Drivers face $100 fines as radar-based cameras monitor speed near Fort Walton Beach schools

Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Marking a new era in the city’s dedication to student safety, photo speed enforcement cameras have gone live at nine Fort Walton Beach schools. Beginning this week, drivers passing by Fort Walton Beach High School, Choctawhatchee High School, Pryor Middle School, Bruner Middle School, Elliott Point Elementary, Edwins Elementary, Liza Jackson Preparatory School, Saint Mary Catholic School and Silver Sands School will find their speeds under continuous watch during key hours of the school day.

Operating automatically, the system operates thirty minutes before classes start until thirty minutes after dismissal. Reduced speed limits displayed in every school zone are rigorously enforced during these times. The roads go back to their normal speed limits outside of those hours, on weekends, holidays, and breaks; the cameras stand down.

The enforcement system is based on radar technology. It takes a picture of the license plate when it finds a car beyond the school zone limit by more than 10 mph. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department then examines the picture closely. If an officer confirms the infraction, a civil citation—carrying a $100 fine—is mailed to the registered owner.  Citations remain non-criminal; they have no points against a driver’s license and no impact on insurance rates.

Drivers who think they were unfairly cited can challenge the ticket by asking for a hearing; fines can be resolved online, over the phone, or by mail. Whether drivers decide to contest or pay, the basic aim stays the same: to promote regular following to stated speed restrictions in locations where children are most exposed.

“This system is an effective tool to encourage compliance with speed limits, ultimately protecting students and pedestrians,” said Police Chief Robert Bage in a release. “Photo enforcement ensures consistent and equitable speed enforcement every school day, regardless of police staffing levels. This technology encourages long-term behavior changes by reminding drivers that school zone speed limits are always enforced, creating a safer environment around our schools.”

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Although Florida law allows flashing lights in school zones, their usage is optional. City authorities ask drivers to focus on posted signs instead of depending just on lighting. Drivers have to know the laws at all times. The expectation is straightforward even without flashing beacons: slow down and look for children.

City officials will track the system’s effect on safety and compliance as the academic year advances. Early data from comparable initiatives in other places indicate that photo enforcement may significantly decrease speeding in school zones, hence reducing accidents and near-misses. Officials in Fort Walton Beach want to duplicate those victories to provide a better environment for pedestrians, parents, and children.

The police department intends to provide consistent reports on citation counts and speed decrease patterns in the next weeks. The message for now is obvious: when school is in session, so is rigorous speed monitoring. Drivers in Fort Walton Beach are urged to follow the signs—both for their personal safety and that of the community’s youngest passengers.