WILDWOOD, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE 3/27/2024: The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) says they were able to quickly identify who sent a fake bomb threat through the mail and that classes will resume on Wednesday.

Wildwood Elementary School Principal Brittany Brown posted a message to parents on Facebook saying students were swiftly evacuated off campus Tuesday to a safe location where unification with families began around noon.

The principal also said families were notified about the threat and evacuation through an automated call, as well as through a messaging system called “Remind.”

“If you did not receive an automated call or message, it is imperative that you contact the school ASAP to ensure that we have the most up to date contact information,” said Brown in a Facebook post.

UPDATE 3/26/24, 3:05 p.m.: The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) said in a Facebook post that Wildwood Elementary School was searched by their agency, assisted by the Wildwood Police Department, and K-9s from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. They say that no threat was found.  They also shared that the location and identity of the sender has been identified, and that they are continuing to investigate the case to bring those responsible to justice.

The sheriff’s office says if you have information about the case, you can provide information anonymously through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

UPDATE 3/26/24, 1:18 p.m.: The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) says the school is still being searched.

They are asking parents who want to pick up their students to not walk up to the school.

Students and staff are still at First Baptist Church and authorities are asking parents to follow pick up procedures that have been put into place.

ORIGINAL 3/26/24, 12:23 p.m.: The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) says they are investigating a written bomb threat at Wildwood Elementary School.

The sheriff’s office shared in a Facebook post around 11:15 a.m. Tuesday that due to the investigation, the school has been evacuated and is currently being searched following the threat.

City of Wildwood officials say students are currently at the nearby First Baptist Church while the search is taking place. The Wildwood Police Department (WPD) is also assisting with the search.

“The threat is under investigation and every precaution has been taken,” said SCSO.

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