Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Veteran Nurse Charged After Pickleball Paddle Attack – St. Augustine

6/24/2026

29 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Michele Bannister, a nurse practitioner and Marine Corps veteran, struck Ron Banat with a pickleball paddle at Treaty Park in St. Augustine on May 31, leading to a felony aggravated-battery charge.
She gave police the false name “Aiyanna Lei” and was released on an $8,000 bond.
She bought her St. Augustine home for $228,000 in 2019.

1 of 1

Story summary

Michele Bannister, a nurse practitioner and Marine Corps veteran, struck Ron Banat with a pickleball paddle at Treaty Park in St. Augustine on May 31, leading to a felony aggravated-battery charge.
She gave police the false name “Aiyanna Lei” and was released on an $8,000 bond.
She bought her St. Augustine home for $228,000 in 2019.