Broward public schools reopening Friday after Helene prompts closures

FORT LAUDERDALE - Broward County Public Schools are expected to reopen on Friday after they were closed Thursday as Hurricane Helene approached Florida.

On Thursday afternoon, the district shared it will resume normal operations. Also, the Redefining Our Schools Community Meeting scheduled for Thursday at Miramar High School was rescheduled for Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.

"We are thankful that Broward County was spared the worst of the hurricane and stand ready to assist other districts in their recovery efforts," the district stated on X.

The closures included before and after-school care, after-school activities, field trips, and evening events and classes, the schools district said on Wednesday.

Broward has 326 schools and education centers districtwide. It is the second largest school district in the state behind Miami-Dade.

Miami-Dade schools were open Thursday but all outdoor activities were moved indoors, including after-school care.

Schools in Monroe County were closed on Thursday and Friday. Palm Beach County campuses will be open Friday after closing Thursday.

Florida International University was open.

All other Florida universities were closed Thursday: Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Florida A&M University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of West Florida, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, University of North Florida.

A tropical storm warning was in effect throughout South Florida.