TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) \u2014 Tampa city leaders are working to give teens safe ways to stay occupied this summer as concerns grow over so-called \u201cteen takeovers\u201d that have led to disruptions and violence in communities across the country.<\/p>\n
The city\u2019s Parks and Recreation Department, alongside the Tampa Police Department, is launching expanded summer programming this Memorial Day weekend through its \u201cStay & Play\u201d initiative and late-night basketball programs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mom always tells me to stay inside, don\u2019t commit any crimes, so I just play basketball,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
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 \u2018teen takeovers.\u2019<\/p>\n
Recreation leader Lanisha Muldrow said this year\u2019s summer programs are beginning earlier than usual in response to those concerns.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that it\u2019s because of the teenagers\u2019 takeover. It\u2019s been a lot of negative, so we just seem like we just opened up early for them to have an outlet,\u201d Muldrow said.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Tampa Police Department officers arrested 22 people \u2014 most of them between the ages of 12 and 21 \u2014 during a disturbance at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.<\/p>\n
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said the group started fights and caused disruptions downtown.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a nationwide concern, and this is something in the city of Tampa that we will not tolerate,\u201d Bercaw said.<\/p>\n
Smith said he hopes other teens think about the long-term consequences of getting involved in that kind of activity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have kids and your kids probably see you on the news, like from a long time ago, and they\u2019re like that, what is going on? You know? So, I just want to be a good influence on my family and my kids,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The city\u2019s \u201cStay & Play\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
The Police Athletic League\u2019s Midnight Basketball program will run from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Tampa Police Athletic League.<\/p>\n
City officials said summer programming will resume May 29, the final day of classes for public schools in Hillsborough County Public Schools.<\/p>\n
Programs will continue daily, including Sundays, through Aug. 8.<\/p>\n
Officials said nine Parks and Recreation centers across Tampa will remain open every day for the duration of the summer.<\/p>\n
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