FLORIDA BOY WALKED TO CHICK-FIL-A ALONE. Police Returned Him Home and Didn’t Arrest His Parents:
In July, Florida became the 11th state to pass a Reasonable Childhood Independence law with the help of my non-profit, Let Grow. It clarifies that “neglect” is when a parent or guardian “fails to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or health care, although financially able to do so; however, the term does not include a caregiver allowing a child to engage in independent and unsupervised activities” unless they constitute “reckless conduct.”
I asked Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office spokesman Christian Hancock if our law was the reason the cops did not arrest the parents. He said it was simpler than that. “These parents didn’t do anything wrong.” Hear, hear!
It’s only fair to celebrate the good, not just the bad. God knows I sound the alarm when law enforcement goes overboard on parents. When they act with common sense and kindness, it makes sense to share those stories, too.
Not to mention making for an absolutely adorable video that’s great PR for the cops and the restaurant:
Five year old Jacksonville, Florida boy wakes up before everyone else, walks to Chick fil A for breakfast without parents knowing. Cops are called. This is great: pic.twitter.com/I0WAsJUum3
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 2, 2025