Florence residents react to new daytime curfew

By: | SCNow
Published: March 14, 2010

FLORENCE—Some members of the Florence community believe the new daytime curfew ordinance will help keep kids in school and out of trouble.

But there are concerns that it is the parent’s responsibility, not the job of law enforcement, to keep track of their kids.

“I agree with the laws that they might be necessary now,” said Keisha Rose, mother of two. “But again, if my children are found out in the middle of the day it is my responsibility as a parent and as a mom.”

For Larry Bacote, this ordinance is a much-needed measure for the Florence community.

“I do think the new law is necessary because there’s a lot of situations where kids should be in school,” he said. “As long as they’re out of school with nothing else to do they can get in a lot of mischief.”

But some parents wonder whether this is an issue for City Council or individual families.

“In a way, it may be a little more control that we don’t need,” said Chris Rodenkirchen, a father of two.

Florence City Council passed the ordinance last Monday. The curfew is for youth ages 6 to 16 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on school days.

The ordinance states that when a law enforcement officer approaches a child violating the curfew, they will be given options such as being offered transportation to the school he or she attends or being taken to his or her home. If the minor refuses, a citation will be issued to the minor’s guardian.

The first citation will not result in a fine, but guard-ians will be subject to a $100 fine upon subsequent convictions.

The effective date for implementation is the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year in Florence School District 1.