Florence, SC, October 21, 2025
News Summary
In response to increasing youth crime, Florence, SC, is reinforcing its curfew and mall supervision guidelines. Following a recent shooting, officials aim to tighten regulations that have been in place for over 20 years. The new measures require minors at Magnolia Mall to be accompanied by an adult during peak hours, while the curfew prohibits youths under 16 from public areas unaccompanied between midnight and 6 a.m. Community support for these initiatives reflects a commitment to enhance public safety.
Florence, SC is responding to a surge in youth crime by enhancing its juvenile curfew and mall supervision policies. Following a shooting incident on October 18, 2025, where a 15-year-old was arrested, the city aims to reinforce these regulations that have been in place for over two decades. The current curfew ordinance prohibits those aged 16 and younger from being in public places unsupervised between midnight and 6 a.m.
Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes is considering legal options to further tighten these curfew regulations and hold parents accountable for their children’s actions, particularly concerning firearm possession. In a recent statement, Mayor Barnes highlighted the importance of parental responsibility in monitoring children’s activities in public. Interim Police Chief Steven Starling noted a worrying increase in youth crime and emphasized the need for greater mentorship and guidance for young people in the community.
Many Florence residents were previously unaware of the existing curfew but support the city’s efforts to reduce youth violence. Local resident Tonia Smith expressed her belief that an enforced curfew can limit incidents involving unsupervised youths in public spaces. Conversely, Shane Benjamin raised concerns about the future of those young individuals involved in violent behavior.
The city’s analysis of the situation has prompted a review of potential changes to the curfew regulations, although specific modifications have yet to be announced. Moreover, in response to rising concerns, Magnolia Mall has instituted a new policy that mandates visitors under 18 years old to be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 21 or older during peak hours, effective November 1. This decision was driven by over 433 emergency calls regarding issues with unsupervised minors at the mall during the past six months.
The mall’s aim is to establish a safer shopping atmosphere by better managing the presence of large groups of minors. Mall General Manager Matthew Quigley indicated that the decision was based on data analysis focused on reducing disturbances during busy hours. Additional measures include employing trained security personnel and off-duty police officers to oversee safety within the mall.
It’s important to note that the mall’s regulations pertain to common areas, while individual stores and restaurants may enforce their own policies. Similar practices have been adopted at other regional malls, like Coastal Grand Mall, to enhance public safety standards. Some concerns have been voiced related to the impact on families with more than four children, but assurances have been offered that large families can still visit as long as supervision is provided.
Despite concerns over the limitations on mall access for teenagers, there is a general consensus among residents regarding the necessity for safe public gathering places for youth in Florence. The initiatives for revising curfew and mall oversight policies are integral components of Florence’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community safety amidst increasing youth crime concerns.
FAQ
What is the revised youth curfew in Florence, SC?
The youth curfew prohibits individuals aged 16 and younger from being in public places without supervision between midnight and 6 a.m.
What recent event prompted changes to the city’s curfew policies?
A shooting incident involving a 15-year-old on October 18, 2025, led to the review of the current youth curfew and mall supervision policies.
What new policy has Magnolia Mall implemented?
Magnolia Mall now requires visitors under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 21 or older during peak hours.
How is the police department involved in improving safety?
The police department provided data that helped inform the mall’s new supervision policies and highlighted the increase in youth crime.
Key Features of Florence Initiatives
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Youth Curfew | Restricts those aged 16 and younger from public places unsupervised between midnight and 6 a.m. |
| New Mall Supervision Policy | Requires under-18 visitors to be accompanied by a guardian aged 21 or older during peak hours. |
| Increased Security | Trained personnel and off-duty police officers will monitor the mall to ensure safety. |
| Community Engagement | Residents are consulted for input on policies affecting youth safety and well-being. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence Leaders Review Youth Curfew After Shooting Incident
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Officials Remind Public of Juvenile Curfew
- Wikipedia: Curfew
- WMBF: Asking Our Parents to Step Up
- Google Search: Juvenile Curfew Florence SC
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Extended Curfew
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Crime
- Post and Courier: Magnolia Mall Unaccompanied Minors Policy
- Google Scholar: Youth Crime Florence
- WBTW: Magnolia Mall Launching Parental Supervision Policy
- Google News: Florence SC Curfew
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
