School zones across Okaloosa County are active again as students return to classrooms Monday, August 11.
- The Okaloosa County School District is reminding drivers to allow extra time for travel and exercise increased caution as students wait at bus stops, walk or bike to school, and car lines create backups around intake and release times.
“The first day of school for the Okaloosa County School District is Monday, August 11th—and that means school zones will be active once again,” the district stated. “Please allow yourself extra time to get where you are going, be alert, and drive carefully.”
The district noted that bus routes will take longer than normal and typically require about a week to become routine.
Speed cameras approved by individual municipalities will also be active beginning Monday, including systems in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview and Shalimar.
Shalimar is the newest addition to the program, having launched photo speed cameras at its elementary school in July 2025. Niceville and Fort Walton Beach had cameras active during the previous school year, while Crestview Council approved cameras in May 2025.
- The systems use radar to detect vehicles traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, with violators receiving a $100 civil citation after review by police departments.
The School District emphasized the importance of motorist awareness in protecting students, stating: “Your awareness and patience help protect the Next Generation of Okaloosa Schools.”
