SARASOTA - Summer's here, school is out, and teenagers may be finding trouble.  But now there is a new place for them to hang out and be safe.

The Nightlife Center just opened its doors Thursday night, and its mission is to keep youth in the community on the right path.

When you walk in, it feels like a sports bar.  But the only thing they're serving up is clean entertainment.  The non-profit organization wants to let teenagers be teenagers inside their walls, and without all the outside pressures.

It was something many Suncoast teenagers complained about -- there is nothing to do around here.  Reverend Joe Davis says he heard that line too many times.  So he decided to change an old sports bar into a safe haven.  "This is going to be a place for them...exclusively for them.  A place they can come and be comfortable and happy and know there are a lot of things to do."

The center is located on South Tamiami Trail just north of Stickney Point Road in Sarasota.  The building is geared to young people.  Inside...TV's, pool tables and a stage.  Lots of activities to help kids stay on the right track.  "There are a lot of problems in Sarasota with substance abuse among adolescents.  We want to try and tackle that problem head on," says Rev. Davis.

"I'd say about 60% of our grade level is at least drinking...smoking."  Riverview High School senior Ben Freed says the nightlife is exactly what the area needs.  "It's a positive atmosphere...and it just gives us a sense of responsibility.  We can work here.......so it's great."

The center also gives parents peace of mind.  "This is a great place to have a safe place for teenagers to go hang out and be teenagers...be safe and have a lot of fun," says Caitlyn and Cean Cerny. 

Davis says kids need a place to go if they are in trouble.  The old drinking hole is what he now calls the Therapy Bar.  "We are going to have people working behind the bar...teachers, youth pastors, therapists, social workers who will seek to engage kids...kids will come here when they know they are in crisis, when they need help, encouragement, or if they have a friend.....and help them."

The best part is that it's all free.

The Suncoast community has been behind the nightlife center.  Volunteers fixed up the building and much of the equipment and supplies are donated by area businesses.

If you would like more information on the Nightlife Center, visit www.nightlifecenter.org.