August 22, 2025

Tragic Accident Prompts Calls for School Traffic Safety Improvements

News Summary

A tragic accident on Jacksonville’s Northside has led to the 100th traffic-related death in Duval County this year, raising urgent concerns for traffic safety in school zones. The incident, involving a pickup truck, occurred near Somerset Academy, where parents are advocating for better safety measures. Local officials have begun discussions on traffic calming initiatives to enhance safety for students commuting to school, underscoring the growing need for improved traffic protocols and community vigilance.

Jacksonville – A tragic accident on Jacksonville’s Northside has led to renewed calls for enhanced traffic safety measures after a young teenager lost their life while trying to cross an intersection. The incident took place on Thursday afternoon at around 4 p.m., involving a pickup truck and occurring at the intersection of Biscayne Boulevard and March Hen Drive. The driver of the vehicle, a Toyota pickup truck, remained at the scene and is currently cooperating with authorities as they investigate the matter further.

This fatality marks a grim milestone as the 100th traffic-related death in Duval County for the year. The community is coming together in grief and concern, particularly for the safety of children attending nearby schools. A mother of a student at Somerset Academy, located less than a mile from the accident site, has been vocal about her long-standing concerns regarding unsafe traffic conditions around the school. The academy serves approximately 600 students, and the mother believes that no parent should have to endure the heartache of losing a child due to dangerous road conditions in proximity to a school.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has stated that Biscayne Boulevard is not maintained by the state, while Dunn Avenue, designated as State Road 104, is regularly assessed for potential safety improvements. This clarification has implications for the responsibilities and actions that can be taken regarding traffic safety enhancements in the area.

Somerset Academy is a charter school and is not managed by the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS). This designation means that the school itself is responsible for arranging crossing guards, a point of concern raised by parents who are advocating for better safety measures. In light of the recent tragedy, Jacksonville City Council Member Reggie Gaffney Jr. expressed his condolences to the family and recognized the pressing need for enhanced traffic safety protocols around schools.

While there have been some initiatives aimed at improving road safety, Gaffney acknowledged that there is always more to be done to prevent future incidents. Discussions are underway about implementing various traffic calming measures, including the installation of speed bumps, traffic lights, and an increase in police presence during peak school commute hours.

The superintendent of Duval County Schools, Dr. Christopher Bernier, has also emphasized the importance of both pedestrian and driver awareness in safeguarding students. He reminded parents of the need for vigilance after a middle school student was killed and another injured in separate incidents during the first week of school.

In response to escalating safety concerns, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has ramped up patrols in school zones. They stress the importance of caution and attentiveness among both pedestrians and drivers in order to foster a safer environment for students commuting to and from school.

The school district is actively promoting its “Be Safe. Be Seen” campaign, which aims to implement safety practices for students walking to school. Residents have reported ongoing issues with dangerous driving behavior on Biscayne Boulevard, calling for immediate action to address these concerns. Community members are encouraged to report hazardous areas and participate in upcoming public safety meetings to engage with others on traffic safety topics.

Mayor Donna Deegan has been advocating for a safer Jacksonville, aiming for a city where parents and children do not fear walking or biking to school or work. This commitment reflects Jacksonville’s Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and halve traffic-related injuries over the next decade. This strategic shift underscores the community’s priority on safety in transportation planning and practices.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Incident Claims Life of Duval County Middle School Student
Jacksonville Mother Kayla Bailey Found Alive After Two Days Missing
Man Arrested for Attempted Murder After Stabbing Incident
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Attempted Child Enticement
Hurricane Erin to Impact Florida Beaches with High Surf and Rip Currents
Jacksonville Faces Heat and Tropical Storm Effects
Hurricane Erin Raises Concerns at Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Steps Up Traffic Enforcement Amid Fatalities
Jacksonville Man Charged with Attempted Child Enticement
Jacksonville Weather Impact Alert Issued Amid Hurricane Erin

Additional Resources

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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!