The City of Panama City held a meeting on August 2, 2025, to discuss the implementation of speed cameras in school zones, a topic that generated significant debate among city officials. The primary focus was on enhancing safety for children in these areas, with various commissioners expressing their support for the initiative while also raising concerns about its implications.

One commissioner emphasized the importance of using funds collected from speed camera fines specifically for pedestrian safety improvements, rather than allowing them to be absorbed into the general fund. This approach aims to ensure that the revenue directly contributes to enhancing safety measures in school zones, such as improved signage and infrastructure.

The discussion also highlighted the need for a comprehensive evaluation of existing school zones to identify areas requiring better safety measures. Officials noted that the proposed speed cameras would target excessive speeding, defined as driving significantly over the speed limit, rather than minor infractions.

However, not all commissioners were in favor of the speed camera initiative. Concerns were raised about the potential for overreach and the fairness of using taxpayer dollars in multiple ways to address the same issue. Some suggested that instead of relying solely on automated ticketing, the technology could be used to gather data on speeding patterns, allowing law enforcement to address the problem more effectively through direct engagement with offenders.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the implications of the speed camera program, including its potential benefits and drawbacks, before making a final decision. The discussions underscored the city's ongoing efforts to enhance safety in school zones while balancing community concerns about privacy and the use of technology in law enforcement.