Winter Garden school zones lack posted speed limit clarity | The Locally Times
The City of Winter Garden began issuing $100 speeding citations at two schools, but public records do not specify the posted speed limits.
The City of Winter Garden commenced issuing $100 civil citations for speeding violations in two school zones, according to a March 25, 2026, city record. Enforcement began at Esteem Academy on March 25, 2026, and will start at Whispering Oak Elementary School on April 1, 2026. The camera system issues citations for drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph. Cameras activate 30 minutes before and after the school day, and throughout the entire school day, only when school is in session. Winter Garden City Commissioners approved the speed-detection camera system ordinance in January 2025, following authorization by a 2023 State of Florida law. The city began implementing the program in January 2026. However, the official city record announcing the enforcement does not specify the actual posted speed limits for Esteem Academy or Whispering Oak Elementary School zones. It also does not detail how the city communicates these specific speed limits to drivers through signage or other public outreach efforts, leaving a gap in publicly available information regarding the exact speeds subject to citation. ## Future Enforcement The City of Winter Garden plans to expand the camera program to the remaining city schools during the 2026/2027 school year, with enforcement by the Winter Garden Police Department. As the program expands, the clarity of posted speed limits and their communication to drivers will remain a key factor for residents facing potential $100 civil citations.