A Florida couple from Ponce Inlet, Anthony Sapienza (63) and Julianne Sapienza (51), faces felony charges after a pickleball match escalated into a brawl at Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange on February 8, 2026.
Altercation Details
The dispute began over opponents allegedly entering the “kitchen” (non-volley zone), leading to insults; Anthony reportedly yelled a vulgar slur at the other wife post-match, then punched her husband, struck him with a paddle causing a facial laceration, pushed her down, and hit a 70-year-old bystander, drawing profuse bleeding. EMS treated injuries, including one hospital transport; up to 20 people got involved per initial 911 reports.
Arrests and Charges
The Sapienzas fled but were arrested at home. Anthony faces two counts of felony battery on a senior (65+) and aggravated battery (paddle as deadly weapon); Julianne faces one felony senior battery count. Anthony held on $10,000 bond, Julianne released on $5,000; next hearing March 3.
