Margate city commissioners are weighing the implementation of speed detection cameras in school zones, sparking a heated debate over safety and revenue.
During Wednesday night’s commission meeting, Commissioner Anthony Caggiano argued that speed cameras could dramatically reduce speeding. He and Vice Mayor Antonio Arserio highlighted data from the city of Hollywood indicating a 91 percent decrease in school zone speeding after speed cameras were installed.
“Could you imagine making our kids 91 percent safer?” Caggiano said.
On the other side of the debate were Commissioners Joanne Simone and Tommy Ruzzano, who said they would vote against any school zone camera program. Ruzzano called the potential enforcement scheme a “money grab” and said that two recent accidents in which children were hit in school zones were not speed-related.
He suggested alternative safety measures like enhanced signage and flashing lights, rather than using speed cameras to fine drivers.
“To me, this is a total money grab,” Ruzzano said. “I realize you could probably make a couple a hundred thousand dollars a month, easily, but is it the right thing to do? Are you really going to stop people from hitting kids? I don’t know.”
Mayor Arlene Schwartz said she thinks city school zones need more signs, but that additional measures are also needed.
“I think we also need a deterrent,” said Schwartz. “Because the truth of the matter is, the only way you get people’s attention these days is if you hit them in their pocketbook.”
The commission previously passed an ordinance in June 2024 that would clear a legal path for school zone cameras. The members are expected to discuss the legislation again at their April 2 meeting.
The proposed ordinance would not immediately install cameras but create a framework for a potential camera program. Drivers would be fined for driving 11 miles per hour or more over the posted school speed zone limit, city officials said.
No dollar amount for potential fines has been announced. And no final decision on the program has been made by commissioners.
The Florida Legislature last year passed a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that allows cities to enforce school zone speed limits by using speed detection systems. It marked the first time local municipalities were granted that power.
Got News in Margate? Send it to Margate Talk. Don’t Miss Reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Parkland Talk, and Tamarac Talk.
Author Profile
Latest entries
NewsMarch 27, 2025Non-U.S. Citizen in Margate Charged with Voting and Passport Fraud
NewsMarch 21, 2025Margate Commissioners Weigh School Speed Camera Program
NewsMarch 14, 2025Rep. Hunschofsky’s Bill to Strengthen Background Screening for Child Care Advances in House
NewsFebruary 8, 2025“Afraid For His Life”: Margate Commissioner Files Police Report Against Colleague Tommy Ruzzano and His Wife
