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Panama City Police outline school-zone speed camera program, list covered schools
Summary
Panama City Police said automated cameras in several school zones will record vehicles traveling more than 11 mph over posted limits; registered owners will receive a $100 civil notice, with revenue routed under Florida statute to support crossing-guard and safety programs.
Mark Smith of the Panama City Police Department announced a school-zone speed camera program and said the system is designed to slow drivers and increase awareness of school zones to protect students.
The cameras are installed at active school zones that include Oscar Patterson Elementary, Jenks Middle School, Palm Bay Elementary, Bay High School, Covenant Christian School, Rosenwald High School, Saint Andrew's School, Saint John Catholic School, Northside Elementary, Lucille Moore Elementary and Holy Nativity Episcopal School. "The safety of our students is top priority and this system will help us achieve that goal," Smith said.
Police described how the cameras work: units placed within school zones use radar or laser speed-detection equipment to record vehicle speed. "If a vehicle is going more than 11 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, a video clip and photos of the vehicle are captured," Smith said. Clear signs are posted before entering photo-enforced areas to notify drivers.
The department said cameras are active 30 minutes before school starts, throughout the school day and 30 minutes after school ends. They are not in operation outside those school hours, on holidays when school is not in session, or on weekends.
When the system captures a qualifying violation, the registered owner will receive a $100 civil notice by mail. Police said the notice does not add points to a driver's license and will not affect insurance. Payments can be made online, by phone or by mail, and an owner may submit an affidavit to identify the actual driver. If no action is taken, the department said the violation will be converted into a uniform traffic citation and transferred to county court.
Smith said distribution of money collected from fees is regulated by Florida state statute and that the revenue will be used to offset the cost of the school crossing guard program and other public-safety initiatives.
The department described enforcement as fair and consistent because it operates whenever school is in session and does not depend on Panama City Police staffing levels. "This way, we can focus on other priorities while still ensuring our students are protected," Smith said.
Smith urged drivers to become aware of camera locations, obey posted limits and be extra observant for children and pedestrians. "Put your phones down, obey the speed limit, and always be on the lookout for children and other pedestrians. Your attention could save a life," he said.
