Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Where the kids are

Young folks 10 to 20 - not at the same time!- have a new hangout in Inverness.

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published June 16, 2006

At first glance, Jet Red looks like a lounge where grownups might like to spend time shooting pool, playing video games and listening to music.

Even dancing, should the mood strike.

And that's what Jet Red is, except it is not for adults well, for one night, adults are welcome.

With its powerful DJ sound system, fog machine, dance floor, movie posters and snack bar, Jet Red is the newest teen-friendly hangout in Inverness. The dance floor comes alive with disco balls, strobes and black lights. Giant movie posters line the walls.

And teens have been warming up to Jet Red. On a recent Friday night, when admission is limited to ages 13 to 15, about 30 kids hung out. The pool tables and video games were busy.

Jet Red opened over the Memorial Day weekend. Co-owner Rich Otte said he's hopeful that it will develop a local following over the summer.

"School's out, maybe the family vacation hasn't come up yet, and kids need something to do," he said. "They can come here, interact with all their friends and have a good time."

Jet Red is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for general hanging out. There is no admission charge.

"Parents can feel safe dropping off their kids here, letting them hang out with their friends while they go shopping," Otte said.

Each night offers a different theme, and there is an admission charge of $5 to $7.

"We try to separate the nights in age groups that are appropriate," Otte said. "That's important to teens. A 16-year-old is not going to want to hang out with a 13-year-old."

n On Tuesdays and Fridays, Jet Red welcomes kids 13 to 15. Fridays are the biggest nights, Otte said, with as many as 50 teens attending. Admission is $7.

"We have air guitar contests, hula and dance contests," Otte said. "And we give away some pretty cool stuff," like CD players.

Wednesday nights feature Christian rock music and may also have a guest speaker. All ages can come from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5.

Thursday night is Seniors Night, where people older than 50 can attend and enjoy complimentary coffee. Admission is $5.

Saturday night is for ages 16 to 20, and hours are from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $7.

Sunday night is for ages 10 to 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $7.

Otte said that adult supervision is always provided, mostly by him and co-owner Paul Runion.

Jet Red is at 162 N Florida Ave. (U.S. 41), about a quarter of a mile north of the bowling alley. Call 341-2500.

Jorge Sanchez covers arts and entertainment in Citrus County. Contact him at sanchez@sptimes.com or (352) 860-7313.

[Last modified June 16, 2006, 06:34:02]