Charlotte County enforces school zone speed cameras with $100 citations

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

Charlotte County is now issuing $100 citations for drivers caught exceeding school zone speed limits by more than 10 miles per hour.

During the warning period, drivers were given a grace window, but that period is now over. Cameras are placed at nine schools across the county and are actively tracking speed and issuing violations. The county says the registered owner will get a notice of a violation with a fine of $100 about three days after the violation occurred.

Residents near the schools are pleased with the county's initiative to address speeding. Melvina Seyfried of Charlotte County said, "Absolutely a wonderful idea. It's just not safe anymore for these kids to be walking around. I mean, even just getting out on your bike, you're putting your life in their hands. I'm so happy they're going to finally do something about these speed zones."

Violations will be recorded by the camera system. Before a citation is issued, a law enforcement officer or traffic infraction enforcement officer will review the violation, according to the county.

If someone receives a violation notice, they have three options. The county said they can pay the violation, submit an affidavit explaining an exception to liability under Florida State Statute 316.1896(8), or request a hearing.

Cameras will be at these schools:

• Lemon Bay High School, 2201 Placida Road, Englewood, FL 34224
• Port Charlotte High School, 18200 Cochran Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33948
• Port Charlotte Middle School, 23000 Midway Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• L.A. Ainger Middle School, 245 Cougar Way, Rotonda West, FL 33947
• Murdock Middle School, 17325 Mariner Way, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
• Peace River Elementary, 4070 Beaver Lane, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• Neil Armstrong Elementary, 22100 Breezeswept Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• Liberty Elementary, 370 Atwater St., Port Charlotte, FL 33954
• Deep Creek Elementary, 26900 Harborview Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33983

Charlotte County said cameras will only operate on school days. They will be active 30 minutes before students arrive at a regularly scheduled breakfast program to 30 minutes after the start of the school day, as well as 30 minutes before and after school ends. Times will also be posted in each school zone, specific to the school's schedule.

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