Most Central Florida public schools plan to reopen Friday

The Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia county school districts all plan to reopen campuses on Friday after a one-day shutdown for Hurricane Helene.

The Osceola County school district will be closed Friday because that day was an already scheduled student holiday.

At least 60 of Florida’s 67 school districts, from the Keys to the Panhandle, closed at least one day this week as the storm threatened the state.

Most of Central Florida’s school districts said classes would be held Friday as long as the weather permits.

“Based on the current forecast all schools and facilities will reopen on Friday, Sept. 27,” Orange County Public Schools posted on its Facebook page. “The primary decision point to open schools and facilities is based on wind speeds and National Weather Service models that show winds will be significantly below our 35 mph threshold for buses to be on the road.”

District officials said they will be monitoring weather conditions and inspecting campuses early Friday and will alert parents to any change in plans.

“We are continuing to work closely with Seminole County Emergency Management to monitor weather conditions in our area,” Seminole County Public Schools posted on Facebook. “At this time, we anticipate our district being fully operational and school being in session on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.”