In the aftermath of a significant disturbance at Astro Skate in Brandon, where more than 30 individuals were apprehended, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office sought to mend community relations by hosting a ‘Skate with a Deputy’ event.
Earlier this year, Astro Skate in Brandon became the center of an unexpected and chaotic scene when an illegal mass gathering resulted in numerous arrests. The incident, which occurred last May, saw approximately 500 people converge on the location, leading to fights and vandalism of nearby businesses. A canceled birthday party and ensuing social media backlash were at the root of this uproar.
The situation quickly escalated as hundreds of teenagers inundated the area after the party’s cancellation. This frenzy was further inflamed by social media, where the party host’s parent encouraged harassment toward the skating rink. Consequently, the rink opted to close its doors early in an attempt to mitigate potential damage. Unfortunately, nearby businesses became unintended targets of the consequences of this decision.
In response to these events, Corporal Manny Gonzalez of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, who regularly visits Astro Skate with his daughter, wanted to foster a better relationship between the youth and law enforcement. Teaming up with colleagues, Gonzalez conceived the idea of organizing a skate event where deputies could engage with the community positively.
Officer Carolina Montelongo highlighted the drop in visitors to Astro Skate following the incident, noting that people were hesitant to return. However, the atmosphere of the event was decidedly different. Children were delighted to interact with deputies and were particularly excited by the presence of the K9 unit and motor unit, adding a unique touch to the gathering.
The initiative was not just a one-time event but a step towards establishing a tradition. Astro Skate expressed interest in making ‘Skate with a Deputy’ an annual occurrence, aiming to continually reinforce trust and understanding between law enforcement and the community. The event served as a reminder of the importance of community policing efforts.
By hosting ‘Skate with a Deputy’ at Astro Skate in Brandon, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office took proactive steps to heal and strengthen ties with the community after a challenging episode. The hope is that such efforts will lay the foundation for ongoing mutual respect and cooperation.
Source: Fox13news
