Newberry High School Evacuated Third Day In A Row

NEWBERRY ‒ For the third school day in a row Newberry High School was evacuated on Monday, Sept. 27, due to a bomb threat. Monday’s threat was called in at 8:30 a.m. In each case, Alachua County Sheriff Office (ACSO) deputies have swept the school to determine if the threats have been credible and have cleared the buildings.

More than 700 students, teachers and school personnel were evacuated to Jimmy Durden Park (West Park), 26333 S.W. 4^th Avenue, as ACSO deputies took tactical positions at the school following receipt of the threat. Air 1, an ACSO helicopter, circled overhead as the school was searched.

After a screen shot with a threat to get out of the park began circulating at the park, the group was moved to the gymnasium.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., ACSO deputies gave the all clear and everyone was returned to their classes.

During the Sept. 27 Newberry City Commission meeting, Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was working with ASO to investigate the source of the threats.

ACSO has a “deputy that is assigned to the FBI that is assisting us,” explained ACSO Public Information Officer Art Forgey, “but we remain the lead investigative agency on the threats.”

Marlowe commended the City for bringing in water, as well as chairs for the older teachers while the group was in the hot sun in the park. “City staff also thoughtfully opened the park restrooms,” Marlowe said.

The mayor said anyone who knows the source of the threats can leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers, which will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. The number is 352-372-STOP.

“Detectives continue to investigate this one [Monday’s bomb threat] and the two prior,” said Forgey.

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