In a move aimed at bolstering public safety, Manatee County Commissioners have passed a county-wide curfew affecting those under the age of sixteen. According to FOX 13 News, the curfew was approved in response to concerns over juvenile safety and community protection.
The new regulations will effectively keep teens off the street during late-night hours. Specifically, the curfew will prohibit those under 16 from being out between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and between 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. In a statement to WFLA News, Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann said, "It has nothing to do with overriding parents. It actually gives the parents a stronger right to tell your kids you need to be home."
The curfew initiative was originally proposed by the school district as a measure to improve not just safety but also, perhaps, educational outcomes by ensuring children have adequate rest for school days. McCann expressed his belief that the curfew will help to reduce any potential risks associated with nighttime activities for the underaged population.
However, the curfew will not be enforced without exceptions. As reported by Tampa Bay 28, exceptions include teens traveling to and from work, those coming from school functions, during emergency situations, and when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sheriff Wells briefed that while the curfew goes into effect immediately, there will be a grace period of sorts to fully educate deputies about the enforcement of the new ordinance. "It will take a few days to educate deputies about the curfew," Wells told Tampa Bay 28.
