[Waldos Finest]

I have lived in Waldo all 21 years of my life and know all the cops very well. Some are a-holes but others are very nice and try to help you to the best of thier abbility. I hate hampton cops though. They always want to mess with me for stupid stuff like something sticking out of my window or my tag light. (Which I got tickets for both) I never see them pulling fishermes over for rods and reels sticking out thier car windows. Why don't they try to get the real criminals and leave the good people who just made a mistake alone!!!!!

[INeedAChange]

Does Florida have the speed cameras yet ?

[jblancer]

I have made my first and last trip down 301 do to the speed trap situation there. I have driven up and down this country and have never seen speed limit changes like they have on 301 (55MPH then 65MPH for 1/8 to 1/4 mile then down to 55MPH again) I also found the various types of speed limit signs very interesting left side of the road then middle of the road with a totally different style sign.

Now to the title I could not believe the number of failed businesses down that stretch of 301. Being listed on AAA as a infamous speed trap does not help the local economy benefit from travelers. Avoiding 301 means no gas sales, food sales, novelty sales. It surprises me that local businesses have not stepped up to the plate with local authorities and area leaders to stop these overbearing officers from harrasing what could be a steady flow of customers. I can't imagine how many people avoid 301 due to the ridiculous diligence of the local police and in turn avoiding the small business owner trying to make a living of that highway.

[DanBev]

Like the man said obey the law,no ticket.I posted another time,I am 74 drove 34 yrs with Bell never a ticket nor accident.250,000 on previous vehicle amd 150,000 on present.No magic always expect the unexpected when driving,any ? slow down.

[jblancer]

Originally Posted by DanBev

Like the man said obey the law,no ticket.I posted another time,I am 74 drove 34 yrs with Bell never a ticket nor accident.250,000 on previous vehicle amd 150,000 on present.No magic always expect the unexpected when driving,any ? slow down.

I didn't get a ticket. I was merely pointing out what a lot of bad publicity can do to a local economy. It appears any person running a trip ticket is going to avoid 301 and in turn any businesses located on 301. In my opinion the cops are trying to replace lost tax revenue with speeding tickets. What a sad place to live when tickets are your primary source of income for the county & or city.

[DanBev]

Originally Posted by jblancer

My guess is you shouldn't be on the road at 74. People your age are one of the leading causes of accidents. Speed up and be alert if that is still possible at your age.

IT sounds like you have an attitude problem.I would rather have a life long clean record.

[jblancer]

Originally Posted by DanBev

IT sounds like you have an attitude problem.I would rather have a life long clean record.

No attitude here, just sick of what bored small town local police are doing to there communities. I don't drive for a living therefore a lifelong clean record does not affect me. Last time I checked outside of a DUI your driving counts for nothing other than lower insurance rates, which is probably important to people in an area where local businesses are closing and unemployment is high.

[dannl]

I have been told by several local people in Waldo that 85% of the cities income comes from traffic tickets. I have also been told from two of the officers in Waldo that they are told by the cheif each that each officer needs to write at least ten ticket per shift. They also said they have a contest, the officer that writes the most tickets in a month would win a com****r to put in their car. The new officer (at that time) won the com****r. I haven't heard of any contest recently although I have heard that the Waldo police department is short about 9 grand so watch your speed.

Originally Posted by jblancer

I didn't get a ticket. I was merely pointing out what a lot of bad publicity can do to a local economy. It appears any person running a trip ticket is going to avoid 301 and in turn any businesses located on 301. In my opinion the cops are trying to replace lost tax revenue with speeding tickets. What a sad place to live when tickets are your primary source of income for the county & or city.

[Kappy]

Originally Posted by jblancer

No attitude here, just sick of what bored small town local police are doing to there communities. I don't drive for a living therefore a lifelong clean record does not affect me. Last time I checked outside of a DUI your driving counts for nothing other than lower insurance rates, which is probably important to people in an area where local businesses are closing and unemployment is high.

Your driving record counts for nothing other then lower insurance???? I guess that's why speeders get tickets. The town doesn't want you to have good insurance rates. Safety is of no concern, right

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by Need_affordable_home

What if you get stopped and told you were speeding by 2 or 3 mph, what excuse do you tell the cop? What if he wont listen and writes you a ticket, can you fight the charge? Would they care because its money for the town/city

If you speed on Anna Maria Island, in the city of Anna Maria and are one mile over, they will write you a ticket. They have become "Waldo" like in that respect. But, the speed limit is posted in AM; Waldo, it's posted but changes so fast, they can get you for speeding in the blink of an eye...