Law enforcement agencies across Tampa Bay are increasing efforts to prevent teen takeover events as communities are effected by a growing trend that has led to violence, large crowds and public safety concerns.
On May 8, Tampa police arrested 22 people between the ages of 12 and 21 after a large group of teens attempted a takeover in the area of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. According to the department, the gathering caused significant disruptions, fights and other public safety concerns.
The Tampa Police Department responded with patrol officers, bike units and Air Service personnel to restore order.
In a statement to the Tampa Bay Observer, Tampa police described teen takeovers as a nationwide trend impacting communities across the country and said the department is addressing the issue through a combination of prevention, community engagement, accountability and enforcement.
One of the department's primary strategies is monitoring social media, working with partner agencies and using investigative techniques to identify potential gatherings before they occur.
"Our primary focus is prevention through building strong partnerships within our community to create positive opportunities for young people and provide safe alternatives to unsanctioned gatherings," the department said.
Tampa police have also expanded youth-focused programming in an effort to provide alternatives for teenagers during the summer months. Programs include Midnight Basketball on Friday nights, activities through the Police Athletic League and the City of Tampa's Stay and Play summer programs.
While emphasizing prevention and engagement, officials said accountability remains a key part of the department's response. The department noted those who violate the law at takeover events can expect to face criminal charges, according to the department.
Another teen takeover effected Clearwater Beach on May 31 when a 17-year-old was shot and injured by a 16-year-old.
During a press conference June 2, Clearwater Deputy Police Chief Michael Walek and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri outlined steps being taken to prevent future incidents and announced the arrest of Noel Marsh III, the suspect in connection with the shooting.
Walek said March is in custody in Polk County and faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, discharging a firearm in public and unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor.
Walek said Clearwater police had increased staffing on the beach after monitoring social media posts advertising a planned "link-up" event.
"Since December 2025, our Threat Management Unit has identified 11 takeover-style events," Walek said. "Nine of those were canceled, two never materialized."
According to Walek, approximately 40 officers were deployed to Clearwater Beach throughout the day after posts circulated online about the gathering. While the initial groups were peaceful, he said the situation quickly escalated.
Gualtieri said law enforcement agencies have successfully prevented numerous takeover events through proactive monitoring but acknowledged the Clearwater Beach shooting developed rapidly.
"We have been very successful in monitoring these types of incidents and making sure that they don't escalate, but this happened very fast," Gualtieri said.
Gualtieri said another planned takeover event on Madeira Beach was recently canceled after deputies contacted the child who promoted the gather and spoke with him and the mother.
He also said parents play a role in preventing teens from participating in unsanctioned gatherings.
"These parents need to own it," Gualtieri said. "They do need to be responsible for these kids."
To further stop this trend, Pinellas County agencies are implementing new software which will to help investigators identify potential events through social media monitoring.
As summer break begins across the region, law enforcement leaders say they will continue working together to monitor potential takeover events and prevent gatherings from escalating into violence.