Manatee County Schools Closed Due to Tropical Storm Helene, Shelters to Open

The School District of Manatee County announced that all district schools will be closed on Wednesday, September 25th and Thursday, September 26th, as Tropical Storm Helene approaches the region. The closure comes after the district collaborated with Manatee County Emergency Management to prepare several schools as storm shelters for residents seeking refuge.

In addition to the closures, all school-related activities, including athletic events, are canceled for both Wednesday and Thursday. The district has emphasized that the safety of students, staff, and families remains the top priority as the storm nears.

The decision on whether schools will reopen on Friday, September 27th, will be made after the storm passes, shelter operations wind down, and district teams have had a chance to assess the condition of the campuses.

The district will provide regular updates on the situation through mass notifications via phone calls, emails, and text messages. Information will also be shared through social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and on the district’s website.

Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as Tropical Storm Helene continues to approach.