TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa city leaders are working to give teens safe ways to stay occupied this summer as concerns grow over so-called “teen takeovers” that have led to disruptions and violence in communities across the country.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department, alongside the Tampa Police Department, is launching expanded summer programming this Memorial Day weekend through its “Stay & Play” initiative and late-night basketball programs.

At Copeland Park Recreation Center, 18-year-old Rahmarion Smith said he finds the recreation center useful, and it gives him something positive to focus on.

“My mom always tells me to stay inside, don’t commit any crimes, so I just play basketball,” Smith said.

City leaders say programs like these are especially important as law enforcement agencies respond to growing concerns over large gatherings of teens, often organized through social media, called ‘teen takeovers.’

Recreation leader Lanisha Muldrow said this year’s summer programs are beginning earlier than usual in response to those concerns.

“I believe that it’s because of the teenagers’ takeover. It’s been a lot of negative, so we just seem like we just opened up early for them to have an outlet,” Muldrow said.

Earlier this month, Tampa Police Department officers arrested 22 people — most of them between the ages of 12 and 21 — during a disturbance at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said the group started fights and caused disruptions downtown.

“This is a nationwide concern, and this is something in the city of Tampa that we will not tolerate,” Bercaw said.

Smith said he hopes other teens think about the long-term consequences of getting involved in that kind of activity.

“If you have kids and your kids probably see you on the news, like from a long time ago, and they’re like that, what is going on? You know? So, I just want to be a good influence on my family and my kids,” Smith said.

Program organizers said the summer activities will include more than just basketball. Teens will also have access to hair-braiding, chess, gaming, culinary classes, and more throughout the summer.

The city’s “Stay & Play” program will run from 6 p.m. to midnight at several recreation centers, including Copeland Park Recreation Center, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, Jackson Heights Recreation Center, Port Tampa Recreation Center, and Springhill Recreation Center.

The Police Athletic League’s Midnight Basketball program will run from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Tampa Police Athletic League.

City officials said summer programming will resume May 29, the final day of classes for public schools in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Programs will continue daily, including Sundays, through Aug. 8.

Officials said nine Parks and Recreation centers across Tampa will remain open every day for the duration of the summer.

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