Minneola, Florida Speed Traps

Motorcycle and marked units park in various locations along this 2 mile stretch of road. Speed limit is 30mph. There are many locations hidden by trees and bushes along the lake shore.

From U.S. Hwy. 27 and heading east on Old Highway 50, about a 1/4 mile on the left is a big parking lot where Lake County Sheriff hang out, especially when it’s dark, with their lights out. Speed limit is 30 mph. Locals drive 35 to 40 mph down that strip as they want the big ticket makers who are doing 45+mph. Also where E. Washington St. goes left and Old Hwy 50 continues east is a Industrial park driveway where a patrol car sits during the night. Speed limit goes from 45 mph to 30 mph near the little church on the left, slow down before you reach that church as sometimes they are parked in the shade of the church trees too.
At 6 a.m. you’ll see about 3 – 5 patrol cars at the Cafe at U.S. Hwy. 27 and Washington St. where they are having breakfast.

Minneola sits in a fairly steep valley (yes, there actually are hills & valleys in Florida!). So whether you’re entering town from the north or south, you’re going downhill as the speed limit drops from 55 to 45. When the cops decide to have some fun, about the only way to avoid a ticket is to ride the brakes (automatic transmission) or downshift (manual transmission). An interesting traffic-control tactic here is to park an empty cop car in front of the Citgo station at the north end of town and in the median at the Washington St. light; I’ve seen them there for weeks at a time.