The Hillsborough and Pinellas School Boards have decided to close schools Thursday and Friday (September 7 and 8). A decision will be made over the weekend on whether school will be closed next week. District administrators say, while the weather will seem normal over the next two days, school staff needs time to prepare for Hurricane Irma and crews need that time to prepare school campuses for the potential for flooding and rough weather. Many of those schools will be needed as shelters, as well.
School is also closed Thursday and Friday in Hernando County.
Manatee, Pasco and Polk County schools are closed on Friday.