MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — With the return of the school year, some parents in Manatee County are expressing concerns regarding the safety of their children walking to and from school along busy roads.
According to Florida law, students residing within a two-mile radius of their school are not eligible for bus transportation. A family from the Bay area reports that their only option is to drive their children to and from school each day.
What You Need To Know
- U.S. 19 in north Palmetto is a heavily trafficked highway
- This is why one Manatee County family feels uneasy about allowing their kids to walk to school
- A Florida law indicates that students living less than two miles from their school do not qualify for district transport
“Give them a hug and a kiss, tell them I love them, and have a good day,” he expressed.
This is how Ryan Foster and his wife begin each morning as they drop off their two sons at Palm View Elementary School. They believe driving their children to school is their only safe choice.
“It’s so fast right here,” Ryan noted.
He refers to U.S.-19 in north Palmetto, and he’s accurate — it is indeed a busy highway.
This is precisely why Foster and his wife are uncomfortable allowing their kids to walk to and from school.
“And it’s crowded,” he clarified.
Spectrum News/Julia Hazel
However, taking the bus isn’t an option either. Florida law states that students living within two miles of their school are not eligible for district transportation.
“I was really shocked. I wasn’t aware of that. I assumed being closer to the school wouldn’t pose an issue. I thought those nearer would definitely be able to catch the bus,” he said.
The family’s drive to school is smooth, and the drop-off is simple.
It’s actually in the evening that Ryan becomes more anxious, noting that the worst traffic on this highway occurs when children are leaving school.
“I wouldn’t want them walking or biking to school because it’s just too fast — those cars are moving quickly,” he remarked.
This situation has also impacted the family’s business.
“I prefer to work until 4 or 5 p.m. This reduces my working hours by two. I can’t go pick them up from school, drop them off, and return to work,” he explained.
As Ryan and his family navigate through the school year, they hope the district will consider establishing a bus stop near their home.
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