Newsome High in Lithia dismissed on time after reported threat investigated by deputies

Deputies investigated a potential threat at Newsome High School for several hours, before saying students would be dismissed on time. Sheriff Chad Chronister said students who drove to school would be dismissed at 2:50 p. m. , with deputies helping with traffic flow. The rest of the student body was dismissed at 3:25 p.

m. The incident is still under investigation. Parent Juan Garay, whose freshman son was locked inside the school, says it was exhausting. “Things like this, continue to pop up and create stress and anxiety on parents and kids alike, because my my son is really scared in there," he said. Superintendent Van Ayres said the district has received 181 false threats since Sept.

4, the day of a deadly school shooting in Georgia. “Since the incident in Georgia on Sept. 4, it's almost become, I almost hate to use like a copycat type of thing, that's kind of been online, but obviously that’s why we’re here today. The message isn’t getting through. ” Deputies are investigating a potential threat Friday afternoon at Newsome High School.

According to Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister, deputies have been at the school campus on Fishhawk Boulevard in Lithia for several hours and the school is on lockdown. The office's School Threat Assessment Response Team received a tip regarding the potential threat at approximately 8:47 a. m. Authorities are working to determine the credibility of the threat and no one is permitted to enter the school at this time. The sheriff's office said no firearm had been located.

Officials said via social media earlier this afternoon: “Parents, please do not attempt to pick up your children at the school. Park in the Shops of Fishhawk across the street. Our deputies are on-site working to ensure the safety of all students and staff. We understand your concern, thank you for your cooperation. ” **_This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.