Pinellas County delays vote on removing 300 license plate readers

There are just under 300 automated license plate reading cameras currently operating on roads in unincorporated Pinellas County. The Pinellas County Commission voted on Tuesday to table a decision on whether to remove these devices. The committee will wait until state lawmakers provide specific regulatory guidance before making a final move.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri told commissioners that the cameras are a valuable tool for fighting crime. He noted that if the county had passed an ordinance restricting the readers on county roads, his office would have relocated them to other parts of the county. Gualtieri expressed strong confidence that the Florida Legislature will make these regulations a priority next year.

"I can’t state that strongly enough. I mean, 1,000%, 1,000,000%, they are going to do something," Gualtieri said. "There is no question about it, and they should. And like I told you when I was here last time, I support that because we have to have consistent guardrails."

Commissioner Vince Nowicki, who placed the issue on the agenda, argued that local leaders should act rather than wait for decisions from Tallahassee. He expressed frustration with the current approach to the technology.

"It’s interesting that folks agree something needs to get done, but nobody wants to do anything," Nowicki said.

Commissioner David Eggers cited a lack of statewide consistency as a primary reason for the delay. He suggested that the county should step back and allow the state to set policies before revisiting the matter locally.

Residents have raised concerns about the technology, seeking consistent rules across Florida. Paul Merola, a Tarpon Springs resident, acknowledged the potential benefits of the cameras but noted that other agencies are ending their programs. "There’s no doubt in my mind that they can be used for good, but when I see other sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies and other commissions ending their programs, it tells me it’s not a 100% slam dunk," Merola said. The commissioners are scheduled to discuss legislative priorities at a meeting next month.