NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — New Smyrna Beach city leaders voted Tuesday to approve a curfew that they hope will eliminate criminal activity committed by or against young people.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The new curfew goes into effect immediately. People under 18 have a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Last year, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department said there was an 89% increase in arrests of minors.
The new curfew not only impacts people under 18 – parents and businesses could also face fines.
READ: New Smyrna Beach curfew: Who does it affect? What are the times & fines?
City leaders said anyone who knowingly permits underage people to violate the curfew would receive a written warning first, then a $50 fine.
Back-and-forth at Tuesday’s meeting continued until just after 9 p.m.
READ: Pennsylvania Chick-fil-A bans children under 16 from eating in restaurant
New Smyrna Beach took the podium multiple times during the meeting, saying things got out of control last year and they don’t want to see it again.
Police noted that while they’re going to have beefed-up patrols and more equipment, the curfew will also help them enforce and keep the area safe.
READ: Winter Springs city manager resigns week after county orders audit of city
This browser does not support the video element.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.