Last Wednesday, on March 30, a Levy County school bus for the elementary school Yankeetown School was involved in an accident with a semi-truck. Several children onboard the bus were injured, two of whom were in serious condition.
Dawn Gurtner, owner of Sunshine Dreams Art Center in Inglis, said she was horrified when she heard the news.
“It wasn't just any little nick in the bumper," she said. "It was really bad."
Soon after, Gurtner decided to hold a fundraiser to help those affected by the crash. On Saturday, she fundraised money for the families by face painting and doing henna tattoos.
“It shakes you up a lot; I'm very empathetic, so I have a hard time not crying when...when anybody's hurt and it bothers me,” said Gurtner. “But I just knew that we needed to do something for the kids.”
Donations were also taken, and she was able to raise $246. Other small businesses are also trying to help those affected. Hair by Melissa, a business in Inglis, is collecting donations, paper goods and silverware.
In addition, donations for those involved and affected by the crash are being collected by the Yankeetown Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO).
An investigation into the crash is still ongoing by the Florida Highway Portal.