Increased police presence expected at Orange Park trampoline park amid ‘teen takeover’ rumors

Orange Park Police reports it will have a large presence at the trampoline park on Friday night, expecting a big crowd.

ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Flashing police lights could fill a parking lot in Orange Park Friday.

Orange Park Police shared they’ve received word of a possible “gathering” at Get Air on U.S. 17.

Get Air’s general manager said he was on a meeting with Get Air corporate, where they said they’d received word of a possible takeover at a few different locations tonight nationwide – one of them in Orange Park.

So, he’s getting his staff ready for a big crowd inside, while the police prepare to handle things outside.

“This is the first time this ever happened to us,” said Get Air General Manager Leo Davis.

Davis says most days of the week bring a younger crowd to Get Air in Orange Park, but that typically gives way to a more teenage group on Friday and Saturday nights.

However, he’s expecting a much bigger group than normal this particular Friday night.

“We just want to be prepared,” said Davis. “We want to be proactive and not reactive.”

Davis says the corporate team found out about a possible takeover at the trampoline park, so they reached out to police to make sure they’re as prepared as possible for a massive crowd.

Especially after recent teen takeovers near the Avenues Mall and in Jacksonville Beach ended in gunfire.

“What I heard at Jax Beach, we don’t want that incident to happen here because this is a family environment,” said Davis. “We just want people to have fun and be safe.”

Orange Park Police weighed in on Facebook, saying in part “While at this time only rumor, you may expect to see increased law enforcement presence.”

The department went on to encourage parents to “remain aware of their children’s plans and remind them to make responsible choices.”

Davis says he’s already briefed his employees to remind them they can use their radios to share any issues directly with him, call 9-1-1 or press their alarm system depending on the situation.

“My employees always know, ‘Your safety is paramount,'” said Davis.

He has a plan if things get really out of control.

“If it’s too raucous, we will close the park,” said Davis.

Davis said typically 16-year-olds and older can jump without an adult present, but if the groups are really big, he may start requiring an adult to be with them.