GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE 7: As of 6:30 p.m., ACPS reported that an 8th grade student has been arrested for the bomb threats at Kanapaha Middle and Buchholz High Schools. In a Facebook post, ACPS wrote, “Thank you to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office for the great response to the threats and the quick arrest!”
UPDATE 6: As of 11:46 a.m., ACPS says both schools have been fully cleared by law enforcement. Authorities are investigating the origin of the threats. If you know any information regarding the threats, contact ACSO, school staff, of the district’s security office at 352-955-7514.
UPDATE 5: As of 11:30 a.m., Buchholz High School has been fully cleared by law enforcement, according to ACPS. Kanapaha Middle School is still under search. Authorities are investigating the origin of the threats.
UPDATE 4: As of 11:05 a.m., ACPS says classes are being cancelled for the rest of the day at both Buchholz High and Kanapaha Middle Schools as law enforcement continues to check both campuses. ACPS says buses will take Buchholz bus riders back to their regular bus stops. Officials say almost all of the Kanapaha students have already been picked up by their families.
UPDATE 3: As of 10:35 a.m., all buildings are not yet clear for students to return to class. According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Buchholz classes have been cancelled for the rest of the day. If you are a parent, you are allowed to check your child out. Once law enforcement has cleared all classrooms, after school activities are permitted, according to ACSO.
UPDATE 2: The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) has provided more information about the bomb threats in a Facebook post.
According to ACSO, the threat against BHS was received via email, and deputies were made aware earlier this morning. The high school was locked down before students arrived.
Deputies were then made aware of a similar threat made against KMS. The middle school was also locked down under the same response protocol.
As of 8:16 a.m., the ACSO K-9 Unit and Bomb Squad is searching the interior of the school. Students are not being allowed to enter. ACSO says all students and faculty on campus are safe and secure.
UPDATE: As of 9:06 a.m., both lockdowns are still in effect, according to a new Facebook post from ACPS.
Buchholz High School (BHS) students are being held on the football field. Kanapaha Middle School (KMS) students are at Wiles and Veterans Park.
Students may be picked up at this time, but it is not required.
ORIGINAL: Two Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) have been evacuated and are on lockdown due to bomb threats.
ACPS officials say both Kanapaha Middle School and Buchholz High School have been evacuated and both schools are being swept by law enforcement.
Jackie Johnson, ACPS Public Information Officer, says notifications have been sent to all families.
This is a breaking news story. We are working to gather more information and will update this story when we have new details. Check back frequently for updates.