Marion County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by early Wednesday morning.
According to MCPS, students will not have to make up the two days thanks to time that is already in their regular school schedules.
All extra-curricular activities on Monday, August 28 will also be canceled, with the exception of Marion Afterschool Programs.
Local schools are closing to transition into shelters for residents and storm evacuees. The sheltering information, which is handled by Marion County Emergency Management, includes the following schools:
Special needs shelter (opens at 5 p.m. on Monday, August 28)
- West Port High School (3733 SW 80th Avenue in Ocala).
General population shelters (each opens at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29)
- Forest High School (5000 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala).
- Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks (365 Marion Oaks Drive in Ocala).
- Lake Weir High School (10351 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala). This location is pet friendly.
- North Marion Middle School (2085 W County Road 329 in Citra).
- Vanguard High School (7 NW 28th Street in Ocala). This location is pet friendly.
Starting at 12 p.m. on Monday, August 28, more information regarding sheltering and storm preparations will be available by calling the Citizens Hotline at 352-369-7500.