Residents press Flagler County for covered bus shelter in Espanola; commissioners back pilot study

Neighbors in the Espanola community told Flagler County commissioners on Wednesday that children waiting at a bus stop on State Road 13 and Highway 205 face high speeds, poor visibility and no weather protection, and they urged the county to install a covered shelter. Maria Barbosa, a Flagler County school board member, described students waiting in the rain and drivers rounding a curve at high speed. "You will see the traffic there is very high and they drive very fast," Barbosa said. Other residents described big trucks passing the stop and recalled multiple generations of children who took that stop. Commissioners and staff said the county could pursue a pilot shelter at a safer location near the Espanola fire station that would serve as a model for other rural stops. Commissioner William Mullins proposed building a sample shelter in Espanola and using private-sector partners to cover costs for the concrete pad and lighting; Mullins said Florida Power & Light had expressed interest in providing lighting and private businesses could be solicited for the concrete and shelter donation. County transportation staff said there are grants and regional-transportation options that could support shelters in rural areas. Mullins said a typical aluminum-and-plexiglass shelter would cost roughly $1,500 for the structure, with additional costs for a concrete pad and lighting; the county would seek private donations or grants before asking the board for public funding. County and school officials said the school district is part of the discussion and that any shelter placement would need school-board coordination; Andy Dantz, the county transportation planner, said he had involved transportation experts, the school district and the River City Transportation Planning Organization in preliminary work. Commissioners also discussed enforcement and speed-control measures at the curve and noted developing options — from solar-powered lighting to FPL-provided circuits — to avoid long-term county utility costs for isolated stops. The board gave general consent to pursue the pilot investigation and directed staff to continue working with the school district, law enforcement and potential private partners. Why it matters: School bus stops without shelter or safe crossing points expose elementary students to weather and traffic risks. A low-cost pilot could provide a replicable model for other rural stops across the county. Background and next steps: Staff will return with a site plan, firm cost estimates for the shelter, pad and lighting, and proposed private/public funding commitments. Commissioners indicated they prefer advancing projects that require minimal general-fund expenditures and maximize private or grant funding.