Charlotte County to begin 30‑day warnings Feb. 27; school speed‑camera tickets to start April 1

Charlotte County Public Works Director John Elias told the board the School Speed Zone Detection Program will begin a 30‑day warning period on Feb. 27 for Phase 1 sites, with the county issuing citations beginning April 1. "Starting on April 1, you will be issued a ticket," Elias said during the presentation.

Elias described the program as self‑funded and said revenues will be reinvested in public‑safety initiatives, school support (including crossing‑guard retention) and program operations. Staff said all potential violations go through a three‑stage human review followed by Red Check Systems AI review to reduce erroneous issuances. Elias said staff also performed an audit of expected violations and will track volumes and revenue as the program rolls out.

On enforcement mechanics Elias said the threshold for issuing a violation is 11 mph over the posted school‑zone speed. "It's 11 mile an hour over the school zone speed gets you a ticket," Elias said. Staff stated each violation carries a $100 fee; county procedures for contested tickets include appearance before a special magistrate. Elias said hearings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month beginning June 3 in Room 119 of the Murdoch Administration Center.

Commissioners asked whether cameras should operate the full school day at high‑risk schools. Commissioner Truax and others urged considering full‑day monitoring at locations with high speeds and heavy stacking, including Lemon Bay High School and Placido Road; County Attorney Tom David and staff said they will review ordinance and statutory constraints before any change. Elias said the city of Punta Gorda is exploring piggybacking on the county contract but City schools may not be online until the next school year.

Staff emphasized public outreach to notify motorists of the warning period and upcoming ticketing via newspapers, social media and other channels. Commissioners requested periodic reports on warnings and violation locations so the board can monitor where the program identifies the highest noncompliance.