Kids' Safety a Priority on First Day of School

The school year got off to a smooth start, thanks to members of the community who pitched in to make sure kids made it to school safely. No problems were reported by authorities.

Parents, crossing guards, firefighters and sheriff's deputies were on hand for the start of the school year in Palm Harbor.

Palm Harbor Firefighters stood near their fire engines with signs reminding drivers to obey speed limits in school zones. Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputies patrolled near schools. Many parents drove or walked their kids to school to make sure they arrived safely. 

Crossing guards guided kids and parents across busy streets near schools. Bonnie Henneman, who has been a crossing guard for six years, appeared to know many of the students and parents by name as she welcomed them back to school. Henneman says some kids get first day jitters.

"It's a lot of anxiety but those nerves are calmed by the staff and we're so glad to see the kids back again, and newcomers, too. It's a wonderful family at Lake St. George," she said as she helped 1st grader Bryan Liu, age 6, across the street with his mother.

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