NewsTampa Bay TimesOctober 27, 2026Hillsborough County
Pinellas County Commissioners pass on automated license plate reader ban, opt to lobby state
Photo: Tampa Bay Times
Pinellas County commissioners decided against voting on a proposed ban for automated license plate readers, choosing instead to lobby the state Legislature to address the issue. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri defended the technology during the meeting, stating he would simply relocate the cameras if a ban passed. Commissioners Chris Latvala and René Flowers also voiced opposition or hesitation toward an immediate local ban.
Read the full story at Tampa Bay TimesWhy It Matters
Residents will see remain in operation on county roads while the county waits for potential state-level legislation.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
locationPinellas County“Local government jurisdiction where the camera ban was discussed”locationFlorida“State where the legislature is expected to discuss readers”OrganizationFlock“Company that supplies automated license plate reader technology”PersonVince Nowicki“Commissioner who floated imposing a ban on the camera technology”PersonRené Flowers“Commissioner who did not support a ban and cited crimes solved by the technology”OrganizationFlorida Department of Transportation“State agency that previously banned automated license plate readers from state r”PersonBob Gualtieri“Pinellas Sheriff who defended the use of automated license plate readers”OrganizationPinellas County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency that has used automated license plate readers since 2006”OrganizationMotorola“Company that supplies camera technology”PersonChris Latvala“Commissioner who asked the sheriff about relocation plans and suggested waiting ”OrganizationTampa Bay Times“Newspaper where Commissioner Nowicki previously discussed the ban”OrganizationAxon“Company that supplies camera technology”