As Tropical Storm Idalia nears, which Florida schools are closing?

The big story: School districts across western and central Florida have their eyes on tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico, which could hit the state mid-week.

Tropical Storm Idalia formed over the weekend, prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis to issue a state of emergency for 33 counties as they prepare. Storm surges and hurricane watches were expected as Idalia gains strength.

The National Hurricane Center projected heavy rainfall, flooding and hurricane force winds somewhere along Florida’s gulf coast into the Panhandle, perhaps beginning as early as Tuesday. It is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall.

Among Tampa Bay area school districts, Hernando County already has called off classes Monday through Wednesday, with two campuses transitioning to shelter use. Citrus County schools will release early Monday, and remain closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Manatee counties are monitoring the storm and plan to update families as necessary. Polk County officials reminded families that even if the storm does not cross their path, the schools might be needed for sheltering.

In higher education, Pasco-Hernando State College will be closed beginning Tuesday. Other area colleges and universities remain open Monday and will make announcements later.

Follow the latest here.

Security: The Seminole County school district said it will begin conducting random searches of students, including having trained dogs inspect backpacks, WKMG reports. • Alachua County schools are installing new fencing and limiting entry points as part of their new security measures, Main Street Daily News reports. • Columbia County High students will take classes online Monday as the district installs metal detectors in the school, WJXT reports.

Race relations: Parents at a Flagler County elementary school where teachers segregated Black students for an assembly are organizing to seek justice for their children, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

Indoctrination: At least five school districts in northeast Florida say teachers may not use PragerU videos as supplemental lessons, Jacksonville Today reports.

Homelessness: Hillsborough County schools are seeing an increase in the number of homeless students, WUSF reports.

Growth: Flagler County school district and government officials disagree over the pace of growth in the county, and what steps are needed to help control campus crowding as new homes are built, Flagler Live reports.

Friday night lights: Brevard County’s Viera High will resume its football program after a weeklong suspension over alleged hazing, Florida Today reports.

The fall semester began at New College of Florida with fewer courses available. About 40% of the faculty departed amid a conservative swing in the school’s leadership, CNN reports. More from WPTV.

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Hodges University announced plans to close down by fall 2024. The Lee County school, which has operated 33 years, has seen its enrollment decline despite efforts to update its offerings, WGCU reports.

Florida Atlantic University’s presidential search continues to draw scrutiny. The state’s chief financial officer has suggested opening a second investigation into the search, while school supporters worry about increasing political interference its operations, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

From the court docket ... An appellate court has denied a lawsuit by University of Central Florida students seeking reimbursement for fees collected when the campus shut down during the pandemic, News Service of Florida reports.

Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to Friday’s roundup.

Before you go ... If you enjoy BabyMetal, they’re playing in Orlando on Sept. 2.

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