Clearwater parent concerned for son’s safety as drivers don’t stop for bus

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Clearwater father is worried for the safety of his son because drivers on a busy road aren’t stopping for the bus.

Jonathan Sharp walks his son Oliver to a bus stop on Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Thornton Road each morning, near the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

“On the walk to the bus stop, it’s pretty peaceful,” Oliver said. “But then when we get on the sidewalk, it pretty much makes me feel unsafe.”

Cars zip just feet away on Gulf to Bay as Oliver and his dad wait for the bus.  

But it’s what happens when the bus arrives that has Sharp very concerned: Drivers not stopping for the bus.

“We watch cars every day. I’ve had to scream and yell at traffic and wave my arms and flail around to try and get traffic to recognize that they have to stop in both directions,” Sharp said.

He says sometimes even drivers on the same side of the road don’t see the bus.

“People won’t care. They’ll come out and it’s almost like they’re confused. They’ll slow down for the bus or just drive right by. Other people are going way over 45 MPH,” Sharp said.

According to state law, drivers on both sides of Gulf to Bay Boulevard should stop because there is no physical barrier between the two directions.

Clearwater Police Department officials say they have targeted this area several times since school started with patrols and will continue to do so.

Sharp is grateful for that — but he wants to remind drivers to always watch out for buses and students.

“It’s not up to them to post officers here every day. It’s up to the residents to go ahead and follow the state law,” Sharp said.

Police also say they are working with the city and school system on making this location safer, including possibly moving the bus stop. Pinellas County Schools said they would have someone from their safety team at the stop this week.