The City of Lake Wales will launch its School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement program on January 14. The program will begin at Hillcrest Elementary, with cameras monitoring traffic eastbound and westbound on State Road 60.
A 30-day grace period will commence on Wednesday, January 14. During this time, violators will receive a written warning instead of a citation. The grace period consists of 30 active school days, including half-days. After the grace period concludes, full enforcement will begin and citations will be issued. Each violation will result in a $100 fine with no points being assessed to the driver's license. Money from the fines will be distributed to school crossing guard programs, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, State of Florida, and the City of Lake Wales.
Enforcement will begin approximately 15 minutes before school starts and will run throughout the school day until 15 minutes after school ends. After the school day is over, the cameras will no longer be active. Motorists are encouraged to follow the posted speed limits when school zone lights are flashing. Cameras will also enforce the normal posted speed limit during the school day while the flashing lights are off.
Cameras will not be recording during school holidays or after early release times.
When a violation occurs, the system records the date, time, location, vehicle speed and license plate number. A citation will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle and will include images of the violation and documented speed. All citations will be reviewed and approved by an enforcement officer at the Lake Wales Police Department before being issued.
School zones to be enforced:
- Hillcrest Elementary - Eastbound and Westbound on State Road 60
- Lake Wales High School - Eastbound and Westbound on Burns Avenue
- McLaughlin School of Excellence - Northbound and Southbound on Scenic Highway between Domaris Avenue and Winston Avenue
School zone times:
- Hillcrest Elementary: 7:15am - 8:45am | 2:45pm - 3:45pm
Early Release: 12:15pm - 1:15pm
- Lake Wales High School: 6:15am - 8:00am | 2:45pm - 3:45pm
Early Release: 12:25pm - 1:30pm
- McLaughlin School of Excellence: 6:15am - 7:30am | 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Early Release: 11am - 12pm
30-Day Warning Periods:
- Hillcrest Elementary: Began January 14
Last day of warnings will be Thursday, February 26, with citations going live on Friday, February 27.
- Lake Wales High School: Began February 4
Last day of warnings will be Friday, March 13, with citations going live on Monday, March 23, due to spring break.
Start dates for additional school zones will be announced once permitting and system installations are complete.