Schools

Crossing guard is struck by a car

The 76-year-old woman is listed in critical condition

By ABBIE VANSICKLE, Times Staff Writer
Published October 25, 2007

TAMPA - Each morning, Beulah Lofts, a 76-year-old school crossing guard, helps students arrive safely at Lanier Elementary School.

Each morning, Beverly Kermode, a 59-year-old music teacher, drives to work at West Shore Elementary School.

On a rainy Wednesday morning, the two women's paths collided at West Shore Boulevard and Montgomery Avenue.

Police say Lofts stepped into oncoming traffic and was struck by Kermode's BMW at 7:05 a.m. No charges were filed. Police say it appeared Lofts didn't see the car coming at her.

Lofts, who had been walking to her school crossing spot, suffered severe injuries and was in critical condition Wednesday evening at Tampa General Hospital, according to hospital spokeswoman Ellen Fiss.

Kermode, an award-winning music teacher, went on to school after the accident, but then left.

"She came to school, but didn't stay," said Hillsborough school spokeswoman Linda Cobbe. "She was very upset."

Both women received high praise from their employers.

Lofts, who lives at 2907 W Tyson Ave., is an experienced crossing guard, said Hillsborough sheriff's Capt. Rob Bullara, who helps oversee the crossing guards.

She had worked as a crossing guard for the district, prior to 2004, and she returned to the job at the start of the year.

Each morning, she prepares for children to arrive by parking her car and then crossing West Shore Boulevard to wait for them. She was doing just that on Wednesday morning, waiting for the children.

Bullara said there was little in Lofts new personnel file because she had just returned to the job this year. The previous file was not immediately available.

Crossing guards are part-time employees, typically working for $11 an hour to safeguard students' path to school.

Abbie VanSickle can be reached at 226-3373 or vansickle@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 25, 2007, 00:10:00]