A car hit two elementary school students in North Port Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, sending them to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. It happened around 8 a.m., close to Atwater Drive and Adderton Avenue.
The students were riding e-scooters in a crosswalk, headed to Atwater Elementary, when a turning vehicle struck them, according to North Port Police. One child’s injuries triggered a trauma alert, bad enough that emergency crews responded quickly.
Ambulances took both kids to SMH. The weather was rough, so air transport wasn’t an option.
People who live nearby said they’re worried, and not for the first time. They’ve seen cars speeding down Atwater Drive, often pushing 50 or 60 mph where the speed limit’s only 40. It’s a problem that’s gone unaddressed for too long.
Police stressed that this is a wake-up call about e-scooter and e-bike safety. Brittany Kammerer, the police department’s public information officer, urged parents to teach kids that helmets aren’t optional; they’re required by Florida law. She pointed out that even a slow-speed fall can leave lasting injuries. Fun as it is to zip through town, kids need to slow down at intersections and pay attention to what’s going on around them.
This crash comes right after Charlotte County Public Schools announced a crackdown on speeding in school zones, rolling out cameras to enforce the limits.
Atwater Elementary School distributed this letter to parents on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, in response to the incident:
Dear Atwater Families,
This morning, two students were involved in a serious accident off campus on their way to school. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and both students were transported for medical care.
We understand that some students may have witnessed this incident. Our district student support team is on campus today to provide assistance to any students who may need it.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with local authorities as they review the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Please take a moment to remind your child about the importance of safety when walking, biking, or scootering to school.
We appreciate your support and understanding. If you feel your child may need additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mindy Long
