Florida rethinks use of cameras to enforce school speed zones
The big story: In an attempt to deter speeding in school zones, municipalities across Florida over the past year have set up cameras to record violations and established fines for wrongdoers.
The effort has yielded thousands of citations in several areas. It also has generated a growing number of complaints by drivers who contend they were wrongly accused.
Similar issues have arisen with the use of cameras to catch drivers illegally passing school buses.
The problems have led some officials to reconsider their participation in the programs, which lawmakers approved just over a year ago. The Manatee County Commission on Tuesday decided to walk away from its school zone cameras in the face of rising opposition.
'We have the data,' At-Large Commissioner Jason Bearden said in a county news release. 'Now, let's take that data and give it to the Sheriff's Department.' Read more from the Herald-Tribune.
College sports: Florida State University and Clemson University ended their legal battles with the Atlantic Coast Conference after securing a new financial deal with the group.
Homework: Pasco County teachers will be allowed to grade student homework again, starting in the fall.
Legislation: A House subcommittee advanced legislation along party lines that would make it easier to convert district schools to charter status, Florida Politics reports. • A Pasco County mom urged a state House subcommittee to consider expanding laws on hazardous walking conditions to include middle and high schools, WFTS reports.
Naming rights: The Martin County school board is nearing approval of a plan that would allow companies to pay to have their names on high school stadiums, TC Palm reports.
Pay raises: The Broward County school board approved 3% raises for teachers, principals and educational support employees, WSVN reports.
School health: A Miami-Dade County high school student was reported to have Florida's first measles case this year. The school will offer free vaccinations with parental consent.
Student-teacher relationships: The Duval County school board delayed action on a proposal to tighten requirements for employee communications with students, WJXT reports.
Transportation: The Lee County school district is increasing its incentives to attract bus drivers as it faces a 65-driver shortage, WBBH reports.
Weather report: Leon County schools are delaying their start by one hour today because of expected severe weather, WTXL reports.
Websites: Florida State University has begun scrubbing its websites of terms such as 'diverse' and 'women' in response to state and federal orders to eliminate programs and practices related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
From the police blotter ... A Leon County high school student was arrested on allegations of making a threat of violence against the school. She said she didn't want to be at school, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
Today in Tallahassee ... The House Careers and Workforce Subcommittee will hear a presentation on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act when it meets at 10:15 a.m. • The Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee will review state university system funding when it meets at 11 a.m.
Don't miss a story. Here's a link to yesterday's roundup.
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