2 Fights Involving 14 Students At Zephyrhills High Under Investigation

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL — On Tuesday, 14 students were involved in two separate fights in the cafeteria and a hallway of Zephyrhills High School.

According to Pasco County Schools Public Information Officer Corey Dierdorff, following the incident, "out of an abundance of caution and considering the number of students involved," the school administration decided to place the school on a controlled campus status through dismissal Tuesday afternoon.

"Our school security and dedicated staff members promptly intervened," Dierdorff said. However, the sheer number of students involved and the intensity of the situation made their intervention challenging, as students continued to engage in the altercation despite efforts to de-escalate."

This decision was made to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff, said Dierdorff. In collaboration with the administrative staff, the principal is reviewing the incident for appropriate disciplinary actions and assisting the Pasco County Sheriff's Office in its investigation.

Related: Land O' Lakes HS Football Suspended After Student Fight: Officials

"Let me be perfectly clear: behavior of this nature will not be tolerated in Pasco County Schools," said Superintendent Kurt Browning. "Every student has the right to a safe and conducive learning environment, and we will take every necessary measure to ensure that this remains the case."

The fights occurred in the cafeteria and a hallway during the transition of two student groups at lunchtime.

The students and staff involved in the fights are not at school Wednesday.

"We have also placed additional officers at the school today out of an abundance of caution," Dierdorff said. "Pasco County Schools are committed to the safety and education of our students and will continue to work diligently to ensure a secure environment for all."

This incident comes after a fight broke out between two students in the locker room following football practice at Land O' Lakes High School on Aug. 21.

Due to initial statements that suggested the incident might have been a hazing situation, the administration decided to halt all football operations at the school until the reports could be thoroughly investigated.

The investigation produced evidence indicating the fight was not a hazing incident and football practice was continued in time for the varsity game on Aug. 25.

"Our investigation is ongoing, and we are diligently working toward a resolution involving discipline surrounding violations of our student code of conduct," said Pasco County School Public Information Officer Corey Dierdorff.