Council hears TASCO update: city teen program serves thousands with JWB support

City Parks & Recreation presented an update on TASCO (Teen, Art, Sports and Cultural Opportunities), outlining youth programming, workforce pathways, partnerships and funding. Staff described two program channels — a citywide track focused on technology, events and sports, and center‑based teen centers at 11 rec centers providing out‑of‑school time supports.

Program highlights presented to council included a Teen Technology Center with STEAM classes (robotics, coding, 3D printing, digital media), a 10‑week summer tech camp, citywide events (Field of Screams, Fort DeSoto Beach Bash) and teen sports leagues. Staff said TASCO served more than 1,400 teens in FY25 and offers year‑round OST programming across the city. The Juvenile Welfare Board provides core funding for the childcare element and was cited as providing just over $3.7 million to support TASCO programming.

TASCO staff described workforce pathways: 27 paid rec attendant positions for ages 15–19, and roughly 260 employees under age 24 across Parks & Rec roles who move from program participation into employment. Council members praised the approach and asked about expansion, college partnerships and replicating the Center for Teen Technology in additional neighborhoods; staff cited existing partnerships with USF, St. Pete College and Pinellas technical programs.

Quotes from council highlighted the program's value for youth development and bridging digital divides; staff noted strong audit results and minimal fund lapse in grant management.