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03/31/2025

St. Petersburg Housing Authority Partners with City of St. Petersburg on Youth Basketball Program

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (MARCH 31, 2025) - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is proud to partner with the City of St. Petersburg to launch the Rising Stars Midnight Basketball Showcase, a youth basketball program designed to empower local youth through sports, teamwork, and mentorship.

The co-ed basketball program consists of SPHA youth, ages 11-17. There will be two age groups: one for ages 11-13 and another for ages 14-17.

Tournament Details:

  • Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
  • Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location: Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center, 1000 28th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
  • Admission: Free and open to the public

President and CEO of SPHA, Michael Lundy, expressed his enthusiasm for the program: "Our youth basketball program teaches discipline, teamwork, and confidence-skills that carry far beyond the court," said Lundy.

The program was spearheaded by Kiara Lovett, SPHA's Director of Social Services. "We're proud to partner with the City of St. Petersburg to create meaningful opportunities for our youth," said Lovett. "This program goes beyond basketball; it's about mentorship, leadership, and equipping young people with the skills and support they need to thrive on and off the court."

Team Practice Dates:

  • Dates: April 1, 3, 8, and 10, 2025
  • Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location: Wildwood Park Outdoor Basketball Courts (Behind the Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center, 1000 28th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712)

The mission of the Rising Stars Midnight Basketball Showcase is to empower young athletes through the game of basketball, fostering character, leadership, and a vision for the future. The program aims to develop not only skilled players but also strong individuals who demonstrate integrity, teamwork, and perseverance-both on and off the court. Through mentorship, training, and a commitment to excellence, the program strives to prepare young athletes to become confident, purpose-driven leaders in their communities.

For more information, contact Kiara Lovett, SPHA Director of Social Services, at klovett@stpeteha.org.

SPHA is the leading affordable housing provider in the city of St. Petersburg, serving more than 4,000 low-income households. SPHA's mission is to provide safe, sanitary, accessible, decent, and affordable housing to eligible citizens of the city of St. Petersburg, while enhancing and promoting resident self-sufficiency.

Exterior of the Thomas Jet Jackson Recreation Center.

Exterior of the Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center.

 

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ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):

An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.

 

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