Published: January 07, 2009 08:16 pm      

BC lifts post-Ike curfew

BRIDGE CITY — The most devastated community in Orange County has finally rescinded its post-hurricane curfew for residents.

Bridge City council members unanimously approved the motion to rescind the curfew order which has been in place since Hurricane Ike struck the Southeast Texas coastline nearly four months ago.

The city-wide curfew was originally enforced dusk to dawn before changing to the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Mayor Kirk Roccaforte made the recommendation to council members to lift the curfew because most of the citizens had returned to Bridge City, and many people were back to working night shift jobs and traveling through the town and neighborhoods during those hours.

“Some businesses have expressed interest in maintaining hours of operation later than the current curfew or even being open 24 hours-a-day,” Roccaforte said. “They feel like the curfew is a detriment right now. Plus, some people have concerns about driving to and from work so late when there is a curfew in place.”

Roccaforte said he had spoken with City Manager Jerry Jones and Maj. Joey Hargrave of the Bridge City Police Department, and neither believed there would be a problem with lifting the curfew.

However, one council member said he felt keeping the curfew in place for a while longer might remain an obstacle for criminal activity.

“I think it could be a good idea to keep the curfew in place as a theft deterrent,” said Louis Davis, Place 6 council member. “It might make some of them think twice before doing something.”

However, further discussion amongst council members satisfied Davis’ concerns and the board voted 5-0 to lift the curfew.