Last week, a petition asking the county to remove street lights on the Peavine Trail was signed by over 200 people. Many of them were landowners who said they just wanted to avoid the trappings of city life and live in peace out in the country. Many said they signed because they enjoyed gazing at the stars, and The Kissimmee Prairie Prairie State Park is one of the very few designated Dark Sky areas in the state of Florida.

Commissioner Bryant Culpepper explained his reason for having the lights installed was to ensure the safety of children as they wait for school buses early in the morning. He cited several incidents in recent months when children were hit or almost hit by vehicles while waiting at the bus stop. He also expressed concern about pedophiles.

Since the article last week, Commissioner Culpepper said he has spoken to the county engineer about the matter and they are looking into having the lights set on timers so the children will be safe in the wee morning hours while waiting for their buses, but the lights won’t interfere with the dark skies and the stargazing.