It was this moment that inspired the concept behind the business. 

Today, Kingston remains involved in the café, and his influence is reflected in menu items. The “Kingston Meal” is named after his favorite meal to eat—chicken tenders and fries.  

Doughfee also serves as a platform for local collaboration. Mao displays flyers and information from nearby small businesses throughout the café, encouraging community engagement. A shelf near the entrance features work from local artists, providing them with an opportunity to showcase and sell their creations. This effort has helped foster connections across a diverse group of entrepreneurs and creatives in the area. 

The menu also reflects Mao’s cultural background. Items like ube cheesecake donuts and savory options like egg rolls highlight Asian-inspired flavors. A Cambodian-style donut, described as soft with a candied glaze, is among the café’s most popular items and is inspired by Mao’s grandmother. Other menu staples, including a spam sandwich, continue to draw regular customers. 

Through its combination of personal storytelling, cultural representation, and community engagement, Doughfee has established itself as more than a typical neighborhood café. Its focus on inclusivity and local support has contributed to a growing customer base, many of whom return not only for the food but also for the sense of belonging the space aims to provide.

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By: Will Raffier

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In April of 2025, Mayor Donna Deagan officially signed off on a funding bill, approving the University of North Florida’s 3 million grant. With this grant, the university wants to create the UNF Flight Deck: a new sports facility to help increase student enrollment and STEM careers.  

The UNF Flight Deck has 42, state-of-the-art computers each at their own station giving individuals their own personal space. It is open to any active UNF student and allows for a community to be formed around the esports space. 

Esports are much more than just video games, for UNF it is an opportunity to have students take their academics a step further and get into experiential learning that could benefit their future careers. Tom Screech, the UNF Esports Manager, says that esports offer similar experiences to sports management. The new programs give students the ability to learn marketing,broadcasting and sports management skills in an unconventional way.  

Claire Campo, one of the two Esports Program Student-Assistants, says that the program made her realize how much she enjoys the logistics behind larger events.  

“Working in the esports program has helped me realize that I want to pursue a masters in higher education management and work in the university system,” Campo said.  

Outside of career skills, the program has helped reinvigorate players to get back into games and has even released a competitive flame inside of Justin Tuazon, who is now competing in the Overwatch World Cup. He represents team Philippines in an international competition. 

 “I thought that, since I was coaching, I would get some play time too… I saw the tryouts and decided to try and got on the team,” said Justin. 

Esports are evolving from video games into careers, community building, and a way for people to get in touch with themselves. What is typically seen as an isolating hobby has been turned into a community and career building activity.  

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