News Summary
A 13-year-old middle school student in Duval County was tragically killed by a car while walking home from school, marking the 100th traffic-related fatality in the area this year. The driver is cooperating with ongoing investigations. Community members are calling for enhanced traffic safety measures, highlighting previous concerns about dangerous driving conditions in the area. City Councilman Gaffney has announced plans to address these issues by installing speed bumps and increasing police patrols during school hours.
Jacksonville, Florida – A tragic accident occurred on Thursday afternoon when a 13-year-old Duval County middle school student was killed after being hit by a car while walking home from school. The incident took place on Biscayne Avenue near Marsh Hen Drive just before 4 PM, prompting immediate emergency medical assistance.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the young teen was struck while crossing the road and sadly was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The driver of the pickup truck involved in the incident remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation into the accident.
This incident marks a grim milestone, being the 100th traffic-related fatality in Duval County for the year. Following the news of the student’s death, Duval County Superintendent Christopher Bernier expressed deep condolences for the family, friends, and school community affected by this tragedy. Superintendent Bernier highlighted the importance of discussing pedestrian safety with children and urged parents to make time for these critical conversations over the weekend.
Residents in the area have long been vocal about concerns regarding dangerous driving along Biscayne Boulevard. Many pointed to the speed limit changes in the vicinity, where the limit shifts from 30 mph to 45 mph near Marsh Hen Drive, potentially encouraging speeding through this residential area. Local residents, including Ramona Badger, reported frequent near misses and difficulties in accessing driveways during peak school hours, particularly during drop-offs and dismissals.
Anita Barnes, another area resident, shared her experiences of witnessing multiple accidents on the road and called for immediate safety improvements, including the installation of speed bumps, traffic lights, and road delineators. In response to the community’s growing concerns, City Councilman Reggie Gaffney has committed to enhancing safety measures along Biscayne Boulevard. He announced plans to install speed bumps and increase police patrols during peak school hours, aiming to prevent further tragedies.
Councilman Gaffney also plans to host a community meeting to gather input from residents about safety issues in the area. The public has been encouraged to report any dangerous driving locations to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Gaffney’s office, or through the “MyJax” app to facilitate better enforcement and improvements.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the hope is that increased safety measures and awareness can prevent such tragedies in the future. The devastating loss of this student serves as a stark reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety and the ongoing need for vigilance on the roads, especially in school zones.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- Action News Jax
- WITN
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- News4Jax
- Google Search: Traffic Safety Measures
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
