St. Pete PD Gives Federal Grant to Help Youth Sports

February 22, 2023 - Chief Anthony Holloway and Mayor Ken Welch announced a $173,983.00 federal grant to the Police Department that will be used to assist 20 local youth sports leagues and provide year-round tutoring. They gave the good news before the first pitch at the opening day ceremony for St. Pete PAL x Wildwood Baseball Powered by Bo Bichette at the Wildwood Park Sports Complex, 1000 28th St. S. 

Approximately $106,000 will be awarded to 20 independent non-profit youth sports leagues in football, baseball, softball, cheerleading, soccer, lacrosse, track & field, and swimming. The funds will be used to offset the teams' field costs and assist with the fees for youth who may not be able to afford to participate.

"Through this grant, the police department can help remove financial barriers and help coaches provide positive opportunities and activities for our youth. My hope is that this will have an impact on deterring youth crime in our city in the future," said Anthony Holloway, Chief of Police.

As part of the grant, an additional $67,983.36 will be used to pay for eight tutors, four days a week, during the school year and the summer break, at the St. Petersburg Police Athletic League, 1450 16th Street North. The tutors will be hired through USFSP, so it will also provide an employment opportunity for local college students.

"When we talk about the importance of Neighborhood Health and Safety and giving our young people more educational and engagement opportunities, Inclusive Progress means every youth and their family will have an athletic opportunity to play, learn and grow," said Mayor Ken Welch.

The funding comes from a grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) focusing on youth and community engagement.