Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-School Crossing Guard Unit
-Community Policing Unit
-School Resource Officer Unit
What:
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office encourages students and parents to keep safety in mind when planning to go back to school.
When:
Pinellas County Schools start classes on Monday, August 18, 2014.
Where:
All schools throughout Pinellas County.
Why/How:
It’s back to school time! As we enter the last weekend of summer vacation, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind students, parents and drivers to exercise extreme caution during the upcoming weeks.
Pinellas County Schools return to class on Monday, August 18, 2014.
School crossing guards will be present at 187 school crossing posts throughout the county starting Monday. Some crossing guards arrive as early as 6:20 a.m. while others remain on post until as late as 5:00 p.m. Students walking or biking to school should become familiar with where their crossing guards are located and understand they are able to approach the guards for assistance if needed.
Deputies from several components within the Patrol Operations Bureau will be out in full force assisting with traffic enforcement near various school zones. School Resource Deputies will be on hand at most schools, directing parents to the student drop off and pick up areas.
Students and parents walking to school should remember to cross the road within the crosswalks and watch for cars. Children riding their bikes to school should always wear a helmet.
Pinellas roadways will be full of buses, cars, walkers and bike riders beginning Monday morning. Drivers are asked to add a few extra minutes to their morning and afternoon commute and exercise caution in the coming weeks. Vehicles are to come to a full stop when approaching any school bus displaying a stop signal. Motorists must then remain stopped and are prohibited from passing the bus until the signal has been withdrawn.
Please keep these important tips in mind and have a safe 2014-2015 school year.
