Record rainfall over the past few days has left large portions of the Treasure Coast inundated, prompting school districts in three Florida counties to keep their doors shut on Thursday. The closures are a precautionary measure to protect students, staff and families from hazardous road conditions and rising water levels.
St. Lucie and Indian River counties suspend classes
The St. Lucie County School District announced that every public school in the county will remain closed Thursday. The decision follows extensive flooding that has forced the closure of numerous roadways and left many neighborhoods underwater. Superintendent Dr. John H. Hines urged parents to monitor local weather updates and to keep children safe at home until conditions improve.
Indian River County officials issued a matching order, keeping all public schools closed for the same day. County School Board Chair Rebecca L. McIntosh emphasized that the safety of students is the district’s top priority and that transportation routes to schools are currently impassable.
Palm Beach County adds six schools to the closure list
Later Wednesday evening, the Palm Beach County School District confirmed that six campuses will also stay closed Thursday. The affected schools are:
- Egret Lake Elementary School
- Grassy Waters Elementary School
- Sandpiper Shores Elementary School
- Washington Elementary School
- Jeaga Middle School
- West Boca Raton Community High School
District Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Hinojosa said the closures were necessary because floodwaters have entered several school parking lots and surrounding streets, making safe arrival and departure impossible.
What families should expect
Parents are encouraged to check the districts’ official websites and social‑media channels for real‑time updates. Meal programs will be suspended for the day, but families can contact school offices for information on alternative food assistance if needed.
Transportation departments in each county are working with local emergency management agencies to assess road conditions and begin cleanup efforts. The Florida Department of Transportation has deployed crews to clear debris and restore access to major thoroughfares as quickly as possible.
Community response and next steps
Local churches, civic groups and neighborhood associations have already begun organizing volunteer efforts to help residents sandbag homes and move belongings to higher ground. These grassroots actions reflect the strong family‑and‑faith values that define the Treasure Coast community.
School districts will reassess the situation on Friday morning and issue further guidance on whether classes can resume. In the meantime, officials ask residents to heed any evacuation orders, avoid flooded roadways and stay tuned to local news outlets for safety alerts.
Looking ahead
The recent flooding underscores the importance of resilient infrastructure and proactive emergency planning. County commissioners have pledged to review drainage projects and seek additional state funding to mitigate future flood risks, ensuring that schools and neighborhoods remain safe for Florida families.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
