Pinellas County Commissioners Decline Vote to Remove Surveillance Cameras
Pinellas County commissioners declined to vote on a resolution to remove automated license plate reader cameras and terminate data-sharing agreements on Tuesday.
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners declined to vote on Tuesday regarding a resolution that would have required the removal of automated license plate reader cameras from county property within 30 days. Commission Chair Dave Eggers stated that a majority of the board would not support the proposal, which also sought to terminate associated data-sharing agreements.
The decision follows pushback from residents and one commissioner who argue the Flock camera network tracks individuals without cause. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri defended the technology, asserting that Florida law keeps the data confidential and noting that the agency has used such technology since 2006.
While Pinellas County maintains its program, other Florida authorities have recently restricted the technology. Pasco County ended its contract with Flock, and Governor Ron DeSantis terminated permits for the cameras on state roads in early October.
