A tense Thursday in West Pasco put three campuses under controlled campus status after deputies launched an investigation into a threat directed at the schools. Students and staff were kept inside locked buildings, visitors were kept out, and deputies swept the grounds and nearby areas. The precaution covered Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Marchman Technical College and Cypress Elementary, which is operating this year out of Calusa Elementary in New Port Richey.
According to a post from the Pasco Sheriff's Office, deputies were investigating “a threat directed toward the schools” and kept an increased law enforcement presence on campus as a precaution. The sheriff’s post noted that the office would provide an update when more information is available.
Which campuses and where
Cypress Elementary’s site lists a temporary location at 7520 Orchid Lake Road, the Calusa Elementary campus now serving Cypress students for the year. Wendell Krinn Technical High School and Marchman Technical College sit nearby on Orchid Lake Road and provide career-technical programs for West Pasco students. The Cypress Elementary website notes the temporary location, and the Wendell Krinn Technical High School site outlines the school's partnership with Marchman Technical College.
How officials responded
Deputies stayed on scene while classes continued behind locked doors, and school officials urged families to rely on official channels for updates instead of crowding campus entrances. Similar controlled campus alerts in Pasco have been lifted after law enforcement checks; Pasco Reporter covered a February incident in Wesley Chapel that was cleared once deputies completed their investigation. Parents with immediate concerns were directed to contact their school office or the sheriff’s non-emergency line for information.
The Pasco Sheriff's Office said on X that it would update the public as the investigation continues and did not immediately release further details about the alleged threat. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Pasco Sheriff's Office, which reiterated that student safety is the top priority.
