Seven students were taken to local hospitals as a precaution after a Pinellas County school bus struck a safety bollard while leaving a parking lot adjacent to Coachman Park in Clearwater on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The collision occurred at approximately 12:48 p.m. as the bus, carrying about 50 students and staff, left after a concert at The BayCare Sound. The students were reportedly from Garrison-Jones Elementary School.
While turning to exit the parking lot, the bus struck a vehicle-mitigation safety bollard on the park’s south side at low speed. The collision damaged the bus’s passenger side and one passenger-side tire.
All occupants were evaluated for potential injuries. Seven students were transported to local hospitals for further medical evaluation and treatment. All reported injuries were minor.
Pinellas County Schools was notifying the parents of all juvenile passengers about the incident.
