Nightly Curfew For Teens Under 16 Approved By Manatee County Commissioners

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County commissioners approved a nightly curfew for teens 16 years old and younger in a 5-2 vote at their Tuesday meeting, according to multiple reports.

The goal of the ordinance is to reduce crime overnight and prevent teens from causing trouble.

"Keep them safe if they’re not in an organized activity. There are a lot of kids, unfortunately, who are out on the streets and their parents don’t even know," Commissioner Amanda Ballard during the meeting, according to Tampa Bay 28.

Once the new law goes into effect, after it’s filed with the state, those under 16 will be required to stay home Sunday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., and weekends and holidays from 12:01 to 6 a.m., Fox 13 reported.

Exceptions include emergencies, going to and from work or school functions, and being accompanied by a parent or guardian, reports said.

The new law also says that teens who have been suspended or expelled from school “may not be or stay unnecessarily” in those public places, or within 1,000 feet of a school, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on school days, the Bradenton Herald said.

"I think this is a solution looking after a problem. I think we have amazing deputies and police officers who can handle the criminal elements. I fundamentally disagree with this. I think we are going down a slippery slope that will have more unintended consequences than positive benefits in the long run," Commissioner George Kruse reportedly said.

Though she supported implementing a curfew, NAACP president Tracey Washington also said during Tuesday’s meeting that she had some concerns about the plan, according to Bay News 9.

“We have to look at who is being affected,” she said. “I want to keep our children safe. The people who are affected the most is probably the African American and Hispanic communities. What happens to our children when they see law enforcement and they’re fearful? They’re going to run. We know this. But what happens when they run?”