LAKE CITY, Fla. – The Lake City City Council is set to take up a debate playing out in communities across the country: the use of camera and sensor technology that can track vehicles and collect data — and whether it’s a public safety tool or an overreach.
On Monday night, council members are scheduled to discuss “Flock Cameras” and consider Resolution No. 2026-094, which would put the issue on the November ballot — letting voters weigh in on whether Lake City should keep using automatic license plate reader cameras.
Recommended Videos
If approved, the measure would appear during a special election Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, held in conjunction with Florida’s 2026 general election.
What voters would be asked
According to the resolution, voters would be asked whether the City of Lake City or its contractors should continue installing and maintaining automatic license plate readers and cameras that collect and store license plate and other vehicular data.
The proposed ballot language states that a vote “YES” would support continued installation and maintenance, while a vote “NO” would oppose it.
City documents also stress the result would be nonbinding — meaning the vote would not automatically change city policy without further action by city leaders, but it would show where voters stand.
Why it’s on the agenda
The resolution says some residents have raised concerns about personal privacy when a public entity helps facilitate the presence of the cameras. City leaders say the vote is intended to gauge public opinion as the city considers next steps.
Prior agreements with Flock Safety
The agenda packet also includes previous agreements with Flock Safety, Inc. dating back to 2023, involving license plate readers and audio detection devices, providing additional context for Monday’s discussion.
Separately, Lake City has promoted the use of Flock technology in the past, including a 2025 social media post about the department implementing a Flock gunshot detection system.
What to watch for Monday night
Council members could vote to move the ballot item forward, delay action, or vote the proposal down. Public comment is also expected.
News4JAX will be at the meeting and will update this story with what council members decide and what residents have to say.