Lido Key hosts pro beach volleyball players from around the state

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Rockstar Beach Promotions hosted the July Independence Volleyball Tournament on July 15-17. Courts were set up at the entrance of Lido Key Beach and hosted different volleyball players from around the state. 

"We're an organization that's been running events all across Florida for almost 20 years now," said Tournament Director for Rockstar Beach Promotions, Rachel Manzanares. "The main owner, Alex Kutsy, founded the group and he played AVP for many years. We are stationed on the west coast of Florida. St. Pete Beach is our home base."

The day started with teams checking in at 7:30 a.m. Games began at 8 a.m. The divisions included men's and women's open play from all levels. Ages ranged from under 12 years old to college level. All players must be registered with the Association of Volleyball Professionals to be a part of the tournament.  

"We are hoping to continue to grow out here in Lido," said Manzanares.  "The beach renourishment has added so much out here. There's a lot of footprint that is not being used, and we want to continue to try to change that."

This July weekend is only a taste of Rockstar volleyball events. The headline event takes place in November. This year it will be the third annual "Thanksgiving Stuffers" on Lido Key Beach. Kyle Battie, mayor of Sarasota, said it's the perfect way to spend time with loved ones with everyone is back in town for the holiday.

 

author

Petra Rivera

Petra Rivera is the Longboat community reporter. She holds a bachelor’s degree of journalism with an emphasis on reporting and writing from the University of Missouri. Previously, she was a food and drink writer for Vox magazine as well as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian.

Latest News

  • November 21, 2024
Most Sarasota County offices to close for Thanksgiving holiday
  • November 21, 2024
St. Armands leader asks city to revive its complete streets plan
  • November 21, 2024
Sarasota's labor market may see big shortages
  • November 21, 2024
Architecture Sarasota leads effort to repair historic buildings in wake of hurricanes

Sponsored Content