The Pinellas County Clerk of Court is asking six cities in Pinellas county to put a moratorium on writing tickets for drivers caught running red lights. Clerk Ken Burke sent a letter to St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Oldsmar, Kenneth City, Gulfport and South Pasadena, calling the red light camera ticketing process unfair and confusing. "It's a result of citizen complaints we've received at the clerk's office and how they feel the violations are unfair," said Marie Wilson, manager of the clerk's accounting department.
The clerk's office has gotten numerous complaints from citizens who have said the fees are too high and it takes too long to fight the tickets. The tickets are issued to the owner of the car, and not necessarily the person who was driving. Fighting the citation can take up to 90 days, and in that time, the fine jumps from $158 to $264. Wilson added that the ticketing process does not follow that of a traditional citation.
"It doesn't follow the same process where an officer pulls you over. The officer explains why they're pulling you over. The first knowledge you have of the violation is when you get it in the mail," Wilson said. City attorneys for several of the municipalities are reviewing the clerk's letter. Clearwater mayor George Cretekos opposed the implementation of red light cameras in his town.
"We think we're doing ok with some of the concerns that the clerk had, but we're reviewing that just to make sure," Cretekos said. The clerk's office hasn't heard back from any of the cities yet, as to whether they'd be willing to implement a moratorium on red light camera tickets. Burke would also like the Florida League of Cities to look at the statute and possibly go back through the legislative process to review its fairness.
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-25 13:07:51 GMT
Events have been planned to celebrate the life of the inverted pyramid, which opened in 1973 - 40 years ago! Events include decades of music over the years featuring local performers, historic water ski
Events have been planned to celebrate the life of the inverted pyramid, which opened in 1973 - 40 years ago! Events include decades of music over the years featuring local performers, historic water ski
Friday, May 24 2013 11:40 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:40:25 GMT
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at 119th Street just south of Ulmerton Road in Largo.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at 119th Street just south of Ulmerton Road in Largo.
Friday, May 24 2013 3:34 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:34:55 GMT
The military arm of the Better Business Bureau, BBB Military Line, reminded of possible scams targeting the active and retired military personnel and elderly veterans before the Memorial Day. Karen Nalven,
The military arm of the Better Business Bureau, BBB Military Line, reminded of possible scams targeting the active and retired military personnel and elderly veterans before the Memorial Day. Karen Nalven,
Friday, May 24 2013 12:13 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:13:39 GMT
Is there such a thing as a high-tech bikini body? When exercise and a healthy lifestyle still don't yield the results you want there is a newly approved FDA skin tightening device.
Is there such a thing as a high-tech bikini body? When exercise and a healthy lifestyle still don't yield the results you want there is a newly approved FDA skin tightening device.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:29 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:29:23 GMT
Kmart has launched the latest in what appears to be an edgy string of commercials. In April, one of its commercial went viral for a play on words. Explaining the ease of shipping a product to a customer
Kmart has launched the latest in what appears to be an edgy string of commercials. In April, one of its commercial went viral for a play on words. Explaining the ease of shipping a product to a customer
Friday, May 24 2013 11:40 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:40:25 GMT
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at 119th Street just south of Ulmerton Road in Largo.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at 119th Street just south of Ulmerton Road in Largo.
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-25 13:07:51 GMT
Events have been planned to celebrate the life of the inverted pyramid, which opened in 1973 - 40 years ago! Events include decades of music over the years featuring local performers, historic water ski
Events have been planned to celebrate the life of the inverted pyramid, which opened in 1973 - 40 years ago! Events include decades of music over the years featuring local performers, historic water ski
Thursday, May 23 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:28:34 GMT
Fashion Expert Mickey Williams is back with this summer's hottest swimwear to suit every body type from www.BareNecessities.com. www.BareNeccesities.com carries the best brands for bra-sized swim up to
Fashion Expert Mickey Williams is back with this summer's hottest swimwear to suit every body type from www.BareNecessities.com. www.BareNeccesities.com carries the best brands for bra-sized swim up to