JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three months after reported disruptions led the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to clear hundreds of juveniles from the area around the Orange Park Mall, the mall announced a major policy change.
The new Youth Supervision Policy was announced on Wednesday and will go into effect on Friday, a mall spokesperson said.
The policy requires anyone in the mall under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old on Fridays and Saturdays.
And the guardians can only accompany a maximum of four minors each.
The mall said the policy has the support of county leaders, tenants and community representatives.
“This policy reflects priorities identified in collaboration with the Clay County community,” said Randy Bowman, General Manager of Orange Park Mall. “We are committed to providing an environment where families, neighbors, and visitors feel welcome. These enhancements, along with our local partnerships, help ensure that Orange Park Mall continues its long-standing role as a family-friendly center for the community.”
The issue stems from a string of disturbances at the mall, including an incident in July in which deputies said a large group of teens engaged in an unauthorized “pop-up party” were causing disturbances and were asked to leave the area.
Parents were called to pick up their children, and the group was moved to the parking lot near the At Home store while they waited for rides.
The sheriff’s office confirmed no arrests were made and no fights were reported in that incident, despite some bystanders claiming otherwise.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, whose agency has dealt with repeated disruptions at the mall, said the Sheriff’s Office is working hand-in-hand with the mall on the new policy.
“Orange Park Mall has been an important part of Clay County for over 50 years, and we are proud to partner with them to ensure the center reflects the values of our community,” Cook said. “Together, we are excited to work alongside the Orange Park Mall team to build a stronger community for families, residents, and businesses.”
The policy change comes two months after the Second Horizon Capital investment firm announced it had purchased the 950,000 square-foot mall.
Second Horizon Capital has said it wants to use community partnerships to enhance infrastructure, expand amenities, and strengthen programming at the Orange Park Mall.
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