Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, St. Lucie public schools plan to reopen Friday after Helene

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — All public schools in Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, Indian River and St. Lucie counties plan to reopen Friday, those districts announced Thursday.

The announcements come after Hurricane Helene brought gusty winds and heavy, tropical downpours to the area this morning.

"After monitoring the local impact of Hurricane Helene, and in consultation with the Okeechobee County Emergency Operations Center, all Okeechobee County public schools will reopen tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27. If conditions in your area do not allow for your child to come to school safely, his or her absence will be excused," Okeechobee County Schools said in a post.

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St. Lucie and Martin County Public Schools posted similar messages on Facebook.

"SLPS continues to monitor Hurricane Helene, and we remain in close contact with the St. Lucie County Emergency Operations Center. Pending an unexpected turn, we anticipate resuming normal operations tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27," St. Lucie Public Schools said.

"Schools and offices in the Martin County School District will reopen and return to normal operations on Friday, Sept. 27," the Martin County School District said.

Palm Beach County Schools and district offices will also be open tomorrow.

The School District of Indian River County made their decision to reopen schools Friday shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday, following an update from the Indian River County Emergency Operations Center.

Schools were closed Thursday in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast due to Helene.

Okeechobee County and the Treasure Coast are still expected to receive strong wind gusts and rain bands from the storm late into Thursday evening.

WPTV's coverage on Hurricane Helene:

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