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To the Editor:
I am a school bus driver who is also a
resident of Safety Harbor. I would like to share my opinions
regarding the proposed North County School Bus Facility.
My bus is one of the 25 currently parked
at Countryside High School.
During our pretrip inspections we do not
honk our horns or work our back up beepers. We have a NO IDLE
policy. Our buses do not run unless they are traveling down the
road.
There is not enough room or diesel pumps
at the local gas stations for us to fuel. We can only fuel when
there are no students on the bus. As part of our monthly bus
inspections done by our mechanics the bus gas tanks are inspected
monthly. We are all very careful when fueling not to "top off" our
tanks and spill gasoline.
Several times a week when I am returning
from part of my bus route I stand and listen to the amount of noise
that comes from the shooting range at the Clearwater Police Station
located at S.R. 580 and McMullen Booth. Not just one officer is
practicing. There must be several; the noise is so loud! I am sure
all the critters of nature run for cover!
The Fire Station on McMullen Booth goes
out several times a day with bright lights, horns and whistles
ablaze!
Police,Fire, Rescue and School Buses all
provide service to our community.
We need a new bus location. The one at
High Point was built as a temporary lot. The gravel I walked on
everyday had hidden holes -- resulting in me breaking my ankle
!
I am on the list as a driver for any
Emergency Evacuation. The 500 plus Senior Citizens that live in the
nearby mobile homeparks should know how quickly we can bring the
school buses to them to get them to safety.
This is my 23rd year driving a school bus
(third year here in Florida). I consider myself a professional
driver. Always concerned for safety, I have complete faith that
everything will be done to ensure the public concerns regarding a
new bus lot will be met.
Red Fire Trucks, White Police Cars AND
Yellow School Buses can all share the same busy roads in this
area.
Carol Morin
Safety Harbor
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