July 31, 2023 – The 2023-2024 academic year is about to begin across the state of Florida. Students in the Alachua and Bradford County school districts, and most other school districts in the area, will begin classes Thursday, Aug. 10.
As a result, you should expect increased traffic and potential delays in making it to any SF location. You can avoid traffic headaches by leaving just a few minutes earlier than normal. The safety of area students is a priority, so remember that reduced speeds in school zones will be strictly enforced. There will be plenty of newer drivers as well, as many high school students may be driving themselves to school on a regular basis.
On the Northwest Campus, the Academy of Science and Technology will also welcome students to the first day of school Aug. 10. Employees on the Northwest Campus should be aware of additional traffic on North Road between NW 83rd Street and NW 91st Street. Students at the Academy will be getting dropped off near Facilities Services (Building U) and the SFPD (Building T), so there will be delays near those buildings and in Parking Lots 6 and 7.
School bus safety is another thing to consider. It is illegal to pass a school bus when it is stopped, flashing lights are on and the stop sign is extended. The only time traffic in the oncoming lane is allowed to continue traveling is if there is an unpaved median of at least five feet, a raised median or a physical barrier separating the vehicle from the stopped school bus.
You can keep up with the latest traffic information by visiting these traffic websites.
FHP Traffic site
https://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic/live_traffic_feed.html
Florida 511
FL 511 Traffic Reports