Could school zone cameras return in Manatee? Some officials want them back

The School Board of Manatee County is asking for the return of a controversial school zone speed camera program that county officials recently ended.

In a March 24 letter to the Manatee County Commission, School Board Chairman Chad Choate III urged county commissioners to bring the cameras back in a limited capacity — requesting that they only operate during school zone hours.

In November, the county began to use dozens of cameras to help deputies issue tickets to anyone driving 10 miles per hour over the speed limit in school zones. Six months later, county commissioners got rid of the program after drivers racked up $5.5 million in fines and residents complained that it was a “money grab.”

“We believe that these cameras are vital in helping secure the safety and well-being of our students,” Choate wrote. “School zones are an area where our students, families and staff are most vulnerable, and it is crucial to ensure their safety by monitoring and controlling traffic effectively.”

Manatee County Government previously partnered with RedSpeed, a Maryland-based company, to begin using the cameras to ticket drivers. RedSpeed has similar partnerships with other Florida municipalities, including the city of Bradenton where the cameras remain active in school zones.

According to the county’s data, more than 55,000 tickets were issued to ticket speeding drivers with a $100 fine. The program used cameras that were active throughout the entire school day, ticketing drivers caught driving over the regularly posted speed limit in school zone areas.

Will school zone cameras return?

Choate said the fact that the cameras resulted in tens of thousands of tickets is proof that there is an “urgent need” for the program to return and benefit the safety of children, parents and school crossing guards.

“We believe that these school zone cameras over time will increase safety, deter speeding, provide much needed data for any possible law enforcement enhancements, and bring community awareness to all drivers of the importance to adhere to school zone regulations, which will foster a culture of safety and responsibility,” Choate wrote.

The county commission voted to end the program in February after residents complained that the cameras took advantage of speeding drivers who were not endangering students in class during the school day. At a recent county commission meeting, several residents came forward to voice concerns about tickets that happened outside of school zone hours.

“I think most people that see the flashing signs, they put on the brakes, the ones that blow through, they deserve the $300 ticket, as far as I’m concerned,” Glen Gibellina, a Manatee County resident, said at the time. “As long as they’re flashing, it’s the only time the camera should be on. They’re not flashing, then all bets are off.”

Cameras protect students, officials say

School Board Member Heather Felton said she believes it is important to speak up about the county’s decision and advocate for the return of the cameras.

“If we don’t at least say something about it, we’re not protecting our kids and we as the board are here for our kids and that’s our job to make sure our kids are safe even before they get on campus,” Felton said.

School Board Member Charlie Kennedy said the goal of the program is to get drivers to slow down while children are going to and from school.

“I think a point that needs to be drilled home is that we’re talking about people going 11 or more miles per hour over the speed limit,” Kennedy said, highlighting the danger speeding drivers pose to students walking to and from school.

Choate ended his letter by emphasizing the importance of protecting local children.

“We urge you to reconsider the total halting of these cameras and partner with us to ensure the safety of our students, who are our future,” Choate wrote.

Manatee County considers ticket refunds

A Manatee County Government spokesperson declined the Bradenton Herald’s request for comment on the School Board’s proposal to bring back the school zone speed cameras.

Commissioner Bob McCann has proposed refunding the fines collected from the violations. The board is set to consider that possibility during Tuesday’s public meeting.