JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new policy requiring juveniles to have adult supervision at Orange Park Mall is set to take effect Friday afternoon, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said it is working hand-in-hand with the mall owners to ensure it is followed.
The mall announced the major policy change on Wednesday, just three months after reported disruptions led the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to clear hundreds of juveniles from the area around the mall.
The new Youth Supervision 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. In addition, 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.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said it fully supports the policy and is working hand-in-hand with the owners to make sure it is followed.
“Obviously when it comes to new owners for the mall, this is a different type of policy, a new policy that they wanted to implement. And we were fully supportive of it from the get-go,” Ben Ryan, Public Information Manager for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, said.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, whose agency has dealt with repeated disruptions at the mall, said her agency is on board.
“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.”
Some shoppers said they support the changes, hoping it brings back a family-friendly atmosphere.
“Families like to come, and it’s gotten a little wild lately, and I think that would make it more family-friendly,” Carolyn Mooney said.
The policy change came 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.
The policy was set to take effect Friday, Oct. 17, at 4 p.m.
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