July 26, 2024
Leesburg Commission Approves Speed Cameras in School Zones, Going Live in August
By Cindy Peterson
Leesburg Commission Approves Speed Cameras in School Zones, Going Live in August
On Monday, July 22, the Leesburg City Commission unanimously approved the implementation of speed cameras in school zones, a measure aimed at enhancing safety for students and pedestrians. This decision is part of a newly enacted ordinance towards improving traffic safety around schools in the city. They are the second in the county to add this feature.
The ordinance authorizes the use of speed detection systems within designated school zones, operating exclusively during school hours. These systems will function 30 minutes before the start of school and 30 minutes after school ends, targeting vehicles exceeding the speed limit. The ordinance follows the guidelines of House Bill 657 (HB 657), which permits municipalities to use speed detection systems in school zones as of July 1, 2023.
The City Commission identified the following school zones as having a heightened safety risk, justifying the installation of speed detection systems based on traffic data and other evidence:
- Leesburg Elementary School: 2229 South Street
- Oak Park Middle School: 2101 South Street
- Carver Middle School: 1198 Beecher Street
- Beverly Shores Elementary School: 1108 Griffin Road
- Leesburg High School: 1401 Yellow Jacket Way
- St. Paul’s Catholic School: 1330 Sunshine Avenue
- Lake Montessori: 415 Lee Street
A 30-day public awareness campaign, including the installation of signage, will precede the issuance of fines. During this period, only warnings will be issued. Following the grace period, a $100 fine will be enforced for violations, and be sent to the owner of the vehicle. There will be an opportunity for them to appeal if they were not the driver at the time the fine was issued.
The City Commission is required to implement this program in accordance with Florida law, including reporting requirements and the use of fines for a School Crossing Guard Recruitment and Retention Program. The City of Leesburg will manage the program’s administration, ensuring compliance with all state regulations and public safety standards.
The goal is to have the 30-day warning period begin the first day of school, which is Aug. 10.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
