BUNNELL, Fla. — The 2025-26 Flagler County school year begins on Monday, August 11, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will increase 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 at every public school in the county on Monday morning to welcome students and teachers as they embark on a new year of learning. In addition, volunteer Citizen Observer Patrol members will assist patrol deputies with monitoring school zones and residential areas for student safety.

With the return of yellow school buses on the road, Sheriff Rick Staly reminds drivers of the traffic laws when approaching a stopped school bus displaying red lights and an extended stop sign:

  1. Vehicles traveling in both directions must stop on a two-lane road.

  2. Vehicles traveling in both directions must stop on a multi-lane paved road.

  3. On a divided highway with an unpaved space or physical barrier, vehicles traveling behind the bus must stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction should proceed with caution.

“As students head back to school, it is critical that everyone remains alert and slows down, especially when traveling through school zones, bus stops and residential areas,” said Sheriff Staly. “Plan a few extra minutes for your commute and be especially mindful of crosswalks. The slightest distraction could have deadly consequences. By working together and following the rules of the road, we can ensure that the excitement of heading back to school isn’t overshadowed by tragedy.”

Message boards will be displayed throughout the county in high-traffic areas when school is in session to remind drivers that “Safety is as simple as ABC (Always Be Careful).”

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 of 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 school resource deputy.”

For any non-emergency issues please call the FCSO Communications Center at 386-313-4911. Remember, 911 is for emergency use only.

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