PINELLAS PARK, Fla. – What was intended to be a joyful community event, the Sacred Heart Festival, was abruptly shut down Saturday due to disruptive behavior by a group of juveniles.
The bi-annual festival, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, was marred by fights and a panicked stampede after reports of a possible gun sighting. Though officers were unable to locate a firearm, the escalating chaos prompted organizers to end the event early for the safety of attendees.
READ: Hit-And-Run Driver Leaves Teen Cyclist Dead In Zephyrhills
Four juveniles were arrested for disorderly conduct. In a separate incident, an individual leaving the festival struck an officer with their vehicle, resulting in minor injuries to the officer and an aggravated assault charge for the driver.
Chief Geissenberger emphasized the need for parental responsibility at public events and pledged to work with church officials to enhance security measures for future festivals.
READ: Hillsborough County Public Schools Security Officer Arrested For DUI In Tampa
“The safety and enjoyment of all attendees is our top priority, and it is deeply disappointing that the actions of a few individuals disrupted what was meant to be a positive and inclusive experience for families,” said Chief Adam Geissenberger. “We will continue working closely with church officials to strengthen safety measures for future events. We urge parents to take responsibility for their children’s behavior at public events to prevent incidents like this in the future.”
Despite the unfortunate incident, Sacred Heart Church and local authorities remain committed to the festival’s mission of fostering community and will implement proactive measures to ensure its continued success.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.