FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. — Flagler Beach city officials are considering a proposal for a curfew for people younger than 16 as a preventative measure to help keep teens safe this summer.

What You Need To Know

  • The Flagler Beach Police Department is working on a juvenile curfew for people younger than 16 as a preventative measure to help keep teens safe this summer

  • They brought the item to the Flagler Beach City Commission for its first public hearing on June 13

  • Local business owners Dave Joy and his wife Kim recently took over Johnny D's Beach Bar and Grill in Flagler Beach, and said they support the proposal as it would be safer for the community. 

  • According to the statute a minor may not be or remain in a public place or establishment between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. of the following day, Sunday through Thursday, except in the case of a legal holiday

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

“The Flagler Beach vibe is booming. It is energetic. It is a demographic that spans mid-20s to 80-year-olds,” Dave said.

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

Dave said they support the juvenile curfew proposal by the police department.

“I don't think it's detrimental to businesses in Flagler," he said. "I think it is, it preserves the family element.”

Police Chief Matt Doughney said the curfew would prevent young people from being out late and would promote the safety and well-being of minors in the city — and to reduce the crime and violence committed by minors in the city.

According to the proposal, if approved by the city commission, a minor may not be in a public place or establishment between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. of the following day, Sunday through Thursday, except in the case of a legal holiday. And a minor may not be or remain in a public place or establishment between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

Doughney said for the purpose of the proposal, “minors” include individuals under the age of 16.

“It’d probably be a little bit safer for the community," Dave said. "And it's not crazy here, but again, 18-and-under out past midnight on a weekend, there's really nothing it's not geared for that clientele."

Doughney said the most recent incident involving juveniles took place earlier this month when a 13-year-old tried to buy alcohol at a local 7-11 store past midnight and the juvenile’s mother was unaware that her daughter had left the home.