Glades County electric buses double as shelters during hurricane season

These electric buses are transforming into mobile generators and cooling stations during storms, offering essential support to families who may not have access to traditional shelters.

"These buses are very important for a small community because we have issues with hurricanes during our summers," said Jalayce Mars, a Glades County local. "For parents and families who have to consider their home life, this is a great support as a shelter for families who are not able to go into a facility."

Inside, these buses appear like any other school bus, but their capabilities extend far beyond. They store power, act as mobile generators, and serve as cooling or charging stations during storms.

"We have an idea of where we're going to use these buses for portable cooling centers after a natural disaster or storm," said Dan Thomas from the Glades County District. "They have air conditioners on board. They'll run for hours, and maybe perhaps 24 hours on our battery. And so the result being that we can provide cooling relief to our communities."

Maddie Herron, a WINK News reporter, spoke with Sawyer Honnerlaw, a student at Moore Haven Elementary, who emphasized the importance of this initiative.

"They work hard and they deserve to have air conditioning buses," said Sawyer Honnerlaw.

Currently, Glades County has 13 electric school buses, replacing more than half of its diesel fleet.

"Most people run off of some other type of power source," said Thomas. "But this is going to give me the ability to put a bus right there in a community and, you know, provide them with that service."

During storms, these electric buses will be stationed at community centers throughout the area, available to anyone in need.