Santa Rosa Schools Plan Wednesday Return After Isaias

Santa Rosa County schools are expected to reopen Wednesday, Oct. 14, after Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education directed affected Panhandle districts to resume classes. Superintendent Karen Barber said campuses would be assessed individually and any school deemed unsafe would remain closed, while county officials cautioned that extensive storm damage and uncleared debris could make the timetable difficult. Milton High School, Jay schools, Hobbs Middle School and Gulf Breeze High School reported damage, and debris along roads poses challenges for buses serving roughly 16,000 students. The district plans alternate bus routes where needed and said Wednesday meals may be limited to ready-to-eat options.