Jacksonville elementary school closed after early-morning fire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville elementary school will be closed for the foreseeable after an early Friday morning fire started in the school's cafeteria.

Firefighters were called out just after 2 a.m. to the small fire inside Venetia Elementary School on 4300 Timuquana Road after the school's alarm went off.

The fire has since been put out and its cause is unknown. No one was reported injured.

Duval County Public Schools sent an email Friday that said the fire made the elementary school temporarily uninhabitable for students and staff.

The 479 students had to attend classes at J.E.B Stuart Middle School down the road.

According to the school district, students will need to be taken to J.E.B. Stuart Middle School.

Parents can take their children to their regular bus stop.

Breakfast and lunch plan to still be served.

The school district said it will provide buses to walkers and car riders.

The school district said next week Venetia students will attend John Stockton just over one mile away. Duval County Public Schools released the following statement about that plan:

As you know, a fire broke out at Venetia Elementary School in the early morning hours today. We are thankful no one was hurt, and the damage is limited to the cafeteria. However, as of today, students will not be able to return to the school before the winter break. We are fortunate that John Stockton Elementary School has opened their hearts and doors to all of our students and staff. All students will attend John Stockton Elementary School located at 4827 Carlisle Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210, next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 18-20. There will be no change to school hours.

If a child takes the bus, they can go to their regular bus stop, and their bus will take them to Stockton Elementary instead of Venetia. If the student is a car rider, they can go directly to Stockton. Walkers should walk to Venetia, where a bus will pick them up and take them to Stockton. Extended day will occur as usual at Stockton. Food will be provided to the students as normal. DCPS will continue to keep parents updated with automated phone calls about the plans to return to school. Parents with questions or concerns or questions can contact John Stockton at 904-381-3955 or Duval County Public Schools at 390-2126.

Cox Media Group