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Tampa City Council Considers Curfew for Underage Residents Following Ybor City Shooting

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — In response to a devastating mass shooting that occurred in Ybor City over the Halloween weekend, the Tampa City Council is contemplating the implementation of a curfew for individuals under the age of 16. This proposed curfew aims to enhance safety measures and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Community Engagement & Partnerships Team Holds Panel Discussion

The City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships team facilitated a panel discussion at Howard Blake High School on Tuesday, providing an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions on the curfew proposal. The meeting garnered significant attendance as concerned citizens expressed their support for any measures that could have potentially saved lives, such as the tragic loss of Karel Boonstoppel’s son in Ybor City on October 29.

Boonstoppel stated, “Anything that can help the situation that would have prevented my son from being killed in Ybor City on Oct. 29, I’m in favor of. There are other longer-term actions that can be taken as well.”

City-Wide Curfew Timings and Penalties

If approved, the curfew would be in effect city-wide, commencing from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 6 a.m. on weekends. The primary objective of this curfew is to safeguard the well-being of young individuals and discourage their involvement in criminal activities during late hours.

The initial offense would result in a written warning, aiming to educate the minors and their parents or legal guardians about the importance of adhering to the curfew regulations. Subsequent violations would incur a fine of $50, further emphasizing the significance of compliance.

Exceptions to the Curfew

While the curfew applies to individuals under 16 years old, there are exceptions in place to ensure that minors are not unduly restricted. For instance, the curfew does not apply if a child is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. These exceptions acknowledge the importance of responsible supervision and acknowledge the circumstances where a youth may require adult guidance during late hours.

Upcoming Council Vote

The City Council is expected to vote on the proposed curfew on January 25. This decision holds immense significance as it will determine whether this preventive measure will be implemented to protect the youth of Tampa and maintain the safety of the community.

As the council deliberates on this matter, community members eagerly await their decision, hoping that the curfew will serve as an effective deterrent against crime and contribute to a safer environment for all residents.

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