MANATEE COUNTY, FL (March 4, 2025) – The Manatee Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to discontinue the School Speed Zone Camera Program, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, March 6.

The decision was made during the Board's Tuesday meeting following a 5-2 vote, with District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique and District 4 Commission Mike Rahn dissenting. All citations issued through March 5 remain valid.

The program, which was approved by the BOCC in February 2024 and launched in August of the same year, was designed to improve school zone safety.

It was established following the passage of Florida House Bill 657 in April 2023, which authorized the use of speed detection systems to ticket drivers exceeding the school zone speed limit by more than 10 mph. In early February 2025, the Board adjusted the program's operational hours to be from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after the start and end of regularly scheduled school sessions.

A total of 55,243 Notices of Violation have been issued by the vendor for the camera program, RedSpeed. So far, 22,292 drivers have paid the $100 fine. 4,051 violations are currently awaiting law enforcement review, with another 45 scheduled for a hearing March 26, 2025 with a Special Magistrate.

“We have the data,” said At-Large Commissioner Jason Bearden, pointing to the large number of violations – and violators. “Now, let’s take that data and give it to the Sheriff’s Department.”

Even though the program is concluding, Manatee County Public Safety Department continues to urge the community to use caution while traveling through school zones, according to Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske.

“Our top priority is the protection of students, parents, and school staff, and we urge drivers to follow posted speed limits to ensure their safety around our schools,” said Fiske. “We are committed to ensuring our community remains safe and appreciate the continued support and cooperation of all who contribute to this effort.”

For more information or any questions, please contact the Public Safety Department at code.enforcement@mymanatee.org or call Red Speed customer service at 888-213-0715.