JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It has now been two weeks since a Jacksonville girl was raped by a complete stranger in Arlington.
Police aren't taking any chances when it comes to preventing another attack.
Back to school is an exciting time for students and parents.
"It's important to me because I want a degree and to get a good job," said Shaun Simpson, a 2nd grade student at GRASP Academy.
"Definitely excited, summers over so it's time to get back to education," said Tavares Hankins, a parent.
These days, Hankins doesn't let his children out of his sight.
"For secure reasons, they know that I'm here," Hankins said.
Tensions are high in his Arlington community, with the suspect is still out there.
"They're very on-edge. Everybody is worrying about their daughters, and everybody is walking their daughters to school. That's the only protection we have with the parents,” said Rubin Yancey, neighborhood watch participant.
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Police focused on elementary schools Monday, both on and off campus.
Action News Jax saw them patrolling the streets surrounding the GRASP Academy.
But when we went by some nearby elementary schools shortly after the first bell, we didn't see any officers.
None at Lake Lucina, none at Arlington Heights and none at Parkwood Heights, which does have a school district police station right across the street.
Regardless, these parents aren't leaving their student's safety up to someone else ... especially this father with a daughter the same age as the victim.
"That's one of the biggest reasons why I'm here at this bus stop, my 8-year-old daughter. I make sure she's safe at all times,” Hankins said.
Action News Jax asked JSO how long they plan to have an increased presence at Elementary Schools. They tell us until the threat is over.
JSO recommends parents discuss a safety plan with their children, and make sure they're walking in groups to and from school.