Manatee County approves juvenile curfew after heated debate; sheriff vows education-first enforcement
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Summary
The Manatee County Commission voted 5–2 on Nov. 18 to adopt an ordinance imposing a local curfew for minors under 16, prompting a long public debate about enforcement, equity and parental authority. Sheriff Wells said deputies will emphasize warnings and parents will be contacted before penalties.
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 18 adopted an ordinance establishing a local juvenile curfew for people under 16, setting hours Sunday–Thursday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Friday–Saturday and holidays from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. The measure passed 5–2 after more than an hour of public comment and commissioner debate.
Supporters framed the ordinance as a public‑safety and prevention tool. Omar Edwards, associate director for strategic planning at the School District of Manatee County, told commissioners curfews reduce exposure to crime and risky behavior and cited studies showing lower juvenile victimization after curfew enforcement. Pastor and community advocates described late‑night incidents that injured or killed local teens and urged tools to keep youth safe.
Opponents called the measure unenforceable and warned of disproportionate impacts on communities of color. Several speakers and a number of commissioners argued the rule is subjective in practice — officers will decide who they stop — and could lead to unequal policing. Commissioner George Cruz said he opposed the ordinance on the basis of civil‑liberty concerns and enforcement discretion; Commissioner Mike Ronn voted with Cruz.
Sheriff Eddie Wells characterized enforcement as education‑first. “Our primary goal is education…we’re just trying to get them home safely,” Wells said, adding initial contacts will be noncustodial conversations and deputies will attempt to contact parents before escalating to a warning or a $50 civil fine. Wells said deputies will use discretion to avoid penalizing children who are traveling for work, school or other permitted activities.
Commissioners and staff noted the ordinance incorporates multiple exemptions — including parental accompaniment, employment, school activities and emergencies — and that municipalities must adopt similar measures for countywide consistency. Commissioner Tal Siddiq pressed staff to coordinate an education plan with the school district and other stakeholders before implementation; county staff agreed to develop an outreach plan if the board confirmed the ordinance.
The board recorded the final vote as 5 in favor, 2 opposed (Chair George Cruz and Commissioner Ronn). The ordinance becomes effective on the schedule set in the county code; staff will post guidance for families and coordinate education with schools and law enforcement.