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Tampa is infusing money into its “Stay and Play” program

The city is investing in longer school holiday and summer program hours.

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A mural adorns a wall at one of Tampa’s Community Centers.

Photo by City of Tampa, art by Nneka Jones

Tampa City Council delayed taking a vote on a proposal for a juvenile curfew at Thursday’s council meeting. But we do have some news for Cigar City parents.

The Tampa Police Department + Tampa Parks and Recreation just announced plans to expand the city’s “Stay and Play” program, according to a release. TPD is infusing up to $280,000 which will go toward youth efforts like the program.

Through “Stay and Play,” local teens aged 13-19 can take part in activities like music and instrument lessons, field trips, “Future Leaders” training, pool parties, sports leagues, and multi-media production and cooking classes.

Right now, the program runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during school holiday breaks and until 11 p.m. every day during the summer. The expanded schedule will run an additional two hours (through 12 a.m.) during the spring break and during the summer.