Buchholz receives third bomb threat

Alachua County Sheriff's Office vehicles parked at Buchholz High School as deputies search for a bomb Wednesday afternoon.
Alachua County Sheriff's Office vehicles parked at Buchholz High School as deputies search for a bomb Wednesday afternoon.
Photo by C.J. Gish

After operations resumed Thursday morning, a third bomb threat in three weeks–and second in 24 hours–was reported at Buchholz High School.

In an emailed statement, Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) spokesperson Jackie Johnson said local law enforcement were on their way to sweep the school and investigate the matter as students left the premises. Parents may pick up their child while other students will return to class once law enforcement clears the school. 

The perpetrators of the first two bomb threats have not been identified, according to Johnson in a phone interview Thursday. 

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“Law enforcement is still investigating,” Johnson said. “But catching them and the person facing consequences is a priority.” 

Johnson said she was unable to say how the bomb threat messages are being relayed to the school due to the investigation. 

Following today’s hoax, Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) released a message via social media saying that it law enforcement had cleared the school and that the district is collaborating with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) to investigate the string of fake bomb threats. 

The ACPS message added that anyone calling in a bomb threat will face discipline from the school district and, under Florida law, a bomb threat is felonious act that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Any student caught calling in a bomb threat will be recommended for expulsion. 

Anyone with information regarding the bomb hoaxes are asked to call the ACSO at 352-955-1818. Call Crime Stoppers with anonymous tips at 352-372- 7867. Crime Stoppers pays up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. 

Another bomb threat emptied Buchholz Wednesday afternoon.

“Families have been notified via email, phone message and text,” Johnson wrote. 

Students were taken to the Boys and Girls Club for parents to pick up while students who drive, walk or ride the bus were sent home.

The first Buchholz bomb threat of the school year occurred on Aug. 19, but law enforcement found nothing suspicious.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with information on the third bomb threat. 

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