Commission hears public support for cameras; staff says 'flock' cameras are in this year’s budget

Public comment and commission discussion covered two related safety technologies: automated surveillance (commonly known as “flock” cameras) and automated speed‑enforcement cameras for school zones.

During public comment, Leonard Michael Gray asked whether the city will consider flock cameras to deter vandalism and help solve crimes; a city official responded that flock cameras are in the budget for the current fiscal year and staff is in the process of implementing them. Later in the meeting, commissioners discussed speed cameras for school zones after noting other municipalities’ actions; the city attorney referenced New Port Richey, which approved camera enforcement with a fine structure and an initial warning period.

City legal staff explained that some municipalities run automated speed enforcement around the clock and set enforcement thresholds (for example, issuing a citation for speeds more than 10 miles per hour over the posted limit) and that there is typically a warning period after implementation. Commissioners discussed focusing enforcement in high‑risk locations such as State Road 52 near schools if camera deployment resources are limited.

No formal policy decision was adopted at the meeting; staff said flock cameras are budgeted and that police should coordinate with legal staff to review automated enforcement options and ordinance or interlocal requirements before deployment.