Florida state school bus driver competition to return

THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — Pupil transporters from across the state will get a chance to showcase their skills as the state school bus driver competition returns in Florida next week.

The State of Florida Invitational Safety Skills Road-e-o will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28. Hillsborough County Public Schools will host the event at its main terminal in Thonotosassa.

Jim Beekman, who became Hillsborough’s general manager of transportation in October, said that it has been several years since a state school bus driver competition has been held in Florida. He added that his drivers and other staff members are excited to get the event started again.

School bus drivers will compete in driving, written and pre-trip portions. Fundraisers held by transportation staff members have generated cash prizes for top competitors: $500 for first place, $250 for second and $125 for third.

In addition to the driver skills competition, the event will offer a variety of activities for families.

For more information, contact Laura Hill, operations manager at Hillsborough County Public Schools, at (813) 982-5515.