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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Hillsborough County parent is calling on the school district to make changes to their student’s bus stop location.
It’s a high traffic area at West Fletcher Avenue and Lake George Lane in Tampa. Jehovany Diaz sent a video to 8 On Your Side showing cars passing by near where his son is dropped off on the corner.
“I just don’t know how anyone could find putting an 11-year-old child two feet away from this major road to be safe, to wait for a bus in the morning,” Diaz said.
Even though his son Max is not crossing the busy five-lane road, Diaz worries about his son being picked up and dropped off there.
A woman who has lived at this cross street for more than 50 years said she understands his concerns.
“I think it was better when they turned the corner and parked in front of my house because they were off a busy road,” said Patricia Hauenstein.
Diaz said he asked Hillsborough to consider relocating the bus stop. The district responded, saying the stop meets state safety standards. Diaz took 8 On Your Side to the corner of Lake George Lane and North Armenia Avenue, where he would prefer the bus stop be moved to.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to move it one block away from the major highway. Just the sound here. You can hear the difference,” Diaz said.
Max told us he wouldn’t mind that spot either.
“I’d rather be safer than sorry. I would rather not have a car hit me,” Max said.
Hillsborough County Schools said there are options parents can consider. The district told Diaz Thursday that his son can go to another bus stop on Fletcher Ave. The speed limit in that area is 45 mph and there is no blind spot like what is at their current bus stop.
“I think this is less risky than where it currently is, but still a risk because this is a major highway,” Diaz said. “At the very least, if they won’t move his bus stop. This does seem better than that.”
The district said they transport thousands of students by bus every day. They also said it’s not uncommon for the transportation department to go and look at a bus stop.