What does a ‘teen takeover’ look like? Bradenton police share video footage
A newly released video from the Bradenton Police Department offers a firsthand look at what officers encountered during a “teen takeover” that drew nearly 300 teenagers to the Bradenton Riverwalk over the weekend.
The video, shared on the department’s social media pages, shows officers directing large groups of teenagers to leave the area as flashing patrol lights illuminate the Riverwalk, nearby streets and parking lots. Bradenton police said they received information about the planned gathering ahead of time and adjusted staffing and patrols.
“You’ve gotta wrap it up, park’s closed,” one officer tells a group of teens near the playground at Rossi Park.
The video then follows hundreds of young people from the Riverwalk through nearby parking lots and onto surrounding streets as officers follow with emergency lights activated. Police said some members of the group crossed busy roads and attempted to gather near gas stations and other businesses. Over a loudspeaker, an officer repeatedly tells the crowd, “Keep walking. Clear out.”
Later in the video, officers direct a large group gathered outside a nearby gas station to leave.
“You guys gotta go, can’t be here, you just gotta go,” an officer tells the crowd.
Bradenton video shows ‘teen takeover’ at Riverwalk
After one teenager outside Wawa asks, “I can’t buy a drink?” the officer responds, “You have to go. Everybody has to go. The store is closed.”
The video ends near a Domino’s parking lot, where an officer encourages the remaining teens to leave the area.
“Guys, let’s start calling rides. Let’s start going home,” the officer says.
Police previously announced that they’d temporarily closed Rossi Park and the Bradenton Riverwalk Skate Park while officers dispersed the crowd. With assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, officers prevented the group from entering or overtaking nearby businesses, according to the department. The crowd dispersed without any serious incidents.
Teen takeovers are large gatherings typically organized through social media. The trend has prompted warnings from law enforcement agencies across Florida after similar events led to fights, arrests and, in some cases, gun violence.
“We’ll say it again: the ‘teen takeover’ trend is not acceptable,” the department said. “We will not tolerate disruptions to businesses, parks, the Riverwalk, or traffic.”
This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 5:08 PM.
