It’s official: Pinellas, Pasco schools to reopen Friday

The threat of Hurricane Eta didn’t translate into much damage for Tampa Bay area schools, allowing district officials to stick to their planned reopening schedule.

Both the Pinellas and Pasco school systems announced they will resume in-person classes on Friday, as expected.

“Pinellas County Schools plant operations staff did a full walk through of our schools this morning to assess conditions after Tropical Storm Eta and confirmed that we are ready to welcome students back,” district spokeswoman Isabel Mascareñas said via email.

The district offices also will reopen.

Pasco school staff also went out early Thursday to evaluate the storm’s impact.

“It became clear early Thursday morning that, despite heavy winds and significant rainfall, schools and district offices were largely unscathed,” spokesman Steve Hegarty said via email.

They also will return to regular class schedules on Friday.

Hillsborough County schools will have another day of remote-only instruction on Friday, as the district winds down storm shelter operations.

All districts planned to have after-school activities take place on Friday as scheduled.