Broken school zone lights are common after Milton

SARASOTA — As students returned to class Wednesday following Hurricane Milton, some damage caused by the Category 3 storm pushed local law enforcement to boost student safety.

In a social media post Tuesday, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reminded drivers to proceed with extra caution due to downed school zone lights.

Ten schools are still dealing with signal issues, including Venice’s Garden Elementary and Englewood’s SKY Academy, according to the SCSO post.

Reports of Venice Elementary and Venice Middle experiencing the same were shared by parents under SCSO’s post.

Even when lights are not flashing during drop-off and pickup, officials said the school-zone speed limit of 15 mph will still be enforced.

“Our deputies will be present in these areas doing their best to keep everyone safe,” SCSO officials said in the online post.

The city of North Port issued a statement about the repair process for their affected schools, including Woodland Middle, Imagine School, North Port High and Glenallen Elementary.

City officials said public works team anticipates the school zone flashing signs will all be functioning by early next week.

Until then, temporary message boards have been added to alert drivers, and North Port Police Department will be stationed to monitor traffic, according to the social media post.

Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor was unavailable for comment.

Kelsey Whealy, public information officer, confirmed the district is in communication with all municipalities to repair the signals as soon as possible.

In the meantime, Whealy advised all students, staff and drivers proceed with caution.

“Situational awareness around and in school zones is important for every type of commuter, whether they are operating a motor vehicle, a bicycle or walking,” Whealy said.