CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla - Charlotte County is introducing new school zone speed cameras to enhance student safety during drop-off and pick-up times. This initiative aims to address the persistent issue of speeding near schools.
Ashley Pitcher, a Harbor Heights neighbor and mother of four, expressed concerns about reckless driving in the area.
"People are constantly speeding. They're constantly being reckless and just not being safe for the children," Pitcher said.
The cameras will begin tracking speed on February 27, 2026. Drivers caught going more than 10 miles over the speed limit will receive a warning during the initial phase.
"Safety is everything. There's been accidents that we've heard of in the beginning of school... Speeding can be that factor where somebody's child gets hurt or killed," Pitcher said.
Starting April 1, these warnings will turn into $100 citations for offenders. The cameras are part of a broader plan covering nine Charlotte County schools.
Tammy Noto, another Harbor Heights resident, shared her excitement about the new measures.
"I was excited because of the different speed zones that are going through. I'm always telling people to slow down," said Noto.
Noto emphasized the importance of safety for both drivers and students, advising children to stay alert while walking near the school.
"Kids should have their phones down when they're walking because safety's also on their side as well as the parents' side," said Noto.
The cameras will operate on school days, activating 30 minutes before breakfast programs begin and staying on through the start of school. They will also be active 30 minutes before and after dismissal times, with specific schedules posted in each school zone.
"I'm very much wanting the safety of every child that's walking, riding a bike, or having to do their scooters back and forth to school," said Noto.
Cameras are installed in school speed zones at nine Charlotte County schools in the first phase:
Lemon Bay High School, 2201 Placida Road, Englewood
Port Charlotte High School, 18200 Cochran Ave., Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte Middle School, 23000 Midway Blvd., Port Charlotte
L.A. Ainger Middle School, 245 Cougar Way, Rotonda West
Murdock Middle School, 17325 Mariner Way, Port Charlotte
Peace River Elementary, 4070 Beaver Lane, Port Charlotte
Neil Armstrong Elementary, 22100 Breezeswept Ave., Port Charlotte
Liberty Elementary, 370 Atwater St., Port Charlotte
Deep Creek Elementary, 26900 Harborview Road, Punta Gorda
