Jacksonville city leaders to make walk to school safer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville City leaders want to make the walk to school safer for students living near nine schools.

The schools are: Henry F. Kite Elementary, Annie R. Morgan Elementary, Darnell Cookman Middle, Douglas Anderson School of Arts, Edward White High, Love Grove Elementary, Hogan Spring Glen Elementary, San Jose Elementary and Mayport Middle School.

They were chosen because of the number of crashes in the area, and locations where students are more likely to walk to school.

Penny McDonald  drives on Mayport every day. "It’s like a speedway, we always call it the Mayport 500," McDonald said.

McDonald said it's a nightmare when dropping off or picking up her kids from Mayport Middle School.

"There’s a lot of backup,” McDonald said.

The study conducted by the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization will take a look at a number of things, including infrastructure concerns whether the crosswalks are painted, how easy it is for kids to get to school, and gaps in the sidewalk.

The study will be done in July, and their recommendations will be handed over to the city or state for potential improvements.

Cox Media Group