Classes to resume Monday at Newsome High School with increased security

Classes at Newsome High School in Lithia, Florida, will resume on Monday following a lockdown due to multiple threats, including a bomb threat and a threat to shoot a teacher. In response, the school will implement increased security measures, requiring students to pass through metal detectors and have their backpacks searched as they arrive on campus. Principal Katie Rocha assured parents that these steps are crucial for ensuring the safety of the students. Since September 4, there have been more than 100 threats reported to schools across Florida, coinciding with a tragic shooting incident at a Georgia high school. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has indicated that a significant number of these threats have been made via the Fortify Florida app, which is currently under scrutiny for potential hacking.

Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his deep concern for the turmoil faced by parents during these unsettling times. The lockdown at Newsome High School was enforced for most of the day last Friday, with students confined to their classrooms. As classes resume, officials are urging patience from families as they navigate the new security procedures.