No credible threats found at LaVilla School of the Arts after police spent most of Tuesday following up on a bomb threat.
The Duval County School District confirms there was a bomb threat on the school which they believed to be fake. The morning check resulted in an “all clear”, but the District said at that time that they planned to conduct another sweep in the afternoon. By 11AM, we’re told students were again moved off campus to the Prime Osborne Convention Center. That second sweep also determined the threat was fake.
Parents were able to pick up students at the Convention Center through the day. Formal dismissal proceedings also took place at the Convention Center because of the lengthy investigation.
The District told us they are working closely with JSO to figure out who made the threat. The person behind that could face criminal charges and administrative action, including expulsion.
There have been a series of threats on Duval County schools this week. On Monday, Mandarin High School was placed on lock down because of a bomb threat. While the investigation at LaVilla was taking place, DCPS Police also cleared another bomb threat at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. All of the campuses are expected to have normal operations Wednesday.
WOKV found an Instagram account under the name “lavilla killer”, which posted several images this morning including a photo of the school, a photo of a grenade, and several text images, including one that said “BYE BYE LAVILLA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS. AT 12:00 I WILL BOMB THE SCHOOL”. The Duval County School District would not confirm if this is the threat they’re working, citing the ongoing investigation.
It appears the account is no longer on Instagram, but you can see a screenshot attached to this story.
The School District is asking you to talk with your children about keeping campuses safe. If you or your children have any information about these threats, you’re also asked to contact school police.