ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Below is a running list of threats made to Tampa Bay schools and actions taken by investigators following the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Fla.:
Feb. 22
The Manatee County School District is asking for its middle and high school students to keep their backpacks at home Friday, Feb. 23.
Feb. 21
Feb. 20
Feb. 18
Feb. 16
- Two Auburndale High School students face charges for statements insinuating an impending school shooting - including one sent hours before the school shooting in Parkland.
Feb. 15
- A South Carolina teenager who posted a school shooting threat on Snapchat with the caption "Round 2 of Florida tomorrow" prompted calls to multiple Tampa Bay law enforcement agencies, including sheriff's offices in Pasco, Polk, Sarasota and Manatee counties.
We also reached out to multiple agencies regarding threats they've investigated. These were their statements as of Feb. 20:
Pinellas Sheriff:
- About 10 threats within the past week.
- One arrest was for a credible threat and a student in distress was placed in custody under the Baker Act.
Pinellas Schools:
"Several Pinellas County Schools have been tagged in social media messages containing threats and images of rumors that have already been investigated by law enforcement. Law enforcement does not believe there is a credible threat to our district. We need students and parents help to end the spread of false information on social media. If anyone sees concerning information online, please do not spread it further. Please contact law enforcement."
Pasco Sheriff:
- More than 70 threats of different types, not just schools.
Pasco Schools:
- The district has investigated multiple threats, including one on a whiteboard in an empty classroom, a Snapchat photo suggesting a shooting during a pep rally (the rally happened without any shootings) and students pulling fire alarms.
Sarasota Schools:
“In the days following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the sheriff’s office has received several reports related to schools throughout Sarasota County. Most of the reports include general information and tips about particular students and campuses however, none of the information received has articulated a credible threat to any school in our community. Officials believe the steady increase in information is due to a heightened awareness following the Parkland incident which garnered international media attention.”
Manatee Schools:
- "At least 4 to 5 since the shooting, with multiple arrests taking place today on that front."
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