Manatee County commissioners are considering curfews for minors in response to an increase in late-night crime involving youths. The proposal will be voted at a future meeting.
At the board’s August 5 meeting, Commissioner Amanda Ballard pointed out that recent children and teens were breaking into vehicles and stealing firearms. “And unfortunately, after the kids steal those guns, we see violence,” Ballard said.
Under Florida law, local governments can impose curfews for young people. The Manatee County plan will limit people under the age of 18 to go out Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 5am to 5am to weekends. State law outlines some exceptions, including minors accompanying parents, traveling from work and workplace, and attending school and church activities. Commissioner Bob McCann said the county curfew follows those same guidelines.
Commissioner Carol Anne Feldt expressed his support and framed the proposal as a community-wide effort. “If we see this as a countywide effort to control crime and help children grow safely, I think it’s a very good thing,” Feldt said.
But Commissioner George Cruze opposed the measure, claiming that it would rarely unfairly target young people who have not committed crimes. “All we do is set more rules for people,” Kruze said. “This will chase innocent children who will go out later on innocent reasons.” He was the only commissioner to vote against moving forward with the ordinance for further consideration.
County spokesman Bill Logan said before the final vote, authorities must continue to estimate the impact on local businesses and hold “appropriately promoted hearings.”
