Margate Drivers Could Face $100 Fines for Speeding Near Schools

by David Volz June 21, 2024

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Drivers near Margate schools could receive a $100 ticket for exceeding the speed limit by eleven miles per hour.

During the June 19 meeting, the Margate Commission passed a 3-2 vote on first reading an ordinance that will allow the placement of speed detection camera systems in school zones.

Commissioner Antonio Arserio spoke in favor of the devices and said they could make school zones safer. “Even if we could reduce the speeding by 25 percent, it would be worth it. We would need to educate the public about this,” he said. “This is not a gotcha; people would have to drive more than ten miles over the limit.”

Commissioner Joanne Simone was against the cameras. “This is premature, and I am not a fan. I think this is a gotcha. Sometimes, life happens, and people have their minds on other things. This would be a money maker for these companies,” she said.

The commission did not discuss any specific companies.

According to Mayor Tommy Ruzzano, the devices are a money grab. He said the city could make thousands of dollars with the devices but did not believe it would benefit the city. He suggested more police officers or flashing lights to reduce speed around school zones. He posted on Facebook that he had received many comments against the cameras and wanted to table the ordinance.

Vice Mayor Arlene Schwartz received reports of several accidents around Margate Middle School. An ordinance would allow the city to install the devices even if it chooses not to; however, she wanted to avoid a five-year contract with the camera company.

During the resident comments, Rich Zucchini mentioned that the camera systems would remind people to drive slowly through a school zone. He added that if there was a tragic accident in front of a school and they voted against the cameras, those who voted against it would feel regretful.

The City of Coconut Creek is also considering cameras in school zones. The second reading for this ordinance is scheduled for July 3.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.