The Lee County School District and multiple law enforcement agencies are responding to statewide swatting calls that that have also impacted schools in the Southwest Florida community. The district said false bomb threats were emailed to 44 school districts across Florida. They came from a source in Texas, according to LCSO. Detectives determined that it was swatting, and that schools were safe.
Multiple authorities and other school districts also sent emails overnight notifying staff and families of non-credible swatting threats across the entire state of Florida. You can read notices from local law enforcement below:
Cape Coral Police Department
The Cape Coral Police Department is aware of the statewide swatting calls that have also affected Lee County Schools. No school was specifically targeted. We take any potential threat seriously and investigate with the utmost priority. We want to remind our community that every school in Cape Coral has a dedicated, highly trained officer on campus each day—ready to respond and ensure the safety of students and staff. As always, if you see something concerning, please don’t hesitate to report it to law enforcement.
Charlotte County Schools
We want to make you aware of a situation affecting school districts across Florida. Charlotte County Public Schools was included in the statewide swatting email circulating among multiple school districts and state college campuses across Florida. A swatting message refers to a false report or communication made with the intent of prompting an unnecessary law enforcement response. These messages can take many forms, including phone calls, text messages, or emails.
At this time, more than forty school districts across the state have received the same email. The message does not include any specific details or direct threats to individual school campuses, and there is no indication of a credible threat to any CCPS school.
While we do not believe the threat is credible, law enforcement is investigating, and our local agencies are aware of the alleged threat.
The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our families and community.
Collier County Sheriff's Office
We are aware of a swatting hoax that is currently being investigated both locally and federally. At this time there is no indication of credibility. However, out of an abundance of caution we will have extra presence around our school campuses.
Glades County Sheriff's Office
Glades County Schools Safety Update. Please share!
The Glades County School District has been made aware of a possible threat to schools circulating through a “swatting” email thread. Districts across the State of Florida have received this same message.
While we do not believe this to be a credible threat we are working closely with our local and state law enforcement partners to keep everyone safe. Out of an abundance of caution, there may be an increased law enforcement presence on our campuses tomorrow to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.
As always, we remain committed to transparency, vigilance, and the safety of our school communities.
Fort Myers Police Department
The Fort Myers Police Department is aware of the statewide "swatting" calls impacting schools across Florida, including within Lee County. No specific school has been targeted.
Our School Resource Officers are aware, and there will be an increased patrol presence around our schools. We take every potential threat seriously and investigate each one with the highest priority to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families.
We encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. If you see something, say something. Your awareness helps keep our community safe.
Lee County Schools
The School District of Lee County has received a possible bomb threat against our schools as part of a “swatting” email sent to School Districts across the state. While we do not believe the threat is credible, law enforcement is investigating, and our local agencies are aware of the alleged threat.
We want to assure you that the safety and security of our schools remain our top priority. We are actively implementing all necessary protocols to ensure the protection of our educational environments.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these circumstances.
Lee County Sheriff's Office
LCSO is aware of the swatting threats that occurred overnight to Lee County Schools. We take threats of ANY kind, especially to schools, very seriously. School Threat Enforcement Detectives have been investigating throughout the night.
ORIGINAL REPORTING:
The Lee County Sheriff's Office said it is investigating threats made overnight to schools in the county.
The office said there were swatting threats that they are taking seriously. School Threat Enforcement Detectives have been investigating throughout the night, according to LCSO.
Around 6 a.m., the office announced it would increase patrols in and around Lee County schools, as well as school functions, to ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and parents.
Additionally, Cape Coral Police confirmed to Fox 4 that they were also called about a bomb threat on NE Pine Island Road, Tuesday night. However, it was unfounded, they said. It is unclear if the threats are related.
Fox 4 is working to gather more details for you, be sure to check back for updates.
