Update: Authorities gave the “all clear” by 2 p.m. Wednesday, deeming Rosewood Magnet School safe, School District of Indian River County spokesperson Cristen Maddux said.
Earlier story:
VERO BEACH — Police are investigating a bomb threat that caused students at Rosewood Magnet School to be evacuated early Wednesday, police said.
The threat prompted the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s bomb squad and the Indian River County Sheriff’s bomb-sniffing dog to respond to the site, officials said. No injuries were reported, Vero Beach Police spokesman Master Officer Darrell Rivers said.
Rivers said the elementary school will stay closed for the rest of the day.
Rivers said authorities gave an “all clear,” deeming the school safe by 1 p.m. But, School District of Indian River County spokesperson Cristen Maddux said a sheriff’s bomb dog was still in the campus searching for suspicious devices.
Maddux said the search was expected to last for about four hours.
Vero Beach Police received a suspicious phone call to its non-emergency number about 11 a.m. The caller made a reference of a bomb being placed at Rosewood Magnet School, which is south of State Road 60 and just north of Leisure Square, Rivers said.
Rivers said the students and staff evacuated to Leisure Square. Maddux said officials informed school families and staff of the incident through phone calls, the “focus” app and the “focus parent portal.”
Rivers said parents should pick up their children at the rear of Leisure Square.
The incident caused 16th Street to be closed in both directions. The roadways reopened by 1:30 p.m.
Police continue to investigate the phone call.
Photos provided by Vero Beach Police Department
This story will be updated.
