Juvenile curfew in place in parts of Manatee County. Will Palmetto join them?
The City of Palmetto may soon adopt Manatee County’s recently-enacted juvenile curfew to eliminate gaps in curfew’s enforcement.
Manatee County commissioners approved the curfew in November, which only applies to the unincorporated parts of the county. While the City of Bradenton already has a similar curfew, other municipalities — like the City of Palmetto and the island cities — would need to pass separate ordinances to enact a curfew in their jurisdictions.
On Dec. 15, City of Palmetto commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance, which would copy the language of Manatee County’s curfew. However, the commission asked that the curfew be added to a workshop in January before a final public hearing, which could happen in February.
The curfew prohibits minors under 16 years old from being unsupervised by an adult in public places from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. There are exemptions like for minors traveling to and from work, attending events with parents and school events.
Another part of the curfew prohibits suspended or expelled students from being in public places, or within 1,000 feet of a school, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on school days.
Palmetto Police Chief supports curfew
Manatee County’s curfew is based on an existing state statute that outlines what counties and municipalities can enact for a juvenile curfew.
Before Palmetto city commissioners began they’re discussion, community members spoke with mixed feelings about the curfew — some said the curfew could help to curb youth crime, while others worried about it sparking negative police interactions.
“Although I certainly understand and appreciate the concern about this, I believe it is necessary,” Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler said.
Tyler explained that discussions about the county curfew started last year, in meetings with law enforcement, school district representatives, religious leaders and parents who had concerns about youth committing crimes and being victimized, specifically during late hours.
“The stakeholders that were discussing this felt like it was time for us to come forward with a countywide juvenile curfew ordinance,” Tyler said. “Staff and I agreed it could be an important tool, not just for public safety but for the safety of the kids.”
In response to some concerns raised by the public and commissioners, Tyler said the exceptions outline when officers are allowed to stop youth.
“This isn’t for kids traveling around in vehicles and things like this, this is about kids hanging out during certain late hours in public spaces,” he said. “This is not about kids doing errands, this is not about kids coming to and from work.”
He added that, especially when the curfew is first rolled out, officers would focus on education and giving families warnings. However, the state statute states that, after a first warning, minors who violate the curfew could face fines of $50 per subsequent violation.
If a minor is found in a public place after curfew, officers are to try to contact the minor’s parents to pick up the child. The minor can be taken to a police station, religious facility or civic organization to wait for a parent to pick them up and, if a parent is not available, officers may take the minor home.
Commissioners move ordinance forward
Commissioner Tamara Cornwell suggested the commission revisit the curfew at an upcoming workshop to discuss it further and ask more questions.
“There’s all kinds of questions I have about this, and how certain things are going to be handled,” Cornwell said.
Commissioner Harold Smith said the commission should strongly consider passing the ordinance. His main concern was that, if Palmetto does not have the same curfew, then youth from parts of Manatee County with the ordinance could go to Palmetto and get into trouble. Tyler echoed that concern.
After their discussion, commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading and add the curfew discussion to an upcoming workshop before scheduling a public hearing.
