Florida officials are urging the public to remain calm but vigilant after a wave of fake bomb threats disrupted schools, businesses, and government offices across several counties this week. Law enforcement agencies say the threats appear to be part of a coordinated hoax designed to cause panic and strain emergency resources.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) confirmed that multiple local police departments have received emailed and phoned-in bomb threats over the past several days. The messages often contained vague warnings about explosives being placed in public buildings, prompting swift evacuations and extensive searches by bomb squads.
“At this time, all of the threats investigated have been deemed non-credible,” FDLE spokesperson Gretl Plessinger said in a statement. “However, we are taking each report seriously and working closely with local and federal partners to identify those responsible.”
Authorities believe the hoax may be connected to a broader trend of false bomb threats reported nationwide, many of which have originated from overseas or through encrypted messaging services. While the motives remain unclear, investigators suspect that the perpetrators aim to cause widespread disruption and fear.
In response, Florida officials have increased coordination among local agencies and urged the public to report any suspicious activity immediately. The state’s emergency management office also reminded residents that making or spreading false threats is a felony offense under Florida law, carrying severe penalties including prison time.
“These threats waste valuable time and resources that could be used to respond to real emergencies,” said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. “Anyone caught making these false claims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Schools and public facilities have been advised to follow established safety protocols but not to panic. Law enforcement officials continue to stress that there is no evidence of active explosives or credible danger at this time.
As investigations continue, the FDLE is collaborating with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to trace the origins of the threats and prevent future incidents.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and rely on official law enforcement channels for updates rather than spreading unverified information online.
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