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Annual report: Bradenton speed‑camera program shows large drop in school‑zone violations, city keeps safety receipts
Summary
City traffic staff reported a sharp drop in school‑zone violations and outlined how program revenues were used for safety initiatives; council accepted the statutorily required report and will consider adding locations pending FDOT study.
City traffic staff presented the city’s statutorily required annual report on the school‑zone speed‑camera program at the Nov. 12 council meeting and said the program has substantially reduced speeding around schools.
Mister Giddens reported that a one‑day speed study on March 12, 2024 recorded 3,464 violators at the city’s school‑zone locations; a comparable day in March 2025 recorded 326 violators, a reduction of over 90% at the sampled location. For the 2024‑25 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025) the city issued 16,937 notices of violation. Staff said 2,928 notices were converted to uniform traffic citations and that 10,460 payments were received.
Giddens emphasized the program’s safety rationale: "This is an effective program," he said, noting reductions in speeds and crashes in monitored areas. He described specific high‑speed incidents (a recorded top speed of 73 mph in a 40 mph zone) and explained how revenues are distributed under statute. The city reported $389,766 received for the public‑safety initiative, with allocations to the Florida Department of Revenue, law‑enforcement training, Manatee County School District safety enhancements, crossing guard grants and other program expenses.
Councilmembers asked about adding a school‑zone on State Route 64 in front of Manatee Elementary; staff said FDOT completed a study and agreed to a school‑zone designation with signage and that a follow‑up speed study would be needed before cameras could be added.
Council moved to accept the report for submission to the state; the motion passed 5‑0.
What’s next: staff will submit the statutory report to the state, continue community engagement about new school‑zone locations, and return to council if locations warrant cameras after study.
