Speed enforcement traffic cameras are coming to Ocoee school zones

At its June 4, 2024, meeting, the Ocoee City Commission approved unanimously — with Commissioner Richard Firstner absent — an ordinance that will add speed detection and enforcement traffic cameras come to the city’s school zones. 

The ordinance aligns with a state program aimed at increasing traffic safety in areas where children are present during school hours.

In the approved motion made by Commissioner Scott Kennedy, the commission not only approved the program but also directed Ocoee Police Chief Vincent Ogburn and city staff, with vendor Advanced Traffic Solutions, to begin the installation of the speed detection cameras and the subsequent process to begin enforcement of the program.

There are five schools —  Citrus Elementary, Spring Lake Elementary, Ocoee Elementary, Ocoee Middle and Ocoee High School — and school zones in the city of Ocoee that will see the installation of the cameras. 

The commission discussed the measure at its April 16 meeting and voiced support for the program.

“I had some concerns regarding these cameras, but I think I’ve had a change of heart looking at the statistics that you (Ogburn) presented to us,” Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen said. “You look at the statistics, and I mean, we have to protect our children. I looked at the ones for the high school (and) Citrus Elementary, it’s eye-opening. It’s a great concern to me because … every life is important.”

Kennedy seconded Wilsen’s support for the program at the April 16 meeting.

“I know we all wish there was an officer on every one of those corners writing tickets for every single mile over (the speed limit),” Kennedy said. “The statistics of people going 10 miles an hour over is scary, and if we can at least curb that and continue to recruit and hire and get more (officers), in an ideal world. So, I’ve looked at it (and) I’m all for it.”

There is no timeline currently for when the cameras will be installed at each specific school zone nor for when enforcement will begin, but Ogburn explained the program has a required process of educating and warning the public before enforcement begins.  

In other news

• The consent agenda at the June 4 Ocoee Commission meeting passed unanimously, with the absence of District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner. Items approved in the agenda included the reappointment of the Code Enforcement Board; appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; and various contracts for maintenance and purchases around Ocoee. Those include $70,000 for two new utility vehicles, $140,000 for a new HVAC unit at the city’s facility at 175 N. Lakeshore Drive and $67,006.05 for repairs and purchase of a well pump at the Forest Oaks Water Treatment Plant. 
• Ocoee-based club soccer organization, GGS, and its boys 2008 (16U) Gold team were honored at the commission meeting following its victory in the Florida State Cup championship. As part of the honor and photo opportunity, Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson awarded the team $500 from his discretionary fund. 
• Both Johnson and Commissioner George Oliver III presented $500 scholarship checks to local Ocoee students. Oliver awarded the scholarship to Ocoee High student Jonathan Sirju, while Johnson awarded the scholarship to West Orange High student Lucas Dufresne. 
• Although not formally read during the June 4 meeting, Johnson proclaimed via various postings in City Hall and on the official commission record that June 2024 in the city will be recognized as Small Cities Month. As part of the National League of Cities and its Small Cities Council, the campaign aims to encourage renewed partnerships from the federal and state governments, businesses, organizations and citizens to invest in small cities and towns to better the lives of all.