The Tampa Police Department recently launched a series of community‑focused events under the banner of the Safe Summer Series, aiming to give local youths constructive ways to spend their vacation.
Teen Leaders Step Up
Seventeen‑year‑old Russell Stanley teamed up with law enforcement after witnessing a surge in teenage gatherings that threatened public safety, while Freddy Barton, executive director of Safe and Sound Hillsborough, highlighted the power of providing positive outlets for young people.
The program featured a basketball tournament, a video‑game competition, hands‑on crafting sessions, and a social‑media contest, each designed to draw participants into a safe, supervised environment.
Families and Future Entrepreneurs
Beyond sports, youths created custom t‑shirts, decorated socks, and competed for a cricket bundle prize that combined arts and crafts supplies, while parents attended vision‑board workshops to map out aspirations for their children.
Eight‑year‑old Eugene Hicks, who runs a lemonade stand called Bro’s Got Lemonade, shared his ambition to see his product on grocery shelves, illustrating how the initiative nurtures entrepreneurial spirit alongside recreation.
Deputy Chief Eric DeFelice underscored the program’s broader goal: to give every participant a chance to shine, succeed, and build a future that keeps them out of trouble.