Thanks to a generous donation made by the Yerrid Foundation to Rise Tampa, Our Police Foundation, more than 100 children aged 15 and under, from throughout the City of Tampa, will be able to experience the excitement of fishing off the waters of Picnic Island on Saturday, June 10.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa Police Department Major Ruth Cate, and Tampa Bay Fishing Guide Captain Sergio Atanes will be joined by Tampa Police Officers and top charter captains from the Tampa Bay area in educating the younger generation on the rules, and the enjoyment, of fishing.
Those attending will learn about topics including types of fish to catch in the Tampa Bay area, the differences in using live and artificial bait, casting, and how to throw a net.
This event will take kids away from computer screens and cellphones and into a real-life experience. The fishing clinic also provides an opportunity for police officers and local fishing captains to develop mentorship relationships with kids in the community. Each one of the future anglers will receive a rod and reel combo that they will keep after the fishing clinic so they can continue to build on the skills they learn.
The Yerrid Foundation donation will also provide support to the Tampa Police Department Resources in Community Hope (RICH) Houses, a program that serves as a haven for kids in the city's most economically challenged areas. Each location is run by a Tampa Police officer who serves as a role model, tutor, and liaison between residents and the police department. The sites offer after-school and summer school programming, in addition to access to family social services.
Learn more about programs available through the Tampa Police Department.