CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Speed detection systems are receiving enthusiastic approval from both parents and police as city officials work towards implementing this innovative safety measure designed to protect young lives.
“This is our precious population. We want to protect our kids,” declared Lisa Greenberg, who serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the Cape Coral Police. Her words resonate deeply, especially as the school year begins again, a time when the streets become animated with children and families.
After long summer vacations, drivers often need time to reacquaint themselves with school zone protocols. Greenberg noted that this period sees an uptick in speeders that can pose a serious threat to student safety.
Speed detection system gets a thumbs-up from parents and police as plan develops
In the past, police officers have made efforts to monitor school zones, positioning themselves in strategic areas during the busiest times, but perhaps such measures may become a relic of the past. With the passage of a new plan by the Cape Coral City Council in June, a school zone speed detection system is set to be introduced. For those driving more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, a $100 fine will be imposed.
The following schools are set to be fitted with these much-anticipated speed detectors:
- Ida S. Baker High
- Challenger Middle
- Diplomat Middle
- Mariner Middle
- Trafalgar Middle
- Cape Elementary
- Diplomat Elementary
- Gulf Elementary
- Oasis Charter Elementary
- Patriot Elementary
- Pelican Elementary
- Skyline Elementary
- Trafalgar Elementary
- Heritage Charter Academy
- St. Andrews Catholic
- Nicaea Academy of Cape Coral
- Cape Coral Christian School
“Oh, it’s really packed. It’s very busy and I think it’s needed,” shared a parent, her voice echoing the common sentiment amidst concerned families. With parents bustling to pick up their children at Patriot Elementary School, which has emerged as a notorious trouble spot, one can’t help but feel the urgency for change. A recent city traffic study pinpointed this zone along Skyline Boulevard as the area with the highest incidence of speeders.
“I drive through at 20 miles per hour, and it feels like I’m crawling while everyone else zooms by,” explained Sara Taylor, whose worries reflect a familiar narrative. These shared experiences highlight a pressing need— the speed detection cameras, they argue, are not just a luxury but a necessity in safeguarding their children.
“Even if I had an older child who attended here, I wouldn’t allow him to walk if we lived just a block away,” Taylor admitted, a hint of exasperation in her tone. “Every day feels like a close call.”
In June, Police Chief Anthony Sizemore communicated hopes for these systems to be operational by the start of the 2025-2026 school year. City officials will gather again on Wednesday for a public hearing to discuss the final contract details. Each discussion bears the weight of community trust and the profound responsibility to shield children on their daily journeys.
As parents and police align their visions for safer streets, one wonders about the transformative effect such technology could bring. With every speeding ticket issued, it could signify a life saved, a child that returned home safely after school. In a town where local businesses thrive, such as the Cape Coral Yacht Club, community safety remains the heart of vibrant life, establishing a balance between progress and protection.
FOX 4 aims to keep the community informed on all developments regarding this crucial decision.
