In preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia—which is now forecast to become a major hurricane—Sarasota County Schools announced today that school will be cancelled on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30. 

"Out of an abundance of caution and due to the latest track of Tropical Storm Idalia, traditional public schools will be closed on Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30,  in order to function as Evacuation Centers," school officials wrote on Facebook. "This includes all after-school activities. All after-school activities today, Monday, August 28, will take place as scheduled."

In the post, school officials added that evacuation shelters will be opening on Tuesday, August 29, at 7 a.m. and that school updates can be found at sarasotacountyschools.net/hurricane. If your student attends a charter school, check directly with the school for updates on closures.

Meanwhile, in Manatee County, all schools and support sites will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. The decision to close the district was made in collaboration with Manatee County Emergency Management. All extracurricular activities and athletic events, including Extended Day programs, will end this evening at 6 p.m. Those activities and events will resume once school reopens.

Freedom Elementary, Miller Elementary and Mills Elementary opened as shelters this afternoon. Additional shelters could be opened based upon need. For more information, visit manateeschools.net/idalia