SARASOTA, Fla — A 12-year-old girl was tragically run over by her mother during the school drop-off on the very first day at Booker Middle School. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident unfolded around 7:45 a.m., as parents and children buzzed with the excitement that comes with a new school year.
The mother, in a moment that so many parents might relate to—filled with the rush of morning routines—let her daughter out in the right turn lane. The girl, engrossed in her new school day, accidentally dropped her backpack. Some items rolled beneath her mother’s larger-than-life Lincoln Navigator, prompting her to go down on her hands and knees to retrieve them. Tragically, her mother began to drive away, unaware of what had occurred.
“She immediately stopped when she heard her child screaming,” shared FHP Trooper Kenn Watson, highlighting the haunting reality of that moment.
The young girl was airlifted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and remains in critical condition. Such a stunning situation serves as a painful reminder of the fragile nature of life, especially in a bustling school zone.
“Here we are, day one, and we’ve already had a tragedy,” Watson remarked, reflecting on the importance of spatial awareness in school zones. With children eagerly navigating their new environments, it’s vital that parents maintain vigilance during drop-offs and pick-ups.
A message from the school’s principal, Lashawn Frost, was sent to parents shortly after the incident. While details were sparse, the caution was clear. “This serves as a reminder of the importance of following our established safety procedures,” she emphasized. The plea to avoid dropping students off in the middle of Myrtle Street resonates particularly deeply now. Such a practice isn’t merely a matter of rules; it’s about protecting the very lives they hold dear.
“Please remember that students should not be dropped off in the middle of Myrtle Street. This practice poses a significant risk to our students’ safety and the safety of others on the road,” Frost continued, encouraging parents to utilize the designated parent loop to ensure a secure environment for everyone. It’s a reminder of the collective responsibility shared in safeguarding the community’s children, a bond underscored by the shared worries and joys of parenthood.
Counselors were made available for students at Booker Middle School, recognizing that the emotional impact of the incident might ripple through the school community. It’s a sobering reality that such tragedies can darken the anticipation of a new academic year.
Watson further reiterated the need for parents to pull into the drop-off zones instead of resorting to hurriedly letting their children out in unsafe areas. “You want to avoid being in a hurry and dropping off our kids in the turn lane when we should be directly in front of the school,” he advised, a sentiment underscoring the foresight and consideration needed during these hectic morning moments.
This heartbreaking occurrence has led to important discussions on safety and mindfulness in school zones. Sarasota, known for its beautiful coastlines and vibrant community, now faces a somber reminder of the vigilance required in caring for its youngest members.
In related news, Pinellas County Schools has rolled out 20 new electric buses for the new academic year, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint. As one transportation official noted, “It’s a very quiet bus, so it’s a plus for us because we can hear the kids, what’s going on inside the bus, and also for emergency vehicles.” Small victories in promoting sustainability provide a glimpse of hope amidst the shadows of recent events.
Pinellas County Schools rolls out 20 electric school buses
