Florida Couple Charged with Battery After Pickleball Brawl

Alleged attack on opponents and bystanders at country club pickleball court

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Florida husband and wife, Anthony and Julianne Sapienza, are facing battery charges after being accused of attacking their opponents and a bystander during a pickleball match at a country club in Port Orange, Florida. The incident occurred on Sunday evening and resulted in injuries to multiple people.

Why it matters

The alleged attack highlights the growing popularity of pickleball and the potential for disputes and violence to erupt among competitive players, even at recreational facilities. The case also raises questions about safety and security measures at private clubs and the ability of staff to de-escalate confrontations before they turn physical.

The details

According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, the incident began when Anthony Sapienza, 63, accused his pickleball opponent of stepping into a restricted area and then insulted the opponent's wife. Sapienza is then alleged to have punched his opponent and hit him with a pickleball paddle, causing a laceration above the victim's left eye. Sapienza's wife, Julianne, 51, is accused of joining in the attack on a bystander who tried to break up the fight.

  • The incident occurred around 11:10 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Anthony Sapienza bonded out of custody on Monday, February 10, 2026 for a total of $4,500.
  • Julianne Sapienza went free on $5,000 bail on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Anthony Sapienza

A 63-year-old Florida resident who is accused of punching his pickleball opponent and hitting him with a paddle, as well as pushing the opponent's wife to the ground.

Julianne Sapienza

The 51-year-old wife of Anthony Sapienza who is accused of joining in the attack on a bystander who tried to break up the fight.

Volusia Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and filed charges against the Sapienzas.

Spruce Creek Country Club

The private country club in Port Orange, Florida where the alleged pickleball brawl took place.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Sapienzas are due in court for arraignment on March 3, 2026 to enter their pleas on the battery charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for recreational sports like pickleball to escalate into physical altercations, even among mature adults, and the need for private clubs to have robust security measures and conflict resolution protocols in place to prevent such incidents from occurring or quickly de-escalate them.