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Kingstree council advances revised curfew, schedules final vote as officials outline safety plan
Summary
The council advanced a revised curfew ordinance to final reading July 28 after widespread public support and council discussion; town leaders unveiled a community safety plan and agreed to pursue youth outreach and enforcement measures while asking residents and faith leaders to engage.
Kingstree’s Town Council on July 21 advanced a revised curfew ordinance to a final reading set for July 28, responding to public calls for stricter nighttime restrictions for minors amid recent acts of violence.
Councilman C.M. (Bubba) Hammet moved to keep the existing curfew (midnight–6 a.m.) in place until the ordinance’s final reading and to implement the revised curfew upon approval; Councilman Frankie D. White seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The ordinance text and penalties will be finalized at the July 28 meeting.
Town Manager Kippton W. Coker presented a community safety plan that calls for a Community Safety Task Force made up of law enforcement, clergy, educators, youth leaders and residents; a Youth Leadership Council; reactivated Neighborhood Watch groups with training; community healing events; gun-safety education and free gun locks for distribution.
Public commenters strongly backed a curfew. "Set a curfew, enforce it and set an example for other towns," said Ms. Joe Etta, who urged action rather than words to address violence. Juanita Green, director of Mary’s Angels homeless shelter, said higher enforcement must account for homeless youth sleeping in parks and other sites and warned that increased water fees and flooding have stressed shelter operations.
Council members urged parental accountability and community involvement. "If that is the attitude of the teenagers out there the Lord has left this place, and we have a huge battle ahead of us," Councilman Stan Williamson said after describing overheard threats in a park gazebo; his comment was part of the council’s broader discussion of public-safety concerns.
The ordinance’s next step is a final public reading and vote at the council meeting on July 28. Council and staff said they will continue outreach and plan to coordinate enforcement with community partners while reviewing how curfew rules will interface with support for unhoused youth.
