Kyle Schmidt
•8/21/2026
A carjacking suspect was arrested on Florida’s east coast after driving a stolen vehicle into oncoming traffic, with deputies crediting Flock license plate reader cameras for helping track him down. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said Scott Taylor was apprehended after being recorded driving 137 mph during the chase. The same license plate reader technology used in Taylor’s arrest is also in place on Florida’s Gulf Coast, including in Cape Coral, where it has sparked mixed reactions from residents. “I think we shouldn’t have them anymore; I feel like we should take them down,” said Erika Romero of Cape Coral. David Rose, another Cape Coral resident, shared a different perspective. “I think it is good. We have to have a way to track these things,” he said. Privacy concerns remain a significant issue for many people along the Gulf Coast. “It definitely goes against our amendments when it comes to privacy. It is mass surveillance,” Romero said. In Cape Coral, the license plate readers have also been targeted by vandals. Police reports obtained by Gulf Coast News indicate that six cameras have been damaged since July. “I think the people are frustrated probably in general,” Rose said. Romero acknowledged the potential benefits of the technology. “As long as they are being used correctly, it’s okay,” she said. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.
