New Smyrna Beach City Commission unanimously approves youth curfew.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

City Commissioners in New Smyrna Beach unanimously approved a curfew for unaccompanied minors in response to rises in juvenile crime. Effective immediately, the curfew will be in place from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and legal holidays. Written warnings will be issued for first-time offenses and fines of $50 to $100 for subsequent violations.

The decision to implement the curfew came after a presentation by Interim Chief of Police Eric Feldman, who outlined plans for enhanced efforts to deter unwanted behavior during Spring Break. The proposal was subject to a public hearing, where 15 residents spoke for and against the measure. Following the hearing, Zone 3 Commissioner Jason McGuirk proposed the curfew be subject to periodic review rather than permanent, urging police to use discretion when enforcing the law.

Zone 2 Commissioner Lisa Martin raised questions about moving violations and community service options before addressing requests for more city-sponsored teen activities as an alternative to them congregating near the beach. 

The new curfew is a response to an 89% increase in juvenile arrests and a 56% increase in juvenile civil citations reported by police from 2021 to 2022, as well as a so-called “Spring Break Invasion” that resulted in approximately 300-400 students from across Central Florida simultaneously descending on the city last year.

The full text of the 10-page ordinance detailing definitions, parents’ legal duties, penalties, exceptions, and more is available for review at https://bit.ly/3IZy63M.