As 2020 begins DCSMEC would like to remind our members that texting while driving is now a primary offense.

New Florida Law Makes Texting While Driving a Primary Offense

The bill signed by Governor DeSantis makes texting while driving a primary offense, thereby allowing law enforcement officers to pull motorist over and issue a citation solely for texting (including messaging, emailing and other forms of typing on a mobile device) behind the wheel.  That means officers may now stop you solely on suspicion of texting while driving.  Texting while driving had previously been a secondary offense, meaning officers were only able to cite drivers after they pulled them over for another primary offense, such as a moving violation.

Starting on January 1, 2020 Law enforcement can begin issuing uniform traffic citations. In addition to prohibiting texting by all drivers as a primary offense, the new law also bans the use of handheld wireless communication devices in designated school crossing or school zone or a roadwork zone, except for emergencies hands-free uses remain legal. This provision will take effect on October 1, 2019, with officers issuing warnings until January 1, 2020.

Under the new law, a first texting offense will be punishable by a $30 fine and court fees. A second offense carries a $60 fine, court costs and related fees, and three points on a driver’s license. A first offense involving texting in school or construction zones also carries additional license points. First offenders can purchase hands-free Bluetooth devices, show proof of purchase, and complete a “Driver Safety Education” course in order to avoid fines and license penalties.

Florida’s law bans text messaging while a vehicle is moving, but permits the use of cell phones and other similar handheld electronic devices (except in school and construction zones) for limited purposes. Drivers are still permitted to use phones and devices for Maps / GPS navigation, making phones calls, and reading emergency messages, such as weather alerts.

Allow me to take a moment to offer my sincerest gratitude for your service. On behalf of our Executive Board, I thank you for the outstanding example you have set.

As we near Thanksgiving and I reflect on 2019, I would like to express how thankful I am to have you in our DCSMEC family. You play a very important role in the advancement of M-DCPS through your commitment and hard work. My role as your Representative would not be possible without a strong and reliable work force to assist the students and staff of Miami-Dade County public schools during their times of need, and I appreciate your sacrifice and the hard work you demonstrate. Your dedicated efforts reaffirm my belief that our best day’s are yet to come.

I hope you take some time to reflect on the important work you do for our students. Take a moment to reflect and remember the lives you have positively impacted through out the year. Arthur and I extend our best wishes for your continued success and wish all of you a joyful thanksgiving holiday.

🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃  HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  EVERYONE  🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃

It takes bravery and honor to serve in the US military. Many people in our military need to travel far from their families for long periods of time. They miss holidays, birthdays, and special family events. The members of our military also risk their lives as their work is very dangerous. They do it because they know that their job is important in keeping our country safe!

It is with immense gratitude and respect that DCSMEC honor all who have served on this Veterans Day. From the brave young heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy, to those who risked everything in Korea, Vietnam, the golf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless other areas of conflict around the world. We offer our most solemn appreciation for the sacrifices they have made to ensure our freedom and our way of life.

On behalf of the DCSMEC family, to all the veterans, thank you for your service.