ST. LUCIE COUNTY \u2013 Public school for all students in St. Lucie County begins on Monday, Aug. 10.<\/p>\n
The seven high schools will be open for students as early as 7:33 a.m., and the daily start of school for eleven K-8 grade schools is 7:35 a.m.<\/p>\n
Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce begins its days at 7:23 a.m.<\/p>\n
Dan McCarty & Forest Grove middle schools start sessions at 9:30 a.m.; while the start of school for Southern Oaks & Southport middle schools is at 9:40 a.m.<\/p>\n
With the high schools and elementary schools, that means many students would be walking to bus stops sometimes in the dark on a on a daily basis as the days grow shorter.<\/p>\n
The St. Lucie County School District and St. Lucie County Sheriff\u2019s Office urge all parents\/students\/motorists to be extra cautious and to observe rules and laws pertaining to school bus safety throughout the 2026-27 school year.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery child deserves a safe journey to and from school,\u201d said Lydia Martin, chief communications officer for St. Lucie Public Schools. \u201cBy practicing safe habits, following traffic laws, and utilizing tools like the \u2018Here Comes the Bus\u2019 app, families and motorists can help us create a safer environment for all students as we begin the new school year. Safety is a shared responsibility, and a little extra patience and awareness can make a big difference in protecting our students.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Here Comes The Bus app can be downloaded by going to www.herecomesthebus.com<\/a>. For more information on the school district\u2019s bus system, go to www.stlucie.k12.fl.us\/departments\/transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n During the first few weeks of school, families should allow extra travel time as traffic patterns increase and students adjust to their routines, Martin said.<\/p>\n \u201cMy message is simple: slow down, stay alert, and eliminate distractions,\u201d Sheriff Richard Del Toro said in a statement. \u201cMotorists must obey school zone speed limits and always stop when a school bus displays its flashing red lights and extended stop arm. Parents should take a few moments to review bus stop safety with their children, and students should remain attentive, follow the bus driver\u2019s instructions, and never cross the street until they are signaled to do so safely.<\/p>\n School district officials offer these tips that parents are encouraged to review with their children regarding bus safety:<\/p>\n \u2022 Have the child arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes early.<\/p>\n \u2022 Supervise younger children while they wait for the bus.<\/p>\n \u2022 Teach children to stay well off the roadway until the bus comes to a complete stop.<\/p>\n \u2022 Remind children to wait for the driver\u2019s signal before crossing the street.<\/p>\n \u2022 Ensure that backpacks, clothing, and drawstrings cannot get caught in bus handrails or doors.<\/p>\n When walking to a bus stop, children should:<\/p>\n \u2022 Make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street<\/p>\n \u2022 Cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus.<\/p>\n \u2022 Never cross behind a school bus.<\/p>\n At bus stops, students should:<\/p>\n \u2022 Stand at least 10 feet away from the roadway while waiting.<\/p>\n \u2022 Never play or run near traffic.<\/p>\n \u2022 Stay out of the bus\u2019s \u2018danger zone\u2019\u2014the area around the front sides, and rear where the driver may not see anyone.<\/p>\n \u2022 If something is dropped near the bus, tell the driver instead of reaching under the bus.<\/p>\n When on the bus, students should:<\/p>\n \u2022 Stay seated in assigned seats and wear seat belts (when equipped) while the bus is moving.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep hands, arms, and head inside the bus.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep aisles clear of backpacks and personal items.<\/p>\n \u2022 Speak quietly so the driver can focus on driving safely.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not eat, drink or throw objects on the bus.<\/p>\n \u2022 Follow the driver\u2019s instructions at all times.<\/p>\n Drivers are required by Florida law to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, according to the state Department of Transportation\u2019s web site.<\/p>\n Drivers also must stop on two-lane roads and on multi-lane roads without a raised median or physical barrier, according to the web site.<\/p>\n As of May 1, Florida began issuing citations for illegal passing of a stopped school bus with stop arm extended and red lights flashing, with a $225 fine for the offense. For a second or subsequent offense within five years, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may suspend a driver\u2019s license for 90 days up to 6 months<\/p>\n A driver does not have to stop when traveling in the opposite direction only if the roadway is divided by a raised median, a physical barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, according to the DOT web site.<\/p>\n In addition, the driver\u2019s cell phone must be \u201chands-free\u201d in a school zone. Using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner while driving in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area is against the law, according to the DOT web site.<\/p>\n Anyone who sees unsafe driving around school buses, dangerous conditions at bus stops, or suspicious activity near bus stops, is asked to report it to local law enforcement or the St. Lucie Public Schools Transportation Department at 772-204-RIDE.<\/p>\n \u201cSchool safety is a shared responsibility,\u201d Del Toro said. \u201cOur deputies will have an increased presence around schools and along bus routes to promote compliance and protect our students, but the greatest difference comes from the choices each of us makes behind the wheel and at the bus stop. Together, we can ensure every child has a safe start to a successful school year.\u201d<\/p>\n By Jeff Alexander<\/p>\n HTN Correspondent<\/p>\n ST. LUCIE COUNTY \u2013 Public school for all students in St. Lucie County begins on Monday, Aug. 10.<\/p>\n The seven high schools will be open for students as early as 7:33 a.m., and the daily start of school for eleven K-8 grade schools is 7:35 a.m.<\/p>\n Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce begins its days at 7:23 a.m.<\/p>\n Dan McCarty & Forest Grove middle schools start sessions at 9:30 a.m.; while the start of school for Southern Oaks & Southport middle schools is at 9:40 a.m.<\/p>\n With the high schools and elementary schools, that means many students would be walking to bus stops sometimes in the dark on a on a daily basis as the days grow shorter.<\/p>\n The St. Lucie County School District and St. Lucie County Sheriff\u2019s Office urge all parents\/students\/motorists to be extra cautious and to observe rules and laws pertaining to school bus safety throughout the 2026-27 school year.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery child deserves a safe journey to and from school,\u201d said Lydia Martin, chief communications officer for St. Lucie Public Schools. \u201cBy practicing safe habits, following traffic laws, and utilizing tools like the \u2018Here Comes the Bus\u2019 app, families and motorists can help us create a safer environment for all students as we begin the new school year. Safety is a shared responsibility, and a little extra patience and awareness can make a big difference in protecting our students.\u201d<\/p>\n The Here Comes The Bus app can be downloaded by going to www.herecomesthebus.com<\/a>. For more information on the school district\u2019s bus system, go to www.stlucie.k12.fl.us\/departments\/transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n During the first few weeks of school, families should allow extra travel time as traffic patterns increase and students adjust to their routines, Martin said.<\/p>\n \u201cMy message is simple: slow down, stay alert, and eliminate distractions,\u201d Sheriff Richard Del Toro said in a statement. \u201cMotorists must obey school zone speed limits and always stop when a school bus displays its flashing red lights and extended stop arm. Parents should take a few moments to review bus stop safety with their children, and students should remain attentive, follow the bus driver\u2019s instructions, and never cross the street until they are signaled to do so safely.<\/p>\n School district officials offer these tips that parents are encouraged to review with their children regarding bus safety:<\/p>\n \u2022 Have the child arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes early.<\/p>\n \u2022 Supervise younger children while they wait for the bus.<\/p>\n \u2022 Teach children to stay well off the roadway until the bus comes to a complete stop.<\/p>\n \u2022 Remind children to wait for the driver\u2019s signal before crossing the street.<\/p>\n \u2022 Ensure that backpacks, clothing, and drawstrings cannot get caught in bus handrails or doors.<\/p>\n When walking to a bus stop, children should:<\/p>\n \u2022 Make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street<\/p>\n \u2022 Cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus.<\/p>\n \u2022 Never cross behind a school bus.<\/p>\n At bus stops, students should:<\/p>\n \u2022 Stand at least 10 feet away from the roadway while waiting.<\/p>\n \u2022 Never play or run near traffic.<\/p>\n \u2022 Stay out of the bus\u2019s \u2018danger zone\u2019\u2014the area around the front sides, and rear where the driver may not see anyone.<\/p>\n \u2022 If something is dropped near the bus, tell the driver instead of reaching under the bus.<\/p>\n When on the bus, students should:<\/p>\n \u2022 Stay seated in assigned seats and wear seat belts (when equipped) while the bus is moving.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep hands, arms, and head inside the bus.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep aisles clear of backpacks and personal items.<\/p>\n \u2022 Speak quietly so the driver can focus on driving safely.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not eat, drink or throw objects on the bus.<\/p>\n \u2022 Follow the driver\u2019s instructions at all times.<\/p>\n Drivers are required by Florida law to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, according to the state Department of Transportation\u2019s web site.<\/p>\n Drivers also must stop on two-lane roads and on multi-lane roads without a raised median or physical barrier, according to the web site.<\/p>\n As of May 1, Florida began issuing citations for illegal passing of a stopped school bus with stop arm extended and red lights flashing, with a $225 fine for the offense. For a second or subsequent offense within five years, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may suspend a driver\u2019s license for 90 days up to 6 months<\/p>\n A driver does not have to stop when traveling in the opposite direction only if the roadway is divided by a raised median, a physical barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, according to the DOT web site.<\/p>\n In addition, the driver\u2019s cell phone must be \u201chands-free\u201d in a school zone. Using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner while driving in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area is against the law, according to the DOT web site.<\/p>\n Anyone who sees unsafe driving around school buses, dangerous conditions at bus stops, or suspicious activity near bus stops, is asked to report it to local law enforcement or the St. Lucie Public Schools Transportation Department at 772-204-RIDE.<\/p>\n \u201cSchool safety is a shared responsibility,\u201d Del Toro said. \u201cOur deputies will have an increased presence around schools and along bus routes to promote compliance and protect our students, but the greatest difference comes from the choices each of us makes behind the wheel and at the bus stop. Together, we can ensure every child has a safe start to a successful school year.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"ST. 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