TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The principal at Chiles High School says there's no threat to the school after an email was sent to students and parents alerting them of increased law enforcement presence.
WTXL ABC 27 has obtained a copy of the e-mail sent to the Chiles High School Listserv Thursday morning. In it, the principal, Joe Burgess, says Governor Rick Scott's Office requested additional security at the school.
The email states that Scott's office asked troopers, "to be a more visible presence on and around," the campus, but the original email did not give a reason for the increased presence.
WTXL ABC 27 has now spoken with principal Burgess, and he says the initial email was sent to inform parents about the troopers' presence on campus, not to cause concern.
He says Gov. Scott's Office has requested that any available troopers make stops at area schools as part of their patrols.
"As a courtesy to parents, community members, faculty, staff, and students, we sent you an email of exactly what was reported to us by a representative from Florida Highway Patrol, not to alarm you but make you aware of their presence for not only today but for upcoming days," Burgess wrote in a follow-up email.
He says troopers' presence will be periodic and will last until further notice from the Governor.
The Florida Highway Patrol says that Scott requested that troopers be "generally helpful" to Broward County and other school districts. They say the request was not in response to any specific information or threat.
They also confirmed that FHP is currently providing assistance in Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla school districts.
The Leon County Sheriff's Office school resource deputy will still be on the grounds and will work with FHP to secure the campus.
WTXL ABC 27 has reached out to the Governor's Office. We are still waiting to hear back.
