TAMPA, Florida — Tampa Bay-area school districts closed this week in preparation for Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall Wednesday morning as a major Category 3 storm in Florida's Big Bend region.
Idalia brought strong wind, rain and major storm flooding throughout the Gulf Coast.
Because of the ongoing threats, local officials are urging families to continue to use caution as schools begin reopening throughout the region.
Here's a county-by-county guide of Tampa Bay-area school district reopenings after Hurricane Idalia.
Citrus County Schools will reopen on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
"Should you have any issues or concerns, please contact the administration at your school. As always, we appreciate your time, understanding, and patience during these uncertain times," Superintendent Sam Himmel said in a statement.
The Hardee County School District will re-open for business as usual with all staff and students on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Highlands County Schools will remain closed on Wednesday and will reopen on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Hernando County Schools will remain closed through Wednesday with plans to reopen on Thursday, Aug. 31. Several schools in the district are currently serving as shelters.
Hillsborough County Schools will reopen on Thursday, Aug. 31. Families who cannot get students to school due to flooding or damage are asked to contact the school in the morning.
Manatee County schools are set to reopen on Thursday, Aug. 31, in addition to resuming extracurricular activities and extended day.
Pasco County schools will reopen on Thursday, Aug. 31, including all other after-school activities.
Pinellas County schools will be open on Thursday, Aug. 31. District leaders say they realize some areas are prone to flooding, so families should assess their situation and decide whether their children to go to school
A student absent due to weather-related circumstances will be marked as an excused absence, the district said.
As originally planned, Polk County schools and offices will remain closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30, and Thursday, Aug. 31. Schools will reopen on Friday, Sept. 1.
Sarasota County School leaders have closed evacuation centers and are in the process of cleaning facilities to reopen schools on Thursday, Aug. 31. Transportation services, food services and after-school activities will resume on Thursday, as well.
Families and employees with concerns about returning on Thursday are urged to contact their school.