Behind the Badge: How Eustis Became the First School Zone Speed Enforcement Safety Program in Florida
When the City of Eustis launched the first-ever school zone speed enforcement program in Florida, they didn’t just implement a new safety tool — they helped set the standard for communities across the state. In this edition of Behind the Badge: Traffic Safety & Community Impact, we spoke with Janel Fair, Administrative Supervisor at the Eustis Police Department, about the city’s motivation, the challenges they encountered, and what others can learn from their journey.
Why Eustis Took the Lead
Like many cities, Eustis was seeing consistent speeding in school zones. According to Janel, “We would love to have an officer stationed at every school zone, but it’s just not possible.” Automated traffic enforcement (ATE) gave them a way to address this safety concern without overextending their staff.
Overcoming First-Mover Challenges
Being the first city in Florida to implement this kind of program came with unique hurdles. From a lack of templates at the state level to permitting challenges at the county level, Janel and her team had to navigate uncertainty in real-time. “There was no playbook,” she said. “But with the support from Altumint, we found solutions and moved forward.”
When standard pole-mounted systems weren’t an option, Altumint proposed the trailer solution. Their flexible solutions allowed Eustis to move quickly and keep the program on track.
Workflow That Works
Janel personally reviews all violations using Altumint’s Vioview system, which she describes as intuitive and efficient. “Each citation takes 10 to 15 seconds to review. It doesn’t disrupt our day.” She emphasized that their team didn’t need to hire new staff — existing personnel were trained and certified through FDLE’s STEP program.
Advice for Cities Considering ATE
Janel has fielded calls from agencies across Florida. Her advice:
- Plan early with your finance department
- Set up a dedicated fund account
- Involve civilians in the process
- Run a mock hearing to build confidence
- Partner with a company that has real experience
She also praised Altumint’s ability to extend payment deadlines and maintain local discretion — all supported by Altumint’s responsive team.
What Makes the Program Work
For Janel, success has come from staying focused on safety, trusting her team, and working with a partner who’s in it for the long haul. “We leaned into Altumint’s training, adapted quickly, and kept our citizens in mind every step of the way.”
Want to see how Eustis made it happen?
Watch the full video for more insights.