A reported bomb threat near the edge of the University of South Florida's Tampa campus on Friday sent emergency crews to a busy intersection, even as the school kept classes and normal operations in place and urged people to steer clear of the area.
Alert targets Fowler Avenue and Bull Run Drive
USF officials pushed out an AlertUSF notice after the threat was reported near Fowler Avenue and USF Bull Run Drive on the Tampa campus. The message flagged activity in that area and told students, staff, and visitors to avoid the location, according to AlertUSF. A midday update Friday showed university and local crews moving in to handle the situation.
Crews converge as TV cameras roll
Emergency responders were on scene and a TV news crew headed to the campus gateway while officials continued sweeping the location, according to WTSP. The station noted that the university alert pinpointed the intersection of Fowler Avenue and USF Bull Run Drive.
USF rulebook: Treat every bomb threat as real
USF's own emergency-management guidance is clear that bomb threats are treated as serious until proven otherwise. The university urges people to report suspicious packages and avoid using cell phones near any potential explosive devices while police evaluate the scene, as described on its safety pages. USF Emergency Management also stresses that everyone should follow instructions from USF Police and local law enforcement during these incidents.
False bomb calls can land you in prison
Florida law makes it a second-degree felony to knowingly make a false bomb report or to plant an explosive. Penalties can include prison time and restitution, according to state statutes. Chapter 790 of the firearms and weapons statutes covers hoax devices and false bomb reports, according to the Florida Senate.
University and local authorities said they will continue to investigate and share updates through AlertUSF and local media as the situation develops. Students, staff, and nearby residents looking for confirmation on class schedules and campus operations are being directed to check official USF channels and local news outlets for the latest information.
