Are You Being Watched? 650 License Plate Readers Now Track Cars in Boynton Beach
Police say it’s for safety - but is this too much surveillance?
The Boynton Beach Police Department is using Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) on patrol cars and fixed cameras across the city. In total, about 650 cameras are connected to the system. The technology allows police to track vehicles linked to crimes in real time, helping officers respond faster - especially in urgent situations like Amber Alerts.
Supporters say ALPRs improve public safety and make investigations more efficient. Still, not everyone is comfortable with the idea. Some residents worry about privacy and whether widespread data collection could turn into intrusive surveillance or government overreach.
Police officials have said the system is not used for immigration enforcement. However, many people are still weighing whether the benefits outweigh the risks and if the technology could eventually be used beyond its original purpose.
Is your license plate frame now illegal? You could face a hefty fine or jail time
On October 1st, Florida state officials enacted a law for the punishments of drivers with obstructed license plate information. The penalty is harsh at $500, or up to 60 days in jail, or both. The question has been asked as to what the word “obstruct” actually means.
Last week, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) felt compelled to clear up questions and misunderstandings regarding the new law. Simply stated, anything that covers, obscures, or otherwise interferes “with the legibility, angular visibility, or detectability of primary features” is now illegal. So if you have any type of cover over your license plate, you may want to remove it to be safe.
🎉This Week’s Featured Events
On Tuesday, December 23rd, in the Florida Room at the Boynton Beach City Hall there will be a Business Card Event in association with Canva.com. Located at 100 East Ocean Avenue, the workshop will be held from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm. Registration is required and spots are filling fast. This is a great opportunity to get help creating your signature brand on a business card. Check with boynton-beach.org for details and availability.
Bonfires and Night Market will be held from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm on December 19th, presented by Benny’s On The Beach. Located at the Lake Worth Beach Complex, 110 S. Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth Beach, it’s worth a visit. This weeks theme is “Winter Fire” with live music, food, and a market to browse. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening. For more info go to lakeworthbeachfl.gov.
WILD in the Palm Beaches Tours will be held from December 20, 2025-March 1, 2026 at the Manatee Lagoon and FPL Discovery Center, at 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. Tour times start at 11:30 am. Families can enjoy three wildlife sanctuaries together through interactive learning with sea creatures like manatees and loggerhead turtles. For reservations, prices, and more info click on marinelife.org
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🤔 Did You Know?
Palm Beach County set an all-time tourism record in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, welcoming 10.6 million visitors. In fact, the economic impact from tourism reached a record $11.3 billion in 2025.
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