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Polk County superintendent urges school speed‑zone cameras; Auburndale officials hear legal and operational questions
Summary
Polk County Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid urged using cameras to enforce school speed zones, saying cameras can change dangerous driver behavior and supplement crossing guards; commissioners asked about repeat‑offender data, jurisdiction and staffing, and the city attorney warned of legal requirements.
Polk County Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid told the Auburndale City Commission June 15 that camera programs can supplement crossing guards and officers to change dangerous driving around schools.
Heid described aggressive driver behavior captured on video: "they are passing buses in the middle of railroad tracks, when they stop and open their doors. That behavior is a very aggressive driver behavior," he said, and said the goal of cameras is to change driver conduct rather than generate revenue. He told commissioners that repeat‑offender statistics were not yet compiled but could be provided on request.
Commissioners questioned where cameras would be placed, whether camera programs replace or supplement staff, and how jurisdiction affects charging. Heid argued cameras can reduce the need to assign officers to routine school‑zone duty and simplify charging because responsible agencies can process violations.
City Attorney Frederick J. Murphy Jr. noted the City of Lake Alfred has implemented a school speed‑zone camera program and cautioned there are legal ramifications and statutory requirements for any such initiative, including careful consideration of placement and the appropriate charging agency.
No action was taken at the meeting; the presentation initiated local discussion and questions staff may take up in follow‑up work.
