Flagler Beach police propose curfew for youth

FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – Flagler Beach City Council is considering a curfew for anyone under 16 as a preventative measure to keep teens safe this summer.

Business owner Dave Joy and his wife Kim have lived in Flagler Beach for five years and recently took over Johnny D’s Beach Bar and Grill.

“The vibe in Flagler Beach is booming. It’s full of energy. The demographic ranges from mid-20s to 80s,” Dave said.

The Flagler Beach Police Department presented the proposal to the Flagler Beach City Commission for its first public hearing on June 13.

Dave said they support the police proposal to introduce a curfew for young people.

“I don’t think it hurts the businesses in Flagler,” he said. “I think it keeps the family element.”

Police Chief Matt Doughney said the curfew is intended to prevent young people from staying out late and promote the safety and well-being of minors in the city – as well as reduce crime and violence by minors in the city.

According to the proposal, if approved by the City Commission, minors will not be allowed to be in public places or public facilities between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the following day (Sunday through Thursday), except on legal holidays. And minors will not be allowed to be in public places or public facilities between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

Doughney said that for the purposes of the proposal, “minors” should also be understood to include persons under the age of 16.

“It would probably be a little safer for the community,” Dave said. “And it’s not crazy here, but if you’re going to see people under the age of 18 after midnight on the weekend, there’s really nothing that’s not geared toward that clientele.”

Doughney said the most recent incident involving juveniles occurred earlier this month when a 13-year-old attempted to purchase alcohol at a local 7-Eleven store after midnight and the juvenile’s mother was unaware her daughter had left the house.