Most Okaloosa County schools will resume classes on Friday, September 27, after being spared the worst of Hurricane Helene. However, Eglin Elementary will be closed, officials announced Thursday evening.

• The Okaloosa County School District initially made the decision to reopen all schools following a call with Patrick Maddox, the county’s Director of Public Safety. However, a subsequent update revealed that Eglin Elementary would remain closed.
  

“At the direction of Eglin Air Force Base leadership, Eglin Elementary will be closed tomorrow, Friday, September 27th, as the base will not open until 11:00 a.m.,” the district stated. This closure follows the base’s standard post-storm safety protocol.

For all other schools in the district, absences and tardies will be excused for families who may have evacuated or are commuting from areas affected by the hurricane. Students are advised to follow their school’s protocol for excused absences and tardies.

• The district also noted that individual schools will communicate any changes to extracurricular and after-school activities if necessary.

While most Okaloosa County schools return to normal operations, the district expressed concern for other areas more severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. The district apologized for any inconvenience caused by the Eglin Elementary closure and thanked parents for their understanding and cooperation.

“We are thankful that Okaloosa County was spared the worst of Hurricane Helene and are keeping the counties who were affected in our thoughts,” the district stated in its weather update.