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Tropical Storm Helene: School closures announced as Florida braces for hit by major hurricane

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Updated  September 24, 2024 2:10pm EDT
Hurricane Helene
FOX 35 Orlando

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ORLANDO, Fla. - Tropical Storm Helene developed on Tuesday and is projected to intensify into a major hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico. It could potentially make landfall in Florida on Thursday.

In anticipation of the storm, school districts and universities in Florida are starting to announce school closures. FOX 35 News will provide updates to this article as more details regarding Central Florida schools become available.

Tracking Helene: Continuing Coverage

Alachua County

No school closures have been announced. As information comes into the newsroom, we'll update.

Brevard County

No school closures have been announced.

Dixie County

No school closures have been announced. As information comes into the newsroom, we'll update.

Flagler County

No school closures have been announced. As information comes into the newsroom, we'll update.

Gilchrist County

No school closures have been announced. As information comes into the newsroom, we'll update.

Lake County

Lake County Schools will have school on Wednesday, Sept. 25. School has been canceled for Thursday, Sept. 26. A decision has not been made regarding Friday, Sept. 27.

Levy County

No school closures have been announced. As information comes into the newsroom, we'll update.

Marion County

Marion County Schools will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26, ahead of Tropical Storm Helene.

Orange County

No school closures have been announced yet, but Orange County Public Schools said it is closely monitoring the storm. As information comes into the newsroom, we'll update.

Osceola County

No school closures have been announced yet, but the Osceola County School District said it is closely monitoring the storm. As information comes into the newsroom, we'll update.

Polk County

Polk County Schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26 & 27, ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. School plans to be back in session on Monday, Sept. 30.

Seminole County

No school closures have been announced yet, but Seminole County Public Schools said it is closely monitoring the storm. As information comes into the newsroom, we'll update.

Sumter County

Sumter District Schools will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday. Sept. 27. 

The district will share any other school cancelations on its website, or will communicate via its call out system, school signs and through media outlets, a spokesperson said. 

Volusia County

Volusia County Schools has canceled after-school activities for Wednesday, Sept. 25, but class will be in session. However, classes have been canceled for Thursday, Sept. 26.

Florida College, University Closures

  • Florida A&M University (FAMU) will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 24 through Friday, Sept. 27. Classes have been canceled through Friday. All academic activities will be suspended to address any potential interruptions due to the storm.
  • Florida State University (FSU) will be closed starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, through 11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.  The university expects to resume normal business operations at 12 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30.
  • Tallahassee State College will be closed from Wednesday, Sept. 25 through Friday, Sept. 27.

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