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Deputies, crossing guards gear up

With the new school year starting Tuesday, the focus is on student safety, especially at school crossing sites.

By ASHLEE CLARK
Published August 6, 2006

While parents and children pack school bags and lunches, deputies and crossing guards also are getting prepared for the first day of school Tuesday in Pinellas County.

Pinellas County sheriff's deputies will be conducting high visibility law enforcement at about 32 school crossing sites and high-traffic areas from Tuesday through Friday.

"It's going to be a big week next week," said Sgt. Glenn Luben, supervisor of the traffic enforcement unit with the Sheriff's Office.

The goal is to remind drivers that school is back in session and they need to be mindful of school zones, Luben said.

Some of the areas that will be monitored include Palm Harbor Middle School and Ridgecrest Elementary School.

Speeding fines are doubled in 15 mph school zones and can cost as much as $557.50, Luben said.

Crossing guards also have been preparing for school-year traffic.

About 120 returning crossing guards underwent four hours of refresher training Thursday and Friday, said Sharon Lough, school crossing guard supervisor for the Sheriff's Office.

Seventeen new crossing guards were to be trained for eight hours Saturday in Largo. Their training involves practicing and demonstrating their duties, and taking and passing a written test.

Crossing guards receive new bright-orange equipment: a retroreflective vest, gloves, hat and stop sign, Lough said.

Parents can get information about crossing guards in their children's school areas by going to the Pinellas County Schools Web site at www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/bsns under the "Real Property" heading.

Ashlee Clark can be reached at 445-4158 or aclark@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 5, 2006, 21:16:03]