Beginning August 12, Manatee County will enforce new speed regulations in school zones, aligning with the efforts to enhance student safety. The initiative follows the green light from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who, in 2023, signed HB 657 into law. This legislation sanctions the deployment of speed cameras in school zones — a first for Florida — part of a broader push for road safety. As reported by Manatee County's official news release, the county has prepped for the start of the school year by installing these cameras after the bill's passage.
The new enforcement strategy isn't jumping straight to fines. Instead, for the 30 days following August 12, drivers caught zooming more than 10 miles above the speed limit will get off with warnings. Following this grace period, speedsters can expect a $100 fine attached to a notice of violation, as explained by Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske in a statement obtained by the County's press team. These violations, importantly, won't deduct points from the vehicle owner's license, as they will be reviewed by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Fiske also pointed drivers to the county's website for a list of all camera locations — yet another step toward transparency and prevention.
In these days where pedestrian safety seems increasingly jeopardized, Florida's ranking as the third worst in the nation for pedestrian fatalities is a serious concern. According to a recent Road Safety Report cited by county officials, introduction of speed cameras can play a key role in reversing such grim statistics. RedSpeed, the selected company handling the new system, will be responsible for the supply, installation, and maintenance of the speed detection mechanism, ensuring alignment with FDOT standards.
Mike Barber, Manatee County Schools Communications Director, heralded the added safety measures. "We really want to thank the Manatee County Commissioners for initiating and instituting these additional safety measures to help keep our children safe to and from school," Barber told the Manatee County's news team.
