Slow down, stop the spread: Florida police issue masks instead of speeding tickets

Drivers will be given free cloth face masks

FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – Some drivers stopped for speeding along a stretch of State Road A1A in Flagler County will not be issued a ticket, but they will get a mask.

The Flagler Beach Police Department is teaming up with the Department of Health for a new safety campaign called “Masks for Motorists.”

Officers will patrol an area of S.R. A1A that recently saw a change in the posted speed limit.

When a driver is stopped, police say instead of receiving a ticket, drivers will be issued a written warning and a pack of cloth face masks.

Police say the goal of the campaign is to educate drivers on the new speed limits, while also providing support during the pandemic.

“Being in public safety, we try to come up with something unique, something different so that we can let the community know we care about them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether it’s speeding, whether it’s wearing their seat belts, riding bicycles or even during this pandemic, in this unprecedented time, they need to know that we as a police department care about their safety,” Chief Matthew Doughney said.

Tevin Rooks was among the drivers pulled over Thursday.

“I knew I was speeding so I was pretty sure that I was going to get a ticket or something but I’m glad to hear about this campaign. Hey, mask all day, you know,” Rooks said.

The campaign runs through Aug. 31.


About the Author:

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.

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