Pinellas County cancels classes as Tropical Storm Milton nears

Pinellas County schools will not hold classes Monday through Wednesday as the district prepares for its second storm in two weeks.

The district also has called off all activities and events and closed its offices during that time as officials monitor and prepare for Tropical Storm Milton.

As of 11 a.m. Sunday, the National Hurricane Center has the storm approaching the region as a major hurricane early Wednesday. The track remains uncertain.

Heavy rains are expected to hit the area well ahead of the storm.

The district closed two schools — Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 and Gulf Beaches Elementary — as a result of storm surge from Hurricane Helene. It only recently got those classes operational at different campuses while repairs take place.

Now it faces a new set of circumstances as Milton threatens to be more of a wind and rain event that, depending on its path, could also bring more storm surge to the region.

“God bless our schools, school family and those who stand the watch at our school shelters during this time,” school board chairperson Laura Hine said.

The district has made no decisions regarding classes for Thursday and Friday. It expected to have more information as the track of the storm becomes more certain.

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