NEWS RELEASE
FCSO Emphasizing Safety Ahead of 2026-27 School Year
Date:Friday, August 7, 2026
Ahead of the start of the 2026-27 school year, which begins Monday, Aug. 10, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is emphasizing to the community that child safety is our highest priority. To support this effort, FCSO will conduct proactive enforcement and education efforts through the first school week to remind residents that class is back in session and safety is top of mind.
Beginning the first day of school, FCSO will have an increased presence in school zones during drop-off and pick-up times to protect children and ensure motorists are following the law. The FCSO Traffic Enforcement Unit will monitor traffic patterns, provide enforcement, and educate drivers on the importance of slowing down and paying attention, especially near crosswalks. School zones will continue to be monitored on a regular basis throughout the school year.
The Community Policing Division will increase patrols in residential areas with an increased focus around school bus stops. Deputies will monitor these areas for suspicious people and activity, as well as ensure motorists are driving safely in areas where children are likely to be present.
Citizen Observer Patrol volunteers will also be patrolling around school zones and neighborhoods to monitor suspicious activity.
“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,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “That means remaining alert and slowing down in school zones, obeying the directions of school crossing guards, and paying extra attention when driving near schools, bus stops, or in residential areas. As we get adjusted to school traffic, I encourage you to plan a few extra minutes for your commute so you can slow down and be mindful of our children.”
With the return of school buses to the road, deputies will also be closely following school buses to make sure drivers obey the law and stop when required. Florida law requires vehicles in both directions to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop sign extended, and vehicles may not pass until the school bus’s stop sign is withdrawn. Only vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway with at least 5 feet of unpaved space, a raised median, or physical barrier are not required to stop; however, these drivers should slow down and proceed with caution.
School bus traffic safety via the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
To supplement enforcement efforts, FCSO, Flagler County Emergency Management, and the City of Palm Coast are working together to deploy message boards near schools throughout the county to alert drivers that “School zone safety is as simple as ABC: Always Be Careful!” The message boards will serve as a highly visible reminder in high-traffic areas through the end of the month.
Finally, Sheriff Staly reminds parents the start of the school year is a good time to talk to their children and teach them that making threats to kill or harm someone is illegal. Children should always “see something, say something” by reporting threats to a parent, teacher, or school resource deputy.
“Be the Sheriff of your home. When we knock on your door and your kid tells us, ‘I was just joking,’ it’s too late,” Sheriff Staly added. “The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has a zero-tolerance policy, and we take every threat seriously.”
Students and parents are encouraged to report any threat immediately by calling 386-313-4911, notifying an SRD or school faculty, or submitting a tip through FortifyFL at getfortifyfl.com.