Pasco school left without air conditioning after lightning strike

LAND O’LAKES, Fla. (WFLA) — A Pasco County elementary school is trying to beat the heat.

The school district is in overdrive to keep classrooms cool after lightning zapped the air conditioning system at Oakstead Elementary School.

However, several parents are getting impatient after dealing with a week of setbacks.

“The air conditioning system was struck by lightning in the severe thunderstorm last week,” said school leaders in a statement issued to parents last Thursday. “We are running the air 24 hours a day to assist with keeping the building cool and have provided fans as well. Students are being kept inside for recess and PE so they do not get hot.”

The school district said a piece of equipment was debilitated due to the lightning strike and there have been delays with the shipment order.

“This is not a stock part, but a part that must be specifically manufactured for this system,” reads the statement.  “Our district maintenance team is ready to work around the clock to install the part as soon as it arrives.”

The order is expected to arrive on Tuesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.