Update: 9/10/17: Gulf, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla County Schools have announced extended closures. FAMU, FSU and TCC will remain closed through Friday.
Original Story: Public schools, colleges and universities will be closed starting Friday through Monday, says Gov. Rick Scott. A change in Hurricane Irma's forecasted path has prompted the closures which is in effect for schools across the state. Some colleges, universities and school districts have announced longer closures.
Updated: 9/10/17:
- Florida State, Florida A&M and Tallahassee Community College will be closed through Friday 9/15.
- The Gulf County School District will be closed through Tuesday, 9/12.
- The Leon County School District will be closed through Tuesday, 9/12.
- The Madison County School District will be closed through Tuesday, 9/12.
- The Taylor County School District will be closed through Tuesday, 9/12.
- The Wakulla County School District will be closed through Wednesday, 9/13.
Update 9/9/17: State offices will now be closed through Tuesday.
Original Story: Scott has also directed the closure of state offices in all 67 counties to be shut down between Friday and Monday.
The state, starting with South Florida, is expected to begin feeling the effects of the Hurricane Friday.
According to the Executive Office of the Governor, "salaried, non-essential state employees can receive expedited volunteer certifications for disaster services so that they may assist in or operate shelters in response to Hurricane Irma impacts and preparation. Florida law allows Governor Scott to grant full-time, salaried state employees up to 15 days of administrative leave for emergency volunteer efforts through the American Red Cross."
Scott has said more volunteers will be needed and registration can be done HERE.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Meanwhile, The Florida Department of Education is coordinating with school districts, public colleges and universities to monitor the storm. School buses are being offered to assist in transportation efforts as needed.
School closures are available at www.fldoe.org/irma.
Districts are preparing in the case that their facilities are needed for shelters. Colleges are making emergency preparations on their campuses and working with students who may need assistance with relocation.
Last year Chiles High School in Leon County became a staging area for relief supplies.
Florida State University has also canceled its Saturday football game against Louisiana-Monroe. FSU had tried to move up the game to Saturday at noon in advance of the storm.
Based on the current forecast from the National Hurricane Center, storm conditions are not expected in the Tallahassee area until Sunday.
