Polk County Public Schools will close Thursday and Friday in response to potentially serious weather effects as a potentially major hurricane makes its way along Florida’s Gulf Coast in the coming days.
In a message to staff and families on Tuesday afternoon, the Polk school district said classes will continue as scheduled on Wednesday, but after-school activities, including sports, must end by 6 p.m.
Tropical Storm Helene formed in the western Caribbean on Tuesday morning and is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane as it tracks through the Gulf of Mexico on course for a Thursday evening landfall. If it holds to its current projected course, it would land in the Florida Panhandle near the Big Bend area.
“As the storm progresses, we anticipate that Polk County will begin experiencing rain bands and winds between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday,” the district said. “The current forecast indicates that our county may face tropical storm conditions from Thursday morning through 2 a.m. on Friday.
“As a precaution, we have decided to close all PCPS schools and offices on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27.”
A hurricane watch was issued for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, from Venice to just west of Apalachicola, and a tropical storm watch was issued for several inland counties, including Polk.
Gov. Ron DeSantis extended a state of emergency to 61 of Florida’s 67 counties on Tuesday morning, including Polk County.
“For specific information about rescheduled events, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school directly,” the district said.
“This decision is driven by our commitment to the safety of our students and staff. The uncertainty surrounding the storm’s trajectory necessitates that we allow our team’s adequate time to assess the condition of our campuses and facilities, ensuring they are safe for reopening.
“We plan to resume normal operations on Monday, Sept. 30.”
The district said that, as of Tuesday, Polk County Emergency Management did not intend to activate school sites as emergency shelters. “We will continue to work closely with county personnel, and we are ready to provide support as needed,” the email said.
Polk County Public Schools’ decision does not apply to charter schools or private schools.
However, the Schools of McKeel Academy, a charter system in Lakeland with two elementary schools and a middle/high school, also sent a message to parents Tuesday afternoon saying the schools would close Thursday and Friday.
The McKeel message said that South McKeel and McKeel Central Cat Care would operate as normal on Wednesday, but “all other after-school activities and athletics scheduled on Wednesday, September 25 are cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.”
Parents or guardians must register campers upon arrival. Camp is limited to 30 campers, filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers should come prepared with lunch, two snacks and a water bottle for the day.
Colleges in Polk County
Polk State College, as of Tuesday afternoon, had not decided on possible school closures this week.
Southeastern University will carry on normal operations on Wednesday, but “Out of an abundance of caution, classes and co-curricular activities will be canceled on Thursday, September 26,” said university spokesperson Dana Davis. “Classes will also be canceled on Friday, September 27. University offices will also be closed on Thursday and Friday, with the exception of essential personnel.”
Florida Southern College said it will turn to remote learning on Thursday and Friday, and the campus will be closed Thursday.