New flashing lights coming to Labelle school speed zone signs

LABELLE, Fla. (WINK)—Two street signs not too far apart in LaBelle are making people slow down but also leaving drivers confused.

John Peart sat down with WINK News at WINK Listens in LaBelle to sound off about speed zone signs in front of LaBelle Middle and High Schools along Cowboy Way. The time and speed on each sign is different.

The first sign says speed limit photo-enforced from 6:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. If you go over the speed limit of 45 mph, a camera will take a picture and send you a ticket.

The second sign is just for school pickup and drop-off times. In that range, if you are caught going over 11 mph over 20, you're captured and sent a ticket.

But there's something missing from the school zone signs.

"They don't have any flashing lights on to warn you," Peart said.

WINK News drove by LaBelle Elementary, and those school zone signs have lights. WINK News started calling LaBelle and Hendry County leaders.

LaBelle Commissioner Hugo Vargas said this would fall under the county. WINK News eventually got a hold of Curtis Clay, head of safety, security and transportation for Hendry County Schools.

Clay says the school district is using money from these speed zone camera tickets to buy yellow flashing lights for all school zone signs.

That's exactly what neighbors like Peart have been asking for.

"Just like every other school zone in the state of Florida, when there are students present, the yellow lights flash," Peart said.

Clay said he is already sending out bids to companies to purchase those flashing lights. The goal is to have them all installed and ready to go by next school year.