City, FDOT argue about cameras
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Paul Stefon/Gulf Breeze News The City of Gulf Breeze and FDOT have gone around and around about the legality of the new traffic cameras on Hwy. 98.

The City of Gulf Breeze continues to operate an automated red light enforcement system despite the disapproval of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The current system in place issues citations to drivers who fail to adhere to the traffic signal's direction, and operates independently from the light itself. However, the FDOT claims that Gulf Breeze does not have the right to install, operate, or maintain the system currently catching delinquent drivers at the intersection of US 98 and Daniel Drive. According to a letter from Freddie Simmons, State Highway Engineer:

"Based on the current statutory framework, the [FDOT] can not allow the use of red light running cameras on the State Highway System at this time... Statute changes will be required to allow use on the State Highway System."

City officials are displeased with the unmoving stance of the FDOT.

"We hope we can work this out," Gulf Breeze Mayor Lane

Gilchrist said. "It's reprehensible that they won't cooperate."

Since the camera system became operational on March 1 2006, the City of Gulf Breeze dealt with several objections from the FDOT. When the operation was first proposed, the FDOT said such a system may not be connected to the light itself, or intrude on the FDOT's right of way. The City complied, and installed a system that uses a proprietary laser sensing apparatus that is being used successfully in over 10,000 locations worldwide. However, the FDOT claims the equipment does impede the State's right of way. According to a memo sent from Gulf Breeze Police Chief Peter Paulding to City Manager Edwin "Buz" Eddy: "The red light camera equipment is completely off of the FDOT right of way... On the north side of Highway 98, the equipment is located on private property with an agreement with the owner. On the south side of the roadway, the equipment is located on school owned property with their permission."

FDOT Officials were unavailable for comment in light of Chief Paulding's right of way clarification. Property claims aside, the FDOT stands firm in denying Gulf Breeze the right to use the camera system. The department says legislation allowing the installation and use of the equipment is required, and does not exist.