As students in Lee County prepare to return to school next week, safety remains a top priority. Two years ago, the Lee County School District installed metal detectors to enhance security.
The district reported a 30% decrease in incidents since 2023, with law enforcement presence also decreasing significantly. The Lee County Sheriff's Office presence dropped by nearly 20%, Fort Myers Police Department by 9%, and Cape Coral Police by 45%.
Four-year-old Emma is excited for the school year to begin.
"I love school," said Emma with a smile.
Her parents, Emerico and Georgia, are pleased with the safety measures in place.
"That's one of the most important things for us as parents, is making sure that our kids are attending a safe environment for school," said Emerico and Georgia. "We feel that way with our toddler, so I think we make the right decision."
As students in Lee County prepare to return to school next week, safety remains a top priority.
Chad Oliver of Collier County Public Schools emphasized the importance of multiple security layers.
"There's not one way to keep an entire campus safe, and so the minute you pull onto campus, the layers of security start," said Oliver. "Whether it's the gate that you drive through to get into the school property, the perimeter fencing. You know, decades ago, school campuses didn't have perimeter fencing."
Collier County schools are also preparing with safety features like badge access, lockdown drills, and perimeter fencing.
In Lee County, parents like Lacey Turner appreciate the new adjustments.
"It does make it feel a lot better, knowing that our kids are safer day by day," said Turner. "Especially with the metal detectors. Those are definitely a big help, and that does definitely make things feel safer."
Other parents shared similar sentiments, expressing confidence in the improving safety measures each year.