Tampa leaders are extending a popular summer program through the fall.
The "Stay and Play" pilot program was introduced in Tampa to curb the surging violence that has plagued the city this year.
Teens, 13 through 19 years old, were able to get free recreation cards and stay at some Tampa community centers after hours.
"It's good for the neighborhood and other kids who don't have anything to do," said 19-year-old Calvin George.
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said the program has worked this summer.
15,231 kids, between the ages of 13 and 19 participated in the program this summer.
There were no reported incidents.
"Those kids had it not been that we opened up those facilities, extended hours 'til midnight, gave them a safe place to play, there's no telling what could have happened," said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
Because of the success, city officials decided to extend the popular initiative. Officials are spending $100,000 to keep five community centers open longer on the weekends in the fall.
Copeland Park Community Center, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Grant Park Activity Center, Jackson Heights Community Center and Springhill Community Center will have extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays. The recreation centers are scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to at least 6 p.m. - beginning next weekend.
The city will also continue to give free recreation cards to teens. So far this summer, 1,258 teenagers have applied for the free cards.