Florida Senate bill aims to boost school safety with tech upgrade
Wink News | By Jolena Esperto |
In the wake of Florida’s sixth mass shooting this year at Florida State University, school safety has become a major concern for parents, students and state lawmakers.
A new bill, if signed by the governor, would mandate every public and charter school to upgrade their emergency protocols and technology.
Parents expressed their primary concern is ensuring their children return home safely from school each day.
Currently, first responders often arrive at schools in crisis without knowing the building layout. The proposed bill aims to address this by using technology to provide first responders with digital campus maps, potentially saving crucial seconds and lives.
“It’s devastating. I don’t even know what I would do,” said Michelle Guadagno.
Florida lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 1470, which could help first responders manage school emergencies more efficiently, including active shooter situations.
Guadagno shared that safety concerns led her daughter to homeschool her grandchildren in Naples.
“My daughter does home [school] for my grandchildren because she’s concerned about their welfare,” said Guadagno. “We need some prayer. It’s a sad world. Too much pain and hurt, and I don’t think these children need to grow up in a life like this.”
The bill would require schools to upgrade their emergency technology to include digital campus mapping, allowing responders a live view inside the school during a crisis.
Naples dad J.R., with two kids in public middle school, expressed his support for the bill.
“I believe in safety for all kids, and I think that anytime we have an opportunity to improve the process and bring safety to the communities, the local communities, it’s a good thing,” said J.R.
In Collier County, the public school spokesperson confirmed that the schools have been using critical incident maps in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office for several years. Schools in Lee and Charlotte counties also reported using these maps.
The bill’s potential to enhance school safety is a promising step toward protecting students and ensuring a safer learning environment.
