TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County school leaders announced all schools will close starting Monday in advance of possible impacts from what could be Hurricane Ian later this week.
Because many of the schools operate as storm shelters, buildings will operate as such through Thursday, the district said in a statement. This means schools will be closed Monday and remain closed through Friday.
All after-school programs and extra-curricular activities are canceled, as well.
"Many factors are considered when the [emergency operation center] activates shelters so even if our area experiences minimal physical effects from the storm, our school district plays a vital role in the EOC’s response," the district said in a statement.
"Our school principals coordinate the opening of shelter sites, and the utilization of bus drivers for evacuee transport and student nutrition staff for meals for those at the shelters."
The school district announced on Tuesday morning, that schools will reopen on Monday, October 3 to allow staff to clean and prepare classrooms for students.