The 2024-25 Flagler County school year begins on Monday, August 12, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) will be increasing patrols around school zones and residential bus stops to reinforce traffic safety, education, and awareness before students return to class.
Members of the FCSO Command Staff will join School Resource Deputies (SRD) at every public school in the county on Monday morning to welcome the children and teachers as they embark on a new year of learning. Patrol deputies and our volunteer Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) units will also assist in providing additional safety for the children.
With the return of yellow school buses on the road, Sheriff Staly reminds drivers of the traffic rules when encountering a stopped school bus:
“The first day of school is always exciting for our kids,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “That’s why drivers should be extra careful while traveling through school zones and residential areas, especially near school bus stops. Be especially mindful of crosswalks. There will be more children walking and bicycling on our roadways and stopped school buses, so plan a few extra minutes as you drive to work or shopping. Remember, patience is a virtue and kids are our future, so let’s work together to make sure their future isn’t cut short by careless driving.”
Message boards will be displayed throughout the county reminding drivers that ‘Safety is as simple as ABC (Always Be Careful)’. The boards are located where traffic is expected to rise when public schools go back in session.
The beginning of the school year is also an important time for parents to talk to their children about basic safety, including how to handle strangers and who to go to if they need help. Be sure to remind your children that making threats is illegal, and what they should do to de-escalate an argument.
“Be the Sheriff in your home and report any threat you see or read,” Sheriff Staly added. “Remember, if you see something, say something to a teacher, school administrator, or the School Resource Deputy. Working together, we can be sure our students and community have a great and safe school year.”
For any non-emergency issues please call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at (386) 313-4911. Remember, 9-1-1 is for emergency use only.
