Public school for all students in St. Lucie County begins Monday, Aug. 10, with the St. Lucie County School District and St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office urging parents, students, and motorists to exercise caution around school buses throughout the 2026-27 school year. The seven high schools will open for students as early as 7:33 a.m., and the daily start of school for eleven K-8 grade schools is 7:35 a.m.
Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce begins its days at 7:23 a.m. Dan McCarty and Forest Grove middle schools start sessions at 9:30 a.m., while the start of school for Southern Oaks and Southport middle schools is at 9:40 a.m.
Sheriff Richard Del Toro said motorists must obey school zone speed limits and always stop when a school bus displays its flashing red lights and extended stop arm. Parents should review bus stop safety with their children, and students should remain attentive, follow the bus driver's instructions, and never cross the street until they are signaled to do so safely. Lydia Martin, chief communications officer for St. Lucie County School District, said families should allow extra travel time during the first few weeks of school as traffic patterns increase and students adjust to their routines.
Drivers are required by Florida law to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Drivers also must stop on two-lane roads and on multi-lane roads without a raised median or physical barrier. As of May 1, Florida began issuing citations for illegal passing of a stopped school bus with stop arm extended and red lights flashing, with a $225 fine for the offense. For a second or subsequent offense within five years, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may suspend a driver's license for 90 days up to 6 months.
School district officials recommend parents have children arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes early, supervise younger children while they wait, and ensure that backpacks, clothing, and drawstrings cannot get caught in bus handrails or doors. Students should stand at least 10 feet away from the roadway while waiting, never play or run near traffic, and stay out of the bus's danger zone.
The Here Comes The Bus app can be downloaded at www.herecomesthebus.com. Anyone who sees unsafe driving around school buses, dangerous conditions at bus stops, or suspicious activity near bus stops can report it to local law enforcement or the St. Lucie Public Schools Transportation Department at 772-204-RIDE.