The Brief
- The Tampa Police Department is preparing for the possibility of two “teen takeover” events this weekend.
- Parents and advocates gathered at Tampa City Hall on Thursday, criticizing the criminalization of teens following 22 arrests last weekend.
- The police department is hosting an alternative event on Friday night at the NFL YET Center in East Tampa.
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa police will be out in full force this weekend preparing for the possibility of two “teen takeover” events in Tampa.
Public outcry
Ahead of those gatherings, parents, advocates and community members gathered outside Tampa City Hall on Thursday, criticizing law enforcement’s response to last weekend’s chaos at Curtis Hixon Park.
Angerloe Bellamy is pleading for charges against her 15-year-old son, Armani Polite, to be dropped. He was arrested during last Friday’s takeover at Curtis Hixon Park.
“I want everything taken off of my son because he’s not a part of that group,” Bellamy said. “Just because he’s Black, don’t put him a part it.”
The backstory:…