After recording more than 3,000 speeding violations during a 30-day warning period, Fort Walton Beach will begin issuing citations from its new school zone speed cameras starting Wednesday.
- The Fort Walton Beach Police Department reported that some drivers were caught traveling more than 60 mph in school zones where speed limits are set at 15 or 20 mph during the educational phase that began April 1.
“Let’s prioritize the safety of our students. SLOW DOWN. Obey posted limits,” the police department stated in a social media announcement Monday.
The city will begin issuing citations May 7 under Florida State Statute 316.1896, which authorizes automated enforcement of school zone speed limits. The camera systems were installed at nine schools throughout Fort Walton Beach after the City Council unanimously approved the program in January.
- Each citation carries a $100 fine with no points added to driving records. Revenue will be split among several entities, with $39 going to the city, $21 to the vendor RedSpeed USA, $12 to the school board, $5 to crossing guard programs, $3 for law enforcement training, and $20 to state general revenue.
Unlike traditional school zone enforcement that operates only during arrival and dismissal times, the cameras will monitor speeds throughout the entire school day. The enforcement system will be active 30 minutes before school starts and 30 minutes after school dismissal. It will not operate on weekends, holidays, summer break, or other times when school is not in session.
- During school zone hours when beacons are flashing, tickets will be issued at 26 mph in 15 mph zones and 36 mph in 25 mph zones. Outside beacon times but during school hours, citations will be based on the regular posted speed limit plus 11 mph.
Police Chief Robert Bage previously expressed hope that the warning period would be sufficient to change driver behavior.
“We would hope that we don’t write the first speeding ticket,” Bage said at the January council meeting. “I would hope that during the warning period and the educational period, when people know that there’s a repercussion for speeding through the school zones, that nobody speeds through a school.”
10 Responses
thank you! Can you come do Thai at DMS as well.
That number is crazy, speeding in the county and the cities is completely out of control. I feel the law enforcement is failing the people who live here and pay taxes. It all start with neighborhoods and local roads by the time they get to highways like 85 it all Mad Max beyond thunder dome
This was a cash cow for Macon, GA until people revolted. Now the cameras operate only at the beginning and ending of the school day. People should contact their council leaders and state Representitives to fight this. See stories at 13WMAZ, Macon, GA.
Just a suggestion……Why not post the School Hours sign prior to entering the School Zone, not as you are leaving the School Zone. It would be nice to know the School Zone Hours for each School since they are all different.
I think this is great! Take it even further by doubling the fines for repeat offenders! There is absolutely no excuse for speeding in a school zone.
I pick a student up from fort Walton beach high school everyday. I would like to see more signs, Letting people know they’re in a school zone. Hollywood both sides, and Wright, .drivers forget There is a stadium and school both sides, And sometimes it’s very hard to get out on Wright, as people go speeding by, when leaving.
This is absolutely the most rediculous thing I’ve seen recently in our local area
More large signs, saying school zone!
Would be great to get speed cameras around other schools to, especially ones on major thoroughfares like Shalimar Elementary on Eglin Parkway and Destin Middle on Midbay Bridge Rd.
I agree with speed zone cameras. However, the cameras should only operate at the beginning and ending of the school day as the signs say now. Monitoring speeds, (and issuing tickets for 11 mph over) during the school day without proper signage should not be allowed. Citizens should contact their council leaders and state reps to fight this.