Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 8-17-18

Local
Participants In Stay And Play Summer Program Set Record
Two years ago, Mayor Bob Buckhorn introduced two initiatives at local parks. The initiatives extended the hours of operation and pro- vided free recreation cards to teenagers.
Since the inception of the Stay & Play Program, the City has observed the partic- ipation increase. Beginning on May 25, 2018 through August 9th, 38,542 young- sters participated in the pro- gram. The youngsters took advantage of the program at 14 different locations.
Mayor Buckhorn said,
“Stay & Play’s success proves that with innovative initia- tives, local governments can truly make a difference.
“Tampa’s youth deserve a safe place surrounded by mentors and coaches who care about their wellbeing. There are children that are alive today because Stay and Play gave them a reason to not be on the street and in harm’s way. Whether it’s through the Stay & Play ini- tiative, after school pro- grams, or Summer camps our Parks & Recreation staff are transformative in the
MAYOR BOB BUCKHORN
lives of so many.”
Paul Dial, Parks and
Recreation Director said, “We at Tampa Parks and Recreation are very pleased to witness the participation in the Stay and Play program in the City. I think it demon- strates the value of the pro- gram the Mayor and the City of Tampa provides our youth!”
John Allen, Recreation Manager said, “With contin-
uous input from the teens, we have enhanced our pro- gram by offering a variety of activities such as culinary arts, musical expression, dance, athletic leagues, field trips, additional pool open- ings, community partners, guest speakers and profes- sional athlete participation.
“Thanks to donations from the Florida Beverage Association and Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc., we have added healthier meal options to the program this summer. With the advanced planning, healthy meals at no cost and marketing on so- cial media, we were able to increase attendance by 19%. Keeping teens active and safe is paramount for our com- munity, and we look forward to the program’s ongoing success.”
From the onset, the orig- inal goal of the Stay & Play Program was designed to help curb the rising tide of vi- olence as the summer began in 2015. The youngsters were given an alternative to being
idle and getting into trouble. They were given the oppor- tunity to enjoy extended hours at local parks and recreation centers as part of a safe, productive, and fun environment.
As a result of the success of the program this summer, four facilities will have ex- tended hours. The centers are: Copeland Park Commu- nity Center, 11001 North 15th Street (813) 975-2743; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Center, 2200 North Oregon Avenue, (813) 259-1667; Jackson Heights Community Center, 3310 E. Lake Avenue, (813) 242- 5346; and Springhill Com- munity Center, 1000 E. Eskimo Avenue, (813) 274- 3314.
Parents should call for additional information.
FYI
Early Voting Draws More Than 7,000 Residents
More than 7,000 resi- dents have cast ballots dur- ing the first three days of Early Voting. There are 19 sites established during the two-week period of Early Voting.
Residents cast a total of 7,206 votes during the first three days. The Blooming- dale Public Library had the largest turnout with 820 votes.
Voters can cast ballots at any of the 19 locations be- tween the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Early Voting will end on Sunday, August 26th.
Those who have not voted will be required to vote at their assigned precincts on Tuesday, Au- gust 28th during the Pri- mary Election.
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018