A social media post promoting a teen takeover at the Wellington Green Mall gained nearly 100,000 views — gaining the attention of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, stepping in with an increased law enforcement presence — prompting parents and a county commissioner to speak out about how to prevent the next one.
WATCH WPTV’S COVERAGE BELOW:
A viral post promoting a teen takeover at Wellington Green Mall drew a sheriff’s response and sparked concern from parents and a county commissioner.
Teen takeovers are large gatherings of teens at malls, beaches or parks that typically devolve into violence. The trend has been spreading across Florida, including an event in Clearwater at the end of May that resulted in widespread property damage, fights and the shooting of a 17-year-old.
Shoppers at the Wellington Green Mall on Friday noticed the heightened law enforcement presence. Savanna Restrepo, who was there picking up her son Isaac from summer camp, said she had seen the posts circulating online ahead of the event…