A view of Bluewater Bay Elementary School
UPDATE at 1723:
Okaloosa Schools Deputy Superintendent Steve Horton has released a statement on Monday’s threat.
“Bluewater Elementary School received a bomb threat by telephone to its front office which was investigated by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office personnel. Although there was no indication that the threat was credible, in an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of law enforcement, our students and staff were temporarily evacuated to the exterior of the campus which allowed the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit to conduct a search of the school. Our students remained safe, and normal school operations resumed shortly thereafter. We would like to thank the parents for their cooperation and understanding and the Sheriff’s Office for its quick response and thorough investigation. Student safety remains our top priority.”
An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s K-9 unit responded to a bomb threat at Bluewater Bay Elementary School on Monday afternoon at about 12:30.
According to the Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Michele Nicholson, the threat was called into Bluewater Bay Elementary’s phone line.
Authorities evacuated the school, which educates almost 1,000 children, as a precaution.
The K-9 that cleared the building, named Skye, usually serves with the VPS airport security detail. Deputies also swept the area for any threats or leads.
After the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office deputies inspected the building – the school was opened back up.
Calling in a bomb threat is a second-degree felony in the state of Florida. Someone convicted of calling in a bomb threat can face up to 15 years of prison time and a $10,000 fine.
