Flagler County School Safety: Deputies Increase Patrols

BUNNELL, Fla. — Flagler County drivers can expect an increased law enforcement presence around schools and bus stops Monday as thousands of students return to classrooms for the 2026-27 school year.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said deputies will increase patrols in school zones during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times during the first week of classes, with an emphasis on speeding, distracted driving and pedestrian safety.

The increased enforcement begins Monday, Aug. 10, the first day of school.

Traffic Enforcement Unit deputies will monitor traffic patterns around schools and watch motorists near crosswalks. The agency said school zones will continue to receive regular enforcement throughout the school year.

Deputies with the Community Policing Division will also increase patrols in residential neighborhoods, particularly around school bus stops, looking for suspicious activity and unsafe driving.

Citizen Observer Patrol volunteers will assist by monitoring school zones and neighborhoods, according to the sheriff’s office.

“As students head back to school, we’ll be doing everything we can to keep them safe, but it is up to everyone to do their part,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in announcing the initiative.

Staly urged drivers to slow down, follow the directions of school crossing guards and pay particular attention around schools, residential neighborhoods and bus stops. He also recommended commuters allow extra travel time as families adjust to the return of school traffic.

Deputies will watch for drivers passing school buses

The sheriff’s office said deputies will also follow school buses to identify motorists who illegally pass them.

Under Florida law, motorists traveling in both directions generally must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop signal.

Drivers must remain stopped until children have cleared the roadway and the bus withdraws its stop arm.

There is an important exception on divided highways. A driver traveling in the opposite direction does not have to stop when the roadway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide. Those motorists should still slow down and watch for children.

Passing a stopped school bus can also be expensive. Current Florida traffic schedules list a $200 penalty for failing to stop for a school bus and $400 for passing on the side where children enter or exit. More serious consequences can apply in cases involving injury or death.

The sheriff’s office maintains a School Resource Unit that works with Flagler Schools. According to the agency, each elementary and middle school has a full-time school resource deputy, while two deputies are assigned to each high school.

For parents and drivers, the message for Monday morning is straightforward: leave earlier, expect more traffic and watch for children who may be walking, biking or waiting for buses.