Officials examine traffic safety in the wake of Fleming Island teen's death

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — Action News is taking a closer look at the bus routes in Fleming Island and finding areas of concern for parents.

On Thursday 14-year-old Gianna Asencio was killed while walking to her school bus stop. Now her family wants officials to consider making changes to the area.
 
Driving down Eagle Harbor Parkway, we saw pedestrian crossing signs at the crosswalks and reduced speed limits in school zones. But crossing County Road 220 is an area of concern for school officials.

There is a crosswalk for pedestrians to use but it's a busy road that we've learned many students try to avoid.
 
"A lot of students who are on the other side of 220 do participate in the courtesy riding program," said Clay County School District spokesman Gavin Rollins.
 
According to a state statute, if students live outside of the 2-mile radius from school they are bused in, but those who live within that radius walk to school.

Clay County schools allow students to jump on bus routes that aren't overcrowded.
 
"We will never leave a student at a bus stop," said Rollins.

County Road 220 hasn't been deemed a hazardous zone yet, but other roads have.
 
"Although state law does not require us to, we bus from the other side of Highway 17 just for an added precaution and safety measure," said Rollins.
 
On our ride back, we found a crossing guard at the street where Gianna was killed. She was hit less than one hour before that guard arrived. Now her mother wants local leaders to make changes.
 
"They don't have a crossing guard in the morning. There was the sign but it's dark in the morning, so they're going to try and get speed bumps from what I heard," said Lisa Asencio.
 
School officials tells Action News they will be reviewing the area in the coming weeks to see if changes, like adding speed bumps or crossing guards, would help. They also will be looking into whether more buses are needed to accommodate more students.

RELATED:

• Fleming Island neighbors say teen's death sheds light on other traffic issues
• Teen's death prompts review of Eagle Harbor traffic safety
• Hundreds gather to remember Fleming Island teen fatally hit by car

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