Manatee County commissioners are contemplating a curfew for minors in response to an increase in late-night crimes involving younger individuals. The proposal is predicted to be voted on at a future assembly.
On the board’s Aug. 5 assembly, Commissioner Amanda Ballard pointed to latest incidents of kids and teenagers breaking into automobiles and stealing firearms. “After which, sadly, we see violence after the youngsters steal these weapons,” Ballard stated.
Below Florida legislation, native governments can impose youth curfews. The Manatee County plan would limit anybody beneath 18 from being out between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday by way of Thursday, and between midnight and 5 a.m. on weekends. State legislation outlines a number of exceptions, reminiscent of when minors are accompanied by a father or mother, touring to or from work, or attending a college or church exercise. Commissioner Bob McCann stated the county’s curfew would observe those self same pointers.
Commissioner Carol Ann Felts voiced help, framing the proposal as a community-wide effort. “If we take a look at this as a county-wide effort to assist curb crime, to assist our youngsters develop up safely, I believe it’s an excellent factor to do,” Felts stated.
Nevertheless, Commissioner George Kruse opposed the measure, arguing that it might have little impact and unfairly goal youths who will not be committing crimes. “All we’re doing is setting extra guidelines to individuals,” Kruse stated. “That is going to go after harmless children who’re simply out later for harmless causes.” He was the one commissioner to vote in opposition to advancing the ordinance for additional consideration.
County spokesperson Invoice Logan stated earlier than a ultimate vote, officers should nonetheless estimate the influence on native companies and maintain a “correctly marketed listening to.”
