Braden River Middle School Responds to Reported Threat; Shelter-in-Place Issued

Braden River Middle School was placed on high alert Monday morning after a reported threat was sent to the school, according to the School District of Manatee County. The incident led to a shelter-in-place order for students and staff while local law enforcement conducted an investigation.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office quickly responded to the situation, providing heightened security on the Braden River Middle School campus. Braden River Elementary School, located next door, also initiated a shelter-in-place protocol as a precautionary measure.

The shelter-in-place remained in effect from 10:15 a.m. until around noon. While this order was in place, neither school was placed on a full lockdown. Law enforcement officers and district security teams were visible on both campuses throughout the investigation, offering reassurance to concerned parents and community members.

The specifics of the threat were not disclosed by district officials. However, the district emphasized that the safety of students and staff was their top priority and that the response was swift and coordinated.

This incident comes amid a series of similar school threats reported across the Tampa Bay area since the beginning of the school year. Recent cases in neighboring counties have resulted in arrests, with students facing charges for making threats online or through social media.

Local authorities continue to stress the importance of taking any potential threat seriously. Both the School District of Manatee County and law enforcement agencies have urged students and community members to report any suspicious behavior immediately.

The investigation into the threat at Braden River Middle School is ongoing, with additional security measures expected to remain in place to ensure the safety of students and staff in the days ahead.