League of Cities Responds to Report on Red Light Cameras
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- Published on Friday, 04 January 2013 21:57
- Written by Special to Alachua County Today
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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida League of Cities today issued the following statement in response to a recent report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles regarding red light safety cameras:
“Providing cities with the tools they need to keep residents safe is the Florida League of Cities’ No. 1 priority, and this technology has been proven to help authorities punish lawbreakers, reduce dangerous T-bone crashes and change the behavior of those drivers who selfishly choose to run red lights.
“Due to budget constraints and unfunded mandates, local governments commonly have limited law enforcement resources, and photo enforcement helps stretch those resources. Paired with traditional law enforcement techniques, red light safety camera technology makes Florida’s streets safer for drivers, bikers and pedestrians.
“While the data in this report suggests a significant positive effect on traffic safety, the Florida League of Cities believes the government closest to the people governs best, and nobody knows a city better than its residents. Some municipalities have determined that red light running is not a problem in their community and have chosen not to install traffic infraction detectors. Other cities, after holding public hearings and listening to concerned citizens, have determined that red light safety cameras will make their streets safer.
“The findings of the recent study reinforce what many cities already know and truly believe – red light safety cameras do save lives. However, Florida's 410 cities are all uniquely different – what works in Miami may not work in Sopchoppy and vice versa. As we approach the 2013 legislative session, the Florida League of Cities will continue to advocate for legislation that protects cities’ home rule power to decide what is best for the residents of its community.“
The study, based on a survey of the 73 local governments in Florida with active camera programs, found that the number of total crashes, angle-crashes and rear-end crashes all decreased from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012. A total of 44 percent of community police departments saw a reduction in side-impact crashes, 41 percent experienced a reduction in rear-end crashes, and 56 percent reported a total reduction in crashes at red-light camera intersections. In a state that ranked the third most deadliest in the nation for traffic related fatalities in 2010, the decrease in crashes adds up to saved lives and costs.
Add a comment Add a commentTour de Felasco slated for January
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- Published on Friday, 28 December 2012 16:28
- Written by Special to Alachua County Today
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ALACHUA – The 11th annual Tour de Felasco mountain biking event will be held Jan. 12, 2013 at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park in Alachua. Registration for this popular event opened on Oct. 1 and filled within a few hours.
Approximately 500 cyclists will attempt 50 miles of challenging terrain, with a 62-mile metric century option for those wanting more. The Tour is not a race, but rather a group bicycle ride through one of North Florida's most diverse ecological and geological preserves, and the route includes areas of the state park that are open to bikes only on Tour day.
The Tour de Felasco is presented by the Friends of San Felasco, Inc., a non-profit Citizen Support Organization (CSO) that makes it possible to support the park through volunteer efforts. This is the main fundraiser for the park, and proceeds from the Tour go toward trail maintenance and other park improvements. The Tour is also supported by sponsorships from businesses, such as local bike shops. Approximately 70 volunteers help with this annual effort, and many volunteers assist with trail maintenance and other tasks throughout the year.
For more information about the Tour de Felasco, contact Mike Kelley at 352-538-5055 or email mckelley@bellsouth.net. To learn about recreational and volunteer opportunities at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, visit the Friends of San Felasco website at http://www.sanfelasco.net/.
Add a comment Add a commentCity takes action on ‘Trick or Treat’ and fire department
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- Published on Wednesday, 24 October 2012 02:06
- Written by C.M. WALKER
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Items of note covered during the meeting included “Trick or Treat” and the fire department.
The commission proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m., as “Trick or Treat” night in High Springs. The body also discussed a ground breaking for the renovation to the fire station building on Oct. 27 at 9:30 a.m., and the expected Nov. 7 delivery of a new fire truck.
A special event permit for the Rotary Club’s annual car show on Oct. 27 was granted along with several applications by various groups wishing to use the Civic Center.
A special commission meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18, to award the bid for the fire station renovation. Bidders were Anglin Construction Co., CK Contracting, Inc., North Florida General Contracting, Inc., Riverland Construction Services LLC and TH Building Group LLC.
Other items added to the Oct. 18 agenda include a discussion of a “state of the city” letter to be mailed out to all High Springs citizens and a discussion regarding opening the street around the sinkhole behind City Hall.
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Add a comment Add a commentStudent Art in City Hall on display
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- Published on Saturday, 17 November 2012 02:31
- Written by AYANA STEWART
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Students of Irby Elementary Art Teacher Lori Swarthout were honored by the Alachua City Commission in recognition of their excellence in art and participation in providing original art work to the City. The young artists will have a 20 piece art display that will be in City Hall through the month of November.
High Springs searches budget to cover police shortfall
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- Published on Saturday, 22 September 2012 19:06
- Written by C.M. WALKER
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HIGH SPRINGS – High Springs commissioners and finance director Helen McIver searched the current year’s budget to come up with $49,207 needed by the police department to upgrade their security system to be in compliance with state and federal requirements.
Noting that next year’s budget did not have funds available for the needed purchases, McIver suggested areas in the current year’s budget, which ends Sept. 30, that might have funds remaining to cover the expenditures.
Police Chief James Holly presented the equipment list at a previous special commission meeting stating that many cities had been working on the needed upgrades for the past couple of years. “Expenditures for FDLE/Communications are necessary to insure FDLE compliance as well as enhanced IT capability for the High Springs Police Department,” explained Holly in his written request, referencing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
High Springs officials were not aware of the required upgrades until recently, and had not planned for the expenditures in previous budget years.
McIver and Holly identified a total of $35,000 from the current Police Operations budget. Another $14,250 was found in other areas of the current budget to accommodate the additional required purchases.
Funds were cut from unused portions of the budget in the areas of Training and Travel for City Commissioners ($1,500), City Manager Professional Services ($1,000), Finance Accounting and Auditing ($1,000), City Manager Car Allowance ($5,400), City Manager Dues/Subscriptions/Membership ($750), Planning, Development Codes, Code Board Attorney ($2,400), and Planning, Development, Codes Contractual Services Building Official ($2,200).
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