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Landmark Middle School Student Arrested After Threat, Duval Schools Say
A Landmark Middle School student was arrested Tuesday after a verbal threat involving violence at the school, according to Duval County Public Schools. Principal Vontrena Myers said tips through Fortify Florida helped identify the student, and enhanced security measures remain in place.
A Landmark Middle School student was arrested Tuesday in connection with a threat involving the school, Duval County Public Schools confirmed.
The arrest followed an investigation into reports that a student made a verbal threat involving potential violence at the school, according to a message Principal Vontrena Myers sent to families. Myers said the post containing the threat was removed, but school police continued to investigate and the school's threat assessment procedures were activated.
In a second message to families, Myers said multiple tips submitted through Fortify Florida, a state-run suspicious activity reporting tool, helped school police quickly identify the student and conduct the investigation.
"We take all threats seriously and will never dismiss threatening statements as a prank or a joke," Myers said in the message. "These situations are addressed with the strongest school disciplinary consequences possible and, when warranted, as a criminal matter."
The school district echoed that stance, saying threatening statements are not treated as a prank or joke and may result in both school disciplinary consequences and criminal charges when appropriate.
Myers said enhanced safety measures will remain on campus in addition to the school's weapons detection system and existing safety protocols.
She urged parents to use the incident as an opportunity to talk with their children about the seriousness of making threats and the importance of immediately reporting anything concerning to a trusted adult or through Fortify Florida.
"See Something, Say Something remains one of our best methods of keeping our campuses secure," Myers said. "All threats are taken seriously, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for our students and staff."
The arrest comes as school districts across Florida continue to grapple with how to respond to threats of violence, balancing campus safety with disciplinary and legal consequences for students. Duval County Public Schools has emphasized anonymous reporting tools like Fortify Florida as a key part of its safety strategy.
No further details about the student or the specific nature of the threat were released. It was not immediately clear whether the student remained in custody or what charges, if any, had been filed.