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Residents concerned about teens ‘roaming’ in Florence

March 11, 2023

Dawn-Euphemia Mayor Al Broad is hoping the OPP will step up patrols in Florence on Sundays.

This after members of the community voiced concern about a group of up to 25 teenagers who get together – mostly on Sundays – roaming the streets of the town.

Normally, the teens are dressed in black and this weekend, they were seen wearing black masks as well. Photos posted on social media show some of the teens climbing up on the roof of the gazebo at the community centre in Florence.

Another resident saw the crowd pushing snow into the middle of a road and planting the flags used to mark hydro and water lines.

And, one family spotted a group starting a small fire on the bridge leading into the village.

One resident suggested on social media that a neighbourhood watch group should be formed to go out and patrol the community on Sunday nights.

Administrator Donna Clermont has been fielding some of the calls of concern. She says the OPP offered to lay trespassing charges against the teens, but the only photograph of them climbing the gazebo doesn’t show their faces.

“I keep telling people to call police,” says Broad, who has also heard the concerns. He added often people “get a little frustrated. They call in and don’t get any response.”

One resident watched as a group of the teens stayed in a house until the OPP left and then emerged to roam the streets again.

Broad says he would like the OPP to “go out and have an extra patrol” in the village particularly on Sundays.

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