The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office has put forward a plan to install speed detection cameras in the school zones of Crystal River, aimed at enhancing the safety of students. During a recent presentation to the Inverness City Council, Capt. Justin Ferrar and Sheriff David Vincent outlined the initiative, which follows new legislative changes in Florida allowing such systems.
The Crystal River City Council has expressed support for the proposal and plans to draft an ordinance in collaboration with the sheriff’s office and county officials, contingent on approval from the county commissioners. Capt. Ferrar clarified that the cameras would only activate in clearly marked school zones and during designated times: 30 minutes before and after school hours.
Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph would incur a civil citation of $100, which would not impact their driving record or insurance rates. To ensure public awareness, a 30-day warning period will precede the enforcement of these measures. The revenue generated from fines will be distributed among the vendor, state, school district, and local governments. Sheriff Vincent emphasized that the primary goal is safety, not revenue generation, highlighting the need to reduce traffic accidents and protect students when deputies cannot be present.
In addition to the camera initiative, city officials and law enforcement have agreed to enhance signage and improve traffic flow near schools ahead of the cameras’ implementation. If the county expresses interest, legal teams from the cities and the sheriff’s office will draft the relevant ordinance and begin the vendor selection process.
In a separate matter, the council unanimously approved funding of up to $3,000 for new Microsoft Surface Go tablets to replace traditional paper agenda binders used in meetings. City Clerk Mia reported that preparing printed binders is labor-intensive and costs approximately $2,600 annually. The new tablets, recommended by an IT consultant, will streamline council operations, allow secure access to digital agendas, and reduce paper waste. Council members noted that this investment would quickly pay for itself and modernize the city’s meeting procedures as they approach 2025.
The Crystal River City Council also acknowledged significant local history by issuing a proclamation commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Crystal River Archaeological State Park. Opened in November 1965 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1990, the park preserves one of Florida’s longest continuously occupied pre-Columbian sites. For over 1,600 years, it has served as a ceremonial, trading, and burial center for Native Americans, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The park currently offers educational exhibits, fishing access, and birdwatching opportunities as part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Additionally, the council declared November 2025 as Epilepsy Awareness Month in the city. The proclamation highlights epilepsy as a prevalent neurological disorder affecting 3.4 million Americans, including 426,000 Floridians and 88,000 children. The council’s resolution calls for increased education, improved access to care, and the passage of Seizure Safe Schools legislation to better protect students with epilepsy. This proclamation aligns with national initiatives led by the Epilepsy Foundation and Epilepsy Alliance Florida to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote research and treatment advancements for individuals living with epilepsy and related seizure disorders.
