Florence, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Florence city leaders are considering tightening the youth curfew rule after a 15-year-old was involved in a shooting in downtown. The existing curfew restricts unsupervised outings for individuals 16 and under after 11 p.m. Discussions focus on improving parental responsibility and community safety in response to rising youth crime.
Florence City Leaders Consider Tightening Youth Curfew Following Recent Shooting Involvement of a 15-Year-Old
Florence city leaders are currently evaluating the possibility of tightening the existing youth curfew ordinance after a 15-year-old was charged in connection with a shooting that took place in downtown Florence on October 18. The incident occurred in the early hours, just hours after the city’s youth curfew had begun, raising concerns about youth safety and community accountability.
The current youth curfew, established over 20 years ago, prohibits individuals 16 years old or younger from being unsupervised in public places between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following day. Currently, the ordinance allows for youth to be out until midnight as long as they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
Mayor Lethonia Barnes is actively exploring legal options to amend the youth curfew to potentially impose stricter guidelines. She underscored the importance of parental responsibility in ensuring that children are safely supervised during late hours. Barnes emphasized that parents should be aware of their children’s activities and the potential dangers they may encounter if left unsupervised.
Interim Police Chief Steven Starling has observed an uptick in youth-related crime in the city, which has led to discussions about the need for positive role models for young people. Starling pointed out that many youth in Florence seem to be lacking guidance and mentorship, contributing to the rising incidents of violence and criminal behavior among minors.
Responses from the community indicate a general support for initiatives aimed at reducing youth violence. Many residents were surprised to learn about the existing curfew regulations. One local resident expressed that the curfew could effectively limit the number of youth out late at night, implying that late-night outdoor activities by minors might often lead to trouble. Another resident voiced concern about the negative impact of such actions on the youths’ futures, suggesting that making poor choices could have long-lasting repercussions.
While specific changes to the curfew have yet to be announced, city officials are considering strategies that would strengthen parental guidelines and potentially reduce hours that young people may spend unsupervised in public spaces.
In summary, Florence’s city leaders are responding to community concerns about youth crime and safety by reviewing its youth curfew policy following a shooting involving a minor. The ongoing discussions reflect a desire to hold parents accountable and ensure a safer environment for youth in the city.
Key Features of the Youth Curfew Discussion
- Recent shooting involving a 15-year-old prompted review of youth curfew
- Current curfew prohibits individuals 16 years or younger in public unsupervised after 11 p.m.
- Potential amendments to tighten youth curfew being explored by city leaders
- Increased youth crime prompting calls for greater parental responsibility
- Local residents show support for measures against youth violence
FAQ Section
Why is the youth curfew being reconsidered?
The youth curfew is under review following a shooting involving a 15-year-old, raising concerns about youth safety and community accountability.
What does the current youth curfew ordinance entail?
The ordinance prohibits individuals aged 16 and younger from being unsupervised in public from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day.
What changes are city leaders considering?
City leaders, including Mayor Barnes, are exploring legal options to potentially tighten the current youth curfew regulations.
How do parents play a role in this discussion?
Local leaders are emphasizing the need for greater parental awareness and responsibility in monitoring their children’s activities during late hours.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Florence Leaders Review Youth Curfew Options
- WBTW News: Lake City Updates Juvenile Curfew Rules
- SCNow: Florence Officials Consider Youth Curfew Revisions
- WPDE News: Florence Juvenile Curfew Reminder
- WMBF News Video: Florence Youth Curfew Discussion
- Wikipedia: Curfew
- Google Search: Youth Curfew Issues
- Google Scholar: Youth Curfew Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Curfew
- Google News: Youth Violence and 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.
