A student resource deputy with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office turned an unusual Friday at Bellalago Academy in Kissimmee into a non-event, stepping in after an alligator wandered onto campus and lingered in the school parking lot. Community members and the deputy helped keep the reptile contained until it was removed from school grounds, with no injuries reported.
According to WESH, residents first spotted the unexpected "student" hanging out in the lot and called officers. The outlet reports the student resource officer "jumped into action" and, with help from the community, managed the situation before the Osceola County Sheriff's Office relocated the alligator off school property.
How Florida Handles Nuisance Gators
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) sends contracted trappers to remove alligators that pose a threat in developed areas. The agency explains that nuisance gators are generally those at least four feet long and asks residents to call 866‑FWC‑GATOR (866‑392‑4286) to report problem animals.
What Residents Should Do
The FWC warns, "Never feed an alligator," and urges people to keep children and pets away from canals, retention ponds, and other shorelines. If a gator shows up on school property, officials say to contact local law enforcement and the FWC hotline instead of trying to approach or move the animal yourself.
Not an Uncommon Central Florida Moment
Similar scenes play out across Central Florida. a March incident at a Polk County elementary school also ended without injury. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office thanked residents for reporting the Bellalago sighting and told WESH that the animal was safely moved off campus.
