Tampa Republic

In response to discussions surrounding a proposed citywide juvenile curfew ordinance, the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Parks and Recreation have joined forces to expand the evening youth program called "Stay and Play." The initiative aims to provide more opportunities for positive evening activities for young residents of Tampa in a safe, fun, and healthy environment.

The Police Department plans to allocate up to $280,000 from a state grant to enhance youth services, including the Stay and Play program offered in city parks. This funding will not only enrich programming for youth at Stay and Play centers but also cover administrative and overtime expenses for Police personnel. The extended funding will allow Stay and Play to operate until midnight during Spring Break and throughout the summer of 2024, in addition to its current hours of operation.

Director Tony Mulkey of Tampa Parks and Recreation expressed his commitment to supporting the community through positive engagement of the youth. He stated, "Extended hours for Stay and Play provides more opportunities for positive evening activities in a safe, fun, and healthy environment."

This collaboration between the Tampa Police Department and Tampa Parks and Recreation is an alternative approach to addressing the concerns raised by the proposed citywide curfew ordinance. The City of Tampa is dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic community for its young residents. Various youth services are already offered, such as the Tampa Police Department's Police Athletic League, R.I.C.H. Houses, Bigs in Blue, and Shielding Our Teens mentorship programs. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation department provides youth league sports, after-school programs, and paid summer youth employment opportunities.

The decision to extend the Stay and Play program came after community discussions where the majority of respondents voiced their support for additional services for local youth rather than a citywide curfew. The Tampa Police Department organized a "Town Hall Tuesday" forum in Ybor City on November 14, 2023, shortly after a tragic shooting incident involving juveniles on 7th Avenue. Furthermore, the City's Community Engagement & Partnership Department hosted a Family Summit on January 16, 2024, and gathered input through an online community survey.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw acknowledged the overwhelming response from the community and emphasized the importance of providing additional resources to ensure the safety of children. Chief Bercaw stated, "A renewed focus on parental responsibility combined with enhanced programs for children creates an opportunity to develop long-term solutions that best meet the needs of our families and the entire city."

To learn more about the Stay and Play program or other Parks & Recreation programs, visit the official Tampa government website at [https://www.tampa.gov/document/parks-and-recreation-fall-brochure](https://www.tampa.gov/document/parks-and-recreation-fall-brochure). Information about the various programs offered by the Tampa Police Department can be found at [https://www.tampa.gov/police/programs](https://www.tampa.gov/police/programs).

For any further inquiries, please contact:

306 East Jackson Street

Tampa, Florida 33602

(813) 274-8211