Back to School: New Traffic Cameras and Safety Rules in Florida!

Back to School: New Traffic Cameras and Safety Rules in Florida!

As the sun rises on August 11, 2025, students across Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast are gearing up for their first day back at school. It’s an exciting time, but also a reminder for motorists to stay vigilant as traffic patterns shift once again.

This year, 33 school zones in Palm Beach County are equipped with traffic cameras aimed at enhancing safety. These cameras, which issue tickets for speeding 10 mph or more while lights are flashing, are part of a broader initiative to protect students and staff during school hours. According to WJNO, the cameras are expected to help curb dangerous driving habits in these critical zones. The implementation follows the passage of House Bill 657, which was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis last year, allowing such measures to be enforced throughout the school day in various districts, including the City of West Miami.

School Safety Measures

With the new school year, students can expect not only new lessons but also stricter health and safety policies. Schools will enforce tighter rules regarding cell phone use to ensure that children and staff remain focused and safe while on campus. The City of West Miami will introduce its school camera safety program starting in the 2024-2025 school year, further reinforcing the commitment to keeping students safe.

The City will strategically place cameras around school zones to capture speeding incidents. Motorists caught infringing upon speed limits will receive a speeding ticket through the mail, relying on photographic evidence. This initiative is more than just about fines; it’s a preventive measure designed to encourage cautious driving around schools anytime children are present.

Traffic Updates and Weather Alerts

In other local news, the Northlake Blvd. at the CSX Railroad crossing has opened ahead of schedule, easing morning traffic flow for commuters. However, the overall traffic patterns today will be complicated due to school starting and the accompanying rush of parents dropping off their kids.

The weather forecast is calling for a hot and humid day with a chance of thunderstorms, highs reaching into the low 90s. A layer of Saharan dust is currently making its way into the Gulf of Mexico, which might lead to hazy conditions. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on two disturbances in the Atlantic. One, formed off the coast of Africa, is not anticipated to pose a threat, while the other has a 90% chance of developing and could track towards the Caribbean.

Fueling Up for the School Year

As students head back to school, families will also be watching their wallets. Average gas prices have recently decreased, settling at about $3.04 per gallon statewide. Prices vary slightly across counties, with Palm Beach County sitting at $3.18, while Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties hover around $3.04 to $3.05. This slight drop will surely come as a relief to parents making those daily school trips.

The bustling environment of a new school year brings both challenges and excitement. As our communities welcome children back into the classroom, let’s do our part to keep them safe. Whether it’s obeying traffic signals or taking a moment to double-check our surroundings before driving, there’s something to be said for a collective effort towards safety in our neighborhoods.

For more details about school operating hours or traffic regulations, check out the City of Miami Gardens’ resources here and the City of West Miami here.