School bus cameras help Lee County deputies cite more than 27,000 drivers

"As a parent, I think that's a great idea. It's easy to pass, and I feel like it holds people accountable. We feel like everyone's getting tickets left or right. It's because of the new cameras that got put in," said Wannaly Barefield.

Lee County deputies have cited more than 27,000 drivers for passing stopped school buses since December 2025.

The School District of Lee County partnered with BusPatrol to install cameras on over 600 school buses to catch drivers illegally passing them.

Each ticket costs $225, amounting to approximately $6.2 million in fines. Part of that money goes back to the company that operates the cameras installed on the buses, and the rest goes to the School District of Lee County.

The cameras on the buses are designed to hold drivers accountable and encourage them to slow down.

Parents like Wannaly Barefield have learned that lesson the hard way before.

"Some people are just ignorant to it and just don't know better. I personally have, so I will never do that again. I know people personally to me as well that have, so that will never happen again," said Barfield.

The program also helped deputies identify the areas with the highest number of violations. That includes Colonial Boulevard between Fowler Street and Metro Parkway, Hanson Street near Fowler Street in Fort Myers, State Road 82 in Lehigh Acres, and Pondella Road in North Fort Myers near North Fort Myers High School.

Remember, cameras are still watching during summer school. If you forget to stop, be ready to pay up.

"I would just say be aware of your surroundings. Be alert to the big yellow school buses. You can't miss it," said Barefield.