St. Pete organizations get financial boost from seized drug money

The St. Petersburg Police Department is turning drug money into something good for the community by supporting several organizations. This year, there’s a major focus on teens and youth.

Big picture view:

Police often say it takes a village to make an impact on juvenile crime rates. So on Wednesday, St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway handed out more than $80,000 to 22 different organizations working to give kids opportunities. 

"We took the cash away from [the drug dealers] and then we turned our cash into something that could be a light at the end of a tunnel for some other group," said Holloway.

READ: Discounted leases, flexible terms available Wednesday for Bay Area residents displaced by hurricanes

What they're saying:

Samantha Richardson Hardy with the Gathering of Women, Inc. said she knows the $4,000 check they received from seized funds will help youth flourish in their community garden program.

"It fills my heart," she said. "It's a garden where children learn how to grow vegetables. They learn from the beginning what the soil does with the water, what the sun does. They cultivate their own property and then harvest their property," she said.

Kids and teens then harvest the crop and can either take some home to feed their families or neighbors or donate it to a community food pantry.

Local perspective:

Organizations know the impact this funding has, as it's re-invested into programs supporting young people.

MORE: St. Pete officials, lawmakers crafting bill to stop 'wakes' on flooded streets

"It makes a statement that all bad money can turn into good money," said Lolita Dash-Pitts with Front Porch St. Petersburg.

"I'm a resident of Child’s Park neighborhood, and the crime over there is really high," she said. "But, when I get opportunities to participate and have resources that I can give back to the community, I walk out my door and I feel a sense of satisfaction and graciousness that I have a direct impact in changing the lives of those individuals in my communities."

The nearly two dozen organizations that received the funds from SPPD offer programs in sports, the arts, service and education. 

The St. Pete Police Public Safety Cadets received $18,000, and Chief Holloway said it's an investment in finding future officers.

"We want to continue to keep these things growing because, again, if we can help our youth that we have in our community, then we help our society," he said.

Under state law the department is required to give 20% of seized assets, but they said they often exceed that.

The Source: The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis through interviews with St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway and organizations who received checks from the department. 

WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: 

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:

St. Petersburg Police DepartmentSt. Petersburg