The Pinecrest Police Department in partnership with the community we serve wants to remind residents and visitors that the schools will be reopening Monday, Aug. 30.

Under the provisions of state law, where streets surround schools or where there is a great deal of students pedestrian traffic near schools, signs are posted for a maximum speed of 15 mph from one half hour prior to the time school begins and one half hour after schools out. This includes posting of school speed limit zones one half hour prior to any pre-school breakfast programs.

Drivers also are warned that while many elementary schools have flashing yellow lights, the law does not require such warning lights. Many other schools in Pinecrest such as Palmetto Middle School and Palmetto High School do not have these yellow warning lights.

All of the school zones are clearly marked with numerous signs by the roadside with the hours when they are in effect. Also, just because drivers do not see students or school buses during the posted times, it does not permit speeding through a school zone.

The recent change in state law that eliminated the issuance of traffic citations for speeding 1-5 mph over the speed limit does not apply in school zone limits.

Because the safety of our children is paramount, officers of the Pinecrest Police Department will be strictly enforcing school zones. Fines can exceed $500, along with points assessed against your driver’s license. The Pinecrest Police Department sincerely hopes that there will be voluntary compliance with the law and it will not be necessary for us to issue any citations this year.