Two Pasco County schools in New Port Richey canceled classes on Wednesday due to a wildfire in the Starkey area, with smoke delaying the start time and leading to full-day closures. School officials cited concerns over smoke lingering in classrooms and canceled after-school activities, emphasizing safety as the priority. Emergency measures included helicopter water drops, with officials warning of prolonged smoke in the area. The fires, part of multiple incidents across Tampa Bay, occurred amid a severe drought, prompting water usage restrictions in the region.
Tampa Bay Schools Close Amid Wildfires and Smoke Alerts
