Juvenile street takeovers are becoming increasingly common in Jacksonville. Over the weekend, police dispersed a crowd of roughly 600 to 700 juveniles gathered near Friendship Fountain on the Southbank. During the incident, officers arrested a juvenile who was reaching for a backpack containing a firearm. In a proactive move to prevent the crowd from relocating, authorities blocked nearby roads, including access to the Main Street Bridge. With massive gatherings forming time after time, one question becomes prominent: What are street takeovers, and why are these massive gatherings an issue? Here’s what to know about these teen street takeovers and the legality of participating in an event like this.
What are ‘street takeovers’? Are they illegal in Florida?
Street takeovers are illegal in most U.S. states, including Florida.
Under Florida law, a “street takeover” refers to the act of seizing part of a highway, roadway, or parking lot by obstructing normal traffic flow to perform stunts such as racing, drag racing, burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, or wheelies. The statute explicitly prohibits all unsanctioned drag racing and stunt driving activities, including street takeovers.
“Section 316.191, Florida Statutes outlaws racing on streets and highways, street takeovers, and stunt driving, as so defined in the statute,” according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
How often do ‘street takeovers’ happen in Jacksonville?
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, teen takeovers aren’t something new. “We have been experiencing these for years, but now there is an official name for it,” Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Gene Paul Smith said. “A few weeks ago, it was occurring at the Orange Park Mall, this week it was at Friendship Fountain in downtown Jacksonville, and these events are regularly occurring throughout the country,” and “… often escalate to violence and property destruction.”
Are ‘street takeovers’ illegal in Jacksonville?
“These takeover-style gatherings are not only illegal, but they can also be extremely dangerous,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said. ”JSO will continue to monitor similar situations, enforce local curfews and uphold park regulations to ensure public safety.”
Where are these street takeovers promoted?
These events are often promoted on social media, according to a social media post shared by authorities. “Unauthorized and Unpermitted Events are against the law,” the post explained. “Unauthorized events include any event or gatherings that are publicly promoted and have not successfully completed the Special Events application process. This includes promoting on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc.”
What is a Special Events application? How to get one?
In Jacksonville, Florida, a Special Event Permit is required for gatherings of 50 or more people or when activities such as alcohol service, animals, athletic events, or other regulated elements are involved. Applicants must submit a completed form to the Parks & Recreation Department, along with a non-refundable fee, at least 90 days, but no more than 365 days, before the event. The Event Committee will review the application, and additional permits or documentation may be requested as part of the approval process.
What are the charges for street takeovers?
Promoters of street takeover events may face both criminal and civil penalties, and attendees who break the law will be arrested, according to the Sheriff’s Department. Officials emphasized a strict zero-tolerance policy, stating: “No warnings. No do-overs. No second chances — just handcuffs and a trip to jail” for those engaging in street takeover activity.
What is the charge of street racing in Florida?
The Florida Statute that bans street racing, street takeovers and driving tricks like wheelies and donuts was enacted in October 2022, according to the FLHSMV.
The charge is a first-degree misdemeanor and could cost you between $500 and $2,000 in fines and result in your driver’s license being revoked for a year.
If a person is charged with street racing or any related activities for a second time within a year of their first violation, it’s considered a third-degree felony and can cost between $2,500 and $4,000 in fines. On the second street racing charge, the person’s driver’s license can be revoked for two years.
Any person who is charged with a third street racing violation within five years of the prior violation is charged with a second-degree felony and will have to pay between $3,500 and $7,500 in fines and have their license revoked for four years.
According to Musca Law, a criminal defense law firm based in Florida, a first, second, or third violation of this law could also result in up to a year in jail.
Is watching a street race illegal in Florida? What passengers, spectators should know
Yes, spectating a street race or street takeover, or even being a passenger, is also illegal in Florida.
“A person may not be a spectator at any race, drag race, or street takeover,” the Florida statute says. Anyone charged with spectating a street takeover will have a noncriminal infraction and be asked to pay a fine of $400.
Contributing: Scott Bulter, Florida Times-Union
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville has a juvenile ‘street takeover’ problem: it’s illegal