On the main stage at Liberty by the Bay, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will recognize two young leaders who responded to concerns about violent teen takeovers by creating an event for teens, led by teens.
Russell Stanley Jr., 17, and Bryan Hunter, 20, will receive the Community Changemaker Award during the City of Tampa's Independence Day celebration at Julian B. Lane Park on Saturday before thousands of residents.
They founded Tampa Mentality after seeing violent teen takeovers make headlines across the Tampa Bay area. Their first event, Prime Time Turf Takeover, brought more than 200 teens to the Jackson Heights NFL YET Center for an evening of flag football, music, art, and socializing, offering a positive alternative to destructive behavior.
The event was made possible through partnerships with 813StopTheViolence, B.U.B.B.A., iSupplies, Safe & Sound Hillsborough, the City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Both of the young men are now serving as advisors to community organizations and law enforcement agencies as they expand positive youth programming through the Safe Summer Series initiative.
Russell Stanley Jr. is a rising senior at Hillsborough High School and a longstanding member of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department Teens Leading Change program. He is serving his second summer as a Parks and Recreation seasonal recreational leader.
Bryan Hunter also grew up participating in City of Tampa Parks and Recreation programs before becoming a seasonal employee. He is currently pursuing an HVAC internship while continuing to mentor young people in the community.
The Community Changemaker Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment help enhance the quality of life in Tampa neighborhoods and inspire others to make a difference.
The awards presentation will take place at approximately 5:15 p.m. Saturday during the City's Liberty by the Bay celebration, featuring live entertainment, family activities, food vendors, and one of the region's largest Independence Day drone and fireworks displays.