School activities at LaBelle Middle School temporarily suspended after non-credible threat

LABELLE, Fla. —

LaBelle Middle School was put on a temporary "hold" Wednesday after a possible threat to the school was identified during a routine security sweep.

The Hendry County School District said the principal immediately suspended school activities and alerted the authorities as a precaution.

Hendry County deputies responded and searched the school. According to the Hendry County Sheriff's Office, the reported threat was scratched into a bathroom door.

The sheriff's office said the school resource officer and the school guardian are reviewing surveillance footage and will conduct follow-ups for the ongoing investigation.

The suspension of activities was lifted, and LaBelle Middle School resumed its normal operation.

Deputies said they do not believe this was a credible or imminent threat to students, faculty or staff at this time.

“The safety of our schools remains our top priority", said Sheriff Steve Whidden via a news release posted to the agency's Facebook page. “We will continue to work closely with school administrators and provide updates. Parents and community members can be assured that we are actively addressing this situation and there is no cause for alarm.

Anyone with questions regarding this matter can contact Hendry County's director of school safety, Curtis Clay, at (863)674-4115.

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