Panama City approves speed-detection ordinance for school zones after weeks of debate, 4-1

Panama City commissioners voted 4-1 on Aug. 12 to adopt Ordinance 32-75, allowing automated speed-detection systems in school zones and authorizing staff to negotiate vendor contracts to implement the program.

Supporters say the systems will improve safety for children arriving at and leaving school; opponents warned about contractor pressure to expand enforcement hours and about appearance of automated enforcement. The ordinance will allow citations only after a sworn law-enforcement officer reviews incidents identified by the system, and vendors and specific contracts must still be approved by the commission.

City staff told commissioners the measure implements requirements in House Bill 657 (codified as chapter 2023-174, Laws of Florida) and that collected fines are restricted. "The $60 the city retains," a staff presentation noted, "$12 goes to Bay District schools, $5 for school crossing guards, $3 for the criminal justice STC training…