School board police aware of Mandarin High School shooting threat

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax was made aware of a possible threat made to students at Mandarin High School Tuesday evening.

The threat of a shooting prompted additional safety measures at two local schools Wednesday.

Some students were sent a text message in reference to a threat of a school shooting on Wednesday.

A viewer sent Action News Jax a photo of a text message mentioning a shooting at "MHS."

Action News Jax contacted the school Wednesday morning and was told by the operator that the school is taking precautions.

Leslie Washburn said, “It’s very concerning just because you never know and you want to make sure your child is safe.”

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The Duval County School Board sent us the following statement:

"Yes, we are investigating a threat to a high school with the initials MHS. While this threat might reference any high school with those initials, we are taking additional precautions at our Mandarin High School. We are investigating the threat in collaboration with law enforcement partners. We do have additional security presence on campus at Mandarin and anyone with information on the threat is encouraged to call school police at 904 855-3319 or JSO at 904 630-0500. The school's principal shared the above info with parents and guardians this morning via robocall."

We also spoke with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office who said they do not have any officers at the school because the Duval County school board police are handling the situation.

Students told Action News Jax they noticed the additional safety measures but would like to see an even larger response.

“Maybe have security guards or something, and make sure no one comes in the entrance,” described Emily Washburn.

We are waiting to hear back from the school's principal.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office posted to Facebook about a larger police presence at Middleburg High School due to a tip about the threat.

Cox Media Group