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Memorandum from Floyd T. Christian, Florida Commissioner of Education, to the State Board of Education regarding district school schedules and traffic accidents, January 28, 1974
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General Note
In Florida, the change to year-round DST came with serious consequences. In the first few weeks after the time change was enacted, several school-aged children were injured in traffic accidents in the dark mornings on their way to school.
In response to these accidents, there was an outpouring of citizen correspondence to Governor Askew expressing their opinions on year-round DST and whether or not Florida should move to counteract the Federal mandate within the state.
On January 29th, 1974, the Florida Legislature met for a special session to discuss DST. At the end of this session, no legislation was passed, and Florida continued to comply with the year-round Daylight Saving Time that President Nixon established.
In 2018, the Florida Legislature passed the “Sunshine Protection Act” (HB1013/SB858), stating that Florida will enact a year-round DST, provided that the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966 is amended to permit states to do so.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
TALLAHASSEE 32304
FLOYD T. CHRISTIAN
COMMISSIONER
January 28, 1974
MEMORANDUM
TO: Member, State Board of Education
FROM: Floyd T. Christian [Floyd T. Christian signed]
For your information we have surveyed the districts to determine their current operation schedules. 55 districts have moved forward the opening time for some or all of their schools. 12 districts have made no changes in the opening time for schools.
The following districts have not changed hours:
Bradford
Calhoun
Clay
DeSoto
Holmes
Jackson
Liberty
Osceola
Pasco
Putman
Wakulla
Walton
All other districts have changed opening hours from thirty minutes to an hour. In some districts changes varied from school to school or at different grade levels. Details are on attached table.
In addition, we are attaching materials on accidents reported to this office and efforts to maximize safety measures within the districts.
Sbh
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
TALLAHASSEE 32304
FLOYD T. CHRISTIAN
COMMISSIONER
January 28, 1974
MEMORANDUM
TO: Member, State Board of Education
FROM: Floyd T. Christian [Floyd T. Christian signed]
For your information we have surveyed the districts to determine their current operation schedules. 55 districts have moved forward the opening time for some or all of their schools. 12 districts have made no changes in the opening time for schools.
The following districts have not changed hours:
Bradford
Calhoun
Clay
DeSoto
Holmes
Jackson
Liberty
Osceola
Pasco
Putman
Wakulla
Walton
All other districts have changed opening hours from thirty minutes to an hour. In some districts changes varied from school to school or at different grade levels. Details are on attached table.
In addition, we are attaching materials on accidents reported to this office and efforts to maximize safety measures within the districts.
Sbh
1. A 10 year old boy on the way to school in Broward County was crossing a street when struck by a car turning right at a traffic light at 7:20 a.m. on January 14.
2. A 14 year old boy was struck from behind by a pickup truck at 7:35 a.m. on January 15 in Duval County.
3. An 8 year old boy was struck by a car when he stepped into a street to retrieve an orange in Tampa, Hillsborough County, at 8:00 a.m. on January 16.
4. A 17 year old girl was driving a car that crashed in Gulf County at 7:55 a.m. on January 15.
5. A 6 year old boy was struck when he crossed the street to get on his bus in Hillsborough County at 8:06 a.m. on January 23.
6. A 13 year old boy was struck by a car as he walked the mile from home in Seminole County to his school, at about 8:00 a.m. on January 23.
7. A 16 year old male bicyclist was killed in Pasco County on January 21 at 7:25 a.m.
8. A 17 year old male was killed in Palm Beach County on January 22 at 6:50 a.m. while riding his bicycle to school.
Comparable Period for 1973
1. A 6 year old white female pedestrian was killed in Escambia County at 7:27 a.m., January 19, 1973
2. A 9 year old male pedestrian was killed in Dade County at 7:53 a.m., January 24, 1973
General Note
In Florida, the change to year-round DST came with serious consequences. In the first few weeks after the time change was enacted, several school-aged children were injured in traffic accidents in the dark mornings on their way to school.
In response to these accidents, there was an outpouring of citizen correspondence to Governor Askew expressing their opinions on year-round DST and whether or not Florida should move to counteract the Federal mandate within the state.
On January 29th, 1974, the Florida Legislature met for a special session to discuss DST. At the end of this session, no legislation was passed, and Florida continued to comply with the year-round Daylight Saving Time that President Nixon established.
In 2018, the Florida Legislature passed the “Sunshine Protection Act” (HB1013/SB858), stating that Florida will enact a year-round DST, provided that the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966 is amended to permit states to do so.
Chicago Manual of Style
Christian, Floyd T., 1914-1998. Memorandum from Floyd T. Christian, Florida Commissioner of Education, to the State Board of Education regarding district school schedules and traffic accidents, January 28, 1974. 1974-01-28. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. <https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/350887>, accessed 4 December 2024.
MLA
Christian, Floyd T., 1914-1998. Memorandum from Floyd T. Christian, Florida Commissioner of Education, to the State Board of Education regarding district school schedules and traffic accidents, January 28, 1974. 1974-01-28. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/350887>
AP Style Photo Citation
(State Archives of Florida/Christian)