The Florida Legislature approved $1.5 million — which was preserved in the state budget — to pay for sidewalks near some Pasco County schools where parents complained about unsafe walking conditions.
The lack of sidewalks in numerous communities became more apparent last year, after Pasco County School Board dropped courtesy busing for students in grades six through 12, who live within 2 miles from school.
The district’s action prompted an outcry from parents, who told district administrators and the board that they are concerned about their children’s safety because they have to walk in areas without sidewalks or street lights.
They also described conditions they believe are dangerous for their children and said they can’t give their kids a ride to and from school because they have to be at work.
Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman took on the issue and worked with the school district’s staff to seek funding from the legislature.
State Rep. Kevin Steele and State Sen. Danny Burgess sought $2 million in funding — and received approval of $1.5 million to provide sidewalks that will benefit students and residents living near Pine View Middle, Pine View Elementary and Denham Oaks Elementary.
During the Pasco County Commision’s June 20 meeting, Weightman expressed gratitude to the state lawmakers and the school district for helping to secure the funding.
“This is a great win for our school kids,” Weightman said.
He noted that when he was on the campaign trail, that he, along with Commissioner Gary Bradford heard the message loud and clear about sidewalks being needed.
Weightman noted that “courtesy busing is probably not coming back any time soon,” and bus drivers remain in short supply.
The county board member urged Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa to get the sidewalks built as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, Weightman is delighted that the appropriations request he made, as a freshman county board member, received funding. He thanked the county’s lobbyists and every member of the Pasco legislative delegation for helping to make it happen.
“It’s exciting. It’s exciting for me. It’s exciting for our school kids and our community,” Weightman said.
Published July 04, 2023
