Local leaders are taking a new approach to the recent wave of “teen takeover” incidents happening across the country and right here at home. Safe & Sound Hillsborough has teamed up with the Tampa Police Department and other local agencies to launch the Safe Summer Series 2026.
The program focuses on giving kids safe things to do while school is out. It brings together youth-focused community events, restorative justice programs for eligible teens, and a county-wide social media challenge. Local groups can also apply for mini-grants to help fund their own ideas for preventing violence and risky behaviors.
“Young people are looking for opportunities to connect and spend time with their peers,” said Freddy Barton, Executive Director of Safe & Sound Hillsborough. “Through ‘Safe Summer Series’, we’re putting a different spin on the takeovers we’ve been seeing around the country by giving youth places to go, things to do, and opportunities to use their influence in ways that benefit their communities.”
The first major event is the Prime Turf Takeover, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at the Jackson Heights NFL YET Center. It will feature an 18U 7-on-7 flag football tournament, online gaming competitions, creative painting, content creation stations, and food.
“Strong partnerships are essential to keeping our youth and community safe,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. “When the community comes together, we build a network of support that helps our youth stay engaged and make positive choices. Hosting these events is another example of that.”
A key piece of the expanded initiative is the #SafeSummerSeries Social Media Challenge. Students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to make 30-second videos about making safe choices, preventing violence, community pride, and positive peer influence. Students who join in can earn incentives and connect with local mentors to show how social media can be used in a positive way.
Information on upcoming events, volunteer openings, and the video challenge can be found online at www.safeandsoundhillsborough.org.
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