Florida Department of Transportation Honors Crossing Guards on
Appreciation Day 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) joins communities across the state to celebrate the selfless service of Florida's school crossing guards, recognizing their crucial role in enhancing community safety and protecting our schoolchildren. In a proclamation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, February 2, 2024, has been officially designated as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Florida, acknowledging the unwavering commitment and efforts of these guardians of safety.

“Florida's school crossing guards are invaluable assets to our communities, ensuring the safety of millions of school-aged children and their families," stated Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. "Their dedication to safeguarding our children's journeys to and from school is exemplary. On behalf of FDOT, I extend our deepest gratitude to these devoted individuals for their relentless service to the state and local communities.”

For the past 15 years, the first Friday of February has provided Floridians with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the admirable services provided by thousands of school crossing guards throughout the state. In addition to community recognition, FDOT annually highlights their dedication and professionalism through the School Crossing Guard Awards. This year, we are proud to announce the following individuals as the 2023 award recipients who have been chosen for their exceptional service:

2023 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year

• Queenie Howe, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office | “You can always count on Queenie to be early to her post and stay until each and every student has crossed safely, no matter how late. With over seven years of service, her dedication and compassion for the students and community she serves is evident. She has a positive attitude and is called a “bright light” to the kids and school staff. She makes everyone feel special and cared for and the love of her job is apparent.”

2023 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year

• Sandra Lazor, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office | “Sandra crosses hundreds of kids every week at a challenging intersection and cares about the safety and wellbeing of each and every one. She has created a safer and friendlier environment at the crossing, teaching pedestrian safety daily to her students, making sure they have fitted bicycle helmets and reminding them of safety protocols. Sandra is a favorite of coworkers and children alike and embodies service and care for her community.”

2023 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year - Extra Mile Award

• Yamile Diaz, Miami-Dade Police Department | “Yamile is reliable, never missing a day of work, and is vigilant and alert to protect the students she serves. She is polite and courteous, and her exceptional professionalism is highly regarded by students, the community, her co-workers, and superiors. Her swift response and great care have averted dangerous situations on several occasions over her nearly seven years of service and she continuously goes the extra mile to ensure the safety and wellbeing of her students.”

To further demonstrate its steadfast commitment to public safety and education, Florida continues to take a leading role in developing and implementing robust school crossing guard training guidelines that position these guards to safely and effectively operate guarded school crossings across the state. The Ramon Turnquest School Crossing Guard Act mandates comprehensive training for all guards, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in safeguarding our schoolchildren. FDOT, in collaboration with local law enforcement and partners, actively works towards enhancing the skills and capabilities of these vital community members. Learn more about the Florida School Crossing Guard Training Program

FDOT’s mission is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of the state’s environment and communities. FDOT strives to ensure Floridians are proud that the Sunshine State is the best place to live, learn, work, commute, and play, and that residents and visitors alike are offered the best transportation network with a variety of travel options. For more information, visit FDOT.gov.