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West Orange High School latest in series of lockdowns

By Micheal Lopardi
By Micheal Lopardi
Another Orange County high school was placed on lockdown Friday after a student discovered a threatening message.
The incident at West Orange High School is the latest in a series of threats directed at schools across Central Florida.
Deputies did not find any weapons, but students were stuck in their classrooms for hours because of a threatening note found in the boys’ restroom.
The lockdown was lifted about 1 p.m.
“I mean really, it was scary. When we go to school every day, the only thing we need to worry about should be what we get on our math test,” said student Spencer Wiggins.
The Senior said an administrator announced a lockdown over the loudspeaker as deputies arrived to search the campus.
Deputies said the note referenced a weapon on campus.
Investigators quickly pulled surveillance video and interviewed students, but found no weapons.
Parents said the false threats are becoming too common.
“It’s not funny. Go back to the pranks we did years ago if you want to pull a prank, but not this kind,” said parent Beth Wiggins.
Police in Palm Bay were outside Southwest Middle School on Friday because of threats of a massacre there were later deemed not credible.
Earlier this week, threats surfaced at Timber Creek High School, Windermere High School and Lake Minneola High School.
Deputies said the student behind the threat at Timber Creek High School was arrested and faces a felony charge.
“It just causes this wave of worry and angst. What if it’s true? You just don’t know,” said Wiggins.
Orange County Public Schools has warned students that pranks can lead to suspension, expulsion and criminal prosecution.
No one has been arrested for the West Orange High School incident, but the investigation is ongoing.

Cox Media Group

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