LARGO, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier held a press conference on "teen takeovers" in Pinellas County on June 11.
Watch the press conference
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Rep. Berny Jacques, State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit Bruce Bartlett and Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze also joined Uthmeier at the event.
Just this week, Clearwater police stopped a planned beach takeover after early detection and action by specialized units.
"We had word that there was going to be another event out there. There was 60 cops out there on the beach. We set up the no trespass zones, somebody goes into those zones, it's a third-degree felony," said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
WATCH: Florida AG warns against 'teen takeovers' during Pinellas County visit
AG Uthmeier touched on the importance of unity with local law enforcement at a time when these gatherings have shaken the state in recent weeks.
"It's this unity that protects businesses, keeps families safe, and makes Florida the best place to raise a family."
Tampa Police Department (TPD) issued their own warning via social media on Thursday afternoon. In a post on X, TPD states in part: "Teen takeovers will not be tolerated in the City of Tampa. Anyone who violates the law will face criminal charges. On Friday, a Special Event Zone will be in effect in the downtown area, so expect increased law enforcement presence, increased fines, and vehicles impounded for violations."
"If you take part in criminal activity expect criminal consequences as well as increased fines and vehicles that will be impounded. In fact, the fines double. We are taking a zero policy on this," said Chief Lee Bercaw with the Tampa Police Dept.
Teen takeovers will not be tolerated in the City of Tampa. Anyone who violates the law will face criminal charges.On Friday, a Special Event Zone will be in effect in the downtown area, so expect increased law enforcement presence, increased fines, and vehicles impounded for… pic.twitter.com/axba1M4WDu
— Tampa Police Department (@TampaPD) June 11, 2026
Uthmeier stated that tourists are wanted and welcome across the state of Florida, but "...if you're going to come down here and be violent and cause mayhem and destruction...we are going to be the least hospitable state that you've ever seen."
Uthmeier said the state of Florida believes in the rule of law, prosecutes cases to the fullest extent, and will do so for those taking part in "teen takeovers" that cause harm to the community moving forward.
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