ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — A longstanding Catholic school in St. Pete Beach will be closing its doors for good after 73 years.
St. John Vianney Catholic School notified parents and students on Wednesday night that it would be permanently closing at the end of this school year due to damage caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Because of the extensive damage to the school's structure, electrical, HVAC and roofing, students have been attending class at three different locations since October.
St. John Vianney students and teachers have been holding classes at Cathedral School of St. Jude, the Pastoral Center and St. Petersburg Catholic High School and will continue to do so through the end of the school year.
But starting next school year, students at St. John Vianney Catholic School will be welcome to join the Cathedral School of St. Jude as permanent students.
“Though I am saddened by the impact of these storms on our community, I find great hope in the future of a united school community that will continue to provide an exceptional, faith-filled Catholic education for our young people," Bishop Gregory Parkes said in a statement.
School leaders said they came to the decision after exploring multiple options to rebuild St. John Vianney Catholic School. The solutions, however, were not practical given the school's current resources.
St. John Vianney Catholic School opened its doors in September 1951 with 300 students. Today, it teaches VPK, Pre-K, Kindergarten and grades 1-8.