EUSTIS, Fla. – With more than 3,400 tickets issued through the city’s traffic camera enforcement program, Eustis officials are bringing in an outside law firm to handle appeals, shifting the responsibility away from local code enforcement.
Since the cameras went online over a year ago, drivers caught violating traffic laws have been receiving $100 fines. While most pay without dispute, about two dozen people have appealed their tickets so far.
City leaders say the goal of the program is to improve traffic safety, especially in school zones and high-pedestrian areas. Local crossing guard Jennifer Tighe said the cameras have made a difference in slowing down drivers.
“Well, I think it’s marvelous that we’ve gotten these cameras, and maybe people will slow down,” Tighe said. “I know I’m on a budget, I couldn’t have major tickets all the time for going through a speeding zone.”
Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri also defended the program, calling it a life-saving measure for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“I think the program speaks for itself. It’s working,” Capri said. “At the end of the day, it’s saving lives. It’s protecting our children going to school, our staff, our crossing guards. People just need to slow down and focus. Take your time. There’s no need to rush, especially during school times.”
Despite the city’s push to improve traffic enforcement, some local residents, like Alexis Johnson, a mother of four, believe even more needs to be done to protect pedestrians.
“This week, my car’s messed up, so I’m walking my kid a mile to school,” Johnson said. “I see a lot of people speeding, and there’s no reason for it. I feel bad for the kids that have to walk without their parents. There are tons of middle-schoolers in this area. What if they’re not paying as much attention as an adult should be? By the time they realize it, it could be too late.”
With nine tickets already voided due to delays in setting up hearings, Eustis is preparing to hold its first official round of appeals next week, with 11 people scheduled to challenge their fines.
City officials say they will continue monitoring the program and adjust as needed.
The new law firm handling appeals is expected to streamline the process while allowing code enforcement officers to focus on other priorities.
