The Okaloosa County School District has announced a three-hour delay in school start times for Friday, May 10, 2024, in response to a severe weather forecast. The decision comes after consultation with Patrick Maddox, the Okaloosa County Director of Public Safety.
The National Weather Service has placed the area under an enhanced risk for severe weather, with the potential for straight-line winds up to 80 mph.
These dangerous conditions are expected to enter Okaloosa County around 3:00 a.m. and last until approximately 8:00 a.m., making it unsafe for buses and students to travel to school during regular hours.
To ensure the safety of students and employees, all Okaloosa County schools will start three hours later than their regular start times but will maintain their normal dismissal times.
- Bus riders should be at their designated bus stops three hours later than usual, while other students should arrive at school three hours later than their normal arrival time.
The school district acknowledges that this time of year is crucial for end-of-year state testing. However, due to the schedule changes, all such testing will be rescheduled, and schools will provide updated information to students and families.
As a result of the delay, schools will not serve breakfast, but lunch will be provided as usual.
