Nearly 9,000 citations issued to drivers speeding through Manatee County school zones in one month

WFLA | By Allyson Henning | December 2, 2024

MANATEE COUNTY (WFLA) — Earlier this year, speed detection cameras were installed outside 24 Manatee County schools.

A warning period started at the beginning of the school year, where drivers traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit received warnings. On Nov. 1, that grace period ended.

In the last month, Manatee County Public Safety officials say 8789 notice of violations have been issued. Of those notices, 3796 citations have been paid. That adds up to almost $900,000 in fines.

Each citation is $100. That money is split between the state, the county, and the school district.

Much like red light cameras, the speed detection cameras have been a topic of controversy. Some locals feel it is government overreach. However, local parents feel the technology could help prevent a tragedy from taking place.

“The cameras might deter some people,” Patti Gilchrist said. “It is not going to deter everyone, which will be a shame, and I hope that maybe after they get five or six tickets, they will stop and realize, you are speeding through a school zone.

“I see them speed every day, and it takes nothing to slow down. You are in a school zone, slow down. Children dart out into the street. You never know when that is going to happen.”

Manatee County officials said the message to drivers remains the same.

“Remember to slow down. Whether you’re going through a school zone or not, you should always be driving the speed limit. These are our children. We want to make sure that we’re keeping them safe. And if you have to leave a little extra earlier now because of these cameras, please do so,” said a Manatee County spokesperson via email.