FLORIDA – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is putting the organizers of teen takeovers on notice. In a post on X, Uthmeier said the behavior at these events is unacceptable and that his office is working to hold those responsible accountable.
Teen takeovers — large, unorganized gatherings of teenagers — have popped up across Florida, from Orlando and ICON Park to Daytona Beach during spring break.
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AG responds after Clearwater Beach shooting
The attorney general’s message came on June 1 after he reposted about what was described as a massive teen takeover at Clearwater Beach. A 17-year-old was hospitalized after being shot at the event.
Uthmeier wrote on X:
“Whoever is organizing these ‘teen takeovers,’ congrats: you have my attention. This behavior is unacceptable, and I’m having our Statewide Prosecutors develop a plan to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for these events. Stay tuned. More to come.”
It is unclear how the state would prosecute organizers, but if laws are being broken, organizers could face charges.
MORE | Video shows large fight during ‘teen takeover’ at Blue Cypress Park involving over 200 teens
Local law enforcement already taking action
In Northeast Florida, local law enforcement has repeatedly shut down teen takeovers. One strategy: monitoring social media. When officers find out about a planned event, they move in to shut it down before it starts.
A warning for parents
With summer underway, parents are being urged to keep close tabs on their children. If a teen is planning to attend a takeover, officials say parents should encourage them to find another option.