Fort Myers Beach leaders to discuss ending Flock contract

Dudley Horn, a Lee County resident, is concerned about how law enforcement uses Flock cameras. "I believe in the camera. I just don't believe in Big Brother watching everything you do," Horn said. Sandy Clark, a longtime visitor to Fort Myers Beach, expressed a different perspective. "I still think that they're great for catching criminals, especially when children involved," Clark said. Town council members will meet to vote on whether to grant Town Manager Will McKannay the authority to end Fort Myers Beach’s agreement with Flock. McKannay said the lack of a direct agreement between the town and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office worries him. "There was no direct agreement between the town and LCSO, which makes me uncomfortable," McKannay said. Fort Myers Beach pays Flock $15,000 annually for six cameras, four of which are active at the Matanzas Pass and Big Carlos Pass bridges. Canceling the contract would cost the town $3,000, but Fort Myers Beach is eligible for a refund adjusted for fees covering the remaining term. Horn believes law enforcement should limit the number of cameras in use. "I get it, it's business, but I don't think they should really have them all over the place the way they do," Horn said. Clark suggested that better regulation could address privacy concerns. "They to police it better with who's using them and what they're doing with it," Clark said. The town council meeting to decide on McKannay's authority to end the contract is scheduled for Sept. 9. 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.