Security increases at Newsome High School following ‘fake threat’

LITHIA, Fla. (WFLA) — Students were packed in at the doors of Newsome High School on Monday morning after several threats were made toward the school on Friday.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office decided to increase security measures and check bags as students arrived for school. Somewhere in the crowd of kids was Chris Carreira’s son who just moved here from South Africa.

“Friends and family were like ‘oh you’re going to go there and aren’t you worried about your kids you know and the shootings that have happened there. They’re so frequent in the U.S.,” said Carreira.

The sheriff’s office said they were made aware of eight threats toward Newsome High School on Friday.

“And then it was real,” Carreira said. “Then it was like this actually happens.”

Friday was a traumatizing experience for many people at Newsome High School as hundreds of officers scoured through students’ and teachers’ belongings.

“Having to sit sort of in one single spot for six hours, kind of just left to your own devices kind of thing, you know, your mind plays tricks on you.”

Carreira said he was a little apprehensive, but comfortable sending his son back to Newsome High on Monday because of how the situation is being handled.

“It is a lot more abiding by the law than it is at home because of the lack of policing, but here we have a very visible and active policing so it helps a lot,” said Carreira.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office didn’t find a weapon through their search efforts on Friday. Deputies are still looking for those responsible for the threats.

Carreira is choosing to trust law enforcement, but he does wish one thing would have gone differently last week.

“Parents sitting on the outside, your school is locked down, your kids are inside, they’ve got no contact with you, we don’t know what’s happening, we don’t know what point of contact to make, where to find information from so that was just a little bit concerning.”

Sheriff Chronister acknowledged the turmoil students and parents went through last week. He said no one should ever have to feel that fear or uncertainty.

The sheriff hopes extra security at school today will make students feel safer.

There is now a $1,000 reward out for anyone who has information that could help HCSO arrest the person who allegedly threatened Newsome High School.

From HCSO :

To report a tip anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from your cell phone, or use the free Florida Crime Stoppers app.

Parents, talk to your children, monitor their social media, and report anything suspicious. Keeping our students safe is our top priority.

Text “CSTB” to 738477 to receive a link to Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip form. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help and STOP to cancel.

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