Clermont, Fla. – Concerned parents and longtime residents are calling on local officials to add a traffic light at the busy County Road 561 and Pine Island Road intersection after a school bus was involved in a crash on Tuesday afternoon.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a vehicle, which had been rear‑ended at a stop sign, collided with a Lake County school bus just before 4:30 p.m. Three students were aboard the bus. While the school district confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, one parent chose to take a child to the emergency room for a precautionary exam.
“The bus was damaged and had to be towed,” a spokesperson for Lake County Schools said.
Neighbors cite safety concerns
Local resident Kira Hamilton, who lives near the intersection, said traffic incidents are common in the area. “Speeding, and no one knows when it’s their turn,” she said. “People are just getting frustrated.” Hamilton and other neighbors argue that the existing stop signs are insufficient, especially as new housing developments bring more families and young pedestrians to the neighborhood.
“People don’t care, even with stop signs,” another neighbor added. “We’re getting more houses built all around here. Kids are going to have to walk home. They’re going to have to ride their bikes.”
Call for action
Community members are urging the Lake County Board of Commissioners and the Clermont City Council to prioritize a traffic signal at the intersection. They contend that a signal would reduce the risk of future collisions, protect children walking or biking to school, and address the growing traffic volume caused by recent residential construction.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash, but the incident has sparked a broader conversation about road safety, parental responsibility, and the need for infrastructure that safeguards families.
What comes next?
Local officials have not yet announced a timeline for evaluating the request, but they have indicated they will review traffic data and consider input from residents. In the meantime, parents are being advised to remain vigilant, enforce safe crossing practices with their children, and report any dangerous driving behavior to law enforcement.
As Clermont continues to grow, the community’s push for a traffic light reflects a broader desire to ensure that the city’s streets remain safe for families, honoring the values of parental stewardship and responsible local governance.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
