Board restricts new license‑plate‑reader installs on county facilities, asks staff to vet rights‑of‑way permits

Following extended public comment and debate on privacy, utility and law‑enforcement tradeoffs, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners directed administration on Aug. 25 not to approve new license‑plate‑reader (LPR) camera installations on county‑owned facilities, parks or buildings without returning to the board. Commissioners said the decision balances the sheriff’s operational needs with public concerns about surveillance, data retention and misuse; several residents and commissioners cited national incidents involving LPR misuse as part of the rationale for tighter controls.

County counsel and staff cautioned the board about legal limits: the county cannot ban LPR systems on private property and must carefully consider previously‑permitted right‑of‑way cameras that have already relied on permits. Counsel recommended precise, narrowly worded directions and suggested staff return with proposed language for permit guidance and an evaluation of legal risk. Commissioners also encouraged public tours of the sheriff’s real‑time center and requested transparency materials about how the system is used and audited.