Hurricane Milton: Florida schools close as huge storms approaches Gulf coast
Florida schools, colleges, and universities have announced closures ahead of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall over Florida's Gulf coast.
Regardless of where the eye falls, Florida's west coast will be hit with life-threatening storm surge and flooding, as well as damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for tornadoes. Central Florida may see heavy rainfall, flooding, damaging windows, and some tornado threats.
Here are the schools that have closed ahead of Milton. We'll continue to update as info comes into the newsroom.
Alachua County School Closures
No school closures have been announced.
Brevard County School Closures
- Brevard Public Schools will be open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday
- Closed on Wednesday and Thursday
Flagler County School Closures
No school closures have been announced.
Marion County School Closures
- After-school activities canceled on Tuesday, Oct. 8,
- Closed on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 & 10.
Lake County School Closures
"Lake County public schools are open tomorrow (Monday, 10/7). The district will announce on Monday any changes to school operations resulting from Hurricane Milton. The announcement will be shared directly with parents by email and phone call. It will also be posted on district and school web pages and on district and school official social media pages."
Orange County School Closures
"We are continuing to monitor and track Hurricane Milton. District leadership has been meeting to discuss preparations for the storm’s impact on Orange County. The OCPS Safety & Emergency Management team is coordinating operations with the Orange County Office of Emergency Management and other local officials to ensure the school district’s decision-making is aligned with our partners.
We will have another update on Monday on any potential school closures and canceling of after-school activities."
Osceola County School Closures
- Schools open on Monday and Tuesday.
- Tuesday after-school activities canceled.
- Schools closed on Wednesday.
- No decision yet on Thursday or Friday.
Polk County School Closures
- After-school activities on Monday, Oct. 7, are canceled.
- Schools closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Oct. 8-10.
Sumter County School Closures
No school closures have been announced.
Seminole County School Closures
"We are working closely with Seminole County FL Emergency Management to monitor weather conditions due to Tropical Storm Milton. We will provide updates as more information becomes available."
Volusia County School Closures
- School in session on Monday, Oct. 7. After-school activities canceled.
- Decision to be made Monday on the potential for school closures.
Florida College, University Closures
University of Florida
"UF will continue to monitor and update all on expected impacts or operational changes as information becomes available. Regularly check the UF homepage for updates. Any announcements regarding operational changes will be made through official UF channels, including the UF Alert Emergency Notification System."
University of Central Florida
"UCF is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton and will provide an update to the university community this evening."
No school closures have been announced
Rollins College
- Classes and events canceled all week, Monday - Friday, Oct. 7-11, 2024.
- The campus will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8
- Residents must evacuate campus by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
- Student Outreach & Resource Center will help students evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, if needed.
- Valencia College: No school closures have been announced.
- Florida A&M University: No school closures have been announced.
- Full Sail University: No school closures have been announced.