Emergency Management
Weather Updates
Tuesday - Sept. 12, 2017 - 1:45 pm
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After a detailed update from TECO Energy at the county’s Emergency Operations Center, Superintendent Eakins has moved school opening in Hillsborough County to Monday, September 18, when all schools should have power. More information can be found on the Hurricane Irma frequently asked questions page.
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Monday - Sept. 11, 2017 - 7:00 pm
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After gathering information from Hillsborough County emergency managers, TECO Energy, and other partners, the district has decided Hillsborough County schools will reopen on Thursday, September 14, 2017. Information on how this important decision was made can be found on the Hurricane Irma frequently asked questions page.
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Monday - Sept. 11, 2017 - 2:30 pm
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We have created a frequently asked questions page to answer many of the questions coming up now that Hurricane Irma has passed. A decision will be made today whether or not schools will reopen Wednesday.
All of us remain grateful for the dedication of more than 1,200 Hillsborough Schools employees whose work provided shelter to 29,000 of our neighbors. Through a difficult time, you have been an inspiration for our community!
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Thursday - Sept. 9, 2017 - 11:15 am
- Superintendent Eakins has made the decision that there will be no school through at least Tuesday. Please take the steps you need to keep your family safe!
Thursday - Sept. 8, 2017 - 9:45 am
- We encourage all of our families and employees to take all necessary precautions and plan for Hurricane Irma. The county’s Emergency Operations Center is opening several shelters, including special needs and pet-friendly shelters. Visit the county’s website at hillsboroughcounty.org for more information.
Thursday - Sept. 7, 2017 - 9:20 pm
- Hillsborough Schools will be closed Friday and Monday. Governor Rick Scott has ordered all Florida Schools closed through Monday, September 11 as the state braces for Hurricane Irma. Read more
Thursday - Sept. 7, 2017 - 5:50 pm
- As our dedicated employees prepare our sites to be potential shelters, deliveries continue to arrive with supplies for Hurricane Irma evacuees. Video
Thursday - Sept. 7, 2017 - 9:00 am
- Several schools are being prepared to serve as possible shelters. No shelters are open yet. Watch @HillsboroughFL for shelter updates.
Wednesday - Sept. 6, 2017 - 11:45 am
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All of Florida is facing a threat more serious than at any time in recent memory. Our school buildings and our 25,000 employees need time to prepare their facilities and families for the possibly devastating effects of Hurricane Irma.
Because of this, Hillsborough County Public Schools will close both Thursday and Friday, September 7th and 8th. In addition, all after-school activities will be cancelled for Thursday and Friday. Read more
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All of Florida is facing a threat more serious than at any time in recent memory. Our school buildings and our 25,000 employees need time to prepare their facilities and families for the possibly devastating effects of Hurricane Irma.
Wednesday - Sept. 6, 2017 - 10:00 am
- We are in close contact with the National Weather Service and the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane Irma continues to move towards Florida. We are monitoring the impact to our area and what that may mean for our students, employees and families. Officials are discussing plans for Hurricane Irma this morning. A decision regarding school closures will be made by early this afternoon.
Tuesday - Sept. 5, 2017 - 5:30 pm
- Hillsborough County Public Schools is in close contact with the National Weather Service and the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane Irma continues to move towards Florida.
The district will make a decision regarding possible school closures by the end of the day on Wednesday. Notifications will go out by email, phone calls, text, through district Twitter and Facebook posts and through local media.
- Hillsborough County Public Schools is in close contact with the National Weather Service and the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane Irma continues to move towards Florida.
Tuesday - Sept. 5, 2017 - 3:25 pm
- Officials are discussing plans for Hurricane Irma. Updates will be immediately communicated when a decision has been made.
Tuesday - Sept. 5, 2017 - 11:35 am
- Superintendent Jeff Eakins after a conference call with Governor Rick Scott: "We will be networking with colleagues over the next 24 hours to shape our District's plans."
Tuesday - Sept. 5, 2017 - 10:00 am
- Hillsborough County Public Schools is closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Irma. Check back to this site for future updates.
School Closures Due To Hurricane Irma - Sept. 6, 2017 - 11:45 am
Dear Hillsborough County Public Schools Families:
All of Florida is facing a threat more serious than at any time in recent memory. Our school buildings and our 25,000 employees need time to prepare their facilities and families for the possibly devastating effects of Hurricane Irma.
Because of this, Hillsborough County Public Schools will close both Thursday and Friday, September 7th and 8th. In addition, all after-school activities will be cancelled for Thursday and Friday.
The timing of these closures is supported by Hillsborough County’s Director of Emergency Management.
Our area may not feel the effects of the storm until Saturday or Sunday, and the weather still may be normal in our area on Thursday or Friday, but there are several reasons for the decision to close schools:
- Our principals and staff need time to prepare their buildings for possible flooding and intense wind damage. Houston schools took major damage and lost incredible amounts of educational materials and technology in Hurricane Harvey; we want to work to prevent as much damage as possible here.
- As the largest employer in Hillsborough County, our 25,000 employees need time to prepare their families for this major emergency.
- Many schools may be opened as shelters by county emergency managers. Our staff and security teams need time to prepare those buildings to host evacuees from our area and across Florida.
Our schools serve as shelters for people who need our help, and we need to be ready to help them, just as they would help us in an emergency. We appreciate your understanding as we prepare to support our neighbors who need shelter.
We encourage our families to take Thursday and Friday to take necessary precautions and plan for Irma. Do not wait until the last minute. For more information on how to prepare, and on shelter locations -- including special needs and pet-friendly shelters – visit Hillsborough County’s emergency website: http://hillsboroughcounty.org/residents/public-safety/emergency-management
Additional notes for HCPS families and employees:
- State testing planned for the coming week has been postponed.
- HCPS is moving up its next payday by one week, with direct deposits being made on September 8, instead of September 15.
We will plan to update you over the weekend on if any closures are needed next week.
Thank you for your understanding and stay safe.
