St. Pete flood insurance CEO buys slice of pickleball team

The Florida Smash, one of 22 Major League Pickleball teams, recently announced new additions to the team’s ownership group. 

Trevor Burgess, CEO of Neptune Flood Insurance; Reuben Pressman, CEO of St Pete Athletic Club; and Trevor's business partner Jonathan Carlon have joined the Smash ownership group, according to a statement. Financial terms of the agreement weren't disclosed. 

Neptune Flood Insurance is now an official sponsor of the league, the release adds. 

"Pickleball is more than just a sport; it's a movement that has captured the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida and the nation," says Burgess in the release. "I'm thrilled to be part of the Florida Smash and to support its growth in St Pete."

The Florida Smash, headquartered in St. Pete, was formed in 2022 by Travis Rettenmaier, Graham DAmico, Julio DePietro, Molly Joseph and Andrew Olson. 

MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) has almost 100 of the best athletes across 22 coed teams, the organization says. Founded in 2021, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville in December 2022.