Jacksonville pastor says teens need more safe places to gather after ‘takeover’ events

A local pastor says teenagers need to have more safe places to gather in Jacksonville, after gunfire erupts during two recent takeover events in Jacksonville Beach and outside the Avenues Mall.

Pastor Korey O’Neal says community centers have closed over the years, leading more teens and young people to gather for events designed to “takeover” leading to fighting and gunfire.

He joined News4JAX Anchor Jennifer Waugh during News4JAX+ at 10 a.m. to discuss how these events start, who attends them, and what he is trying to do to create a safe place for local teens and young people to gather.