Manatee County commissioners are considering a curfew for minors in response to a rise in late-night crimes involving young people. The proposal is expected to be voted on at a future meeting.
At the board’s Aug. 5 meeting, Commissioner Amanda Ballard pointed to recent incidents of children and teens breaking into vehicles and stealing firearms. “And then, unfortunately, we see violence after the kids steal those guns,” Ballard said.
Under Florida law, local governments can impose youth curfews. The Manatee County plan would restrict anyone under 18 from being out between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between midnight and 5 a.m. on weekends. State law outlines several exceptions, such as when minors are accompanied by a parent, traveling to or from work, or attending a school or church activity. Commissioner Bob McCann said the county’s curfew would follow those same guidelines.
Commissioner Carol Ann Felts voiced support, framing the proposal as a community-wide effort. “If we look at this as a county-wide effort to help curb crime, to help our children grow up safely, I think it’s a very good thing to do,” Felts said.
However, Commissioner George Kruse opposed the measure, arguing that it would have little effect and unfairly target youths who are not committing crimes. “All we’re doing is setting more rules to people,” Kruse said. “This is going to go after innocent kids who are just out later for innocent reasons.” He was the only commissioner to vote against advancing the ordinance for further consideration.
County spokesperson Bill Logan said before a final vote, officials must still estimate the impact on local businesses and hold a “properly advertised hearing.”
