Many Santa Rosa County parents, students and teachers protested the school board’s May 2008 decision to change when schools started. But less than a year later, transportation planners are applauding.

“The schools’ changing their starting times has had much more of an impact on (U.S. Highways) 90 and 98 than we could have accomplished in years,”  said Jim DeVries of the Florida Department of Transportation.  “What we’re trying to say is, ‘Thank you, and please consider this in the future when you consider changing school times.’”

For more on this story, see the March 19 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.