On Wednesday, Richey Elementary School, Gulf Middle School and Gulf High School in New Port Richey were placed on controlled campus status out of an abundance of caution while police investigated an incident nearby that officials say was unrelated to school activity. The precaution limited movement on campus while deputies checked the area, and school leaders said classes continued behind secured doors as law enforcement conducted the sweep.
Richey Elementary School, Gulf Middle School, and Gulf High School are on controlled campus status out of an abundance of caution while New Port Richey Police Department conducts an investigation unrelated to school activity in the area. An update on the schools’ status will be provided when available.
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) April 15, 2026 vv
What Authorities Say
According to a post by the Pasco Sheriff's Office on X, deputies placed the campuses on controlled campus status while the New Port Richey Police Department investigated an incident in the area that was unrelated to school activity. The post noted that an update on the schools' status would be provided when available, and the agency did not include further details in the initial alert.
Which Campuses Were Affected
The campuses named were Richey Elementary, Gulf Middle and Gulf High, all part of Pasco County Schools. Families can find contact and location details on the district pages for Richey Elementary and Gulf High. Gulf Middle also maintains a school page on the district site for those seeking more information.
What Families Should Know
Officials asked families to rely on official updates from law enforcement and the school district rather than crowding campus entrances while deputies handled the nearby investigation. The Pasco Sheriff's Office said it would post updates on its social feeds, and the district posts status notices on individual school pages and its website. Families with immediate concerns were directed to contact their school's front office or monitor official channels for verified information.
Local Context
Pasco deputies have used controlled campus status several times this year when investigations or nearby police activity touched school zones. A similar precautionary response prompted checks at other Pasco campuses in March, as reported in a threat probe that sealed a trio of Pasco schools. Those earlier checks were cleared after deputies completed on-site sweeps and found no ongoing threat.
