Residents urge removal of Flock license‑plate readers; county clarifies sheriff’s role

Several Lake County residents used the public‑comment period to press commissioners to remove or restrict Flock and other license‑plate reader (LPR) camera systems.

"This public surveillance has reached a level where it needs to be stopped," Fruitland Park resident Rick Carlins said, asking how the cameras are funded and where to obtain contracts. Miranda Branton, who described herself as a homeowner, said communities across the country have paused or terminated similar programs after abuses, and asked the county to "pause, reconsider, and begin the process of removing these cameras." James Friend and others warned of potential dragnet surveillance and misuse by officers.

County staff and the county attorney responded that the Board of County Commissioners does not fund Flock cameras directly. The county attorney explained that the sheriff is a separate constitutional officer and is the custodian of the sheriff's records, so residents seeking contracts or procurement details must request records from the sheriff's office. Staff also noted the board has denied some school‑zone camera requests and that certain license‑plate readers on county rights‑of‑way were approved for use by the sheriff's office or municipalities, subject to agreements and audits that limit ticketing uses and emphasize law‑enforcement tracking (e.g., Silver Alerts and felony investigations).

Chair advised residents to submit public records requests to the sheriff for contract details and offered to supply earlier presentations and agreements the county has on file. The exchange concluded with staff offering to locate and provide the prior presentation on camera policies to interested residents.