JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A day after reports of a potential threat against two Northside schools forced teachers and staff to move to alternative sites as a precaution, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the threats were never made.
The school district said Duval County school police were informed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office late Sunday of a potential treat to Highlands Elementary and Highlands Middle schools.
School officials immediately told employees to report elsewhere on Monday and increased security around the two schools.
"As with any threat of violence, Duval County Public Schools took precautionary measures by increasing its campus security presence," said a statement from DCPS media relations supervisor Laureen Ricks. "As Monday was the first day faculty and staff reported back to schools, DCPS will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to support the ongoing investigation until the threat is (deemed) unfounded or (is) neutralized."
The statement said the threat indicated no harm to children. Due to the direction of JSO, school officials said they could not provide any more information.
JSO said Tuesday that the reports were false.
"It has been determined there was never a threat against Highlands Elementary," police said in a news release.
People who live near the schools called the potential threats "scary, but it's not a surprise."
"I think everybody in this community would like to know what's happening," Debra Harris said. "Parents who have children that are going to be attending that school should know. They have a right to know. They don't want to send their children into harm's way."
School officials said the faculty and staff returned to the affected schools Tuesday morning.
The Jacksonville office of the FBI said it was providing resources to JSO as needed at their request. Any additional details would need to be addressed by JSO.